Silly Season, Abridged Edition

Tomorrow officially opens the January transfer window and a lot of focus is going on some current Yanks in need of new homes.  I'll give a run down on all the rumored moves.

Oguchi Onyewu
Back in 2009, following the Confederations Cup in South Africa, Gooch was hot commodity.  His defensive performance for the US throughout that tournament lifted him from the heights he'd attained at Standard Liege in Belgium, to make a transfer to Italian super-club AC Milan, who currently sit first in Serie A.  While being a back-up defender on a league leading club is respectable in its own right, playing time is the single most important thing in keeping fit and in form.  Reportedly, there are all loan options on the table for Onyewu's services, within Italy at clubs like Palermo, Chievo, and AC Bari.  His former coach Michel Preud’homme, now in charge of FC Twente who currently sit second in the Dutch Eredivisie, have expressed the most interest, and some sources are saying that this move could be made this week.

Benny Feilhaber
Feilhaber is currently the best player on his AFG Aarhus side in the Denmark second division.  He was close to a move at the end of summer but not enough dominoes fell the right way for it to happen.  There is reported interest from the SAS Ligaen, the Eredivisie, and the Spanish Primera in Europe.  But the most interest comes from this side of the pond, where Mexican power Cruz Azul is reported close to gaining Feilhaber's services.  A late charge from Brazilian club Botafogo set things back, but Feilhaber is 100% set to leave this winter.

Edson Buddle
Buddle who was on trial with Birmingham City last week, is reportedly garnering interest from both the Blues and Champsionship side Sheffield United.  If Robbie Findley can get a work permit, then surely Buddle can.

Jermaine Jones
Jones' situation at Schalke has gone from consistent starter to dog house.  He's looking for a new club and Wolfsburg have expressed interest.  

Adrian Ruelas
Rumored to be set to sign with Scottish power Celtic.  Just a rumor though.

Jonathan Spector
Despite his renaissance in the West Ham midfield, I'd look for Spector to still make a move to the mainland.  Cologne in Germany was reportedly interested.  Maybe West Ham keep him around until they are relegated come the end of the season.

Relegation Battlers  
Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley, two consistent starters for the United States could be house hunting come the end of their respective teams campaigns.  Dempsey and Fulham's win against Stoke City pushed them just above the the relegation zone, and past history tells us that Fulham will stay up with a furious finish to end the season, but if they are relegated, Dempsey will definitely be on the move.  Bradley is currently the best player on the worst team in the Bundesliga, they are set for relegation, there is no hope.  Bradley will be sold, and Premiership and higher up Bundesliga clubs are sure to be waiting in the wings.

Robbie Findley signs with Nottingham Forest

U.S. international and World Cup player Robbie Findley has signed a 2-and-a-half year contract with Championship side Nottingham Forest.  Forest currently sit in a 5-team tie on 30 points.  Can Findley take his raw "run everywhere but do nothing game" into a "sneaky late sub game".  We shall see.  Best of luck to him, but I'm not getting my hopes up.

Happy Holidays from Ninety Plus

Happy Holidays from everyone at Ninety Plus. 

Thomas Rongen Quietly Assembling a U-20 Class to Remember

Thinking back to 2007, everyone was hailing the youth being boasted by the United States U-20 side, and for good reason.  Names like Josmer Altidore, Michael Bradley, Danny Szetela, Sal Zizzo, and Freddy Adu came out of that class and those five (for better or for worse) had set up shop at European clubs, Altidore with Villarreal in Spain, Bradley with Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany, Szetela with Racing Santander in Spain, Zizzo with Hannover 96, and Adu with Aris Thessaloniki in Greece.  Those five players helped lead the US to finish 1st in their group (which included a 6-1 trouncing of Poland and a dramatic 2-1 win over Brazil), then proceeded to beat out Uruguay in the Round of 16 before falling in the quarterfinals to Austria.  It was a great run and Altidore and Bradley have established themselves as regular starters for the US National Team.

The 2009 version featured significantly less popular youngsters as the US fell out in the group stage, following embarrassing 3-0 losses to both Germany and South Korea.  The 2009 class featured players like Bryan Arguez , Mikkel Diskerud, Jared Jeffery, and Sean Johnson, but even these successful professionals weren't enough to push the US through.

Gearing up for a busy 2011, Thomas Rongen has a depth pool that many international coaches would drool over.  He's also done his fair share of digging up some some dual, and in one a case, a triple international player(s).  Names in this class include promising young stars such as GK Cody Cropper (Ipswich Town), DF Gale Aggbossoumonde (Estoril Praia) DF Greg Garza (Estoril Praia), MD Joseph Gyau (Hoffenheim), MD Sebastien Lletget (West Ham United), MD Joshua Gatt (Altach), FW Jack McInerney (Philadelphia Union) and FW Conor Doyle (Derby County).

Other big names coming out of this class include the well known New York Red Bulls prodigy Juan Agudelo, Adrian Ruelas who is currently on trial at Celtic in Scotland, and cult hero Omar Salgado, who gave up his position at CD Guadalajara to play for the United States.

Two names that I am particularly excited about are dual-international Fabien Hurzeler, a 17 year old Bayern Munich academy star, who was the German U-17 captain, but no longer appears to be in the plans with them any longer.  Rongen scooped him up and has invited him to the US' training camp for the beginning of January.  The other is triple-international Alex Zahavi, currently playing professionally at Maccabi Haifa, he holds citizenship from the United States, Portugal, and Israel.  He is a right-footed, left winger who loves to cut inside and attack.  He made his US debut at the Torneo de las Americas tournament in November and scored a goal against Colombia.

This is arguably the deepest, most collectively talented class for a US youth team ever.  Where the other classes have featured popular young stars, there were significant holes.  If there is a hole in this class, I really am having a hard time finding it.  A solid collection of professional and college players have really gelled under the guidance of the Dutchman Rongen.

With 2011 holding the U-20 CONCACAF Championship in April in Guatemala, and the U-20 World Cup in July and August in Colombia, Rongen will need to nail down his final group of around 30ish players and next months training camp is part of that.

Looking forward, I expect nothing less than at least a win in the CONCACAF Championship, and a march to the quarterfinals in the World Cup.  That is where Rongen and these young players need to aim.

In 2011, the United should be expecting nothing less, with the start of a new World Cup cycle, a star could rise in the U-20s and make a name on the national side come June 2014.  This is where it starts.

American Outlaws Rally

A quick shout-out to my 3,000+ brothers and sisters around the country who will hopefully be converging on Las Vegas in March.  I'll hopefully be among them.  I urge any reader of this blog and any follower of US Soccer to check out these guys.  US matches just wouldn't be the same without them. 

January Camp Roster Released...Finally (UPDATED)

The 2014 World Cup cycle is (un)officially underway.  Bob Bradley named a 24 man roster for the annual Camp Cupcake in Carson, California, which will culminate in the January 22 match against Chile at the Home Depot Center.  Here is the roster:

GOALKEEPERS (4): Dominic Cervi (Celtic), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire), Matt Pickens (Colorado Rapids), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
DEFENDERS (9): A.J. DeLaGarza (Los Angeles Galaxy), Sean Franklin (Los Angeles Galaxy), Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles Galaxy), Ugo Ihemelu (FC Dallas), Zach Loyd (FC Dallas), Ryan Miller (Halmstads BK), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls), Anthony Wallace (Colorado Rapids), Marvell Wynne (Colorado Rapids)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Eric Alexander (FC Dallas), Alejandro Bedoya (Örebro), Sam Cronin (San Jose Earthquakes), Mikkel Diskerud (Stabaek), Jeff Larentowicz (Colorado Rapids), Dax McCarty (D.C. United), Brek Shea (FC Dallas)
FORWARDS (4): Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls), Justin Braun (Chivas USA), Teal Bunbury (Sporting Kansas City), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

Late night here, so here's some two cents from the mastermind(s) at Ninety Plus:

• All kinds of youth here, but really only a few of the 24 players called in should be expecting much of a future in with the full team.  The rest are potential stop gaps should there be an injury crisis.
• What a great collection of young forwards, something that we haven't seen at a Camp Cupcake in years.  Agudelo, Bunbery, and Braun are probably the three best American forwards in MLS under age 23.
• Wait...(sniffle)...I'm having a moment, this is the first January roster that does not feature any of the US' version of the three stooges (Robbie Findley, Ricardo Clark, Jonathan Bornstein).
• I'm really looking forward to this leftback battle; Anthony Wallace, Ryan Miller, and AJ DeLaGarza.  I see it coming down to Wallace and Miller, and the slight edge to Miller in this one.  Does Tim Ream maybe even get a trot out on the left?? Doubtful, but it is the season for experimentation
• To counter a Chile team which is sure to bring some young attacking flash to the table, will Bob Bradley counter with a strong defense, or will he counter speed with speed?  Considering his recent experimentation's, I would say that we see a bit of an energetic, attacking side.  But we'll need to see Chile's line-up to better guess this one.
• Here is my favored line-up:

------------------------Cervi

Franklin-----Gonzalez-----Ream-----Miller

--------Lawrentowicz------Cronin

Diskerud------------McCarty---------Bedoya

-----------------------Bunbery

I need some Yanks in my life. 

Holiday Haitus

Hey all, considered doing a piece on the failed 2022 US World Cup Bid, but in my healths best interest, I decided to let FIFA be FIFA. 

We'll return with the release of the January "Camp Cupcake" roster.  Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Years.  Who knows, maybe something big will turn up before then.  How 'bout them Timbers kits ehh?

USA Youth Shows Promise, Beat South Africa Late

It took 85 minutes and a 17 year old, but the United States found a way to stifle an experienced World Cup team, in their house.  The game, some 10,000 miles away from home, against a team with 11 of their 23 players from the World Cup, was a drag-it-out, punch/counter-punch match for 85 minutes, until debutantes Mikkel Diskerud and Juan Agudelo combined beautifully in the box, with the entry pass from Agudelo into the box for Diskerud who controlled and slipped a pass to an on-rushing Agudelo who controlled and finished past the 'keeper. 

I was one of the many USA fans who saw this as a bit of a throw-away match, one to get youngsters involved and acquainted with the system.  Very few thought this group would be able to stick with a South African team playing in front of 50,000+ of their home fans. 

Agudelo showed experience and poise beyond his years in a game where the "veterans" were easily the worst performers for the US. 

Here are the player ratings:

Brad Guzan (8): Solid performance from the US number two.  Controlled the air and stopped attempt after attempt with relative ease.  He needs to transfer out of Aston Villa though, Arsenal would be GREAT.

Eric Lichaj (6.5): In his first ever US start, Lichaj was matched up against Bafana Bafana fly man Siphiwe Tshabalala, and acquitted himself well.  The yellow card was a bit reckless but I feel like that was more of a statement tackle than anything else.

Clarence Goodson (7): Marshaled the US backline with efficiency and aerial prowess.

Tim Ream (6.5): Was undressed by good passing moves twice, but past those showed well in his debut.  At this point could make a argument for the top 6-8 centerbacks in the US pool.

Jonathan Bornstein (3): The most experienced player on the roster looked like 12 year old.  Was only better than Robbie Findley.

Alejandro Bedoya (6): Was active and dangerous throughout, but dropped off late.  Worthy of more looks.

Logan Pause/Brian Carroll (5.5): You really can't not group these two together.  They were strong defensively but they're collective distribution was lacking.

Robbie Rogers (6): Was decent enough on the flank and created a couple good chances.  His low shot in the first half deserved a better finish.

Eddie Gaven (6): Workman-like effort from Gaven, on both offense and defense.

Robbie Findley (1): Absolutely terrible, pathetic, embarrassing, awful, and all other sorts of negative words.  Every time he touched the ball it either flew away about 20 yards, or he controlled and then ran to nowhere.  He sucks.

SUBS:

Jonathan Spector (5.5):  Clearly showing the rust associated with not playing for the worst team in the EPL.  Really needs a transfer for the Championship in January

Teal Bunbury (6.5): Worked hard and hustled.  Proved more useful than Findley just minutes into the second half when his low shot required a sharp save.

Juan Agudelo (8): Impressive from the 17 year old.  A controlled and smart finish.  I can't emphasize enough that we don't start heaping tons of pressure on this kid.  He'll get another look in January and we'll move forward from there.  Remember he has only played two games in MLS.

Mikkel Diskerud (7.5): Another youngster who showed well in his debut.  Probably gets another look in January and could break in to the first team come Gold Cup time in June.

Nat Borchers (6): The 29 year old from Real Salt Lake showed why he was a finalist for MLS Defender of the Year.  He was strong in the air and controlled the back line following Goodson's exit.

Gale Agbossoumonde (NA): One good header away late on, but really not enough to warrant a grade.  Made his debut, probably another who gets a look again in January. 

Who Starts Against South Africa?

Ever since the roster came out I've been debating amongst myself and others about the route that Bob Bradley would take moving forward.  Seeing as there are 18 men for this roster, it would seem a pretty safe bet that everyone will play, if healthy.  That being said, here is the starting lineup that I see Bob Bradley playing out of the gate:

------------------Guzan

Lichaj-----Spector-----Goodson-----Bornstein

------------Carroll-------Pause

Bedoya-------------------------------Rogers

------------Bunbury-----Agudelo

Brad Guzan is the easy pick to start in goal for this one, but look for Cervi to get a half at least for his first cap. 

With Eric Lichaj clearly being the more impressive between he and Jonathan Spector, I see a move for Spector inside, where he is comfortable, and has played there before with West Ham and at various youth levels.  Central defense has become surprisingly thin.  Added depth can never hurt.  Clarence Goodson takes up his position in the middle, and Jonathan Bornstein, the likely captain, fills in on the left.  Tim Ream has played left back in college, so it is very possible that we see him get some time there, with Gale Agbossoumonde and Nat Borchers each getting a fair shake as well

In midfield, I'm not sure why Bob Bradley called in Brian Carroll and Logan Pause, as it would seem neither have much of a future with the Nats.  Knowing Bobs typical cautious style, he likely starts with the holding mids to set the pace, then ups the temperature a bit by introducing the more attack minded Mikkel Diskerud at halftime.  Alejandro Bedoya and Robbie Rogers on the flanks round out the midfield, with Eddie Gaven the as the back up for both.

Up top, the two youth should get the call from the get go, might as well in my opinion.  Robbie Findley is a known quantity.   Juan Agudelo and Teal Bunbury offer some flash and youthful exuberance to a position in desperate need of it. 

So there it is. 

Bob Bradley Names Very Young Roster for South Africa

The United States will take on a very experienced South Africa team in seven days, and the team to battle the Bafana Bafana will be arguably the youngest roster that Bob Bradley has ever named.

United States U20 standouts Juan Agudelo (17) and Gale Agbossoumonde (18) are very surprising calls.  Other youth called in are Teal Bunbury (20) and Mikkel Diskerud (20).  Bunbury, an impressive forward from the Kansas City Wizards, was born in Canada, and once thought to be lost to our northern neighbors, it appears has changed his tune and will likely get his first cap for the US.  Diskerud's name has been coming up since the end of the World Cup as a youngster who has earned his right to be brought into the US fold.  His play in Norway has been a staple of consistency.

Agudelo and Agbossoumonde are the first two players to receive call ups to the full team after being developed at the United States Soccer Development Academy.  Agudelo could become the third youngest United States player to earn a cap, behind Bobby Convey and Freddy Adu, and will be the youngest ever under Bob Bradley.

Here is the full roster:

GOALKEEPERS (2): Dominic Cervi (Celtic), Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)

DEFENDERS (7): Gale Agbossoumonde (Estoril Praia), Nat Borchers (Real Salt Lake), Jonathan Bornstein (Tigres), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Eric Lichaj (Aston Villa), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Alejandro Bedoya (Örebro), Brian Carroll (Columbus Crew), Mikkel Diskerud (Stabaek), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Logan Pause (Chicago Fire), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)

FORWARDS (3): Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls), Teal Bunbury (Kansas City Wizards), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake)

USA U20 Most Exciting Roster Ever??

Want to know what I'm excited about this month??  No, not the US game next week against South Africa.  It's the Torneo de las Americas tournament in Kennesaw, Georgia on Nov. 21-29.  The United States roster features a who's who of up and coming US stars.  Here is the roster:

GOALKEEPERS (2): Cody Cropper (Ipswich Town; Athens, Ga.), Eduardo Fernandez (Real Salt Lake AZ; Casa Grande, Ariz.)

DEFENDERS (7): Gale Agbossoumonde (G.D. Estoril Praia; Syracuse, N.Y.), Bryan De La Fuente (Chivas USA; Bell, Calif.), Greg Garza (G.D. Estoril Praia; Grapevine, Texas), Korey Veeder (Crystal Palace Baltimore; St. Petersburg, Fla.), Parker Walsh (Karlsruher SC; Roanoke, Va.

MIDFIELDERS (5): Sebastian Lletget (West Ham United; San Francisco, Calif.), Alex Molano (NK Dinamo Zagreb; Grapevine, Texas), Amobi Okugo (Philadelphia Union; Sacramento, Calif.), Moises Orozco (Tigres; Oxnard, Calif.), Conor Shanosky (D.C. United, Sterling, Va.), Alex Zahavi (Maccabi Haifa F.C.; Los Angeles, Calif.), Cesar Zamora (Chivas USA; Sylmar, Calif.)

FORWARDS (4): Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls; Barnegat, N.J.), Tristan Bowen (Los Angeles Galaxy; Van Nuys, Calif.), Fuad Ibrahim (Toronto FC; Richfield, Minn.), Omar Salgado (Unattached; El Paso, Texas)

The names that pop off that list are guys like Gale Agbossoumonde, Sebastian Lleget, and Juan Agudelo, but arguably the most important name, is that of Alex Zahavi.  Zahavi, a stand-out in the Portuguese U17 national team, it seems, has switched his allegiance to the United States.  Zahavi is a veteran of the Benfica, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Sporting CP youth systems.  He's a rare talent on the left wide of midfield, despite his being right footed.

The United States will take on Colombia on November 26 and Mexico on November 29 in the three team round-robin tournament.

MLS Cup 2010 Kick Off

Major League Soccer playoffs kickoff tonight when Columbus travel to Dick's Sporting Goods Park to take on the Colorado Rapids.  In a year clearly dominated by western conference teams, this will be the chance for a perennial eastern conference power to grab this series by the collar.  But Columbus comes into the playoffs limping.  They lost starting goalkeeper Will Hesmer to a broken shoulder in the final game of the regular season.  That means that that University of Kentucky alum Andy Gruenebaum will have to step into the most important games of his career in Columbus are to make it to the final.  Here a few keys to the game:

Andy Gruenebaum 
As I said earlier, Gruenebaum is in for the injured Hesmer for as far as Columbus goes in the playoffs.  The Crew's road to the final is pretty tough.  First up is the Colorado strike force of Omar Cummings (14 goals) and Conor Casey (13 goals).  Columbus are vulnerable on the road, especially with a backup GK.  Gruenebaum will need to grow up quick to slow down that duo.

Andy Iro and Chad Marshall vs. Omar Cummings and Conor Casey
Talk about your epic first round battles, this is the key match up in the series.  Iro and Marshall are big and physical, but lack speed.  Casey should be simple enough to deal with, but Cummings will present a different monster to deal with.  How the Crew adjust to compensate could make the difference in this one.

Check out the game tonight on ESPN2 at 9pm ET. 

Major League Soccer End of Season Review

The 2010 MLS season ends today.  A season of new heights for the league has seen exactly what it needed to.  Here we'll review some of the major story lines for the season.

Major Market Teams Flourish
With LA Galaxy controlling their destiny in tonight's game against FC Dallas (a draw will earn them the MLS Supporters Shield), LA has returned to the top the league.  With Landon Donovan, Edson Buddle, and David Beckham leading the way, MLS couldn't be happier with the way LA has dominated for most of the season. 

Meanwhile in the East, the New York Red Bulls sit top of the Eastern Conference heading into the playoffs.  For MLS to succeed in the future, it will need a successful NY club.  The Red Bulls are giving them that and then some with the acquired star power from Thierry Henry and Rafa Marquez.

Chicago had it's struggles this season, but have acquired Frddie Ljungberg and Nery Castillo.  The retirement of Brian McBride hurts, but Chicago is a great club and you can bet they'll be back

Philadelphia went through the growing pains of a first season in MLS, but to come away disappointed with them wouldn't be fair.  They are a young, tough club and they'll contend for the future. 

MLS is still in its infancy, and it needs its major market clubs to lead the way into the next decade.

Pacific Northwest Expansion
Though not involved in the play this season, the Portland Timbers and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC have only added to the great northwestern love fest, joining the Seattle Sounders FC.  This is going to be a great triplet to watch next season.  It started earlier this season when Portland planted its flag on a billboard just walking distance from Quest Field. 

The Year of the Designated Player
As mentioned earlier, the additions of most notably Thierry Henry and Rafa Marquez for New York, along with Nery Castillo (Chicago), Mista (Toronto FC, Blaise N'Kufo (Seattle), Alvaro Fernandez (Seattle), Branko Boskovic (DC United), Geovanni (San Jose), and Omar Bravo (Kansas City) have expanded the leagues reach into the depth of football talent.

Now the league needs to go out and get some good young talent.  MLS should be strong enough to make some headway into the market come next summer.

From the "Where in the hell did he come from" department:
Chris Wondolowski...that is all that needs to be said.  Leads the league with 18 goals this season and unless Edson Buddle scores tonight, he'll finish with the Golden Ball.  What a season he's had and it could culminate with a call up to the January camp with the national team.

Playoff preview coming after tonight's matches.  Have a good one.

Knee Jerk Roster for South Africa

Title says it all.  Here are the 18 guys I see for the South Africa match in November:

GK (2): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Dominic Cervi (Celtic)

DF (6): Jonathan Spector (West Ham United), Eric Lichaj (Aston Villa), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Michael Parkhurst (FC Nordsjaelland), Carlos Bocanegra (Saint Etienne)

MD (7): Maurice Edu (Rangers), Jermaine Jones (Schalke), Stuart Holden (Bolton), Mikkel Diskerud (Stabaek), Alejandro Bedoya (Orebro), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus)

FW (3): Jozy Altidore (Villarreal), Eddie Johnson (Fulham), Conor Doyle (Derby County)

Explanation
Season will have just ended for most MLS teams, save the two teams in the MLS Cup Final.  There is no need for any of the potential guys to have to fly across the world for 3-4 days.  So I expect a Euro heavy roster.  I'd look for a lot of "newer" guys to get a good amount of time.  It's never to early to integrate forwards into the US fold, so Conor Doyle is my outside shot forward.  I like his game and he's getting as much time as Jozy Altidore and Eddie Johnson these days, so why not?  Here is a starting lineup I'd like to see.

---------------------Guzan

Lichaj-----Goodson-----Onyewu-----Bocanegra

---------------Edu----------Jones

Bedoya------------Holden------------Feilhaber

--------------------Altidore

International Break Rewind: Best and Worse of

Apologies for the lack of posts following the Colombia game.  School got hectic.  But we're back at it today with a review of the full international break for the United States. 

First off, let's get a round of applause to Bob Bradley.  He certainly deserves it.   He defected away from the 4-4-2 and the 4-2-2-2 that was his linchpin for the last 2 years.  Against Poland we saw this:

4-2-3-1

-------------------------Howard

Cherundolo-----Onyewu-----Edu-----Bocanegra

---------------Bradley------------Jones

Holden----------------Dempsey--------Feilhaber

-------------------------Altidore


Here was the formation against Colombia:

4-3-3

-----------------------Guzan

Spector-----Goodson-----Onyewu-----Pearce

----------Bradley----Jones-----Edu

Holden--------------Altidore-------------Shea


Have to love the the changes from Bradley for these games.  He tried things out.  I don't think the 4-3-3 worked very well, but that had more to do with Stuart Holden and Brek Shea not really understanding the position as a true wide playing winger.  But seeing something different is always a nice breathe of fresh air.  A lot of people are calling the formation more of a 4-1-4-1, which it did kind of morph into because of the confusion from Holden and Shea.  But the official formation from US Soccer was a 4-3-3 so that's what we'll go with.

Lets talk stand-out individual performances from the two games:

Jermaine Jones- What a revelation he is.  He gives the US midfield a tough tackling, visionary, class central midfielder.  He immediately took responsibility of distribution from Michael Bradley and performed admirably, picking up an assist against Poland.  Really excited about his future.  Gold Cup 2011 will be his official coming out party.

Oguchi Onyewu- He's on his way back.  Still some rust, but you can see the physicality and the intelligence is there.  Just getting time now is his deal.  He may have to suck it up at AC Milan and take a loan somewhere.  The big hoopla about him not talking to the media is way overblown. 

Stuart Holden- Despite the confusion against Colombia, you can see that regular time in the EPL is changing his game for the better.  His vision and set piece delivery are spot on.  His tackling is what has impressed me the most however.

Eric Lichaj- A damn impressive debut for the youngster from Aston Villa.  He looked ready, strong willed, and ready to just try things, as evidenced by his attempted loft over the Colombian defender when he got forward.

Michael Parkhurst- After the debacle that was the Gold Cup 2009 final, Parkhurst reassured the US fans with a strong defensive performance against Colombia in the second half.  Deserving of more call ups.

Now for the sit down performances:

Brek Shea- Yea, yea, it was his first game, with completely unfamiliar players, etc.  However, he didn't even look like a soccer player.  He looked like a fan in a US kit who got lost on the field.  He's one for the future, but his 45 minutes showed little of what he is capable of.

Jozy Altidore- Sure, he scored the opener against Poland, but then failed to connect on goal with at least four other opportunities against Poland and then a stunning no show against Colombia.  His tantrums and carrying-on really need to end.  His yellow card is proof that he still has a lot of growing up to do.

Michael Bradley- Simply put, a terrible two games from Junior.  Everyone is allowed to have bad games, and thank god that Jones was there to clean up for him.  He'll recover.

USA vs Colombia Preview

Tomorrow the United States takes on Colombia at PPL Park in Chester, PA.  Colombia is coming off of a 1-0 win against Ecuador at Red Bull Arena Friday night.  Tonight we'll have a traditional preview of what to expect from the United States in game two of the October opening in the FIFA calender.  We'll also take a look at what formations and guys we'll see this time around from both teams. 

Lets start off with the United States potential line changes.

I expect there to be some significant changes to the US set up here.  We already know that two starters won't even be in uniform.  Carlos Bocanegra and Steve Cherundolo have been sent back to France and Germany respectively so we can expect almost wholesale changes in the backline.  Here's the lineup I see starting.

-----------------------Guzan

Spector-----Goodson-----Onyewu-----Pearce

---------------Bradley------Jones

Holden-------------Dempsey-----------Bedoya

----------------------Altidore

Not exactly a lineup that is blowing my skirt up either.  But the fact is that Bob Bradley is still coach and when last I looked, just about everything he does is pretty predictable.  Sure the Edu at centerback was a bit of a surprise, but not completely out of the picture since Edu did play there during the Olympics and against the Czech Republic in the Send Off Series to the World Cup. 

Whats the lineup that would love to see?

-----------------------Guzan

Spector-----Goodson-----Onyewu-----Pearce

--------Bradley------Jones-------Holden

----------------------Dempsey

---------------Altidore-----Johnson

I'd expect that everyone on the roster gets a cap in this one except Howard.  Of course, maybe Howard starts with the jumbled backline and Guzan comes on after the break.  But I'd really like to see Johnson get the full 90 here, just to see where he is at.  Don't look at my Edu exclusion as a bad thing, I could see he and Jones splitting the 90 here.  Lichaj and Shea also get at least a half in this one as well.  Feilhaber maybe comes on late in this one, and Bedoya as well. Parkhurst probably gets a run out as well, maybe the last 10 minutes or so. 

The three in the midfield give us the advantage over their two, allowing us, potentially to control possession and create numbers up in the final third.  Johnson gives the speed option up top.  Dempsey goes into the playmaker role, which he played so well against Poland.

Lets look at the potential Colombia lineup:
4-4-2, or a 4-2-3-1 depending on how you want to look at it.  This was their lineup against Ecuador, so things can change:

------------------Ospina

Zuniga-----Perea-----Yepes-----Armero

----------Restrepo-----Viafara

Ibaro-------------------------------Ramos

------------Moreno

------------------------Gutierrez

There you have it.  Let's hope for a positive result.  Until then, have a good evening.

USA 2, Poland 2: Game Rewind

Last night, the USA gave a glimpse of what the future could hold for the program, and overall, did not disappoint.  In front of a lively 32,000, the US and Poland drew 2-2 at Soldier Field in Chicago, in a tough fought match that had its fair share of hard challenges and well earned goals.

First lets review the 4-2-3-1 formation that the US used:

--------------------------Howard

Cherundolo-----Onyewu-----Edu-----Bocanegra

--------------------Jones-------Bradley

Holden-----------------Dempsey------Feilhaber

--------------------------Altidore

The chances started just seconds into the match when Benny Feilhaber played a through ball towards Jozy Altidore which was just out of his reach.  The tough challenges started just minutes later when Steve Cherundolo went down under a tough hard challenge in which the offender was lucky not to be booked.  That challenge was the result of a hospital pass from Michael Bradley, who didn't have one of his better nights in a US kit.

Jermaine Jones took just 12 minutes to make his mark in the US midfield and endear himself to the US fans.  Some midfield possession for the US found Jones at midfield who played a left footed floater over the top to an on rushing Altidore, who one touched past a charging Artur Boruc.  His first goal in four months and second in his last 12 matches. 

The early US goal seemed to ignite Poland, who sustained possession and pressure in the US side of midfield for 8 minutes following the goal, which included two Poland shots on target which forced saves from Tim Howard, the second a 1v1 chance where Onyewu got caught out of position and Howard did very well to beat away the shot for a corner.  Just minutes later Howard was forced to make yet another save, three in a span of eleven minutes.

The continued Polish pressure seemed sure to to result in a goal for the visitors and it came in the 30th minute on botched clearance attempts from Stuart Holden, who blasted his clearance straight into the air inside the 18, and Oguchi Onyewu who missed the ensuing header away.  The ball fell to Ludovig Obraniak who fed Adam Matuszczyk at the top of the box who blasted a low shot past Howard.

A flurry of chances to end the half for both sides, which saw Howard forced to make yet another save, and saw Jozy Altidore miss twice times in the final three minutes of the half, one blasted off the crossbar and a free header which he failed to put on frame.

A solid start to the second half for the US immediately paved the way for another go-ahead goal.  This time from a perfectly served corner by Stuart Holden, which found the head of Oguchi Onyewu, who rose triumphantly to power the ball past a helpless Boruc for his sixth international goal and second against Poland in as many matches.

Not six minutes later, the US was presented with a chance to put the game on ice, when a Maurice Edu long ball deceived the Poland backline and Jozy Altidore leaped in behind them but couldn't finish past Boruc, who saved well.

Alejandro Bedoya was brought on for an inefficient and ineffective Benny Feilhaber, but offered little improvement past an earned corner and an earned foul in his half hour on the pitch.  Feilhaber offered his customary vision on several through balls, but none found the mark.

Again, like in the first half after the scoring, the US became complacent yet again, with Poland constantly on the attack and the US conceding four turnovers in a span of six minutes.  Poland then scored on yet another botched US clearance, this time Jermaine Jones, trying to play out of the back, sent a pass towards Dempsey, which was blocked and eventually landed at the feet of Obraniak yet again, who this time found Jakub Blaszczykowski, who lashed a powerful shot past a helpless Howard.

The final 15 minutes led to a bevy of opportunities, mostly for the United States, which included a span in stoppage time which saw a scrum in the Poland penalty area and three US chances go begging, one, another Onyewu header, was cleared off the line.

The final statistics:
United States/Poland
Shots: 17 / 8
Shots on Goal: 5 / 7
Saves: 5 / 3
Corner Kicks: 5 / 3
Fouls: 9 / 14
Offside: 0 / 0
Cautions: 1/2

As the stats show, the US had many more opportunities, but Poland made the best of their lesser chances than did the US, forcing Tim Howard to save five of their 8 shots, scoring twice.  The US only forced 3 saves from 17 shots, with only 5 of those on target.  It's a showing statistic, that while the US is creating chances, they aren't finishing them, or at least, making the keeper save them. 

On the 4-2-3-1 that Bradley deployed, it kind of morphed into a 4-4-2 in defense, but severely lacked the width that most 4-2-3-1 formations offer, with Holden and Feilhaber both more inclined to tuck inside and play through Dempsey, Jones, and Bradley.  Cherundolo's early knock seemed to faze him in the first half, but looked dangerous with at least two crosses that created chances in the Poland area.  Bocanegra will always be better defensively than on offense, but got forward a couple times to try to offer some width.  But overall, it was lacking.

Props to Bob Bradley for getting his best 11 players all on the field at once.

Player Ratings
Tim Howard: (7)- Couldn't do anything about the two allowed goals, but kept the US in the game with five solid saves.  Nothing less should be expected from the 31 year old.

Steve Cherundolo: (7.5)- Took an early knock, but soldiered on and I don't think it's just a coincidence that Poland did most of their attacking on the side that Cherundolo wasn't defending.  His cross to Altidore deserved a better finish.

Oguchi Onyewu: (6)- Onyewu is on his way back, that much is clear, but his first match in 3 and a half months clearly showed there is rust yet to be shed.  That said, his movement looked to have returned, and his aerial dominance is back to its best.  Got stuck in on some solid tackles and scored a well earned goal.

Maurice Edu: (6)- His distribution out of the back was a god send, but you could clearly see that he's not really comfortable in the back, as it's not his natural position.  That being said, he tackled strongly and didn't make any glaring errors.  Deserving of another look in the back,

Carlos Bocanegra: (5.5)- Poland made it clear that it was Bocanegra who they would drive the attack towards, and Bocanegra did his best to bend but not break on the flank against Blaszczykowski.  Whenever he tucked inside, his clearances were spot on like always.

Jermaine Jones: (7.5)- The single knock on Jones in his debut was the botched clearance that led to the second Poland goal.  Otherwise, it's clear that he offers the US midfield a dimension that it has lacked for quite sometime, if it ever had it at all.  His assist to Altidore was sublime.

Michael Bradley: (4)- Poor night for Sweatpants junior, and everyone is entitled to one every now and then.  Bradley was poor in his distribution and I recorded seven turnovers which can be directly linked to him.  Just a poor night overall.  Let's hope he bounces back against Colombia.

Benny Feilhaber: (4.5)- Tried his usual quick passing and through balls, but could never really link up or create chances.  His wild shot just before being substituted summed up his night.  He'll respond.  He does his best work coming off the bench anyway.

Stuart Holden: (7)- His time at Bolton has really made Holden a physical presence in midfield, as he got stuck in and his set piece delivery was spot on all evening long.

Clint Dempsey: (7.5)- Normally, when Dempsey is playing in a US kit, it's a love-hate relationship.  But not this time.  The normally disappearing Clint, who pops up and scores once or twice out of nowhere, was tonight all over the pitch.  Winning balls up top, creating chances, and even forced a couple saves from Boruc.  He wanted to lead the attack and wanted to be the playmaker.  Well done.

Jozy Altidore: (6)- Ohhh where to start here.  Took his goal well, but following that, he had four good chances, two forced saves but could have done better, one was blocked away, and one he blasted off the crossbar.  The goal should do wonders for his confidence, but he could have scored at least two more.

SUBS:

Alejandro Bedoya: (5.5) Was brought on to try and help stretch the field wide, but he contributed little past an earned corner and an earned foul.

Tomorrow brings the USA- Colombia preview.  See you then.

USA 2, Poland 2

The review is coming after the re watch.  Which is taking forever to download, so look for it tonight.  In the meantime.  Enjoy the memories of Jermaine Jones making his first appearance.  He looked solid in my opinion.  

Quick Notes
*Glad to see Jozy and Gooch net.  They are probably two players who need the confidence the most.

*That being said, it's clear to see the rust from both Jozy Altidore and Oguchi Onyewu not playing at top clubs.  If Jozy can just grab a bit more time at second place Villarreal, his touch and finishing will get better.  If Onyewu can grab some minutes here and there at fourth place AC Milan, then the rust will go away quickly.  Reps, reps, reps.  That's the name of the game

*The defense looked shaky.  Probably due to an early knock to Steve Cherundolo, a rusty Onyewu, and Maurice Edu playing out of position.  Carlos Bocanegra was forced to compensate for Edu, who was caught up field a bit on a couple of occasions.  But credit Bob Bradley for finding a way to get his best 11 all on the field at once.

*Michael Bradley and Benny Feilhaber were just off in this one.  Everyone is allowed a poor performance here and there.  I'm just glad it's here and not in next summers Gold Cup.

*We'll get into the tactics tonight, but the lack of width killed the game for the US, where as Poland countered by going wide and dumping balls into the box. 

Stay tuned.....

Colombia Releases Roster

Here is Colombia's roster for October 12 at PPL Park in Chester, PA.  Solid group, but without star Wigan forward Hugo Rodallega and a couple other guys like Abel Aguilar, Freddy Guarin, and Christian Zapata.  But still, a tough, technical squad.  Here it is:

COLOMBIA ROSTER BY POSITION
Goalkeepers (3): Breiner Castillo (Independiente Medellin), Farid Mondragon (Cologne), David Ospina (Nice)
Defenders (7): Pablo Armero (Udinese), Ivan Cordoba (Inter Milan), Aquivaldo Mosquera (America), Luis Amaranto Perea (Atletico Madrid), Juan David Valencia (Independiente Medellin), Mario Yepes (AC Milan), Camilo Zuniga (Napoli)
Midfielders (5): Juan Cuadrado (Udinese), Victor Ibarbo (Atletico Nacional), John Javier Restrepo (Independiente Medellin), John Valencia (Once Caldas), John Viafara (La Equidad)
Forwards (5): Falcao Garcia (Porto), Teofilo Gutierrez (Trabzonspor), Giovani Moreno (Racing Club), Adrian Ramos (Hertha Berlin), Darwin Quintero (Santos Laguna)

Examinations on Formations

                                                  

After fooling around with potential starting line-ups for the US whilst playing FIFA 11, I decided to come in and dedicate a post entirely to the formations for the next match against Poland.

The one I suggested yesterday in the roster release post was this:
(4-3-2-1, the Christmas Tree, or the Death Spear)
--------------------------Howard

Cherundolo-----Goodson-----Onyewu-----Bocanegra

-----------Bradley-------Jones------Edu

Holden----------------------------------------Dempsey

-------------------------Altidore

This formation puts the five most consistent midfielders the US has in Europe, all on the pitch at the same time.  If Bob Bradley would just mingle with the midfield some and get away from his biblical persistence on using the 4-4-2, the US can and will have a world-beater midfield.  The only hiccup here is the fact that Stuart Holden plays centrally for Bolton, and currently leads the Premiership in successful tackles, no small feat.  Does Holden get a look in the middle, where he is settling in nicely with his club?  Or on the flank, where his dangerous right foot can send in crosses for Dempsey and Altidore to rush on to?  Seeing him in the middle would be a different twist, and one that Bob Bradley could well use switch things up during a match, but for the time being, he is needed on the flank.

Bradley, Jones and Edu all boarding up the central midfield creates one helluva barrier to break through.  All three are are out and out box-to-box midfielders with high defensive IQs and solid instincts.  All three can also get involved on offense, as referenced this past week by Bradley's goal against Schalke, Jones' assist against Benfica, and Edu's nearly three goals against Bursaspor.  Those latter two came in the Champions League mind you.

In Cherundolo and Bocanegra, we have outside defenders who are currently leading their teams, early on at least, to stunning seasons.  Cherundolo is captaining 3rd place Hannover in the Bundesliga, and Bocanegra has shored up the left flank of Saint Etienne, who currently sit top of Ligue One.  Cherundolo is dangerous going forward and can deliver some deadly service on the overlap.  Bocanegra isn't exactly as good as he used to be at aiding the attack, but his best attribute is on dead ball situations.

In the center of defense, the always steady Clarence Goodson stands guard against any and everything coming over the top.  Deadly on dead ball situations, as his height surely has its benefits, as two goals against Honduras and an assist against the Czech Republic would show you.  Which leads me to the much maligned Oguchi Onyewu, currently languishing on the bench at AC Milan.  Many people are questioning whether Onyewu, who hasn't played a match since the US took on Slovenia in the World Cup, should start, or even play.  Let me assure you, just because a player isn't playing on a high profile team like AC Milan, doesn't mean he's regressed talent wise.  There isn't a center back, except Onyewu, who could even sniff that roster, and when the guy is on, he's the best defender the US has.  He just needs games, my guess is, he starts both.

This brings us to Jozy Altidore, another much maligned US player who currently finds himself in the 18 at Villarreal, but appears to be only getting good time in the Cup competitions.  He also hasn't scored (outside of Villarreal friendlies) since the Turkey match in May.  That's a dry spell of over 4 months.  His work ethic and practice attitudes are being called into question again, as they were when he first got to Villarreal, and later while on loan at Hull City.  The fact of the matter is, he's still just 20 years old.  He needs time and patience to make it to where the US needs him to be.  Nothing could get that ball rolling quicker than a goal or two over the next two matches.  The match against Poland he is likely to play up top alone, supported by Dempsey and Holden.  Against Colombia, I think Bradley starts him with Grown-Ass-Man Eddie Johnson.

What else could we see next Saturday?
(4-4-2, the Empty Bucket, the Bob Bradley Special)
--------------------------Howard

Cherundolo-----Onyewu-----Bocanegra-----Spector

-------------------Bradley----------Edu

Holden-------------------------------------------Bedoya

-------------------Altidore-------Dempsey


*A bit different, but still the typical empty bucket formation that Bradley loves.  Never rule this one out.  Spector moves to the left to add defensive speed behind Bedoya, whose knocks include questionable defending.  Jones goes to the bench and wait's until the second half to make his cameo.  Dempsey slides up top.

(4-2-3-1, that one we should have used in the World Cup)

--------------------------Howard

Cherundolo-----Goodson-----Onyewu-----Bocanegra

-------------------Bradley--------Edu

Holden------------------Dempsey-----------Feilhaber

---------------------------Altidore

*Put Donovan in for Feilhaber and switch Onyewu with DeMerit, and there is the formation that the US should've used in the World Cup.  It plays to our depth in midfield and helps to pin back the oppositions wing backs from our vulnerable flanks.  I'd put high money on this one being used for the Poland game as well. 

What does everyone think?  Which formations would you use?

Poland and Colombia Roster Released

Couple surprises, but nothing to crazy from Bob Bradley this time, except that this roster does not feature Jonathan Bornstein, Ricardo Clark, or Robbie Findley (praise Jesus).  Here is it:

U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION
GOALKEEPERS (2): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton)
DEFENDERS (8): Carlos Bocanegra (Saint-Étienne), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Eric Lichaj (Aston Villa), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Michael Parkhurst (FC Nordsjaelland), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Alejandro Bedoya (Örebro), Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus), Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers), Jermaine Jones (FC Schalke), Brek Shea (FC Dallas)
FORWARDS (3): Jozy Altidore (Villarreal), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Eddie Johnson (Fulham)

Mostly European roster here as FC Dallas is the only MLS team to contribute players for the camp.  The capless players are Jermaine Jones, Brek Shea, and Eric Lichaj.  Most surprising inclusions?  Has to be Michael Parkhurst and Brek Shea to be sure.  But I'm perfectly alright with both though.  Parkhurst is playing well with FC Nordsjaelland and Brek Shea is turning in a strong performance with FC Dallas so far this season.

Other Notes:

*Really would've liked to see guys like Hunter Freeman, Ryan Miller, Dominic Cervi, and Mikkel Diskerud. 

*Eddie Johnson back in the mix after working hard at Fulham, he's earned it.

*This roster features three guys who are currently on the rosters of Champions League clubs: Maurice Edu (Rangers), Jermaine Jones (Schalke), and Oguchi Oneywu (AC Milan).  The most ever featured on a US roster. 

*Tim Howard and Brad Guzan will probably split the reps here.  Look for Howard against Poland and Guzan against Colombia.

*Pachuca has a match on the 9th, probably the reason why Hurculez Gomez, Jose Torres, and Marco Vidal were left off.

*The FC Dallas duo of Heath Pearce and Brek Shea won't be joining the camp until October 10.

*People seem to be whining about the exclusion of the LA Galaxy contingent of Landon Donovan, Edson Buddle, Omar Gonzalez, and Sean Franklin.  Lets be real here, Donovan has been playing soccer non-stop for over two years, he needs a rest.  Buddle, Gonzalez and Frankin need to concentrate on the MLS playoffs for the Galaxy.  I'd imagine those three get looks in November and/or January.

Poland Roster:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Artur Boruc (AC Fiorentina), Grzegorz Sandomierski (Jagiellonia Białystok), Przemysław Tytoń (Roda JC Kerkrade)

DEFENDERS (7): Kamil Glik (Palermo), Łukasz Mierzejewski (Cracovia Kraków), Dariusz Pietrasiak (Polonia Warszawa), Łukasz Piszczek (Borussia Dortmund), Grzegorz Wojtkowiak (Lech Poznań), Hubert Wołąkiewicz (Lechia Gdańsk), Michał Żewłakow (Ankaragucu)

MIDFIELDERS (8): Jakub Błaszczykowski (Borussia Dortmund), Grzegorz Bonin (Górnik Zabrze), Radosław Majewski (Nottingham Forest), Adam Matuszczyk (1 FC Koeln)

Adrian Mierzejewski (Polonia Warszawa), Rafał Murawski (Rubin Kazań), Ludovic Obraniak (Lille OSC), Bartosz Salamon (US Foggia)

FORWARDS (5): Kamil Grosicki (Jagiellonia Białystok), Ireneusz Jeleń (AJ Auxerre), Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund), Andrzej Niedzielan (Korona Kielce), Euzebiusz Smolarek (Polonia Warszawa)

Pretty much the full team from Poland, good to see.  It will be a good test for the US, but the last time the two teams met, it was 2008, in Krakow, Poland, which the US won 3-0 on goals from Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu, and Eddie Lewis.  Before that, it was a 1-0 win for the US in the snow in Kaiserslautern, Germany through Clint Dempsey.  

Here's a shot at the starting 11 for the match:

(4-2-3-1)

--------------------------Howard

Cherundolo-----Goodson-----Onyewu-----Bocanegra

---------------Bradley---Jones---Edu

Holden---------------------------------------Dempsey

--------------------------Altidore

Who's earned it?

In 10 days the United States will play Poland at Soldier Field in Chicago.  Next week, camp starts, probably on Tuesday or Wednesday.  The roster will be out sometime soon.  Today, NP takes a shot and suggests who deserves a shot:

Goalkeepers (2): Brad Guzan, Dominic Cervi 
Possibles: Tim Howard, Sean Johnson

Simple enough here, no need for Tim Howard to come overseas with Everton struggling mightily early in the season.  Brad Guzan needs the reps since he's still riding pine behind US legend Brad Friedel at Aston Villa.  Dominic Cervi is currently the back up at Celtic is 24 and could well be in the picture for the next 4 years.  He deserves his shot.  There's a chance that Tim Howard does come across the pond, and perhaps the Chicago Fire's Sean Johnson gets his first of what would seem to be many call ups to the national team.

Defenders (7): Steve Cherundolo, Eric Lichaj, Jonathan Spector, Oguchi Onyewu, Clarence Goodson, Carlos Bocanegra, Hunter Freeman
Possibles: Jay DeMerit, Omar Gonzalez, Sean Franklin, Kevin Alston, Ryan Miller, Jonathan Bornstein, Edgar Castillo


Pretty straight forward group, Eric Lichaj (Aston Villa) and Hunter Freeman (IK Start) get their first senior team call ups.  The war veterans (Cherundolo, Bocanegra, and Onyewu) come in for a look as Cherundolo is captaining Hannover to their best season in a long time and Bocanegra is helping St. Etienne hang on to the top spot in France.  DeMerit is clubless, but may get a callup due his hometown being...Chicago.  The LA Galaxy don't have a match during the international break, so Gonzalez and Franklin could get a call, both have certainly earned it.  I'm really hoping we don't see Bornstein. 


Midfielders (8): Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, Maurice Edu, Benny Feilhaber, Landon Donovan, Mikkel Diskerud, Alejandro Bedoya, Stuart Holden
Possibles: Sacha Kljestan, Ricardo Clark, DaMarcus Beasley, Jose Torres, Marco Vidal, Jared Jeffery


All the usual faces for the midfield.  Mikkel Diskerud (Stabaek) and Jermaine Jones(Schalke) look to get their first caps.  Ale Bedoya gets another run out after a less-than-impressive performance against Brazil.  I'll be really interested in seeing how the field gets run out for these two games.  Here's to hoping for a 4-2-3-1


Forwards: Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, Hurculez Gomez, Edson Buddle, Eddie Johnson
Possibles: Conor Doyle, Justin Braun, Brian McBride


Clint is getting all of his time up top this season at Fulham, so he comes in for that same stint with the Nats.  Jozy Altidore needs games and he's not getting them in Spain.  Eddie Johnson has played more this season with Fulham since he got there in 2008.  He gets the call.  Chivas luck-boy Justin Braun may get a call here as well, but all of his goals are just that...lucky, he gets a January call, but not with the big boys.  McBride could get a call here as well, since he is retiring from professional soccer at the end of the season, a sending off from the Nats in his town would only be fitting. 

Sunil Gulati Under Attack...Finally

Juergen Klinsmann has let slip the dogs of war...and Sunil Gulati is cowering behind closed doors and the bland "no comment" response.  In an interview during the recent Kansas City- Chivas USA game, Klinsmann's comments about why talks broke down incited rage and hysteria amongst the fans and media.  Here is some further reading on the matter:

Ives Galarcep at Fox Soccer
Jeff Carlisle at ESPN Soccernet
Ryan Rosenblatt at All Things Footy
Jason Davis at Match Fit USA
Richard Snowden at Soccer365
Grant Wahl at Sports Illustrated

If you read those, you will see, and hopefully agree, that Sunil Gulati isn't the President of the USSF much longer.  It's a sad and pathetic veil of secrecy that Gulati is hiding behind.  US Soccer needs some transparency, and Gulati and the USSF are becoming as corrupt and misleading as FIFA and CONCACAF.

Jurgen Rattles the Saber

As has been reported over at The Shin Guardian, Jurgen Klinsmann stated in an interview during last nights Kansas City-Chivas USA match, that US head honcho Sunil Gulati did contact him about the "vacant" US coaching position.  But ultimately the sticking point was Gulati's refusal to allow Klinsmann control of the "technical staff" within US Soccer.  Fishy says I, abomination says most everyone else. 

It does seem a bit immature that the parties involved couldn't agree to such a small thing such as control of the staff.  Do I think that Klinsy would come and immediately clean house?  No, not at all.  Thomas Rongen and Claudio Reyna are doing great thus far and Klinsmann probably just wanted to be able to advise those two on the methods and madness of each.

Something to keep an eye for any future interview with Gulati, though we all know that it's unlikely that Gulati comments on it. 

MLS Reserve League at TSG

Here is a link to my latest piece from a few days ago, over at The Shin Guardian.  It's on the impending return of the MLS Reserve League.

http://theshinguardian.com/2010/09/15/mls-reserve-league-a-test-of-league-strength/

An observation on Kentucky Youth Soccer

After spending this past spring as an assistant coach with the Lexington FC U-15 Boys Classic team, I was introduced to the wide world of competitive youth soccer.  Despite the lack of a major professional soccer club in close proximity to the state, and only decent college programs, Kentucky's youth clubs are commonly crowned champions of various youth competitions.  When I was with the LFC U-15 boys, we went undefeated until the final regular season game of the year, winning three first place trophies along the way, one at the United Cup in Louisville, KY, one at the Mid-American Soccer Classic in Cincinnati, OH, and one at the Bluegrass Invitational in Lexington, KY.  Throughout the season I began to regret never getting involved in the competitive game before middle school.  These players, at ages 14-15, were much better than my varsity high school team in Paducah, KY.

Clubs like Lexington FC, Javanon (Louisville), United FC (Louisville), and Paducah Storm FC all consistently find themselves performing well around the country.  

Going along with this, I will try and update on the state of Kentucky Youth Soccer in the future. 

The American Soccer Youth Movement

 With the transfer window coming to an unemphatic ending yesterday, at least as far as Yanks are concerned, and the Bob Bradley/USSF re-up complete, it is now time to wave goodbye to the old and exchange pleasantries with the new.

I'm of course talking about the time of removing the war veterans and incompetent:
RB Steve Cherundolo
CB Carlos Bocanegra
CB Jay DeMerit
LB Jonathan Bornstein
CM Ricardo Clark
FW Robbie Findley

Sure, the first four on that list have a lifeline probably through the 2011 Gold Cup at least, and perhaps after they're still at the top of their game (this also means I'm really hoping that Bornstein has a Renaissance while in Mexico, because we need the depth).  Ricardo Clark is quickly being crowded out by the depth already in central midfield (Bradley, Jones, Edu, Feilhaber, Torres,).  Robbie Findley couldn't score at a Paris Hilton sleepover party.  Now, in to replace those guys:
CB Omar Gonzalez- Age 21, LA Galaxy
CB Gale Agbossoumonde- Age 18, Sporting Braga
RB/LB Eric Lichaj- Age 21, Aston Villa
RB Daniel Williams- Age 21, SC Freiburg (Pictured Below, bottom)
LB Edgar Castillo- Age 23, San Luis
CM Jermaine Jones- Age 28, Schalke 04
CM Mikkel Diskerud- Age 19, Stabaek
FW Conor Doyle- Age 18, Derby County (Pictured Below, top)
FW Danny Mwanga- Age 19, Philadelphia Union
FW Sebastien Le Toux- Age 26, Philadelphia Union
FW Yevgeni Starikov- Age 21, Zenit St. Petersburg (Pictured Above)

 The idea is simple:  Get these guys involved sooner rather than later.  The United States needs to explore its youth, because come 2014, the old horses like Cherundolo, Bocanegra, and DeMerit will all be at least 34 years old.  Top class teams around the world such as Brazil (which we experienced first hand last month), Argentina, Germany, and hell, even England, are calling up youth in batches to get them acquainted with the international game.  Why can't the US do the same thing?  Bob Bradley's reliance on the old guard and favorites is well known and documented, but recently he has been catching on to what the rest of the world is up to, by calling in guys like Alejandro Bedoya and Omar Gonzalez.  Sure there's always kinks to be worked out, but the wealth of experience gained is well worth it.  Am I saying we should start relying on guys who can't legally buy a beer yet?  Not at all.  But get 'em in the mix.  Throw 'em in to the fire, ala Gonzalez vs Brazil and Bedoya vs. Netherlands. 

Stories of guys like Conor Doyle, Yevgeni Starikov, and Daniel Williams are becoming more and more common place, which shows the US is developing depth.  What would've been amazing 20 years ago, is now being approached with a more of a "lets see what he can do" attitude.  Well, these kids have made it, and its time to try and take advantage of that.

Transfer bus is now leaving the terminal...

As the bell time approaches on this latest transfer window, let's catch you up with the latest from Americans Abroad:

According to Freddy Adu's twitter, he's staying at Aris...what kind of time he gets remains to be seen.

Benny Feilhaber will likely not be moving in this transfer window, bad for Benny, guess we wont see him called up for a while, even if he does play every game for them, how much better is he going to get in the Danish second league?

QPR signed a forward from Derby County, so Eddie Johnson's potential loan there is pretty much out. However, this opens up more time for 18 year old Conor Doyle, who started Derby's last match. Impressive much?

Still waiting on news about Jay DeMerit, who is still in England, so I'd guess probably a bottom feeder EPL side (West Ham or Newcastle?) or a decent Championship side. Crystal Palace, Leeds, and Sheffield United have all been rumored in the past.
 
Clarence Goodson had a bid from Belgian runners-up last season K.A.A. Gent rejected by his current Norwegian club IK Start.  Gent still has time to renegociate, but they must do so quickly.  Goodson also rejected a move to FC Kaiserslautern earlier in the transfer window and there was some reported interest from current Danish Superliga champions FC Copenhagen. 
 
Rumors of Jozy Altidore's potential loan move to La Liga bottomfeeders Levante seem to have fizzled out.  Wouldn't have been a good move anyway in my opinion.
 
More to follow as it becomes available...

Bob Bradley and USSF Re-up through 2014

It took 65 days, but Bob Bradley's future is certain.  His contract has been extended until December 2014.  This is eliciting an uproar from the casual to the most hardcore if US Soccer supporters, who wanted to see, if not a big, sexy name, at least a willingness from Sunil Gulati to try something different, ala Juergen Klinsmann.  But as per usual, US Soccer has chosen the safe, the known, and the tested. 

My initial reaction is vile hatred.  Not at Bob Bradley, but at the spineless Sunil Gulati and the USSF.

Bob Bradley though, has his merits:

2007 Gold Cup- Champions
2009 Confederations Cup- Runners-up
World Cup Qualifying- 1st place
World Cup Group- 1st place

Bob Bradley's shortcomings come in his in-game tactics and line-up choices.  Players like Jonathan Bornstein, Ricardo Clark, and Robbie Findley continue to get calls, when they've all shown time and again that they simply cannot cut it on the international level.  If Bradley can stop being a homer, with these three especially, I'll be a much happier camper, but until I see the roster for the upcoming matches against Poland and Columbia, I'll be bitter.

Transfer News Ahoy

DaMarcus Beasley has a new home in Germany.  News broke about an hour ago that Beasley has linked up with fellow countryman and captain Steve Cherundolo at Hannover 96 in the Bundesliga.  Beasley was brought in to replace Carlitos, who suffered an ACL tear and will likely miss most of the season.  The oft injured Beasley moves to a less physical league, but encounters a tougher and deeper league.  The fact that Beasley was brought in to replace a starter means that he'll have a good chance at grabbing the starting role as soon as he is introduced.  I like the move, he faces a good chance at a good amount of playing time and can get back in the mix in the US pool moving forward.  Plus with the team captain behind him, he won't be short of support or confidence. 

USA 0, Brazil 2: Picking up the Pieces

Thank god this match didn't mean much, because past that, the US has few things to be proud of.  Sure, there were some small victories for the Yanks, such as the performances from Omar Gonzalez, Jonathan Spector, and Brad Guzan, who showed that they should be well in the picture for the next four years.

But Brazil's young, fast, and immensely talented squad reintroduced the "Joga Bonito" style back into the side, and Mano Menezes' side impressed after only one training session. 

The US, after a successful stint at the World Cup, dropped an egg on its home soil.  No player ratings this time.  But the three guys I mentioned earlier all played well enough to earn accolades.

What's coming next?  Steve Goff reports that a October 9 friendly against Poland in Chicago is nearly done, and then three days later the US will probably play Columbia, in Florida or the NYC area.

Bob Bradley to Aston Villa? Validity abounds...

With yesterday's sudden resigning of Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill, rumors were sure to abound with hints and whispers of Bob Bradley taking over.  I expected it with the Fulham managerial search, but didn't report on it because it really didn't make sense.  But this one has a bit more validity to it when it comes down to it.  In a statement, Bob Bradley said

"I have said over and over as well that I am always excited about new and different challenges.  Certainly coaching in Europe at some point is something that I would love to do."

Villa's AMERICAN owner Randy Lerner you can bet has dialed up Bradley, his representation (if he has any), and the United States Soccer Federation.

Aston Villa also features three Americans on its books (Brad Freidel, Brad Guzan, and Eric Lichaj), and also boasts a wealth of English talent including Three Lions internationals Luke Young, Steve Sidwell, Gabriel Agbonlahor, James Milner, Ashley Young, Emile Heskey, and Steven Warnock.

I'm not sure it would be the best place for Bob Bradley to take over, considering their recent success and the high expectations that will come with that.  Also with Villa's EPL season beginning in just four days against West Ham United, things are going to have to move quite fast.  But Bradley's unwillingness to close the door on the move suggests that this is for real.

If Bradley is set to be unveiled for Villa expect an announcement Wednesday at the earliest.  This will allow Bradley and the USSF to concentrate on the Brazil match and also time for the USSF to lineup some replacements (Jurgen Klinsmann cough).  ESPN and Sky Sports both have Bradley labeled has having the lead for the position, and those are two of the more credible sources out there, not that that is saying much, but its better than MLS Rumors and Tribal Football.

Only time will tell, and so we wait.

USA vs Brazil Preview

Not a typical preview today.  This will be the fourth match-up between the two sides since September 2007, when Brazil won 4-2 in Chicago.  The other two match-ups were at last summers Confederations Cup where the US fell 3-0 in the group stages, but then held Brazil on the ropes for 45 minutes in the final game and succumbed 3-2.  Both teams bring experienced but exciting squads to camp but both only had one training session together.  MLSnet.com reported this as Brazil's first team choice in training:

-------------------------Victor

Rafael-----David Luiz-----Thiago Silva-----Daniel Alves

-----------------Ramires-----Lucas--------

Neymar----------------Ganso------------------Robinho

--------------------------Pato

That's a pretty intimidating front line.  Amazing that this is primarily their second team.  This lineup suggests a redirection in Brazilian football, back to their old "samba" style.  Neymar, Ganso, Rafael, and Pato are part of the youth movement that Brazil is sure to bring back in to the side which featured several aging veterans under former manager Dunga.  But Mano Menezes is instilling a side which is sure to feature more flashy players but who can still get the job done.

As for the United States, I reckon this could be the end/or close to the end of the Bob Bradley era.  One last go in front of the home fans.  At least, that's what I would like to see.  As far as a lineup goes, here is who I believe Bob Bradley will go with.

--------------------------Howard

Cherundolo-----Goodson-----Bocanegra-----Bornstein

-------------------Bradley---------Edu

Donovan----------------------------------------Feilhaber

-------------------Altidore-------Buddle

A dangerous but conservative lineup that gives the US the best chance to do damage against a young Brazilian back four.

Ticket sales have surpassed the 65,000 mark, so the stadium should be rocking and could come close to the capacity of 82,566. 

More information will be posted as it becomes available.

Part Four: Applying a Formation

If you've been following along, in parts one-three we: Found the weaknesses, offered solutions to fix the weaknesses, and identified the strengths.  Now we will apply a formation that best suits the United States.

First let's name the starting 11:

GK: Tim Howard
RB: Steve Cherundolo
RCB: Jay DeMerit
LCB: Oguchi Onyewu
LB: Carlos Bocanegra
CDM: Jermaine Jones
CM: Michael Bradley
CM: Maurice Edu
RW: Landon Donovan
CF: Clint Dempsey
ST: Jozy Altidore

Remember, I discussed the possibility of using the "unbalanced" formation in an earlier post.  Several teams used unbalanced formations during the World Cup, including Brazil.  So here is how it would look:

--------------------------Howard

Cherundolo-----DeMerit-----Onyewu-----Bocanegra

---------------------------Jones

--------------Edu----------------------Bradley

--------------Dempsey------------------------Donovan

----------------------------------Altidore

Awkward looking, I know.  But it defends the left flank while providing proper compensation across the board.  Check lists are parts one-three.  This is temporary while Charlie Davies continues to recover in France.  When he comes back, assuming he is as good as he was before, then obviously we switch back to the 4-4-2 that we used to beat Spain and there after.  What say you?

Tactics Part Three: Identifying the Strengths

In parts one and two we identified the weaknesses and offered solutions for them.  Now we find the strengths:

Goalkeeping
Though Tim Howard will tell you he should have done better on both of Ghana's goals, both were created by mistakes in defense or midfield.  Howard is undeniably one of the best goalkeepers the US has ever produced, and that really is saying something.  Howard's leadership from the back and control give the US defenders comfort and confidence.  Even behind Howard, a wealth of talent awaits in Brad Guzan, who very well could dethrone Howard come 2014.

Depth in Midfield
Think about it, all nine midfielders who made it to the 2010 World Cup could and probably should be in the running for 2014.  The addition of some new faces (Jermaine Jones), potential talents (Sacha Kljestan, Freddy Adu), and youngsters (Mikkel Diskerud, Luis Gil, etc) and the US has a good problem going into the 2014 cycle.  If guys like Ricardo Clark, Stuart Holden, Benny Feilhaber, and DaMarcus Beasley can find a good amount of playing time over the next four years, the US will be in great shape.

Set Pieces
Lets face it, with Landon Donovan able serve a ball on a silver platter, Clint Dempsey and Jose Torres able to blast mean free kicks, and Onyewu and company waiting in the middle, its only a matter of if and not when the US scores from them. 

Counterattacks
This needs no explanation.  See goals from Spain, Brazil, and Algeria matches

Part Four coming tonight or tomorrow...

Tactics Part Two: Solutions

In Part One we discussed the weak links in the US formation.  This time we find out how to properly fix them.  Go.

We can begin by knocking out two birds with one stone:  The lack of speed in central defense and the lack of a true midfield "destroyer".

Solution
Jermaine Jones.  Jones, before his injury was rated as one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga.  He is the prototypical center defensive mid.  He has the agility, awareness, and reactions necessary to slow down or even thwart attacks all by his lonesome.  This will allow for his midfield partner(s), lets say Maurice Edu and Michael Bradley to concentrate on possession, distribution, and support of the forwards and wingers.

Lack of a solid left back option.

Solution
Until the baptizing of Edgar Castillo, Daniel Williams, and/or Eric Lichaj we will be stuck with the aging Carlos Bocanegra, the inconsistent Heath Pearce, or the incompetent Jonathan Bornstein.  The aforementioned three likely won't see pitch time for the Yanks at least until the Gold Cup.  Until then, we do exactly what Bradley did the first time, with a slight twist.  Play Landon Donovan on the left flank, and Jozy Altidore just in front of him but more concentrated on the left side and bring Clint Dempsey a bit more centrally, almost as a center attacking mid.  In this "unbalanced" formation it places a great deal more pressure on the opposing right sided midfielders and defenders to stay at home, taking pressure away from the vulnerable left flank.  Of course this invites a flurry of attacks from the other flank, but we have more capable defenders on that side in Steve Cherundolo and  Jonathan Spector.

Lack of two solid options at forward.

Solution
Don't play two forwards!!  Seems simple right?  Let me explain.  Altidore is not a physical, hold-it-up style of forward.  We'd love him to be, but he's not.  What Jozy is adept at is running at defenders with pace, beating them, and going to goal or receiving a pass and attacking 1v1 (see Algeria goal).  Until the return of a healthy Charlie Davies, and at this point its anyone's guess as to the manner of his return, the United States doesn't have two viable, class options at forward.  We have Altidore.  So play him, in an advanced left striker role just in front Landon Donovan.  Support him with a roaming Dempsey and central midfielders in Edu and Bradley.  Donovan's speed on the flank and Dempsey's class in front of goal should allow Jozy to have one centerback all to himself. 

Part three will be coming later tonight. 

Night Owl Tactics Part One: Identifying the Weaknesses

4:11am here and no rest for the wicked.  I just finished watching the USA- Algeria match, and realized that this game is a perfect example of why the traditional 4-4-2 so widely used by Bob Bradley over the last three and a half years does not play to the United States strengths.

During this four-part series, I will:

Part One: Analyze the Weaknesses
Part Two: Offer Solutions to the Problems
Part Three: Find the Strengths
Part Four: Apply a Formation that Applies to Part's One-Three


The 4-4-2 under Bob Bradley simply put, blankets our weaknesses.  Now, there is a lot to be said for Coach Sweatpants' realization of the USA's weaknesses and bolstering them, but it leaves our midfield and attackers without the necessary support to properly and dangerously construct attacks.  First of all lets identify the weaknesses and Bob Bradley's stop-gap for them:

Lack of Speed in Central Defense
Lets look at our centerbacks from the World Cup roster; Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra, Jay DeMerit, and Clarence Goodson.  First thing that comes to mind is size, strength, and aerial ability.  However, what they boast in height and physicality they lack in speed and acceleration.  Jay DeMerit, the 1v1 specialist in the middle, is probably the quickest of the centerbacks, but he is more akin to sucking the attacker in and forcing an error.  Bob Bradley compensates for this by normally dropping two deep central midfielders just in front of the centerbacks.  This allows four players to cut down the space for the oppositions two strikers, but on a quick release and counterattack, both central midfielders are caught well behind, usually from having to defend on the top of their box.

Lack of a Solid Left Back Option
Not picking on Bornstein alone this time.  Carlos Bocanegra, Heath Pearce, DaMarcus Beasley and the aforementioned Bornstein all have had their shots over the last cycle, and none have impressed to the point that they were automatically penciled in as starters on the left side.  In the Confederations Cup Bob Bradley used the speed of Landon Donovan and Charlie Davies on the left flank to keep opposing midfielders and ambitious, forward-coming defenders honest.  A good strategy to be sure, but the Davies injury scuttled any chance of that becoming a permanent fixture in the US' strategy.  At the World Cup Bornstein acquitted himself decently enough to not to be noticed too much, especially against Algeria, but against Ghana he dropped off to his usual unreliable self.  And with Dempsey stationed on the left, that offered Bornstein little aid and was pretty much left to fend for his own.  Though both Ghana goals came down the middle, many attacks were generated from the Bornstein defended left flank.

Lack of a True "Destroyer" in Central Midfield
Until the arrival of Jermaine Jones, which who knows when that will be with the latest fiasco, the US will have to deal with using Michael Bradley and/or Maurice Edu in tandem as a "destroying duo/box-to-box" midfielders.  Depending on the opponent sometimes both are necessary to completely thwart opposing attacks.  Then they must decide who will be the one to break up-field and support the attack, again depending on the opponent, sometimes both move ahead.  Bob Bradley finally realized his mistake of playing Ricardo Clark, the closest thing we have to a true "destroyer", who has actually made an appearance.  But he's sloppy in his tackles, slow in his reactions, and poor in possession.  Bob Bradley's solution, was to use the two deep lying central midfielders, deleting a potential attacker in the process.  Bradley and Edu are more box-to-box midfielders, not central defending midfielders.

Lack of Two Solid Options at Forward
For some reason, Bob Bradley continued to trot out Jozy Altidore and Robbie Findley in the World Cup.  Hoping that Davies Lite would produce like Davies is a bit to much to ask.  Sure the idea is that the speed opened up by Findley's running would provide Altidore with the proper space to work with, since Jozy is not a prototypical hold-up forward.  The reason Altidore performed so well during the Confederations Cup, at least for the last three matches, was because Davies knew what runs were dangerous, how to draw defenders' attentions with his speed, and he knew what was expected.  Findley's runs seemed almost aimless at times during the World Cup.  This is a problem that Bob did not address.  Hurculez Gomez does his best work coming off the bench and Edson Buddle is a 90-minute forward, not one whom much can be expected of if only given the chance to play only 20 minutes.

END PART ONE

I'll be back tomorrow with Part Two.