US v Mexico

Haha. Nice one Heather

 

John Harkes swears it wasn't him. :shock:

 

Speaking of the '98 WC cycle, espn had a story on one of the highlights of that squad, the first ever point achieved at Azteca. I do remember when the El Tri fans were doing the 'ole' chant..FOR US.

http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/soccerusa ... =5901&hjuk

 

So with Jones out, what lineup will we see? Will JK start the same back 4 or will Edu start for Goodson in order to try and deal with the smaller/quicker forwards of El Tri? Would not be surprised to see a player most of us don't rate (but Klinsmann does) Kyle Beckerman placed in front of the back line with Bradley freed to roam more. Looking around most of the writers seem to think Zusi won't start and perhaps Sacha will get a look. Here is a guess on what der Kaiser will run out:

Guzan
Beasley Omar Goodson Cameron
Edu
Gomez Bradley Johnson
Clint
Jozy

 

He's no boy scout, but he's one of the best midfielders the US can deploy. I'm not happy he won't be at Azteca.

 

I think this is a pretty likely lineup, although I think Sacha may slot in for EJ. Whether it's Edu or Beckerman in the holding role, the good news with Jones out is that Bradley should have the opportunity to go forward and influence the offense. I don't know how other people feel, but I'm a lot more confident when he's given more offensive responsibility/opportunity.

 

Ives thinks based on Klinsmann's comments from today's post-practice talk that it will be the same lineup but Sacha in place of Jones.

 

If that's the case, then Bradley will definitely be more in the holding role (sorry Tim) and Sacha will be asked to create. What an opportunity for him if this is the case, let's hope he can rise to the challenge and provide some service for Jozy.

 

Not terrible, but still a little frustrating. Bradley may well be the best player out there and it's a shame not to use him to his full potential (true box-to-box two-way player). I know I may be overestimating his abilities, but if it comes to him or Sacha providing for our front line, I'll take MB any day.

 

It will be interesting to see where Klinsmann plays Sacha. We are all used to seeing him in a more advanced offensive position but from what I have been reading he has been playing the deep lying defensive midfield position for his current club.

Whoever Klinsmann puts on the field it will be a difficult task to bring back road points. The US is almost the perfect opponent for a bounce back match for Mexico. If it were any other country I could see the crowd turning on the Mexican team if they do not perform well early in the match but I have a harder time picturing the Mexican fans turing when the US is the opponent.

 

:flags-usa: Heading to an EL Tri viewing party tonight with a bunch of Americans that root for Mexico, should be fun to be (along my wife) the lone voice of reason . I got a sneaky feeling Jozy will got off the schnide and find the back of the net, hope it's enough to get a result.

 

A nice article on Beas: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer ... =sc_t11_a6

I'm hoping his LB mojo is intact tonight. And, "a bunch of Americans that root for Mexico" SCJ? That's unheard of in California!

 

:lol: A big shocker I know Nev. Thought of the person that scored in the qualifier at Azteca the last time around, and what kind of player he'd be today if only...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjprunNnFl4

 

Sounds like Texas, especially here in San Antonio. Now we know why they don't call you SoCalJose.

 

Holy Cow does Bradley look like a different player.