USMNT In's and out's.

I've been saying this on threads about the National team for like the past year and will continue to do so until S. Africa 2010...pencil in Cherundolo for the right back spot for 2010.

 

I like Adu. He really showed what he could do at the U-20s. I think a lot of the U-20 and the Olympic players will be the majority of the team for 2010.

I think LD will play a lot better once the focus is off of him as the face of US Soccer. The play of Feilhaber and Bradley in the midfield, Dempsey and Boca at FFC, and other US players doing well is already getting that process going. I think LD still has something to offer to the team. There is no denying his speed, and he has nice skills with the ball. I know he is not the best player in the US, and I am not here to pump the guy.

 

I believe Conrad had some injuries that kept him out of the last couple of US matches, and I think Bradley wanted to look at some other defenders based in Europe.

Conrad is 31.

I agree with you omsdog, I think Cherundolo is a lock in that right back spot.

 

I dont agree with the enthusiasm so many have to see Donovan ousted from the first XI. How could he be a bust when he is tied for the most goals in US history at the ripe old age of 25. He is a fast, dangerous player who needs to be in there. I wouldnt build a team around him the way Arena did but I've yet to see any attacking US player that deserves to be in the starting XI more than Donovan. Mix he and Beasley's speed with Dempsey and Adu's skills/creativity and it could be treacherous for the opposition's D.

Agree with jmh about Gooch. He seems to play better when he's playing against someone his own size (also did well vs Ibrahimovic). When he's not he's practically a liability. I hope Bradley will use him more carefully now rather just have him as a fixture at CB.

 

I believe Cakes (*special acknowledgment to FFCinPCB for the baddest nickname since Diddy dropped the "P") has earned his spot on the USMNT first XI, yet akin to Clevelandmo, I agree he has no business being the focal point. At this point, he and Adu absolutely need to be on the pitch at the same time - Cakes needs to get familiar with the young blood on the pitch. Fast midfielders who can control the ball are an incredible asset - find a way to make all of them work together, Sr. Bradley, and the knockout stages in South Africa are yours. As long as Cakes isn't the focal point, I think the USMNT can hide the fact his testes shrivel and wither under pressure (hello Pachuca).

Plus, he walks his dogs on the strand, and has dropped by the "Poop Deck" in Hermosa for a pint - anybody who has frequented the Poop Deck is quality...and slightly off-kilter.

The upcoming U-21 talent for the U.S. is going to take some pressure off Cakes as the go-to guy on the pitch. USA! USA! USA!

 

Why do you think cakes is an asshole? Just curious. To me he seems so nice he's almost boring.

 

Quick, get down from that limb that you've gone so far out on before you hurt yourself!!!

'Dolo at RB is as good a saying the USMNT will be wearing Red, White, or Blue.

 

I don't think anyone disputes Dolo's talent, the issue has been for the last six-odd years, and will continue to be, whether he can stay healthy.

Cakes gets overhyped but that's American sports media for you. Notice how well he's been playing lately when all the focus has been on Beckham.

 

I went to the Galaxy / Red Bulls game last night. One thing that drives me nuts about LD is the diving thing. I hate this being done by any player (Rafa Marquez from Mex dives way too easy for a supposed top level defender - wuss). There was a play where LD was taking it on the left side with a defender all over him (I think Freeman), and they were fighting for the ball at a decent pace. The guy pulled LD, and he threw his legs out and landed on his chest. I looked at my friends and we all shook our heads.

One thing to mention about the US game regarding the same thing, Adu did not dive in the box, that dude kicked him in the face. It may have not been a clean connection, but it connected and his foot should not have been that high. PK should have been awarded. Nice hustle on Adu's part too.

 

I've gotta ask the question? What does Lakes bring to the field that Adu doesn't? Add to that the Adu is more creative and better one-on-one, and I'm thinking Landy will be fighting for the Right Mid spot. This will be moreso if Adu impresses at the Olympics.

If Adu's performance on Wed wasn't a fluke, I can see the USMNT moving to a 4-4-2 with a diamond midfield (so Bradley OR Feilhaber) with him at point.

 

If Adu takes the right mid spot, then so be it - I think we have all been waiting for him to mature (especially physically). I think he prefers to play up top or in a spot right behind the attackers (like the diamond you mentioned Andy). I thought I remember him saying that he likes to have a lot more flexibility in his game, so he prefers less structure (which he said was why he was having a hard time in DC). I do not expect much defense out of him. He made a great combo with Altidore up top in the U-20s, and that can lead to Deuce playing in an attacking right midfield role too.

It is nice to see that we have a lot of depth in the midfield providing a combination of skills, control, defense and speed. This also provides flexibility in creating multiple formations to counter the strategy of our opponent. Not a bad thing to have.

 

the problem with his "potential opponent destroying ability" is that in games not against concacaf minnows, home matches against mexico, or friendlys he NEVER shows up. didnt he go a whole year without scoring a goal in intll play? and only broke that via a PENALTY in a FRIENDLY.

sorry but donovan reminds me of players i used to play with (way back in the day) that the coaches loved and bent over backwards to get on the select team, but never did anything worthwhile on the field.

dont drop him, but no way should he be in the XI

 

take a look at this video and tell me what you think. I expected more than what Bradley says here. He doesnt say anything that I couldnt have said and I've never played or coached soccer. There's nothing about the swiss team or players, nothing about tactics, what's happening on the field. No adjustments at half time. Do you think it's just not included or is that all there is to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOkz54kFcX0