US v Turkey friendly

Now into his third World Cup, 'Dolo is always the starting RB, if healthy. Can't tell you how many times yesterday I mistook him for Donovan. Kidz got skillz.

 

Sorry.. I STILL say the game changing started at about 30. Much more confidence and a game rhythm started up
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And Don... you keep saying you know how to program that DVR yet....
The thing's a computer. GiGo!!!!

I'm TELLING YOU. ...Program by channel and date/time. Or read the damn listing TWICE

 

Then get a new box. It wasnt 'being pissy', It's a freakin computer.

Last time I'm gonna mention time and channel. I gave you advice that others use in similar situations, ESPECIALLY soccer... but I dont want to hear how your 'STB' or T/W or ESPN let you down.

 

Actually, for the first time (from a technological perspective), the neanderthal is right. Partially. It wasn't user error or the box.

 

What does that mean? If it wasnt the box, or an outage or user error.... I assume the listing was screwed up. Far from unusual. Happens all the time.

One more time:

If you REALLY want to get the program, ALL of the program, do Date/time / channel.

THEN if the provider doesnt screw up their clocks and I've never seen that happen yet, and there is no outage, you get the thing recorded.

 

Caught last part of 1st half and a mix of about 20 minutes of the 2nd in between unpacking boxes and chasing a 19 month old.

Whoa, I think I caught most of thr great parts of the 2nd half. Glad I did 'cause I was completely depressed from what I saw in the 1st.

I have no clue what team is going to show up. Absolutely no clue.

Lax, dude I am with you, our d is as porous as a BP well plugging team. I think Rooney and co are going to slice us up unless something changes. Very nervous about our back line.

On the positive, given what I did see in the 2nd, I am actually cautiisly optimistic about the US going forward againat the lesser teams in our group.

Seriously doubt we nick any points of England but I have hope we can get thru based on the minutes I saw in the 2nd..

Let's not get run by England and then take our chances thereafter. Not very insightful...I think a 6th grader could figure that out.

Defenitely ready for the tourney to kick off!

 

Me and the boys were at the game. It was our 3rd US MNT game and our first time sitting in the section with Sam's Army and the other US supporter groups. Truly a blast. I havent seen anything like that since Rice U and it's inimitable MOB. I thought the venue for this match was fantastic! Stadium was great, parking was great, people were great. There were lots of Turkish fans and while they were not obnoxious or anything, they weren't nearly as friendly and fun as the Mexican fans in Columbus.

As for the game, I cant assess it at the moment. I'm still not over the Chingy thingy, just dont feel like talking about other players. On a related note my son had a sign that said "thank you Brian Ching" and two people asked to take his picture with it. The big TV camera in front of us was pointing towards him but I dont think he was shown on TV.

 

Why they do not bring a match to seattle I have no idea. The only USMNT match has been the gold cup on the 4th of july which was not really a USMNT match - more like an MLS all star squad.

Bring it to Seattle, and it will sell out, and it will be a majority of USA supporters. I want to be able to say that I have attended a 3rd, 4th, or 5th USMNT match without having to go half way across the country to be there.

/of my whine.

 

Sometimes the best motivation is when people doubt you. No doubting that Robbie Findley is well as aware of his selection being highly questioned. Maybe this is what he needs to step onto the international stage. His chip pass to Donovan was sublime and the chip on his shoulder has to be large. If/when he plays it might be more about proving he can play than against whom and where he is playing.

 

I don't think it is a question of attendance.

My only answer to why is.... Fake Grass. 8)

 

It could very well be the fake grass - no doubt. They have laid grass for other events, but it is never good to play on freshly laid grass of course.

As to Don's findings - the time zone consideration - I guess that makes sense. Maybe that means matches in my city prior to Brazil.

 

I was in Philadelphia on Saturday, sitting behind the goal on the opposite side from Sam's Army. And, yes, there were a lot of Turks in the stands, but I wouldn't say it was that big a deal. We were about 2 sections over from a large contingent, but still they only took up 8 to 10 rows of a very large stadium. There were several around the seats I was in and quite honestly they were a relief from the rest of the crowd in my section. They new the game, loved their players, and cheered for good plays on both sides. We live in a country of immigrants from every country in the world. There's always going to be strong support for other national teams. I always enjoy them and I'm certain that I was on TV in Turkey 4 or 5 times!

This in contrast to the American's around me - too much beer, not enough knowledge of the game. Several fights broke out, and numerous "fans" shouted things like "show us your papers" and "get the hell out". Way to represent, Philly!

After the game, I immediately joined "Sam's Army". No more random seats for me!

 

Torres was outstanding. I am going to love watching that kid at the Cup and can we add him to the list of players in the running for the Best Young Player Award already? This kid is outstanding and I think he could be moving on to Europe if he can play to the level he did against Turkey. Also, can we please please sign Arda Turan? That guy terrorized Spector. I know he probably would never come to Fulham but how sweet would it be?

 

Agree about Turan 'dogg. I thought about posting as much myself, but it's the only time that I have ever seen him play. If he can play that way often and he has the right attitude, I'd love him in a Fulham shirt.

I thought Torres was outstanding too. This is the first time that I have ever seen what all the hype is about. Yeah, I've seen the "comfortable on the ball" stuff before but unless it impacts the match, I dont care how comfortable he is doing anything. Against Turkey he really made an impact and it is great to have him as another strong option in midfield for the WC. Seems like he gets along with Dempsey too, but then they are both Texans.

Findley made key cotributions too so it is hard to argue with his inclusion in the roster. Especially since his contributions had more to do with how he sees the play/field rather than having his head in the right place when someone else does all the work. I dont really like Dempsey in a forward/striker role. I feel that way with his Fulham play also. He is adequate but I dont think it really works for Dempsey. Does anyone else agree or have I forgotten about times when he has made a real impact as a striker. I'd prefer Buddle or Findley up top with Josy.

Finally, my seats gave me a perfect view of Borenstein getting badly beaten three times. Despite his heroics versus Costa Rica, I now see that he must not play for us in SA unless we are up 3-0 and every other defender has a yellow card.

 

Well, I mean, it's Philly. What do you expect?

Or, I suppose, maybe if we're down 3-0 and really need to gamble to score goals.

 

jmh -

It's exactly what I expected. I'm just glad they didn't disappoint and I can use their actions to generalize and bash the entire city!

 

I take back my 'can't do #$&@ all with the ball' comment about Findley - his chip to Donovan was sweet. That 2nd half lineup was nice, and despite my initial belief that Edu should partner Bradley against England, I think Torres may give the English a problem given their recent difficulties versus Mexico. Moreover, Torres is a solid tackler / defender and the midfield doesn't lose much, if anything, defensively by his inclusion (including the reduced chance of a rash, card-inducing tackle.)