Saturday, January 30, 2010

NP's 23 for 2010

 
 Is Clarence Goodson running his way on to the US plane to South Africa?  We say yes.  Here is the latest installment on everyone's favorite.  For this we will take into account club success and the recent match vs. Honduras.  Quick reminder, this is who makes the roster as if I was the head coach and if the World Cup was next month.  Here's the roster:

GK: Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Marcus Hahnemann
DF: Steve Cherundolo, Jonathan Spector, Oguchi Onyewu, Jay DeMerit, Carlos Bocanegra, Clarence Goodson, Jonathan Bornstein, Edgar Castillo
MD: Clint Dempsey, Stuart Holden, Michael Bradley, Ricardo Clark, Benny Feilhaber, Maurice Edu, Jose Francisco Torres, DaMarcus Beasley
FW: Landon Donovan, Josmer Altidore, Charlie Davies, Kenny Cooper

I just love throwing in some big surprises don't I? 

Goalkeepers:  Tim Howard and Everton have turned things around and has recorded two straight shutouts after today's win against Wigan.  Brad Guzan continues to play stellar when the opportunity is presented to him, this spot is his to lose.  Marcus Hahnemann, the elder statesman who has cemented the starting spot at Wolves puts him ahead of DC bound Troy Perkins.

Defenders:  Steve Cherundolo continues to start and go 90 at Hannover, he keeps it up and his spot is assured.  Jonathan Spector has recently worked his own way into the starting 11 at West Ham and his dependability along the whole of the backline puts him in the squad.  Oguchi Onyewu is already running and aiming at being in the squad for the March friendly in the Netherlands, he's all but assured of his ticket.  Jay DeMerit continues to go 90 minutes for Watford and continues to hold on to his spot.  Clarence Goodson has moved himself ahead of Chad Marshall and Jimmy Conrad after the latter pair failed to play well against Honduras and Clarence provided the consolation goal.  Jonathan Bornstein, probably the best player after the red card against Honduras, he has really impressed me in his last couple matches.  Edgar Castillo, dark horse asks you?  No says I, Heath Pearce failed to assert himself against Honduras, and I think Castillo could sneak on as the eight defender.

Midfielders: As Clint Dempsey's injury won't require surgury, he should be back before the end of the EPL season and ready to go for June.  Stuart Holden's place depends on how much playing time he can manage with Bolton, but I still expect him on the plane, he can provide to much to be left at home.  Bradley is making a name for himself at 'Gladbach and barring and injury, he's the incumbent starter in central midfield.  Ricardo Clark didn't make the bench for Frankfurt today, and they lost, so maybe he gets a run out in their next match.  Benny Feilhaber, apparently he's entertaining offers from some teams in Holland and Spain but I think he's found a home for the time at Aarhus and he continues to play well.  If Maurice Edu can grab his starting spot back going into the back end of the SPL season he'll be back on the plane.  Jose Torres continues to get solid minutes for Pachuca and I was very impressed with his play against Costa Rica.  Hard to see him left at home.  DaMarcus Beasley is a man renewed at Rangers and if continues his play after his most recent injury, he'll be back in the squad.

Forwards:  Landon Donovan is enjoying a strong loan spell at Everton and there's no way he'd get left at home anyway.  Josmer Altidore made his first appearance for Hull City in three weeks today after helping his family in Haiti, and acquitted himself very well with an assist and penalty drawn.  Charlie Davies...yes, that Charlie Davies, he is making "amazing" progress in his rehab and has stated that making it back by May is easy.  I LOVE IT!  Kenny Cooper, yea, hard to ignore Casey, Findley, Cunningham, Johnson and Ching...wait.  I think this loan move is exactly what the doctor ordered with Super Cooper and could force his way on to the plane if/when he starts scoring.

UPDATE:Disclaimers

* Jermaine Jones is still on the shelf for the time being, and most US fans are starting to lose hope for this World Cup.  Maybe he should go hang out with Jim Hashimoto, former US team trainer, who has Gooch and CD9 on the fast track to stardom in the World Cup.  Don''t count him out yet, but don't be surprised to not see him even in a camp.  I blame the German doctors on this one.

* Kenny Cooper hasn't played a game yet and he makes the plane?  To put it simply, yes, at this point he does.  Jeff Cunningham, Robbie Findley, and Conor Casey didn't play well at all vs. Honduras.  Eddie Johnson did grab his first Greek goal today for Aris (Adu on the assist, hmmmm?), but those two have a good ways to go before they can punch their tickets.  I think Kenny Cooper instantly becomes a starter at Plymouth and if he can grab a few goals and play some consistent big man minutes, Bob Bradley will be hard-pressed to leave him at home.

So there it is.  Little different format, but all the same in the end.  Your January edition of NP's 23 for 2010

Friday, January 29, 2010

Landon Donovan Opens Prem Account, and a Kenny Cooper Transfer?

In case you didn't know...yea right.  But LD10 has opened his Everton and European football account in Everton's recent handling of Sunderland.  The simplicity and class of the goal is what makes him the best American player of all time.  I really hope he pushes David Moyes to try and get a full fledged transfer, or at least an extended loan through the World Cup.  He really seems to be enjoying himself much more in England than in his previous trips through Germany.  I think this goal could open the floodgates and I wouldn't be surprised to see LD with at least 5 goals in all competitions through March.

Oh, and from the transfer department comes the Kenny Cooper to Plymouth Argyle loan.  Interesting and certainly one that came out of nowhere.  In an attempt to seal a World Cup roster spot it seems Cooper will join up with former New England assistant manager Paul Mariner at the Championship side.  It's a good move as Argyle is currently struggling for goals and i wouldn't be surprised to see Cooper get his chances early and often.

Later today will be everyone's favorite, NP's 23 for 2010.  A few surprising changes...so don't touch that dial...er...whatever.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

MLS Stadia Porno


Yes, this is fine for youth eyes.  But if you're like me...wait, that came out wrong.  Anyway.  The years 2009-2012 are going to be HUGE for Major League Soccer and soccer specific stadiums.  The most recent is the announcing that Kansas City's new stadium (rendering above), has been approved and groundbreaking has begun.  No, its no Home Depot Center or Red Bull Arena, but its a SSS nonetheless.  And a pretty attractive one at that.  The new 18,500 capacity stadium is set to be completed for opening in 2011.  Kansas City's current confines have them playing at CommunityAmerica Ballpark, which only holds some 10,000 for soccer matches.  So, not only will Kansas City enjoy a gain in revenue, but the fans of the Wizards can finally have a stadium suitable for soccer (prior to their stint at CAB, they played home matches at the cavernous Arrowhead Stadium).


So, on to the one that has everyone talking...Red Bull Arena.  Simply put, its gorgeous, and will definitely rival the Home Depot Center in terms of being the best soccer specific stadium in the United States.  It's capacity, currently at 25,189, will be second only to the HDC.  Slated to open for business on March 20 for a friendly against Brazilian power Santos (possible Pele appearance?), will NYRB be able to match their awesome new stadium with their on-pitch performance under new head man Hans Becke?  Only time will tell.  Until then, enjoy this money-shot.



Another new stadium comes with MLS's newest team, the Philadelphia Union.  Chester Stadium is on schedule to be completed mid-season in 2010.  I for one am most excited about the opening of this stadium.  Sure, its not as big or stunning as the previously mentioned Red Bull Arena, but what makes it more appealing is the fans.  With NYRB suffering mightily the last couple of seasons, I don't expect the atmosphere to match opening day at Chester Field.  The Sons of Ben are one of the most vocal supporters clubs in MLS and will make sure that the entire 18,500 in attendance enjoy themselves.  Philly is also building a very formidable team, giving patrons all the more reason to make the 15 minute trip from downtown to Chester.  Nice location right on the river as well.

 

Even the San Jose Earthquakes are getting in on the action.   After struggling through all the politics and money talk that happens, the latest plan to get the Earthquakes into a soccer specific stadium is pushing forward.  The latest renderings have a Euro-style, three-sided stadium with an open grass berm at one end.  It features 15,000 permanent seats and is expandable to 18,000.  Yes, its not very big, but a SSS in the end, and its nothing less than San Jose and its fans deserve.





How about the the two up-and-coming teams to MLS.  Portland and Vancouver will both feature soccer specific stadiums when they begin play in 2011, Portland at a renovated PGE park and Vancouver at Empire Field, then moving to BC Place, then moving to their new waterfront stadium (DC United, New England, and Houston all need to call these guys for some stadium funds).  Three soccer specific stadiums, either being completely built or renovated for the Whitecaps.  Wow.  But first Portland.  The Pacific Northwest Triad (Seattle, Portland, Vancouver) is going to be the show of MLS for years to come.  Portland boasts fans much like Seattle, which is why I fully expect PGE park to be rockin for every home match, not to mention the matches against rivals Seattle and Vancouver.  With a total capacity set at around 22,000, PGE will add another chapter to MLS as far as fervent support goes.  Here's the best rendering I could find.



Just so no one gets jealous, we'll feature the stadium that Vancouver will eventually end up in, the Waterfront Stadium.  It will feature 20,000 permanent seats and is a fine home for the second Canadian club in MLS.  Along with the fans, this is again, another fine addition to MLS.




Ok, now that we're all done drooling.  How about the odd guys out?  This includes Houston, New England, and DC United.  We'll start with Houston, who only exist simply because they couldn't get a stadium plan going during the clubs time in San Jose, but we have news and rendering as recent as a couple days ago.  So Dynamo fans rejoice because it is coming sooner rather than later.  Here's what we know, the planned opening (should everything go ahead) is 2012 (nice).  The planned capacity is around 21,000-22,000, and won't have horrible sight-lines or football lines on it.  Here's a pic:



Now, DC United and New England fans....nothing to report unfortunately.  Two teams that have been around since the leagues inception and both are confined to stadiums that are way too big or way too old.  DC United are even being tempted by Baltimore's mayor to come and build a stadium there.  I can't imagine DC locals would be pleased if that's the direction that the club takes.  I can recall a couple years ago with the Poplar Point proposal (try saying that five times fast) and the plans for a 27,000 capacity stadium (sigh).  As for New England, I haven't heard anything on the stadium front in over a year and it's probably going to stay that way.

So, in conclusion, well done Major League Soccer and all the clubs who are pushing these through.  I cannot wait until ALL clubs have their own stadium to call home.  The fans certainly deserve it and MLS certainly needs it.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

First Full Length Piece


To everyone, my first full length feature is now available for reading over at The Shin Guardian.  I'm really excited to be able to continue to provide you with unbiased (shhh) coverage of the US National Teams and MLS.  Here's the link.

Voila!!
http://theshinguardian.com/2010/01/27/guest-post-european-pie-in-the-sky/

Thank you for your continued support. 

Monday, January 25, 2010

Honduras 3, USA 1: Game in Review


Well, that surely wasn't fun to watch.  I'll try to avoid railing the ref to much for trying to be a hard ass with two yellow cards in the first 18 minutes of an international friendly.  Worthless display from the officials.

Now, on to the match.  There's not to much to learn when you are forced to play a man down for some 72 minutes.  The few things we did learn:

1.) Jonny Bornstein is a true viable option.  After watching JB have to play out of position for long periods and still manage to get forward, its a great thing to see.  He is the incumbent starter, unless Boca starts out wide, with Edgar Castillo backing him up.  Heath Pearce didn't play well enough to earn a ticket, but merits another look in February.

2.) Alejandro Bedoya.  More please. 

3.) Robbie Rogers.  Ehh.

4.) Clarence Goodson >> Chad Marshall >> Jimmy Conrad.  The goal was a statement as well and I loved his never say die attitude. 

5.) Feilhaber.  Tough night, but we all know what he's capable of. 

6.) Beckerman.  Played well, but is still behind Bradley, Clark, Edu, and Jones.

7.) Brad Davis.  Merits more looks for sure.

8.) Sacha.  Hardly the same January he enjoyed last year. 

No ratings this time.  Hard to get a true feel for how players performed when they were out of position for most of the match.  I will say that Cunningham and even Findley didn't help themselves much.  Nor did Conor Casey for that matter.  And Marvel Wynne, man for all the speed and athleticism he has, he just has no soccer instincts.  Hopefully the February match-up vs El Salvador will pan out better.