U.S. stock watch at the Hexagonal finish line

2009-10-19T10:22:41-04:00

2009-10-15T11:27:25-04:00

2009-10-19T10:22:41-04:00

BCSoccer05

Pittsburgh 796271

84 I don't think it is any question as to who to put up top. Dempsey should move up top and put in Rodgers, Holden or anyone really with pace and a good work ethic in on the wing. Dempsey drags **** getting back on D anyways and clearly wants to play up top. Casey looks and plays like Shrek in soccer boots...he should never suit up again for the US 7308809

2009-10-19T10:05:10-04:00

http://img.fannation.com/upload/user_profile/image/795/203/thumb/dennis-bergkamp_farewell.jpg 4 VA

Flying_Dutchman

Alexandria 795863

82 Enjoying this discussion and want to add my comments. Hope to hear your thoughts and replies to them. Don't want to duplicate posted thoughts, so let me add a few. First, re: forwards - how come we have given up on Chris Rolfe? In his debut against Scotland, he was our most dangerous. Very fast and creative. I also agree that Cunnigham has earned another look. He's also strong and relatively injury-resistant, good things to look at when taking a play to SA. Re: defense - as a defender myself, I agree that Gooch both stabbed AND gave up, but could have expected Boca to cover. The second goal, the guy was WAY to open. Looked like Bornstein was confused why Boca didn't pick him up. And no def. midfielder in sight. BTW, could be that Bornstein was instructed to play more offense (Boca to LB in a 3-5-2), as it looked like Bornstein was given the green light to roam (which seems to be an under-rated value he consistently adds). Re: all those posting lineups with Jones or Torres in them, these guys are *TOTALLY* unproven (and Edu seems like a distant dream), though I agree all are worth more looks and I love everything I see from Torres. I think our most dangerous lineup probably is a 3-5-2 with Boca at LB, solid defensive mids (1 or 2, depending on opponent) and Donovan behind two strikers. Note that this lineup can be listed nominally as a 4-4-2 to confuse opponents or as a fallback if more defense becomes necessary. Be pleased to hear your thoughts. 7308508

2009-10-19T10:21:40-04:00

jeffnc

Raleigh 851546

and Donovan behind two strikers.

83 I'm kind of confused as to why the only options listed for Donovan are striker and wing midfielder. Why not more of a "playmaker" position like Maradona and, sometimes, Pele played? I'm not suggesting Donovan is Maradona or Pele of course, just that he could play that attacking midfielder role fine, and score from there. 3-5-1-1 or 4-4-1-1 or 4-3-1-2 or 3-4-1-2 or whatever. 7308857

2009-10-19T10:05:10-04:00

http://img.fannation.com/upload/user_profile/image/795/203/thumb/dennis-bergkamp_farewell.jpg 4 VA

Flying_Dutchman

Alexandria 795863

2009-10-17T01:04:29-04:00

http://img.fannation.com/upload/user_profile/image/642/085/thumb/Difrent_Drummer_01.thm.gif 66 CO

yankee7

Collbran 642725

75 As to Donovan, he's certainly no Renaldo or Messi, or Henry. But there is no one of that caliber on the horizon for the US so we have to rely on what we have. Donovan can contribute a lot on the field, but he can't take over a game by himself so we need to surround him with complimentary talent. And even if we do that, making it to the second round would be a big accomplishment. Personally I think winning the WC is years away for us, but being consistently in the second round and giving everyone a tough game should be a reachable goal. For this WC we should get a speedy, technically superior forward to team with Altidore and allow Donovan to target either one. If "Mr. Speedy" gets the ball, he can take on multiple defenders and then dish to Altidore; if Jozy gets it he can fight off defenders and dish to "Mr. Speedy". Meanwhile Donovan remains on the edge to support and take occasional volleys himself. I think it's the best we can hope for short term. And again, we need to revamp/re-populate the defense. 7291435

2009-10-19T09:41:08-04:00

jeffnc

Raleigh 851546

Personally I think winning the WC is years away for us, but being consistently in the second round and giving everyone a tough game should be a reachable goal.

81 I think that is a more reasonable goal. Instead of trying to win the WC in 12 years, we should try to be consistently in the second round and give people tough games within 12 years. 7308038

2009-10-16T21:50:06-04:00

http://img.fannation.com/upload/user_profile/image/414/46/thumb/30092009594.jpg 706 BR

Raven1971

Manaus 41666

Their best athletes play football, our best athletes play basketball, football (american), baseball, and hockey because they pay better than soccer. Our players while good aren't players that strike fear into your opponents heart... Our collective first touch, pace, poise on the ball in the defensive third, movement off the ball, and our finishing are all not world class. Look at how our defense blasts the ball out of bounds rather than sending the ball up the line keeping it in, maybe springing a quick counter attack. ... I can't believe anyone would want the head of our coach or his staff considering what they've done. Congratulations Coach Bradley and staff and to the USMNT, job well done.First, I completely agree with your point that:"Our collective first touch, pace, poise on the ball in the defensive third, movement off the ball, and our finishing are all not world class. Look at how our defense blasts the ball out of bounds rather than sending the ball up the line keeping it in, maybe springing a quick counter attack. "But I disagree that our problem is that soccer in the US doesn't draw the best athletes. First, out of 300 million people, we have WAY more top flight athletes than are used in football, baseball, basketball, etc. Moreover, we have a deep youth soccer population, where most of the best young athletes have their first experience in organized sports. So we don't lack for a pool of world class athletes for soccer. What I see as out bigger problem is two-fold:1. The reliance on "systems" over individual skill and creativity by most coaches. Systems do work well in producing winning records, especially against equal or lesser teams, and of course that's what coaches reputations are built upon. But against better teams, with players who have superior individual skills and creativity, systems can and are regularly beaten. That's what we see when the USMNT plays better teams. To paraphraase the old axiom "Coaches who live by their system, lose by their system".2. The complete lack of professional club academies, a la European leagues, where players are selected at teh earliest travel ages (usually 8 years old) and groomed in that club's system. AH HA you say! Thought you said systems are bad? Yes I did, but I was talking about INDIVIDUAL coaches systems. The Ajax or Man United systems have been proven over time at the world level. Teaching a player in these systems produces a high level of world-level soccer play and it's consistent, so that as players move up the ladder they will also understand how other players they join with play. More importantly than any system however is that players in these academies have to develop and maintain high levels of individual skills or they are dropped. By the time a player is in their late teens or early twenties they will possess the world-class knowledge and skill demande by the WC.And I didn't "demand the heads" of Bradley or his assistants, at least directly, but if they can't open their eyes to find more creative players than what they have, then yes, they should be replaced. That said, with less than a year to go to the WC I wouldn't make that move now. We have to "dance with who brung us" as Daryl Royal once said. I just hope Bradley can address the many weaknesses we have or it will be 3 and out again.

72 The physical types that play basketball, gladitorial football, and baseball, respectively, would not fit into our football, so your argument here is a bit week on that premise. There is PLENTY of world-class footballing talent available in the States; unfortunately, the system for identifying, recruiting, nurturing, and developing that talent is a complete and total failure. As long as we attempt to rely on the "high school to college" model utilized in the sports traditionally practiced in the States, this failure will continue. The USSF Academy? Preppy rubbish. I used to play every weekend at a park in Michigan with four full-sized football pitches, each one with enough players waiting to get into the game to fill three or four teams. Many of these players were extremely talented - and the handful of Europeans that I personally played with were in awe of the talent displayed there, claiming that any number of these players would have been plucked up at a young age and taken to professional academies in Europe had they been born there. Most of these same players never set foot on a college campus, and thus the USSF never even knew they existed. THAT is our shortcoming in the States. As I've said countless times, if only 10% of the US population played or followed football more than passively (a conservative estimate), that would mean a pool of 30 million from which to select a formidable national team with any kind of organization - that's nearly DOUBLE the population of Holland, a major footballing power. We have ourselves to blame for our failures. 7290527

2009-10-19T09:37:51-04:00

jeffnc

Raleigh 851546

The physical types that play basketball, gladitorial football, and baseball, respectively, would not fit into our football, so your argument here is a bit weak on that premise.

80 That is just completely untrue. Yes, offensive linemen would not make good soccer physiques. There's a lot more to choose from than that. Frankly, I recall some of the Nigerians looking line running backs, but more to the point there are lots of receivers, cornerbacks and safeties that would make great soccer players based on physical ability, and the same is true for the special teams. Many baseball players are in general good athletes, and not counting unusual players like Charles Barkley or Yao Ming, most good basketball players could easily be good soccer players. 7307940

2009-10-16T21:40:57-04:00

http://img.fannation.com/upload/user_profile/image/222/078/thumb/tribute_to_charlie_davies2-fannation.jpg 1153 GA

Manchester United-CR7=14-3-2

Atlanta 222378

They darn well did have breakdowns, and against a team that frankly is probably not even World Cup caliber, so what are we to think when we face a team at the next level? Yes, we have had some success at the Confeds Cup, but...To answer your question, if you read between the lines here, it's not really about just this game. This game is their last game - the last game we have to talk about, and now we see things in context since it culminates all their play up to now. And the problem is, even after all these games, they still are making fairly big goofs defensively. I mean honestly - a defender should stand there looking "surprised" because a defender got free? I swear sometimes these guys are like GW Bush sitting in school when he's told about 9/11. "uhhhhhhhh......" Things happen, you need to respond with a little urgency, grit, and sense of team purpose, where if things don't go perfectly you instantly adjust and do it with professionalism and competence and determination.

71 I get what you saying here, and I'm afraid that the US has peaked. But we still have some friendlies to work out our defensive and midfield problems (which I believe were a big factor in the defensive breakdowns and Costa Rica's first half possession). We have shown that we can defend well against one of the best teams in the world- Spain, but can we duplicate the feat this summer? The US can work out these problems, and let's not forget- the World Cup is still seven months away- enough time for players to fall in and out of form- and for the US to correct their defensive breakdowns. This is far from the last chance for the US to showcase their potential. 7290497

2009-10-19T09:31:59-04:00

jeffnc

Raleigh 851546

The US can work out these problems, and let's not forget- the World Cup is still seven months away- enough time for players to fall in and out of form- and for the US to correct their defensive breakdowns. This is far from the last chance for the US to showcase their potential.

79 I certainly hope you are right. I have a new home theater and I'd really love to watch the US play a great game on the big screen in the big show! I'm kind of scared to try again - the last time I think I jinxed them. They looked great against Brazil - for the first half.... 7307803

2009-10-18T22:00:07-04:00

eclipsev48

No City 798164

78 Since the qualifying started, I have been askying why Torres was not getting a starting position in Bradley's rotation I have also stated that Torres must be included if this team is to compete with the best in the world, apparently Bradley mind is clouded with Torres family background.In addition there are a few very good strikers in the college ranks.Ask Bradley why he has not sent one of his assistants to see Rollins College from Winter Park Florida play this is a team who has defeated five nationally rank teams and is undefeated so far this season.They also has some very exciting strikers who know how to score goals.J>D Gruenwald ,and Bradley Welch just to name a few. 7305217

2009-10-17T07:12:50-04:00

'56 Giant Fan

Millington 434971

77 Please: Enough Donovan bashing, already. Look at his body of work for team USA this year. Was he off his game vs. Costa Rica? Sure. It happens to athletes. And that was a complicated game for the US. Try concentrating a major match after learning your brother was almost killed in a car accident. Re: the thread. Keep Donovan where he is - the role matches his strengths. Up front? I expect (hope) Jozy will mature with Hull. He's still 19 years old! Bye, bye, Casey, but THANKS! So with Jozy? Davies would have been great. Not much after him. I guess Dempsey, and hope he decides to play to his potential. I really, really like Torres. Bradley needs to fit him into the mix, maybe as a starter. Back line - tough. Without a healthy DeMerrit and Gooch (for all his flaws), I fear we're three and out. And then, with Bocanegra and somebody else??? they still have to play and communicate much much better. Who knows. Maybe we can catch "lightning in a bottle" as in '02. But for out of mind play by Otto Kahn, we're playing South Korea with a chance to get into the final dance. 7291553

2009-10-17T06:55:41-04:00

http://img.fannation.com/upload/user_profile/image/414/46/thumb/30092009594.jpg 706 BR

Raven1971

Manaus 41666

76 Donovan might not be a Messi, but he's certainly better than Robinho - who is a glorified pick-up game player. Donovan's eye for the game is great; unfortunately, his supporting cast doesn't help, like in other stars' cases. 7291552

2009-10-17T01:04:29-04:00

http://img.fannation.com/upload/user_profile/image/642/085/thumb/Difrent_Drummer_01.thm.gif 66 CO

yankee7

Collbran 642725

<div class="photo_container image_right"> <div class="photo"><img src="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/grant_wahl/10/15/us.wins/jonathan-bornstein-1.jpg" alt="Double Click to select a Photo" /></div> <div class="photo_attributes" style="text-align:right;">Jonathan Bornstein (12) nailed the equalizer vs. Costa Rica. <br />Jim Watson<span class="smtext">AFP/Getty Images</span></div> </div> <p>Let's just say we all owe <strong>Jonathan Bornstein</strong> a beer. Had the much-maligned left back not scored that dramatic equalizing header in extra time Wednesday night, the U.S. would be staring at an extremely depressing home loss to Costa Rica.</p> <p>The game was meaningless from a competitive standpoint, save for the "Hexagonal champion" bragging rights at stake (and <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/grant_wahl/10/15/us.wins/index.html">the emotions involved</a>, as <strong>Grant Wahl</strong> writes). But that performance, combined with the other plot twists, would have been a real downer on which to wrap up the Hexagonal. The dazed U.S. played a dreadful first half. Defenders didn't make that extra effort to stop Costa Rica's attackers, and it was breakdowns in the center of the back line that led to <strong>Bryan Ruiz</strong>'s pair of goals that staked <em>los Ticos</em> to a two-goal lead.</p> <p>To make matters worse, <strong>Oguchi Onyewu</strong> is out for three to four months with a torn patellar tendon, <strong>Charlie Davies</strong> is still in a hospital and the U.S. looked extremely rattled and vulnerable. Keeper <strong>Tim Howard </strong>was screaming his head off all game for a reason, and <strong>Bob Bradley</strong>'s scowl as he walked off the field at halftime was no joke.</p> <p>But enough of the negatives. With the World Cup already booked, the Americans battled back again and grabbed a point in an incredible show of courage and fight. They deserve all the credit in the world for their fifth comeback result of the Hexagonal, especially after going down to 10 men and playing with heavy hearts.</p> <p>As is our task here, we'll take stock of the bubble players on the team in a game where, disturbingly, it was mostly the regulars who looked shaky. Qualifying is done, but there will be plenty of friendlies in which Bradley can evaluate and call in more players (and, sadly, fill in for the inevitable injury or two). Consider: In the U.S.' clinching qualifier in the last World Cup cycle, only 12 of the 18 players on that team were on the 23-man roster at Germany 2006. In the previous cycle, 13 of them were in the 23 at Japan/South Korea '02. You get the idea. In any case, let's start the South Africa 2010 hype machine now.</p> <h3>Major rally</h3> <p><strong>Bornstein</strong>. After some early mistakes, Jonny B settled down and turned in if not one of his better performances in a national-team jersey, certainly his most memorable since shutting down Mexico's <strong>Jared Borgetti</strong> nearly three years ago. The 24-year-old did a solid job on Costa Rica winger <strong>Pablo Herrera</strong> (especially on that ballsy hit-and-run steal in the 56th minute), made a handful of smart clearances and pushed forward in the attack often. And what more is there to say about that goal? Bornstein's performances haven't always been pretty or consistent, but Bradley has stuck by the kid he groomed himself when he coached Chivas USA. On Wednesday night, Bornstein showed the faith in him was well deserved.</p> <h3>Looking to take off</h3> <p><strong>Robbie Rogers</strong> and <strong>José Francisco Torres</strong>. These were the two subs I most wanted to see and they were both a big factor in the Americans' change in energy and attitude late in the second half. Rogers was a threat down the right flank every touch, and Torres' calmness as he moved the ball upfield was impressive. These kids gave a big effort out there and earned closer looks.</p> <h3>Cooling off</h3> <p><strong>Conor Casey</strong>. It's hard to ask Casey to give an encore of his two-goal performance in Honduras on Saturday, so it's not a surprise the target man didn't shine. But he didn't show the pretty first-touch adeptness of that game either, and squandered two good chances. He did, however, put himself in good positions (just ask <strong>Landon Donovan</strong>, who knew he should have passed it to Casey on his 37th-minute miss), moved well off the ball and got back well on defense.</p> <h3>Flat</h3> <p><strong>Stuart Holden</strong>. Let's not forget this was only the Houston Dynamo youngster's second start with the "A" team, so it wasn't that surprising he wasn't able to duplicate the lightning in a bottle that made his recent play as a sub so exciting. But Holden didn't do much to cheer about, either. He had some decent crosses, but his play didn't stand out. Ironically, when he was taken out in the 69th minute, it was his replacement -- Rogers -- who put in the Holden-like late-game effort.</p> <h3>Need to diversify</h3> <p><strong>Center backs</strong>. With Onyewu out, <strong>Jay DeMerit</strong>, <strong>Chad Marshall </strong>and<strong> Jimmy Conrad</strong> all could get playing time in upcoming friendies. Objectively, that isn't a bad thing since the back line needs the help. It's a bigger problem, though, when you consider that Gooch and <strong>Carlos Bocanegra</strong> still need more time to work on their communication together.</p> <h3>Sleeper picks</h3> <p><strong>American strikers.</strong> I can't express how saddened I am about Davies. He's one of my favorite interviews on the team, a great kid and has a promising future. For now, I'm simply hoping he'll be able to walk on his own. Replacing his speed and touch in the front is another matter. None of Bradley's other current options at forward -- <strong>Jozy Altidore</strong>, <strong>Brian Ching</strong>, Casey, <strong>Kenny Cooper</strong> -- has Davies' wheels (though Donovan or <strong>Clint Dempsey</strong> are possibilities up top). At this point, <strong>Jeff Cunningham</strong> or even <strong>Freddy Adu</strong> or <strong>Robbie Findley</strong> should stick close to their phones.</p> <p>Over to you. Did you love seeing Torres and Rogers get their chances? Wishing they had more minutes? Scared stiff about the defensive situation, especially on those Ruiz goals? Who should get the call to fill in for Davies?</p> 81581 http://img.fannation.com/upload/user_profile/image/459/8/thumb/freedman_jonah.jpg 14 CA

Jonah Freedman

San Francisco 4618