Man U 3 - Fulham 0- Clint Dempsey started up top at striker for Fulham. He had a couple good attempts at goal, one going just over the bar.
Wolfsburg 4 - Borussia Monchengladbach 0: Michael Bradley started and finished for Borussia as they fell to last years champions.
Rangers 3 - Dundee United 3: Maurice Edu and DeMarcus Beasley both came on as late substitutes as Rangers lost a late leead in thie Scottish Cup, and now face replay.
Everton 2 - Birmingham City 2: Landon Donovan came on as a late substitute in his last game for the Merceyside club. Tim Howard started in goal and let in two goals nad only made two saves.
Arsenal 2 - Hull City 1: Jozy Altidore started, but was substituted in 83rd men as 10 men Hull fell to the London side.
Others: Brad Friedal had a clean sheet for Aston Villa in their 0-0 draw against Stoke City, Marcus Hahnemann and Wolves beat Burnley 2-1, Carlos Bocanegra and Rennes won 2-0 against Valenciennes; their second win in a row, Steve Cherundolo came on as a sub in the 55th minute for Hanover 96's win against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Injury news
Clint Dempsey returned to action yesterday in Fulham's 3-1 loss to Juventus in the Europa League, making a 30 minute appearance off the bench.
Charlie Davies is back in France and might recover in time to play for his club Sochaux.
Oguchi Onyewu will probably not return for AC Milan, who could have used him mid week during their 4-0 to Manchester United, will probably be recovered in time for South Africa.
Jermaine Jones who switched affiliations from Germany to the USA, has yet to play for his club team Schalke 04, his return remains in doubt.
Stuart Holden broke his leg in the Netherlands friendly just as he was breaking in at Bolton Wanderers and will be out for about 4 more weeks.
These are all players that would be in running for a spot in the side if they were fit and would provide BB with more flexibility in selecting his XI.
Charlie Davies is back in France and might recover in time to play for his club Sochaux.
Oguchi Onyewu will probably not return for AC Milan, who could have used him mid week during their 4-0 to Manchester United, will probably be recovered in time for South Africa.
Jermaine Jones who switched affiliations from Germany to the USA, has yet to play for his club team Schalke 04, his return remains in doubt.
Stuart Holden broke his leg in the Netherlands friendly just as he was breaking in at Bolton Wanderers and will be out for about 4 more weeks.
These are all players that would be in running for a spot in the side if they were fit and would provide BB with more flexibility in selecting his XI.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Pondering Formations W/O Charlie Davies
Charlie Davies is back in France training with his club Sochaux, but if he is not in full game fitness for South Africa who does BB put next to Jozy Altidore in his 4-4-2. I propose that Bradley switch to 4-3-1-2. In the formation you would have a trio of Edu, Bradley, and Clark holding down the midfield. With Clark and Edu playing more defensive midfield roles and Bradley playing a play making role in the midfield playing balls to the forwards. This would place Donovan in a central playmaking role running in behind the striker pairing of Dempsey and Altidore. This formation would place Bradley ,Edu and Clark in roles that would see them thrive as ball winners. A counter attack of Dempsey, Donovan, Jozy would put the US's top 3 skill players all on the counter attack. Also by placing Dempsey up top alongside Jozy, you would eliminate Dempsey's defensive defficiences.
However, if Davies is healthy in time for South Africa he would have to be included in the starting XI, at the expense of either Clark or Edu. And a switch back to the more conventional 4-4-2 with Dempsey and Donovan switching to the wings.
However, if Davies is healthy in time for South Africa he would have to be included in the starting XI, at the expense of either Clark or Edu. And a switch back to the more conventional 4-4-2 with Dempsey and Donovan switching to the wings.
Friday, March 5, 2010
USA vs. Netherlands recap
The USMNT lost 2-1 to a deep and talented Netherlands, in a game where they dominated throughout the 90+ minutes. The US struggled throughout the game to get good chances on Holland's net. It wasn't a poor performance, but the Dutch were definitely the superior side. The first half was a good showing by the starters. As they only gave up a penalty, on a weak and stupid tug on Wesley Sneijder by Jonathan Bornstein, that Dirk Kuyt routinely finished. The USA's only chance in the first half was a Torres shot from outside the box that went just above the bar.
The second half was an entirely different game as substitutes from both sides cam into the game. The Dutch scored off of a deflection, while the US added a goal from Carlos Bocanegra from a Demarcus Beasley free kick. The US defense played rather well, but it was the offense's inability to produce any great chances. Or when their was a chance, it was followed by weak shots. In the first half Robbie Findley got through the defense, but his finish was as threatening as a fly. The offense didn't seem to really go at the Dutch net until late in the match, when Jozy ripped a laser towards the net, but was saved relatively easily. I would of liked to see this kind of attitude during the earlier part of the game where the US seemed to lack either the creativity and/or the quality in the final third.
Another disappointing aspect of the game was in the first half of the game, when a challenge by Man City's Nigel de Jong broke Stuart Holden's fibula. It is sad for Holden as he was beginning to see the field for Bolton Wanderers, and appeared to be making ground in terms of making the WC squad.
The second half was an entirely different game as substitutes from both sides cam into the game. The Dutch scored off of a deflection, while the US added a goal from Carlos Bocanegra from a Demarcus Beasley free kick. The US defense played rather well, but it was the offense's inability to produce any great chances. Or when their was a chance, it was followed by weak shots. In the first half Robbie Findley got through the defense, but his finish was as threatening as a fly. The offense didn't seem to really go at the Dutch net until late in the match, when Jozy ripped a laser towards the net, but was saved relatively easily. I would of liked to see this kind of attitude during the earlier part of the game where the US seemed to lack either the creativity and/or the quality in the final third.
Another disappointing aspect of the game was in the first half of the game, when a challenge by Man City's Nigel de Jong broke Stuart Holden's fibula. It is sad for Holden as he was beginning to see the field for Bolton Wanderers, and appeared to be making ground in terms of making the WC squad.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Netherlands Preview
The USA will take on the Flying Dutchmen tomorrow at 2:30 PM (EST) in Amsterdam on ESPN2 and ESPN 360.
WTWF Strikers: Look to see how Jozy is playing, he been playing well at Hull, but not tearing it up. I think Findley will start because of what he showed last week against El Salvador. Eddie Johnson who has played fairly well in Greece will probably play in an attempt to impress BB.
WTWF Midfield: Edu who scored in the Old Firm over the weekend now gets a chance to impress BB, he has a chance to step-up because of Ricardo Clark's injury. Demarcus Beasley can try to start a fresh slate, after his performance in the Confederations Cup.
WTWF Defense: Heath Pearce, Clarence Goodson, and Jonathan Bornstein all have a chance to build upon there performances last week. Simek seems to be a strange call-up.
4-4-2
GK: Howard
DF: Pearce, Goodson, Demerit, Spector
MF: Beasley, Edu, Bradley, Donovan
ST: Findley, Altidore
I think the US will tie 2-2 jumping out to an early lead then relinquishing the lead late, goals scored by Altidore and Donovan.
WTWF Strikers: Look to see how Jozy is playing, he been playing well at Hull, but not tearing it up. I think Findley will start because of what he showed last week against El Salvador. Eddie Johnson who has played fairly well in Greece will probably play in an attempt to impress BB.
WTWF Midfield: Edu who scored in the Old Firm over the weekend now gets a chance to impress BB, he has a chance to step-up because of Ricardo Clark's injury. Demarcus Beasley can try to start a fresh slate, after his performance in the Confederations Cup.
WTWF Defense: Heath Pearce, Clarence Goodson, and Jonathan Bornstein all have a chance to build upon there performances last week. Simek seems to be a strange call-up.
4-4-2
GK: Howard
DF: Pearce, Goodson, Demerit, Spector
MF: Beasley, Edu, Bradley, Donovan
ST: Findley, Altidore
I think the US will tie 2-2 jumping out to an early lead then relinquishing the lead late, goals scored by Altidore and Donovan.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Weekend Recap
Rangers vs. Celtic: Maurice Edu, fresh off being named to the Netherlands game, was subbed in at the 26th minute for Rangers and eventually scored the game winner in stoppage time. Damarcus Beasley was on the bench. (1-0)
Everton vs. Tottenham: Landon Donovon missed an open net and Tim Howard let in two goals as Everton fell 2-1 at Tottneham.
Bolton vs. Wolves: Stuart Holden started and played the whole 90 in Bolton's 1-0 victory over Marcus Hanhemann and Wolves.
Newcastle vs. Watford: Jay Demerit played the entire game as his Watford side fell 2-1 to Newcastle at home.
Aston Villa vs. Manchester United: Brad Friedal started for Villa in the net and let in two goals as the villians lost the League Cup Final to the Red Devils.
Montepellier vs. Rennes: Carlos Bocanegra started and finished for Rennes as they lost 3-1.
Everton vs. Tottenham: Landon Donovon missed an open net and Tim Howard let in two goals as Everton fell 2-1 at Tottneham.
Bolton vs. Wolves: Stuart Holden started and played the whole 90 in Bolton's 1-0 victory over Marcus Hanhemann and Wolves.
Newcastle vs. Watford: Jay Demerit played the entire game as his Watford side fell 2-1 to Newcastle at home.
Aston Villa vs. Manchester United: Brad Friedal started for Villa in the net and let in two goals as the villians lost the League Cup Final to the Red Devils.
Montepellier vs. Rennes: Carlos Bocanegra started and finished for Rennes as they lost 3-1.
Friday, February 26, 2010
US 20 man roster for Netherlands
GK: Tim Howard (Everton FC), Brad Guzan (Aston Vila), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolves)
Def: Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas MLS), Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jay Demerit (Watford), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday), Jonathan Spector (West Ham)
MF: Demarcus Beasley (Rangers), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Landon Donovan (Everton FC), Michael Bradley (Borussia Monchengladbach), Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers), Alejandro Bodeya (Orebo), Jose Fransisco Torres (Pachuca)
ST: Jozy Altidore (Hull City), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Eddie Johnson (Aris Thessaloniki)
Def: Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas MLS), Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jay Demerit (Watford), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday), Jonathan Spector (West Ham)
MF: Demarcus Beasley (Rangers), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Landon Donovan (Everton FC), Michael Bradley (Borussia Monchengladbach), Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers), Alejandro Bodeya (Orebo), Jose Fransisco Torres (Pachuca)
ST: Jozy Altidore (Hull City), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Eddie Johnson (Aris Thessaloniki)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
El Salvador player ratings
Rimando 6- Wasn't really tested all game except for the Evans' miscue.
Brad Evans 5.5- Made the only US defense mistake of the night.
Jonathan Bornstein 6.5- Featured at center back which is strange, considering he's a wide back. He played fairly well for the new position.
Goodson 6- Played well in defense and won a few balls on the offense side of the pitch.
Heath Pearce 7.5- Was the best defender for the US and the man of the match. Won his tackles and helped out in the attack well.
Kyle Beckerman 7- He held down the midfield well, but seemed to lack quality in the final third of the pitch.
Brad Davis 6.5- Bob Bradley put him out wide and made a couple of fine runs into the area.
Sacha Klejstan 7- Scored the winning goal, making up for missed chances early in match.
Robbie Rogers 6.5- He was more effective than Davis, having one shot hit the woodwork, provided pace on the wing.
Conor Casey 5- Early on he was caught offside twice, recovered a little, but never seemed threatening.
Robbie Findley 7- He was on his way to being man of the match before he was subbed off due to injury.
Subs:
Brian Ching 7.5- He came on and immediately proved to be a threat, heading lots of shots towards the net. Eventually netting the equalizer.
Jeff Cunningham 5- Played a good ball to Heath Pearce on Ching's goal, but other than that he played little selfish.
Eddie Gaven 6- Was very proactive in the midfield out wide. Won a free kick with a good run and made a quick run into the box and fired a shot, but it was WELL wide for how close he was.
Geoff Cameron N/A- Had a good have, but it was just high. Other than that, did nothing of note in his 7-8 minutes on the pitch
Dax McCarty 4.5: Didn't make much of an impact while in the game.
Brad Evans 5.5- Made the only US defense mistake of the night.
Jonathan Bornstein 6.5- Featured at center back which is strange, considering he's a wide back. He played fairly well for the new position.
Goodson 6- Played well in defense and won a few balls on the offense side of the pitch.
Heath Pearce 7.5- Was the best defender for the US and the man of the match. Won his tackles and helped out in the attack well.
Kyle Beckerman 7- He held down the midfield well, but seemed to lack quality in the final third of the pitch.
Brad Davis 6.5- Bob Bradley put him out wide and made a couple of fine runs into the area.
Sacha Klejstan 7- Scored the winning goal, making up for missed chances early in match.
Robbie Rogers 6.5- He was more effective than Davis, having one shot hit the woodwork, provided pace on the wing.
Conor Casey 5- Early on he was caught offside twice, recovered a little, but never seemed threatening.
Robbie Findley 7- He was on his way to being man of the match before he was subbed off due to injury.
Subs:
Brian Ching 7.5- He came on and immediately proved to be a threat, heading lots of shots towards the net. Eventually netting the equalizer.
Jeff Cunningham 5- Played a good ball to Heath Pearce on Ching's goal, but other than that he played little selfish.
Eddie Gaven 6- Was very proactive in the midfield out wide. Won a free kick with a good run and made a quick run into the box and fired a shot, but it was WELL wide for how close he was.
Geoff Cameron N/A- Had a good have, but it was just high. Other than that, did nothing of note in his 7-8 minutes on the pitch
Dax McCarty 4.5: Didn't make much of an impact while in the game.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
US vs El Salvador 2-1 Recap
It was a good performance for the domestic players against El Salvador as they won 2-1 thanks to Sacha Kljestan's goal one minute into stoppage time to win it. The US started hot in early in the 1st half getting out on the break in the first ten minutes. Conor Casey was caught offside twice spoiling clever through balls from the midfield, which was the strength of the team in the first half. Beckerman won nearly every ball, Kljestan delivered with a couple of good runs but failed to finish two good chances, and the wingers Robbie Rogers and Ben Davis had good pace and some good crosses.
Bob Bradley decided to go with the pair of Conor Casey and Robbie Findley up top, and half of the two showed up. Findley had tremendous pace and was able to get behind the El Salvador defense a couple of times. Casey however, was slow and drifted in attack being caught offside early in the half.
The first half didn't provide much of a test for the US defense and the backline went almost unnoticed, except for Heath Pearce. Who got up in the attack well, challenging the Salvadorian backline with some nifty footwork.
The US failed to finish a couple of good chances, most notably Sacha Kljestan received two open looks at goal, each time trying quick one timers that didn't really test the keeper.
The second half started with Brain Ching replacing Conor Casey, and they immediatley started testing the El Salvador defense. Ching came out very well and provided what the US wanted from Casey, someone who could win balls in the air.
Although the US was dominating early in the second half, El Salvador stole a goal in the 59th minute. As Brad Evans' header failed to reach Rimando in time and Rudy Corrales finished.
Eight minutes later Robbie Findley picked up an injury had to be replaced by Jeff Cunningham. It was disappointing for Findley as he was playing fairly well and should of scored just before getting hurt.
The US picked the pace right up again and were going desperately going for the equalizer. Brian Ching lead the charge and he unleashed a barrage of headers towards Miguel Montes goal, being denied each effort. Until the 74th minute, when a Heath Pearce ball found the head of Ching, and the Hawaiian placed it near post into the net.
The US appeared to not be satisfied with the 1-1 score and pushed for a second. This time it was Robbie Rogers who appeared as though he would score. He got behind the defense after his pass intended for Ching was deflected right back into his path to the goal. With Brian Ching square, Rogers decided to shoot, and his left footed shot missed wide left.
Minutes later Rogers had another attempt, doing much better this time, but his shot struck the post and went out of play. Roger's night was finished after that as he was subbed of for Geoff Cameron in the 86th minute.
It appeared the US was done, but El Salvador lost focus in their own half and Sacha Kljestan stole the ball from a Salvadorian defender. A quick one two with Brian Ching,put Sacha behind the defense and he finished it with class giving the US a 2-1 advantage.
Although the final score was close the US dominated possession, and appeared much more dangerous than El Salvador. Overall it was a good performance from the US, and the final score could of been 4-1. Several players stepped up and had good performances for the yanks, notably Heath Pearce and Brian Ching.
More to come tomorrow...
Bob Bradley decided to go with the pair of Conor Casey and Robbie Findley up top, and half of the two showed up. Findley had tremendous pace and was able to get behind the El Salvador defense a couple of times. Casey however, was slow and drifted in attack being caught offside early in the half.
The first half didn't provide much of a test for the US defense and the backline went almost unnoticed, except for Heath Pearce. Who got up in the attack well, challenging the Salvadorian backline with some nifty footwork.
The US failed to finish a couple of good chances, most notably Sacha Kljestan received two open looks at goal, each time trying quick one timers that didn't really test the keeper.
The second half started with Brain Ching replacing Conor Casey, and they immediatley started testing the El Salvador defense. Ching came out very well and provided what the US wanted from Casey, someone who could win balls in the air.
Although the US was dominating early in the second half, El Salvador stole a goal in the 59th minute. As Brad Evans' header failed to reach Rimando in time and Rudy Corrales finished.
Eight minutes later Robbie Findley picked up an injury had to be replaced by Jeff Cunningham. It was disappointing for Findley as he was playing fairly well and should of scored just before getting hurt.
The US picked the pace right up again and were going desperately going for the equalizer. Brian Ching lead the charge and he unleashed a barrage of headers towards Miguel Montes goal, being denied each effort. Until the 74th minute, when a Heath Pearce ball found the head of Ching, and the Hawaiian placed it near post into the net.
The US appeared to not be satisfied with the 1-1 score and pushed for a second. This time it was Robbie Rogers who appeared as though he would score. He got behind the defense after his pass intended for Ching was deflected right back into his path to the goal. With Brian Ching square, Rogers decided to shoot, and his left footed shot missed wide left.
Minutes later Rogers had another attempt, doing much better this time, but his shot struck the post and went out of play. Roger's night was finished after that as he was subbed of for Geoff Cameron in the 86th minute.
It appeared the US was done, but El Salvador lost focus in their own half and Sacha Kljestan stole the ball from a Salvadorian defender. A quick one two with Brian Ching,put Sacha behind the defense and he finished it with class giving the US a 2-1 advantage.
Although the final score was close the US dominated possession, and appeared much more dangerous than El Salvador. Overall it was a good performance from the US, and the final score could of been 4-1. Several players stepped up and had good performances for the yanks, notably Heath Pearce and Brian Ching.
More to come tomorrow...
US vs El Salvador
Your standard 4-4-2
GK:Rimando
D(L-R): Pearce Goodson Bornstein Evans
M(L-R): Davis Beckerman Kljestan Rogers
F: (L-R): Casey Findley
GK:Rimando
D(L-R): Pearce Goodson Bornstein Evans
M(L-R): Davis Beckerman Kljestan Rogers
F: (L-R): Casey Findley
Preview: El Salvador Friendly
The United States will play El Salvador tonight at 7:00pm in Tampa. It's a big game for preparation for the World Cup in that it will be domestic based players' last time to impress Bob Bradley in hope to make the World Cup roster for SA. Their is maybe only one player who has a spot locked down, Jonathan Bornstein.
The Roster:
Goalkeepers: Troy Perkins (D.C. United) and Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
Defenders: Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA); Clarence Goodson (IK Start, Norway); Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew); Heath Pearce (FC Dallas) and Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)
Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake); Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo); Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo); Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders); Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew); Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA); Dax McCarty (FC Dallas); Chris Pontius (D.C. United) and Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)
Attackers: Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids); Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo); Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas) and Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake)
What to Watch for: Strikers
Bob Bradley and his coaching staff will probably take two of these four to join Altidore and Davies in SA. If the World Cup was today, I would think Casey and Ching would probably make the roster, but I want to see want Robbie Findley can do. Ching and Casey have virtually the same game as target men up top, but Findley brings a change of pace striker, kind of like Davies. Findley has been improving in the MLS and we don't really know what he can bring to the international game, but he will bring his blistering pace. Also, Ching is 31 and his tank has be dwindling, Findley is 24 and relatively new to the USMNT. Jeff Cunningham is a dark horse, he has always played well in the MLS, but has failed to impress on the international stage. He has terrific pace and is a quality finisher, but does not work well in combination with other strikers.
What to watch for: Midfielders
This part of the roster appears to be rather weak in that maybe only three players could make the roster, those three are Sacha Kljiestan, Eddie Gaven, and Kyle Beckerman. I see maybe one or two of this three make the actual roster as the US has too much quality in the midfield for these players to make the roster. Sacha Kljestan an attacking midfielder would probably be the first man to make the squad of this three, as he has the versatility to play wide and central midfield. Watch to see if Sacha is creating as the squad will direly need in the midfield. Look for Robbie Rogers for the next WC as he has great pace and is adept at putting balls into the box. This is the weakest part of the roster because most the US's midfielders play in Europe and we will see them later in friendlies against Turkey and Holland.
What to Watch for: Defense and Keepers
With Onyewu's recovery going to plan he has his spot back and there are probably two spots available in the WC squad. This game will be a try-out for Wynne, Bornstein, and Marshall. look for Bornstein to start and hopefully help out with the attack and the midfield will lack creativity and Bornstein could really help by making some runs up from his wide back position. Bornstein has a chance to steal a starting spot, as Spector has looked over-matched in the Premier League with West Ham United. Marshall, a center back plays for the Columbus Crew and has played well in the MLS, the question iscan he take his form to the international stage? I think he will, he played well in the last Gold Cup. Marvel Wynne has pace and power as a wide back, but he plays the same position as Bornstein so he will have to beat out Bornstein to get on the WC roster. Look for the wide backs Bornstein and Wynne to use the attacking prowess and help out a midfield that lacks quality. As for the goalies don't expect either Perkins or Rimando to either make the squad barring injuries to three of these four Howard, Friedal, Guzan, and Hahnemann.
The Game: I see the US coming out in 4-2-2-2,
DF(left to right)- Bornstein, Marshall, Goodson, Wynne
CDM- Beckerman, Gaven
AM-Kljiestan, Rogers
ST- Casey, Findley
Overview- Look for what the strikers do, these are guys fighting for a spot on the WC and have to show Bradley something. I see Findley starting over Ching, as Ching and Casey have too similar skill sets, but Bradley could very well give the nod to the Hawaiian, and choose to bring Findley off the bench in the second half to unleash his pace on what could be a tired back line for El Salvador. Also, look for Heath Pearce to come in during the second half if either wide back is struggling to get forward in the attack I predict a 2-1 game, advantage to the USA with goals by Kljiestan and Casey.
The Roster:
Goalkeepers: Troy Perkins (D.C. United) and Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
Defenders: Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA); Clarence Goodson (IK Start, Norway); Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew); Heath Pearce (FC Dallas) and Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)
Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake); Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo); Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo); Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders); Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew); Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA); Dax McCarty (FC Dallas); Chris Pontius (D.C. United) and Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)
Attackers: Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids); Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo); Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas) and Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake)
What to Watch for: Strikers
Bob Bradley and his coaching staff will probably take two of these four to join Altidore and Davies in SA. If the World Cup was today, I would think Casey and Ching would probably make the roster, but I want to see want Robbie Findley can do. Ching and Casey have virtually the same game as target men up top, but Findley brings a change of pace striker, kind of like Davies. Findley has been improving in the MLS and we don't really know what he can bring to the international game, but he will bring his blistering pace. Also, Ching is 31 and his tank has be dwindling, Findley is 24 and relatively new to the USMNT. Jeff Cunningham is a dark horse, he has always played well in the MLS, but has failed to impress on the international stage. He has terrific pace and is a quality finisher, but does not work well in combination with other strikers.
What to watch for: Midfielders
This part of the roster appears to be rather weak in that maybe only three players could make the roster, those three are Sacha Kljiestan, Eddie Gaven, and Kyle Beckerman. I see maybe one or two of this three make the actual roster as the US has too much quality in the midfield for these players to make the roster. Sacha Kljestan an attacking midfielder would probably be the first man to make the squad of this three, as he has the versatility to play wide and central midfield. Watch to see if Sacha is creating as the squad will direly need in the midfield. Look for Robbie Rogers for the next WC as he has great pace and is adept at putting balls into the box. This is the weakest part of the roster because most the US's midfielders play in Europe and we will see them later in friendlies against Turkey and Holland.
What to Watch for: Defense and Keepers
With Onyewu's recovery going to plan he has his spot back and there are probably two spots available in the WC squad. This game will be a try-out for Wynne, Bornstein, and Marshall. look for Bornstein to start and hopefully help out with the attack and the midfield will lack creativity and Bornstein could really help by making some runs up from his wide back position. Bornstein has a chance to steal a starting spot, as Spector has looked over-matched in the Premier League with West Ham United. Marshall, a center back plays for the Columbus Crew and has played well in the MLS, the question iscan he take his form to the international stage? I think he will, he played well in the last Gold Cup. Marvel Wynne has pace and power as a wide back, but he plays the same position as Bornstein so he will have to beat out Bornstein to get on the WC roster. Look for the wide backs Bornstein and Wynne to use the attacking prowess and help out a midfield that lacks quality. As for the goalies don't expect either Perkins or Rimando to either make the squad barring injuries to three of these four Howard, Friedal, Guzan, and Hahnemann.
The Game: I see the US coming out in 4-2-2-2,
DF(left to right)- Bornstein, Marshall, Goodson, Wynne
CDM- Beckerman, Gaven
AM-Kljiestan, Rogers
ST- Casey, Findley
Overview- Look for what the strikers do, these are guys fighting for a spot on the WC and have to show Bradley something. I see Findley starting over Ching, as Ching and Casey have too similar skill sets, but Bradley could very well give the nod to the Hawaiian, and choose to bring Findley off the bench in the second half to unleash his pace on what could be a tired back line for El Salvador. Also, look for Heath Pearce to come in during the second half if either wide back is struggling to get forward in the attack I predict a 2-1 game, advantage to the USA with goals by Kljiestan and Casey.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Weekend Recap 2/21/10
Landon Donovan (Everton FC): Played the entire 90 miuntes in Everton's 3-1 win at home over Manchester United. He had 3 shots on goal and the match seemed to turn when he moved in to play a more central role when Dan Gosling came on in the 70th minute.
Tim Howard(Everton FC): Let in one goal versus Manchester United, but was rarely tested throughout the match as the Red Devils could only place 2 shots on net.
Freddy Adu(Aris Salonika): Started for the Greek side, but couldn't maintain his form of 2 goals as he was subbed out in the 46th minute as Aris fell to AEK Athens 1-0.
Jozy Altidore (Hull City)- Was subbed on in the 65th minute in City's 3-0 loss to West Ham United in the Premier League, he recorded two shots that were both off target.
Michael Bradley (Borussia Monchengladbach)- Started and finished the 2-2 draw against German side TSG Hoffenheim. He took two shots during the game, one was a missed chance in the first half and the other he shot right into the keeper.
Jay Demerit (Watford)- Started and finished in the 2-2 draw with Scunthorpe United. Demerit had a big role in the match as he was ruled to have handed a ball in the box in the 90th minute. Allowing Scunthorpe to equalize. He also missed a header earlier in the match.
Tim Howard(Everton FC): Let in one goal versus Manchester United, but was rarely tested throughout the match as the Red Devils could only place 2 shots on net.
Freddy Adu(Aris Salonika): Started for the Greek side, but couldn't maintain his form of 2 goals as he was subbed out in the 46th minute as Aris fell to AEK Athens 1-0.
Jozy Altidore (Hull City)- Was subbed on in the 65th minute in City's 3-0 loss to West Ham United in the Premier League, he recorded two shots that were both off target.
Michael Bradley (Borussia Monchengladbach)- Started and finished the 2-2 draw against German side TSG Hoffenheim. He took two shots during the game, one was a missed chance in the first half and the other he shot right into the keeper.
Jay Demerit (Watford)- Started and finished in the 2-2 draw with Scunthorpe United. Demerit had a big role in the match as he was ruled to have handed a ball in the box in the 90th minute. Allowing Scunthorpe to equalize. He also missed a header earlier in the match.
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