Photo by ISIphotos.com
The starting lineup you see above is the U.S. national team squad that played against (and was embarrassed by) Costa Rica on Wednesday. Take a good look at it. You will never see it again. Ever.
You certainly won't see it on Saturday vs. Honduras, and not just because Michael Bradley is set to miss the Honduras match as he serves a suspension for yellow card accumulation. In fact, Bradley is highly unlikely to be the only player of the ones pictured above who won't be in the lineup on Saturday.
U.S. head coach Bob Bradley has some tough decisions to make as he prepares for a match that is suddenly vital to the U.S. team's pursuit of a World Cup berth. Does he bench DaMarcus Beasley, or does he play him at his natural left wing spot? Does he start Pablo Mastroeni, or go with the more athletic Ricardo Clark? Does he stick with Jozy Altidore, or does he give recently-called Conor Casey a shot? Does he take a chance and start Frankie Hejduk (who is nursing a groin injury), or does he go with Jonathan Spector?
Here is the lineup I can see Bob Bradley starting against Honduras on Saturday (along with the lineup I would go with):
Projected USA lineup on Saturday:
————Altidore———Donovan———–
Beasley——————————–Dempsey
————–Mastroeni—Kljestan————
Bornstein—Bocanegra—Onyewu—-Spector
———————Howard——————–
Here is the lineup I would like to see go against Honduras:
————Altidore———Davies————-
Donovan————Torres———–Dempsey
————————Clark———————
Bornstein—Bocanegra—Onyewu—-Spector
———————Howard——————–
About the First lineup:
I can see Bradley sticking with Beasley, but using him on the wing. I also think he will bring back the Mastroeni-Kljestan combo that played the second half against Costa Rica. Mastroeni's experience is likely to win out over Ricardo Clark while the fact that Bradley replaced Torres with Kljestan tells me the coach wasn't as impressed with Torres as I was. Also, a point to clarify: Sacha Kljestan is NOT suspended for the Honduras match. The word if him being suspended made the rounds on Wednesday night but was, in fact, not true.
About the second lineup:
I know the game is in Chicago and all, but I couldn't trust playing Beasley just three days after the debacle vs. Costa Rica. That's just me. I also wasn't impressed at all with Mastroeni. Clark is faster, more athletic and while he doesn't boast Mastroeni's experience, he does know Amado Guevara very well. He played alongside him and he's played against him. Torres deserves the start. Yes, he struggled early against Costa Rica, but his final 25 minutes were very promising. As for the forwards, I'd be very tempted to plug Conor Casey right in, but don't see him being started that quickly when he hasn't been with the team. Charlie Davies has shown some good things in the past, and while that stinker against Sweden is still in our memory banks, I think he's fast, intelligent and tough and ready to go.
One thing I'm very curious about is the status of Frankie Hejduk. If Hejduk recovers from his groin issues, would Bradley consider playing Spector at left back, with Hejduk on the right?
Now it's your turn. What starting lineup would you like to see the U.S. national team use against Honduras?
Share your thoughts below.
——-Altidore——-
———Adu———-
Dempsey——–Donovan
—-Clarke—Torres—
Bornstein—–Spector
—-Boca—-Oneywu—-
——-Howard———
– Dempsey needs to be in the middle or on the left, he dissappears on the right
– Adu needs to get more time, he’s the only player on the roster that always looks dangerous, and always is attacking
– Do not play Kljestan, Please
– Charlie Davies needs to be the first off the bench
– If Hejduk is healthy, I would put him at right back, and move Spector into Clarkes spot in the midfield, where he plays often for West Ham
I don’t understand how DMB gets the call to play if he’s not playing with his club team. Same goes with Altidore despite my being a big fan his. Tell me Bradley only brought in Altidore and Ching, and now Casey, as the only true forwards into camp. I like the lineup Ives has but I’m more willing to go with Casey and Davis up top and have Altidore come off the bench.
I have a question for Ives or any other informed person: Is it possible for the U.S. team to win and Bob Bradley still be at risk of getting fired, not that he necessarily is now? Example: say he fields a line up similiar to the game versus Costa Rica, the team plays badly but Honduras plays worse and the U.S. wins 1-0, or any other scenario. Would Bob Bradley still be on the hot seat? And who would replace him if he does get fired?
If Bradley starts Beasley in ANY position, I am going to begin to wonder who really is the coaches son?
I see why Beasley isn’t getting any PT at Rangers; he’s fallen off badly. We are in deep trouble on the left side.
petedela: we need some midfielders that can go two ways before we can think about doing that.
i want bradley to start whoever gets him fired. he’s proven to be worthless and regardless of a new coach having time to settle in it can’t be worse than whatever embarassment we’re due with bradley as coach. he’s proven himself inept.
Pearce at left back, he had one bad game at el Salvador. He was decent to good in last summer’s European tour agains England, Spain, Poland and at home vs Argentina. He wasn’t good but he wasn’t bad agianst Mexico, he has chemistry with Bocanegra, that’s the whole point of playing frienlies and after one bad game at a terrible hostile stadium in el Salvador (which we ended up tying BTW)you take him out and now in such a crucial qualifying strectch you’re looking for answers?? No!!! Beasley shouldn’t see times with the Nats anymore period, and Bornstein is Bornstien for God’s sake…Pearce is the best option…
I agree with your line-up Ives except Conor Casey for Altidore. My feeling is that Jozy is two steps behind from not playing. Yes not playing in Spain, or in England, or in France, or in the Bronx is nothing more than not playing.
If Bradley plays Kljestan and Beasley he’s toast as will be the USMNT.
Torres was the BEST player on the field Wednesday night; the only player who could be depended upon to possess the ball and make the right pass. I don’t know what Bradley is thinking!
—Altidore—Dempsey—-
Torres—-Donovan—–Kljestan
———–Clark————
Bornstein–Boca–Gooch–Spector
I think Donovan is the only one you can trust to play the role of playmaker in such an important game. I’d let him move around and interchange with any of the players except Altidore too.
Do most American fans really just not get the diamond?
Most successful diamond formations have an ace playmaker at the apex, two way players at half-left and half-right, and a holding mid.
I often see (only on American soccer sites) fans clamoring for these ultra offensive lineups. Is the holding mid then expected to win all the 50/50 balls.
Yes, I’m referring to Ives’ lineup.
Nothing personal.
Still a fan.
To clarify, I don’t think Donovan fits the mold of the two way type of player required at half left. Beasley could MAYBE do it.
The problem with the line up against CR is that it required the outside defensive backs to move into the attack. The three mids, Bradley, Torres and Mastroeni, are all middle of the park players. Width in the attack would have to come from Wynne and Beas moving up – a responsibility that would only exaggerate their positioning shortcomings. It would have worked against a weak attacking team. It was a disaster against CR.
A 3-5-2 would probably have worked better. Put Spector on the right side of Gooch and Boca on the left. Mastro would play deep and the other four mids (Bradley, Torres, LD and probably Beas) would have been free to switch around and create space, as well as absorb the CR counter attacks. Then, depending on the flow of the game, Donovan can push up behind the forwards as opportunities arose.
Whether I would do that against Honduras, I don’t know…
I was thinking that SK was out becuase of yellows? But here is what I want to see. Everybody here is playing minutes at club level and in form. Jozy is the exception but I think he did all he could against CR so I kept him.
Casey or Davies/Altidore
Dempsey/Torres/Rico/Landon
Bornstein/Boca/Gooch/Spector
Timmy
Ives,
I like your lineup a lot. I think Davies is more dangerous as a late-game sub when the opposing defense is worn down, but with Ching out, I think a start makes sense. Too bad it probably won’t happen…
It almost looks like Bradley wouldn’t consider playing Spector anywhere if he didn’t play him on Wednesday.
NOOOOOOOOOOOO Klejestan. Don’t start him. Don’t sub him. Don’t dress him. He’s not in form right now to be a good towel boy. Casey should see time, but probably off the bench. DMB should only see time off the bench, if at all.
Those calling for Boca at LB should remember that at Rennes they play with three defenders, which is different than playing LB with four defenders
too bad klestjan’s not suspended, he sucks brutally right now
it doesn’t matter. we’re going to lose. we’ve got the bad juju all over us.
————–Altidore–Davies——-
Dempsey—-Torres–Clark—Donovan—
Boca—-Demerit—–Onyewu—Spector-
I’d play:
right to left
Spector/Demerit, Gooch, Boca, Bornstein
Davies/Adu, Torres, Dempsey, Donovan
Casey, Altidore
I don’t think it will happen, but I’d love it if Bob would consider Dempsey as a central mid. He does absolutely jack on the wing. The way he’s been playing for the national team as of late, it just seems he would be better suited in the center of the pitch. And we could certainly use his experience and composure.
Thanks for the clarification on Kljestan, Ives.
Mastro/Kljestan in the midfield would be pretty disappointing. I’d also like to see Davies up top if possible. If BB takes out Beasley, projected lineup becomes:
———-Altidore—Davies——–
Donovan———————Dempsey
———Mastro—Kljestan———
Bornstein–Boca–Gooch–Spector
which would at least be better than the projected lineup with Davies in for Beasley.
anybody else more than a little nervous all of a sudden? i’m getting on a plane in two hours- headed to the Fire-Dynamo match tonite then the big game tomorrow… hope we regroup quickly!
By the way, I will be the first to admit that I have long been a Ching hater, but boy, do I miss him now.
I think Ives first lineup is correct, though I think Casey starts up top and Donovan plays in midfield with Masto.
Ives, I like your lineup:
————Altidore———Davies——–
Donovan————Torres———–Dempsey
————————Clark————–
Bornstein—Bocanegra—Onyewu—-Spector
———————Howard—————-
One of the (many) problems with the game against CR was that Donovan and Dempsey, the team’s most talented field players, were isolated up top and effectively neutered by the 4-4-3 formation and the central midfield’s inability to organize. A 4-4-2 like against T&T, with Donovan and Dempsey on the wings, allows them to control play and not rely on other midfielders to bring the ball to them.
RE Spector, since no other explanation like injury or otherwise has come up, we must conclude that BB places Spector below Wynne in the pecking order, right? Not even bench for JS in CR. So if that is the case, I would not expect him to start here.
If we don’t get a result against Honduras, the fans will be calling for BB’s head.
I like your line up, Ives, but I don’t trust Clark. I’d rather call in a faith healer for Maurice Edu…
Yes, both Bradley and Kljestan sit out on accumulated yellows. Anyone know who sits for Honduras?
Kljestan is suspended for Saturday’s game for picking up his second yellow card in Costa Rica.
Mastroeni should only play if the US plays four in the midfield. His lack of speed was exposed when the US only had three in the midfield.
How about Davies and Altidore up top, Dempsey, Donovan, Torre and Clark or Mastroeni in the midfield with Onyewu, Bocanegra, Beasley and Spector in the back?
If I had my way, I’d go with:
———-Casey-Altidore———-
Donovan—-Torres–Clark—-Dempsey
Boca—–Gooch–DeMerit—–Spector
————–Howard—————
Beasley, Wynne, Mastroeni deserve to be benched. Clark is an upgrade on Mastroeni at DM. Torres is the best replacement for Bradley as the central playmaker. Casey is a nice target man for Altidore to play off of.
However, I have a sneaking suspiciion that he will go with the first line-up that Ives posted.
Boca plays left back for his club Rennes and is surprisingly quick over 20 yards.
Casey will be subbed in. Can’t start him in a critical match like this with his lack of recent international play. (if he gets subbed at all) I would like to give him a shot, however. He is atleast in good MLS form.
I would not quess that Davies or Casey start so I see Ives first lineup with maybe the center mids being Clark or Torres but not both.
Who would have though injuries to Hedjuk, Cherundalo and Ching would leave the team with so many questions. It is good to get time with outBradley because he is likely to pick up enough cards to have to sit out a game in SA.
No Beasley in the back, please. Maybe Boca should be there instead. I like DeMerrit too. Was he called to camp? Stick with Donovan and Altidore up top. I think Torres/Kljestan are interchangeable. I thought Sacha was suspended due to accumulated yellows. Is this so? Mastroeni/Clark are also interchangeable. Clark is faster, however. Why are they playing in Chicago. Another away game for the nats, nice.
Bellus – Truly a fine lineup, though I might start Jozy and bring on Casey mid second half.
I’d rather see Boca slide out to the left and Spector in the middle if Hejduk can play. Bornstein and Beasley aren’t going to get it done and while I think Boca is better in the middle… he’s still better than both of them outside on the left.
Kljestan is out on yellow card accumulation, no? He shouldn’t be in a projected starting lineup.
———-Altidore——–Davies——–
Dempsey——Torres——Donovan
—————-Clark/Pablo————–
Boca—Demerit—Gooch—Spector
Sub: Casey for whichever forward is playing worse around 60th-65th minute
Sub: Adu for Torres around 70th minute
Sub: Either Pablo for Rico or Rico for Pablo, depending on who starts, around 80th minute
Pick you poison between Pablo and Rico, both commit some pretty stupid fouls in bad spots, but they will at least give us a definsive midfielder that can break up some of the Honduras offense.
Ives, I like your lineup. But I feel I’ll go with my gut, something akin to your projected with a little surprise of my own! 🙂
How about a different lineup than the one Bradley fielded in Costa Rica.
meant to type GOOCH, not good.
Oh, don’t forget Italy and Brazil in 10 days!! The boys will restore their pride…
———Altidore—–Casey———–
Donovan————————-Dempsey
———Clark——-Torres———–
Spector————————Heydude
———–Boca——Gooch————
And does Bradley take into account that it may be pouring rain during the game? Sloppy field.
altidore Davies
donovan torres dempsey
clark
boca demeric good spector
Howard
Although one might be tempted to use logic and simple tactical reasoning to guess what the lineup might be, I think we’ve learned that BB’s thought process is severely fractured. We can see just about anything and it wouldn’t surprise me anymore. I’m going to the game, but if I see Beasley at left back and Hejduk or Bornstein at right back I think I’ll leave… or trade my MNT shirt for a honduras shirt.
It’s funny how many people are calling for Boca at left back. Why? He’s slow, he hasn’t played there in years, and he’s not going to add anything to the attack.
The October qualifier in RFK vs. Costa Rica is on my bday. I wasn’t considering going assuming it would be a B team playing a meaningless game after already having qualified. Boy, how one game can change so much…
I like your lineup Ives
Casey Davies
Donovan Torres Clark Dempsey
Boca Demerit Gooch Spector
Howard
A line up that can possess the ball and win!