By IVES GALARCEPÂ
The U.S. Men’s National Team is heading back to the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final, and looks every bit like a team determined to win back the trophy it hasn’t lifted in six years.
Episode 56 of The SBI Show takes a look back at Wednesday’s CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal victory vs. Honduras, and the outstanding performances of players such as Landon Donovan, Alejandro Bedoya, Kyle Beckerman and Clarence Goodson.
Co-host Garrett Cleverly and I also discuss Panama’s stunning victory vs. Mexico, and what it might mean for ‘El Tri’ and manager Manuel “Chepo” De La Torre going forward.
We also take a look ahead to MLS Week 22, and break down the top match-ups of the upcoming weekend, while also answering reader questions in the latest SBI Show Q&A.
Give Episode 56 of The SBI SHow a listen after the jump:
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What did you think of the show?
Anyone think Gonzalez might have started the semi-final if be had started the quarterfinal? But that having missed the Baltimore game, with Goodson playing well, maybe Gonzalez is getting the Donovan treatment. Fail to come when called and you need time to earn your place back.
Always a great show, guys, as was the last one. Also, thanks for standing by the hip hop theme for the intros/outros…
these are our midfield options for the qualifiers:
Bradley, Jones, Donovan, Johnson, Holden, Bedoya, Corona, Beckerman, Mix, Zusi, Brad Davis, Klestchan, Torres, Cameron.
How many spots are available? 11 slots?(9)
I see Klinsi taking three forwards: Johnson, Altidore, Dempsey (Donovan)
Defenders- Besler, Goodson, Beasely, Gonzalez, Parkhurst, Brad Evans, (Cameron)
Keepers- Howard, Guzan, Rimando
Some old favorites are going to be left home.
Don’t worry Ives, we got your rating back up to the full five stars on iTunes!!
I haven’t seen the USMNT on tv because I don’t have the apropriate channel. However after reading the comments on this thread I am somewhat curious as to how this Gold Cup squad just as it is would fare against the A-team. Would be a very interesting encounter
If you have the internet, you can watch the games.
This Gold Cup Squad would qualify in CONCACAF, but the A-team will win CONCACAF qualifying. There is a difference, especially in the mid-field- and if not for Donovan, up front too.
This.
I think all of the “I would love to watch this team take on the other team” talk is forgetting that this team does not have Michael Bradley. Beast.
This US team is finally showing the world Klinsmann’s secret weapon: yankee taka!!
Ja, Klinsi has turned the USMNT into a Uebermannschaft!!
Much better than the Costa Rica gameplan, Tico-Taco.
So who is going to be promoted to the A team? (And who will be demoted?)
I know Torres’ game wasn’t good statistically or really overall for that matter but he has these moments of brilliance where he just looks like a Xavi on the ball and I see why Klinnsman keeps playing him because if he could just turn those moments into habit, it would be incredible. His around the box play is superb at times.
I think he’s just a little too slow, despite being super slick. But I agree, and you put those ball skills with his good left foot for set pieces and he is a compelling skill set to start on a “B side” (and indeed the A team for awhile until that speed and I think his size was just too much to overcome)
I agree a 23 for 2013 would be nice following this Gold Cup.
It will hit on Monday.
Ives, with the Klinnsman thing, the one thing you are missing is that he slammed a ball into the ground. The TV camera’s didn’t catch that. I agree that he shouldn’t be suspended but was more than just yelling.
That poor, poor ball
Good analysis about Beckerman. Had a fantastic game, when he was subbed out you could see the midfield performance dip a bit.
Donovan did not head the pass into EJ. He onetimed it with his foot. Sorry just a pet peave of mine. Report things right.
It’s an hour-long show immediately after the game. Mistakes are going to happen. It’s not that serious.
i need an updated SBI 23 for 2014….and a starting 11 for June 2014…
Don’t change a thing Ives. The rest of us get it and appreciate that you provide something that we love and cannot find anywhere else.
+ 1
WOWWWWWWW. That’s a Queensbridge BANGER right there. Not just Shook Ones or Survival of the Fittest off the Infamous album, but the album cut featuring Nas and Rae! and perfectly appropriate to talk about the US’ team romping through this Gold Cup:
“As time goes by, an eye for an eye, we in this together son, your beef is mine!!”
The U.S. is playing like a true team now, fighting for each other. Great choice, IG.