Photo by ISIphotos.com
By ADAM SERRANO
On a rare chilly morning in Carson, California. the members of the U.S. men's national team endured their longest training session to date. As the camp enters its second week, it is clear that the intensity level has been raised in preparation for the January 23rd friendly against Honduras at the Home Depot Center.
The training began this week with a number of injuries that are common during this time of year. Forward Marcus Tracy sat out his third straight day with tendinitis, while Kevin Alston (hamstring),Chris Pointus (Hamstring), Robbie Rogers also missed practice. None of the injuries are considered serious enough to threaten the players status with the national team.
One of the better storylines from this week's training camp has been the defensive pairing of veteran defender Jimmy Conrad and national team newcomer Omar Gonzalez. The pair has become common during the 6. v. 6. or 11 v. 11 scrimmages that take place at the end of training. The pairing of the 2009 MLS rookie of the year and Conrad has been highly effective in neutralizing the attackers that have faced the two defenders. The Kansas City Wizard veteran Conrad said he is interested in helping the younger defenders the way veteran U.S. defenders Jeff Agoos and Eddie Pope helped him.
"Mainly, I try to lead by example, I took some notes from Agoos and Pope on how they carry themselves and the mentality that they approach each game and practice with," said Conrad of his growth. "Specifically, when I am lined up with Omar during scrimmages, I see him talking (amongst players) and making generally good soccer decisions. If I see something that he could have done different then I'll let him know but generally he has good soccer instincts."
In addition to leading by example, Conrad has also become active in stressing the importance of national team appearances.
"Sometimes I'll share some stories at dinner or in my van after training on what it means to play for the national team. Let alone if it's a World Cup, Gold Cup or a friendly with Honduras, they're all good opportunities to get some experience," said Conrad.
Conrad is not the only player who is offering advice to those new to an experience. Omar Gonzalez has offered a some pearls of wisdom for the players who will be selected in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft. The 2009 Rookie of the Year was selected 3rd over all in last years SuperDraft by the Los Angeles Galaxy.The former Maryland Terrapin offered this piece of his advice for those players preparing for Thursday's draft.
"Stay calm and wait for your name to be called. Wherever you go its going to be tough for the first few days, but you've got to work your way into the team and never stop working hard," said Gonzalez. "My advice for their first year is sit back and learn from the other guys. Don't step on people's toes and be a good rookie by putting your head down and working hard."
I saw Rogers miss some very good chances to score in that game. I also saw him in the Gold Cup and once other teams figured out he had one move, he was ineffective. He needs a lot of work before he is ready to be on the USMNT.
So it looks like they are using minivans to transport the guys to and from the Hotels and HDC. I saw a pic on twitter off the USMNT blog or what not.
I think they’re trying to save money, last year I could of sworn I saw the guys leave trainning in rental cars.
I’ll answer my own question. Eddie came on the 79th minute, but Freddy’s paperwork wasn’t completed in time.
Off Topic: Saw that Aris won 2-0 in the Greek Cup match today. Freddie and Eddie were on the 20 man roster, but I know they weren’t the goal scorers. Did they see the pitch?
Err Pontius
How has Pointus done in training? Any hopes of him overcoming his strain and getting time in the upcoming friendly?
And our full national team just finished a stint in South Africa to show the world how we play and half the squad went back to their respected teams in European’s finest leagues – Mexico had this tournament to play for and re-establish themselves after shocking qualifying.
We had the world at our feet (since lost it) and wanted to give players a chance.
I am in no way a fan of Bob’s choices but we were never going to put out a full squad after SA. Mexico benefited from our bigger obligations like representing North America.
Also if the Wallace you’re talking about is Rodney Wallace he isn’t American (at least not yet).
Perkins definitely isn’t locked at the 3rd goalkeeper. I say Marcus Hahnemann who is starting for Wolverhampton has a better chance of snagging that spot.
Right Back ?? IDK … never the less it’s good to have some real talent coming through the ranks.
Question
If goouch and carlos are not playing prior to the WC BB consider starting a Gonzalez?
Did you watch the game against Costa Rica at RFK? Rogers (along with Torres) was one of the difference makers
Gonzalez and Opara say: “Have fun at Right Back”
Good. I am pulling for both of them.
I didn’t watch the game myself but according to a few Aris fans he did pretty well.
Adu gets his blue card tomorrow, so he will be available for the league game on Sunday.
Aw it’s so cold over there! What is it like a low of 40? We’re supposed to have a high of 40 tomorrow in DC and I can’t wait!
I wish I could be out there to see the camp. Sounds like Omar/Conrad will be our starting center halves next Saturday, can’t wait to see how Gonzo performs.
hahaha
Why on earth is Clearance Goodson still even consider? This scrub along with the other worthless defender on this squad, Heath Pearce and the rest of the scrubs Bob chose to take to the Gold Cup already showed how much they suck! Pearce, Goodson, Heaps, Pause and Beckerman showed how much they suck vs Concacaf’s B teams and against Mexico’s A- minus, lets be realistic the only real weaknesses in that team for Mexico were no Andres Guardado on the left mid and no Carlos Salcido at the left back. Osorio ended up playing Center back after that since Marquez was out and Juarez is their supper Right back/mid.
The only players missing from the Gold Cup for Mexico were Guardado, Osorio, Salcido, and Marquez if you can count him but he hasn’t been too good for them anyway
If Pearce and Goodson aren’t good enough for the game vs Mexico’s almost full squad who on their right mind thinks that they are good enough to play with England, Algeria and Slovakia? Or Holland of March 3rd for that matter?
Rogers is another scrub that shouldn’t be on here, Yes I know that he is young and a “prospect” but I think guys like this Bedoya kid and Wallace will be better than Rogers. His speed and ability to get past defenders is useless with his shot inaccuracy and retarded Pearce like crossing. He’s only on here like Pearce because they are lefties and we need lefties, hell with Donovan at left mid we don’t need him, Torres is a good back up and Beasley if he keeps up his great form is much better back up plan than Rogers, hell Castillo can be a much better left mid than Rogers?
I hope these guys are left of the 18-20 man roster:
Thornton, Hartman, Pearce, Goodson, Rogers, Kljestan, Evans, Gaven, Braun.
Although Casey is like Braun so I guess since Bob already called up this Chivas USA young kid we might as well check him out as a sub?
I hope we see Findley and Cunningham start up top, Benny, Cameron, Bedoya/Davis and Pontius in midfield and then Marshall, Omar, Bornstein, Wynne at defense with Perkins reetirating his position as the locked 3rd goalkeeper
How is Eddie looking?
id take these two over those 2 anyday
He is complete class, he is great to fans here in KC.
Once Jimmy retires he will take over the soccer media in the US.
HA!
Yawn.
Because you have secret information, right?
Eddie Johnson was subbed in at the 79th minute mark. Aris winning 2-0.
Perhaps he is currently “living in a van, down by the river”. 😉
Yeah, and if you think Adu was really 15 at the time, I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you.
“in my van after training”?
Is Jimmy teaching the boys the finer techniques of twisting up fatties and roasting bowls or what!?! LOL.
Freddy still hasn’t received his blue card (the Greek version of a green card), that is the reason he can’t play.
I’d love to think that too…then I go the movies and I realize I’m sadly mistaken.
Being praised up and down and called the next Pele will tend to spoil a player.
have aris officially cleared out enough foreign players to make room for adu? could be the hold up but i thought they already got 2 players to leave
JIMMY CONRAD FOR PRESIDENT!
I’ll always love a pairing between JIMMY!!!! and TIMMY!!!!
Eddie Johnson and Freddy Adu update
Johnson is on the bench today. Looks like Adu did not get clearance to play yet, so he is not.
Aris winning 1-0 early in the second half of the Greek Cup round of 16.
very cool dude i met him yesterday after training he has love 4 american outlaws and what we do…………..
I would like to think there are 15 year olds that wouldnt act like that. And considering adu still seems to be in the same situation it sounds more like being spoiled then age or “maturity”.
Adu wasn’t 15, he’s like 28 now.
Gale aggasssommone says hi
This pairing makes it clear Marshall and Goodson are the 1st team CB choice.
Too bad about Marcus Tracy.
you have a short memory stephen. did you bother watching the 4 year’s worth of games prior to ’02, or just tune into the highlights that summer?
Jimmy Conrad seems like the coolest guy ever!!! I definitely could be friends with Jimmy!!!
It’s on FSC and Telefutura.
No idea on the second question. I assume it’ll depend on injuries and playing time for Gooch and Boca and how far down the depth chart Bob has to go.
nice write-up. well done, Adam. keep’em comin!
Is the Honduras friendly on TV? What are the chances that either Conrad or Gonzalez makes the WC squad?
Gonzalez and Opara are the future at Centerback for the USMNT.
ALL HAIL JIMMY CONRAD!
I’d be interested in hearing how Agoos helped Conroad. Hey Jimmy – this is how you score an own goal in a WC game; and this is how you commit fouls in the box that lead to PK’s; and this should be your facial expression when an opponent blows past you and scores a goal; and this is how you should wipe Arena’s a$$ after does #2, and …
Word. Maybe gonzo gets taken to South Africa for experience? I could def see that happening. Would suck for Adu.
You are aware that Gonzalez is a grown 21yr old man, where Adu was a little 15yrd old kid. Comparing the both is just dumb.
Mozo seems like aclass act
I like Omar’s approach to being a rookie better than the Adu rookie technique of acting like an arrogant tool, claiming your coach doesn’t like you, and pouting whenever you get taken off as a sub, or don’t get the start.