Yanks Abroad

Speaking of one of those 3 in the Prem, Cameron came on as a 51st minute sub & hit a beautiful cross to Crouch for the game tying goal late v the Toon today.

 

Maybe that will get Cameron back in the starting line-up. He hasn't started since Jan 11 and has twice been an unused substitute.

It's sometimes easy to lose track of these guys when they aren't getting any looks from the national team. Aside from the occasional Tim Ream sighting, the Championship players have been invisible for the most part. I realize Williams was injured last summer, but I think Klinsmann has forgotten about him. He hasn't featured since 2012.

 

I definitely think Cameron and Brooks are in the mix to earn a starting spot in defense. Johannson will likely get looks on either of the flanks or up top and there is always the Fabian Johnson wildcard. Plus since I don't have a clue what I am talking about there are probably a lot of options I wouldn't even know to consider. There is defintiely a lot for Klinsmann to work out before July rolls in.

 

I like where this is heading... Go on Barry, give us a waayyyy to early starting XI for Russia 2018. Here's mine:



Zelalem would be my wildcard, in the Yedlin/J Green mold from 2014. Although he'll be 21 by 2018. From this lineup I'd say I'm most confident that Bradley, Yedlin, Guzan, and Altidore will be in the lineup, but with Klinsmann who knows.

Oh and I'll take Hyndman on the bench too

 

That's pretty good, but I've learned one thing.....never, Never, NEVER, EVER count Dempsey out of anything, for any reason. Yeah, he'll be old by futbol standards by then, but he's just ornery enough to still be a factor for us for one more cycle. I'd like to see him return to midfield, but I know that ain't gonna happen. All I know is you don't count him out. Ever.

 

Let's not forget that the biggest tournament since the '94 WC is coming next summer when the Copa America is played here. Good forecast CC, the biggest question mark for me is Jozy. He has to turn it around and score a bunch of goals in Toronto, his struggles continue and its going to be increasingly difficult to justify plugging him into the lineup.

Fabian is glued to the bench at Gladbach, which is very concerning. Brooks is starting in the Bundesliga, he and Besler seem like a natural pairing.

 

We'll see how Omar Gonzalez looks in the next year or two, but he acquitted himself pretty well in Brazil. We shouldn't be counting him out.

 

Fabian has started the last two games and seems to be more open about playing left midfield as I know the manger and him and a minor thing earlier in the season about where to play him.

 

Agreed. He got hosed. And that cross to Crouch the match before saved their bacon. He's definitely still in the mix...and I STILL prefer him as a mid.

 

Pulisic just joined Dortmund this month. He's only 16 and needed a European passport to be eligible to play abroad. He's not listed on their website as being on either the U-23 or first team. I'm curious to see where he ends up.
http://www.starsandstripesfc.com/us...16065/christian-pulisic-borussia-dortmund-usa

 

I went down to Tijuana this past weekend and took in my first Xolos match. Greg Garza got the start at left back and played well while Joe Corona came off the bench. An entertaining 3-0 win by Tijuana.

 

I agree, that is cool. And I know a good doctor in LA that can provide the necessary post-Tijuana penicillin "under the table."

 

A friend of mine moved down there for the next year and I thought what better time to check out the team then when I know someone down there. I also had some of the best tacos of my life.