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Johnson debuts, Bocanegra returns in Wednesday’s action

Eddie Johnson 2 (ISIphotos)

photo by ISIphotos.com

If you were closely following Wednesday's proceedings of the upcoming MLS Draft, you may have missed two former MLS standouts seeing the field for their clubs.

Eddie Johnson returned to action at the club level for the first time in over three months by making his Aris Salonika debut in the club's 2-0 victory over Asteras Tripoli in the Round of 16 of the Greek Cup. Johnson came off the bench and played 11 minutes while teammate Freddy Adu was forced to sit out as he has not been cleared to play yet.

Johnson wasn't the only American Abroad return to action on Wednesday, either. Carlos Bocanegra also got back onto the field in Stade Rennes' 3-1 extra-time Coupe de la Ligue (French League Cup) loss to Lille. Bocanegra started and played all 120 minutes.

What do you think of Johnson's debut? Think he has a shot of making the World Cup team? Still worried that it took a French League Cup (not to be confused with French Cup) match for Bocanegra to get back on the field?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. I thought Boca was suspended due to yellow card accumulation and his replacement played well enough that he didn’t make it back on the pitch. I am not sure that him playing 120 minutes in a Cup match is a good sign. Frequently managers give their starters rest in these kinds of matches.

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  2. I fail to see how playing time at his club team directly affects his ability to provide veteran leadership on the USMNT. Lack of playing time will affect Bocanegra’s on-field form, but having sharp soccer skills doesn’t necessarily make one the captain. Now if his lack of playing time prevents him from starting, then he obviously can’t be captain, but that’s a different situation.

    The best player isn’t always the team captain…

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  3. Boca’s form is FINE, stop worrying. Rennes was trying a few different things and giving him some much needed rest from playing. Bocanegra isn’t one to worry about. Last season at Rennes, he was one of their top players in regards to minutes played and starts. He clocked more minutes than their other defenders. I think he started all but 3 matches and that included Coupe de France and Coupe de Ligue matches.

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  4. I’m happy to see EJ back on the pitch and hope to see Adu join him there soon. Not sure they’ll both see PT this Sunday since they both just got there but I’m sure it won’t be too far in the future.

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  5. Count me among those who would like to know more about Bocanegra’s form. Did anyone happen to see this game? Was he any good? Seeing him suddenly ride the pine the last couple weeks has been a disturbing development.

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  6. If Carlos can’t consistently crack the starting lineup for his club team, he probably shouldn’t be captain of the USMNT. I say give it to Landon or Tim.

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  7. If I am not mistaken it was simply a case of him getting injured at the wrong time and his back up playing too well for him to be dropped?

    Ives and Co: Any chance we can actually learn how they played? Based on a 10 point system. I’d be excited to see Boca playing and Johnson too, but not if it happened that Boca caused all three goals against his team and Johnson missed six sitters. Can’t base their comebacks on playing time alone – need the info!

    The next step of this particular weekly, I hope, is actually telling us how they played and not merely that they did.

    All in due time : )

    Reply

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