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The U.S. men's national team has one match remaining in the Confederations Cup, one last match for players to prove themselves, one last chance for Bob Bradley to test his squad against stiff international competition outside of World Cup qualifying.
While the United States is still technically alive for a place in the semifinals, for all practical purposes the Americans are playing for pride, which means Bradley just might be willing to give chances to some players who have yet to get them in this tournament.
With that in mind, here is a look at the starting lineup we could see for the USA on Sunday vs. Egypt (2:55pm, ESPN2):
Projected USA lineup vs. Egypt
———-Altidore——-Donovan————-
—-Torres——————–Feilhaber——–
—————-Clark—-Bradley—————-
Bocanegra—Onyewu—DeMerit——Spector
——————–Howard———————
As you can see, I'm convinced that Clint Dempsey won't play in this game. Now, if he does, you can slide him into Feilhaber's spot, leaving Feilhaber to compete with Clark for a spot alongside Michael Bradley. I am also convinced that Bradley will use either Torres or Adu in this game, with Torres getting the nod for me. Now, if Bob Bradley decides to leave Torres and Adu on the bench AGAIN, I would imagine that we will see Donovan and Dempsey in midfield with either Conor Casey or Charlie Davies up top alongside Altidore. Who won't we see? Beasley or Kljestan (who is out with a red card) (and if we do see Beasley, Bradley will have some serious explaining to do).
What starting lineup would I like to see vs. Egypt? Here's the squad:
————Altidore——-Davies————-
——————-Donovan———————
——-Torres——————-Feilhaber—–
——————–Bradley———————
Bocanegra—Onyewu—DeMerit——Spector
——————–Howard———————
Charlie Davies is probably the longest shot of these players to get a start, but I would like to see him paired up with Altidore. Donovan has been doing plenty of running as a second forward, but I would be interested to see him in a playmaking role with Davies up top to help create some space. I have Carlos Bocanegra at left back, but would just as soon welcome Bornstein at left back and Bocanegra in as a central defender. Having Bocanegra on the left here has more to do with wanting to see the Bocanegra-Onyewu-DeMerit trio together in a game than anything against Bornstein (who I have been higher on than most in this tournament). And for you "Feilhaber can't play the wing folks" this is a diamond midfield, which would havfe Feilhaber in a more central role than wing role. Yes, I know, Bradley hasn't really used the diamond but it's what I would like to see with the current group and against Egypt.
So what would a starting lineup with Torres AND Adu look like? Here's the lineup, which apparently 60 percent of SBI readers are hoping to see:
———————Altidore———————–
——————Adu——-Donovan————–
———Torres——-Bradley——Feilhaber—-
Bornstein—Bocanegra—–Onyewu—Spector
————————Howard———————
If you're saying "Bradley would never play this formation" that is not true. He used it vs. Cuba in last year's home qualifying win. While Altidore isn't the type of target striker you'd prefer in this formation, it does put Adu and Torres on the field together. Torres isn't nearly the defensive liablity that Adu is and actually looked sharp in this exact role vs. Cuba. Bradley could go with Ricardo Clark instead of Feilhaber to give the team more defensive bite, but I think Feilhaber showed enough late vs. Brazil to merit another look.
Now it's your turn. Which starting lineup would you like to see the U.S. national team use vs. Egypt? Which of the above lineups do you like the most? Are you hoping to see Torres play? Or would you prefer Adu?
Share your thoughts below.
No point to saying Player X sucks / he should never see USMNT again UNLESS THERE IS SOMEONE BETTER:
Beasley has looked terrible — Torres (in limited time) has looked better. Easy call.
Bornstein has been worlds better than the Beasley-at-LB debacle and has been a little better than Pearce. LB is not going to be a strength of this team anytime soon, but JB has won the spot for now.
Really, line-up doesn’t matter so much. What is important:
1. Stop giving up goals in first 10 minutes.
2. Stop giving up goals off soft turnovers that give us no good opportunity to defend.
3. Do not get red cards.
4. Do not get out-worked.
And for some bonus points:
5. Have someone do well with free kick opportunities.
6. Score from the run of play.
If some of these things can be achieved — good news. If not — bad news. Regardless of which guys play.
When I look at this team and see all our call ups, I can’t help but think if we had just sent the Houston Dynamo or DC United, etc and supplemented them with players for their interntionals, we would have made a better showing than this.
Posted by: Avid US fan
^^^^This gets a big thumbs up from me. At least we would be playing like a team.
The poll below says 59% say start Torres and Adu. I totally agree. The argument against is defensive liabilities???? We already have given up 6 goals in 2 games and actually I think our defense has been decent. Bornstein and Spector were given shots and I think they have been very good. Give Torres and Adu a chance maybe they can actually keep possession, push the offense, run and work hard and take the pressure off the backline. The sad thing is that if we do start a new lineup Sunday and they do well, even get a win, they won’t get the credit, because Bradley’s first 2 game lineups has made this basically a meaningless friendly.
We should put out the starting lineup for the New York Red Bulls. They’d have more spirit and focus than our current USMNT squad.
Do I sound bitter? I am. If this keeps up, my wife is probably going to try to get me on prozac . . . .
CG:
and before I go all “Adu-hater” on you, I’d be OK with him seeing time in this game, as well as Torres. That’s a bit new for me. I think it’s crazy how much people have been clamoring for Adu (to borrow from you – based on what?). Four different professional coaches aren’t all wrong. Adu has a lot of work to do.
Anyone who thinks the answer is throwing caution to the wind and going on an all-out attack is nuts. The Brazil game would feel like a bubble bath if we did that. Do the results of this tournament figure into the equation for seeding at future World Cups?
Here is my take…..your full of it……..and you have no perspective….Adu was played by 2 and then not played by 2 in Europe(and lets not forget he was 18-19 years old.how many 18 year olds get minutes like he did for a Champions League club?)…….
Also what you forget is the Coaches who did not play Adu…..GOT FIRED. So they were terrible with their role to begin with.
Perspective with Adu is key.
Like the idea of line up with players that are offensive minded. Might as well go for. A win and 3+ goals and who knows, the USA MIGHT make it to the Semi-final round against Spain.
Ummmm, for one, i think Bornstein did well against italy and brazil, although maybe he’s not quite ready for the big times, he did help alot and eased up our problem at LB a little bit, Bornstein did well and i think he should be our left back starting, during qualifying too
If he can shut down Camoranesi, then he’s alright in my book
But Harry, Adu is 26 not 20 😉
I’d go with this one of Ives,
————Altidore——-Davies————-
——————-Donovan———————
——-Torres——————-Feilhaber—–
——————–Bradley———————
Bocanegra—Onyewu—DeMerit——Spector
——————–Howard———————
With Adu first off the bench at half for any of the 5 attacking players that is lacking. he could fit in anywhere up there.
Eric Griesheimer, Who cares if Adu has not getten much playing time in the last 2 years………..To have some perspective at exactly this age just turning 20 years old..Freddy Adu and Micheal Bradley had about the same amount of League Appearences. Bradley 21 league appearences with a low Dutch leage team and Freddy with 20(or maybe more) league appearences with a Champions League team and Mid-table French Team…….But that did not stop Michael Braldey form getting callups and 90- minute starts in the early 2007 friendlies and 2007 Gold Cup..should we have not given MB those chances??? thats what your implying with your statement about Adu…being a reserve for a Champions League club is harder than a reserve for a low dutch team at 18-19 years old
Perspective about Adu is Key.
I just love how people say that Adu is a “huge” defensive liability still. Based off of what? His recent national team play?
Posted by: Dave | June 19, 2009 at 12:24 PM
DING DING DING
… and before I go all “Adu-hater” on you, I’d be OK with him seeing time in this game, as well as Torres. That’s a bit new for me. I think it’s crazy how much people have been clamoring for Adu (to borrow from you – based on what?). Four different professional coaches aren’t all wrong. Adu has a lot of work to do.
Anyone who thinks the answer is throwing caution to the wind and going on an all-out attack is nuts. The Brazil game would feel like a bubble bath if we did that. Do the results of this tournament figure into the equation for seeding at future World Cups?
Bradley takes a lot of heat, but it is possible that our players just don’t match up… regardless of who is coaching. It’s still a player’s game.
Frankly, it really doesn’t matter.
BB should be fired and a rethink and retooling is in order if we hope to be in anyway competative with the major powers.
The quality of play in CONCACAF is really far below UEFA and being a big fish in a small pond does us no favors. Tournaments like this expose just how far we have to go to really compet with the big boys.
But we knew that already. What bothers me is that the effort and determination to win was absent. Even though we make not be as technical, we do have some excellent athletes who should be able to keep the game close and grind out some results.
The current crop of players on the National Team have egos and not much else. Dempsey is a poster boy for someone who seems to believe he’s better than he is and that he doesn’t need to work to either get on the team or to start.
Where is the fire, the passion and the grit on this team?
I’ll throw in my 2 cents
Altidore——-Donovan———-Davies
Adu——Clark——–Failhaber——-Torres
Bornstein——–Gooch————Spector
Howard
Angel:
————-Altidore————
————–Donovan—————–
——-Torres————–Adu———-
——Feilhaber——Bradley—–
Boca/borns/Pierce—-DeMerit—-Ouchie—–Spector
———-/Howard/Robles/Guzan———–
I like this Lineup…Although i would switch Donovan with Adu..put Adu as the SS and Donovan as the RM. Because as Ives pointed out for some reason..”Adu is a defensive liabilty” Although vs SPain he was our best Defense cuz he held the ball for us and created when he was on offense..(lOl).
I heard John Harkes say yesterday 80% of Donovan’s goals for the U.S. have come from PK’s. That tells me two things: (1) he’s not an outright forward, which I’m sure everyone knows, so he shouldn’t be up top as a forward, (2)he needs to attack the goal more and shoot more rather than dump off passes or feed other players. His preferred position is as a “withdrawn” forward sitting behind the forwards. So that could be good a place for him. He’s also showed he can play on the wings. He’s probably the best left midfield option we have which says how sorry our left midfielders are.
Dempsey is not a forward. He doesn’t need to be up top and he doesn’t need to be on the field. I still think Steve Ralston is our best right wing option despite his age.
I’m not a big fan of Adu starting yet, but what the hell, I’ll concede that it can’t hurt to give the kid a chance even if it’s bringing him off the bench. He can’t do any worse than the other players at this point.
I like Torres. I think he’s shown he can play at this level. After all the chances DMB, Dempsey, and Eddie Johnson got why not allow Torres to play?
I’m not down on Bornstein as much as other readers. I’m not a big fan of his, but he’s done alright against some of the top talent in the world in Italy and Brazil. Besides what are the options:Pearce,DMB? I like Bocanegra but I prefer him in the middle eventhough he plays on the left for Rennes. I think he’s too slow and gets beat too often on the left on the international level.
I’ve read blogs where people are complaining about Demerit and I can’t figure out why. He’s played well. I don’t see him winning the spot from Bocanegra but he’s held his own against some top talent in Italy and Brazil. If anything I’d like to think his stock has gone up in England and hopefully a lower or mid-level Premiership club will pick him and get him out of the Championship.
At this point whatever lineup BB uses everyone has to remember Egypt is not a pushover. They almost beat Brazil. The reason they didn’t was over a controversial call in which the 4th official may have looked at a replay on a sideline t.v. which gave Brazil a PK. Egypt also beat Italy 1-0 which is still a win. The U.S. has been outscored 6-1 in two games. I don’t know if New Zealand has lost that bad.
My hope is the U.S. wins but I’m afraid that would give the U.S. and the die hard BB supporters ammunition for saying how the U.S. is still rebuilding. It’s been almost 3 years since the last world cup – this team should have been rebuilt. BB has had 2 1/2 years to evaluate players. Sunil Gulati has had the same to evaluate BB and the entire program. Maybe what the U.S. needs is another embarrassing defeat to really shake up this program and take it to the next level.
I just read on another post that Brazil will beat Italy 4-0. I doubt it, but let’s say it happens. Now the US only has to win by 3 to advance. Would this change your lineup? A word to you who smell a conspiracy, if Egypt beats the US they go through with Brazil. So Italy must beat Brazil to be safe. If they beat Brazil by 2 they go to the top of the table and the second place team plays Spain.
I no longer care to hear s*it like this from Beasley, Sacha or… ESPN for that matter. ESPN is turning into a pack of pandering punks– especially after this DC Sounders TV fiasco.
Who do these people think they are talking to?
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=656066&sec=us&cc=5901
Andy-
i think he could be a replacement for feilhaber or torres in the upcoming game. in the prior games, if the team had been full sided, i would have brought him on for dempsey in the 70th minute or so (or feilhaber in game 1).
I’m just absolutely baffled at all of the Donovan haters on here. He might be a bit of a prick, but he’s the best out field player we have. Period. The work rate we’ve seen from him in this tournament has been head and shoulders above just about anyone else. He plays with heart and cares enough to go after the refs to get us some calls. The coach doesn’t even do that for his team.
I’d love to see us go balls out against Egypt and just play with some heart, but I’m not overly optimistic at this point. I expect to see 2 changes and SSDD otherwise.
Boy, the invective here is ubelievable. We certainly need to see some change, but not everything is BB’s fault. I was VERY disappointed with him starting Beasley and trust that won’t happen again soon. I am hoping he chooses to experiment some here and really am hoping to see Torres start. I like your second line-up with Donovan underneath Altidore & Davies. I am afraid that Clark will probably be back in the starting line-up since we have given up so many goals and need some defensive steel. To me, one of the biggest things we need to accomplish in this match is finishing with 11 players. The US appears to have a reputation for dirty play and seems to be punished severely for things that aren’t even called on other teams. WE lneed to adjust to this so that it goes away. Let’s hope the boys fight hard for this last match and can get a result. After Egypt’s win over Italy maybe people will realize that they are a quality team.
—————Solo—————
–Mitts–Chalupney–Rampone–Whitehill
–O’Reilly–Tarpley–Boxx–Lloyd
———-Kai—–Wambach———
Maybe we’ll get a little effort out of this group!!
I just love how people say that Adu is a “huge” defensive liability still. Based off of what? His recent national team play? Oh wait. His recent club play with Monaco? Oh wait. Seeing him regularly play six years ago as a 14-year old? DING DING DING. It’s ridiculous.
I didn’t read through every comment so i don’t know if this line up has already been posted but I’d love to see this:
——–Altidore——–
Davies————–Adu-
———Torres———
—Bradley—–Clark—-
Boca—————Spector
——Gooch—Demerit—
I’d usually start Donovan over Davies but we know what Donovan has to offer (not bashing him, he’s actually been a bright spot this tourney), just saying that I don’t think Davies has been given a fair shake.
Frankly the problem is Donovan as a midfielder, with the lack of a clark or mastroeni as a CDM.
He just can’t defend. he stands there. All three goals against italy were because he didn’t pressure up top, and frankly that’s where the games are lost.
I think Altidore is actually causing tons of problems and making great runs off the ball, proved by the fact that when he’s off, the us can’t put an attack together.
Bornstein and Spector have done respectable jobs, while beasley should never see the USMNT roster again. Torres, Feilhaber, Kljestan and Adu are all better plauyers.
I thought Davies was ok, and Casey was lackluster.
Frankly Donovan is our equivalent of Riquelme, he’s good, but if you don’t build the entire team around him, he won’t perform.
I wonder if the team would just be better off without him.
I also feel that Coach Bradley should go. He simply doesn’t have the tactical ability to coach at the world level. The US needs a coach that knows tactics and can read a game. Bradley has shown time and time again that he fails to read a game.
I would love to see:
—————–Altidore———–
Dempsey–Torres-Bradley-Feilhaber
———————-Clark————
Spector-Bocanegra/Demerit-Onyewu-Bornstein
——————Howard———–
Altidore might not be the best target man yet, but frankly creates holes and openings in ways that probably only McBride was able to do. Of course McBride could finish…
Chris: We have allowed 6 goals in the last 2 games. I’m confused as to why you think we are in a position to sacrifice defense for offense.
Posted by: BossTweed | June 19, 2009 at 11:40 AM
Boss, we’ve also played 2 of the best teams in the world down a man. Against Italy it wasn’t until the second half when: 1) the team was tired; and 2) Italy started connecting on miracle shots that we gave up the goals. As for Brazil, well, it’s Brazil. And Brazil is hard enough to play with 11 men on the pitch.
Given the facts at hand, we need to score a lot to win on Sunday. We won’t score goals by playing defensively, nor will be advance our overall skill set as a team (or lack thereof). That’s why I asked the initial question.
where is Frank simek? Is he fully fit yet?
With the exception of Donovan, no MLS player should be anywhere near the USMNT. So please no Clark or Bornstein in the starting lineup. Save the MLS players for the annual January pity Caps.
Posted by: fred mertz
_______________________________________
I agree. Let’s see more of lazy Clint Dempsey or DaMarcus “I can’t trap a simple pass” Beasley. Good idea!
I agree that we need to mix things up. how are we developing these younger players if we don’t give them any PT now that we’re pretty much eliminated? And how can you light a fire under some guys (Dempsey, Beasley) unless you bench them? Look how DeMerit has played since he realizes the CB spot is not his, he’s playing hard.
Guzan in the first half, and if we are getting smoked, Robles in the second half…
Agreed ko’d, you can’t just roll out the subs, Egypt is too good and will crush us. This is an important game because it’s a game against a high level opponent in a meaningful competition, and Egypt has it all to play for.
But we need to mix it up a bit; I’d love to see both Torres and Adu on the field – linup 3. Enough with the 2 defensive mids formation. Bradley is our defensive minded midfielder. Torres and Feilhaber will help us keep the ball – like a real team. Do we think that we are that bad that we always need to play defensively? What other national team would roll out a formation with 2 defensive mids?
But I’d take any of those 3 lineups…but I’m sure Bob will roll out the Italy lineup.
I like options two and three but the difference of midfield performance w/ Clark and w/o Clark in this tournament should not be ignored. Perhaps that analysis is a bit binary but it’s still worth another look.
———-Donovan———-Davies———
———————–Adu———————-
Torres——————————Feilhaber
———————Bradley——————–
Boca—–Demerit—-Onyewu—-Spector
———————Howard——————–
Jozy doesn’t need to start. He is tired, too many turnovers because of it. Same goes for Dempsey. In my opinion, Rico is done. Yeah, it was a bad call, but he should’ve never put himself and the team in that scenario in the first place. Time to give Adu some minutes. Same with Torres. Try playing Bocanegra where he is used to playing with his club team, wide left. After all, Demerit hasn’t done nearly as bad as Califf did.
Here is what I would like to see sometime before the World Cup, hoping that we qualify.
————Altidore————Donovan————
————————Bradley———————–
Torres————————————Dempsey
———————–J. Jones———————–
Boca——Demerit——-Onyewu——Spector
———————–Howard————————-
LAWL!
————–Beasley————–
——–Beasley——-Beasley—-
——Beasley——-Beasley——Beasley
Beasley—Beasley—–Beasley—Beasley
———Beasley——–
Casey Davies
Torres, Clark, Failhaber, Adu
Pearce, Boca, Califf, Wynne
Guzan
Let all the subs play together, as I’m sure they played together in training, maybe they’ll show more continuity than Beasly, Altidore, Donovan, Dempsey, and Bradley. Gooch, Demerit, and Howard are probably fried after all those shots from Italy and Brazil.
Posted by: Dave in San Francisco | June 19, 2009 at 11:40 AM
Really? Does this line-up look familiar?
Altidore
Beasley–Adu(Davies)–Kljestan
Torres(Szetela)–Edu
Pearce—Califf—Orozco—Hejduk
Guzan
2-1 loss to Trinidad on October 15 of last year. Trotting out the young, inexperienced players doesn’t do much. By the way, Ives lambasted Klejstan’s play in that game, which is somewhat relevant to the present discussion. (I was hammered after playing the Klejstan-giveaway drinking game).
The slave becomes the master!!!, well BB really screw it up this time… I cant stand the USNT play, it is just lame,I remember when the other team respected us, we have no self respect for ourselves never mind thinking about the opponent respect… It’s really dissapointing and Im sick and tired of the mediocre level our National soccer team has.
3rd one please
Simply picking Beasley for the squad should have gotten Bradley fired immediately.
Most of the line-ups presented definitely show a more balanced approach than anything Bradley’s put out. With the US inability to attack through the middle against superior teams (maybe Egypt too), the wings are of high importance. It’s the only way Altidore will get service into the box.
My question is: Do any of you really think that Bradley is going to change anything?
Also my prediction of 0 points and a -10 GD is within reach…ballacks
Ives,
Do you think that if the US could win over Castillo he would be an upgrade over the left sided options we have right now?
Haven’t we been hearing about how quick to red MLS refs have been this year. WHAT ARE MLS PLAYERS DOING WITH THEIR LATE TACKLES? I still thought Clark was yellow and Klejstan was borderline but why put that to chance? ====> Vomit
If Bradley wasn’t willing to put in Torres or Adu in a 3-0 unwinnable romp, I doubt he’d put them BOTH in the starting lineup, but that’s what I’d like to see. I understand that it’s very hard for a Nat team coach to coach up defense in a player, but these minutes are so valuable that maybe he can used them as a carrot. Tell Adu, “I’m going to give you 45 minutes here, and I better see you busting your butt on defense the whole time. Defense is mainly about effort and awareness, after all.
If we can coach up Freddie to the point where we can get him on the field, he’d be a big boost – partially because he’s clearly the only mnt player who can take a decent free kick. We score a huge percentage of our goals on set pieces and Landon just isn’t cutting it in that role. This seems like a perfect chance to experiment. It’s also a great chance for BB to get messages across to guys like Adu and Torres and reinforce them with a little pt.
Hey, get your own alias!
It’s time Bradley settle on a system and instill some tactical discipline. Before every match we play the same guessing game. Not just who will start, but what formation we’re going to see. Personally, I like Ives’ last line up, the “Christmas Tree” formation that the Special One made all the rage at Chelsea. It allows us to fall into a more defensive formation against top teams, while also taking advantage of the fact that our two most gifted players (Donovan and Dempsey) are most comfortable playing as second forwards.
I’d start Guzan in Goal, a back four of Bornstein, Boca, Gooch and Spector. Midfield trio of Clark, Bradley and Torres with Donovan and Adu supporting Jozy. Dempsey had a long season with Fulham and looks spent. Give him a rest and let him enjoy a summer holiday.
“I think this team when healthy is very capable of competing the WC.”
Posted by: Eric Griesheimer | June 19, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Physical and Mental healthy are two different things.. I see this team as mentally beat.
If there was ever an opportunity to try a 3-5-2, this is it!
=========ALTIDORE===DAVIES==========
==============DONOVOAN================
===TORRES=====BRADLEY=======FEILHABER
===============CLARK=================
==BOCONEGRA====ONYEWU=====DEMERIT===
===============HOWARD=================
———-Altidore——-Dempsey———–
——————-Adu———————
—-Torres——————–Donanvan—-
—————-Bradley——————-
Bocanegra—Onyewu—DeMerit——Spector
——————–Howard—————–
This woudl let Jozy run off of Dempsey part of the time and let jozy return the favor part of the time. Landon will help defend and Spector has done well anyway.
—Jozy—-Davies—
——Freddy——
Torres———–Landon
——–Bradley————
-Boca—Gooch—DeMe—Spector
Let’s not put out a defensive formation. All that has done is gotten us (admittedly harsh) red cards and 6 goals against in 2 games. They can’t score if we have the ball. Come on, let’s try to score in the run of play at least once this month.
I’m not trying to single out Ives here, but with the sorry state of the USMNT and calls for the heads of Bradley and the US Soccer heads, it’s laughable to post a blog about what should be our next starting lineup. Just like Grant Wahl on CNNSI posting yesterday several times and not even mentioning whether Bradley should be under fire. Sometimes I think the writers who depend on US Soccer for access have their heads so far up the asses of US Soccer they couldn’t….. whatever. What’s the next blog post going to be? who should we start in Gold Cup. It’s like an emergency room doctor asking a heart attack victim “when was your last visit to the dentist?”
“get real. Adu doesn’t have the fitness level to play 90 minutes. let him come in the 60th minute. its impossible to know whether bradley is actually down on him, because the US has been shorthanded in each of the last two games, thus not presenting a good opportunity for Adu.
Posted by: Marc”
Enlighten me, please. Who is Adu coming on for in the 60th minute? Who do you have starting in his place? Please tell me.