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If the U.S. men's national team is going to successfully defend its CONCACAF Gold Cup title, it will do so with a very short-handed squad.
With Charlie Davies, Steve Cherundolo, Clarence Goodson Michael Parkhurst, Benny Feilhaber and Freddy Adu all off to Europe, U.S. head coach Bob Bradley will have to work some magic to put together a starting XI that can knock off a Panama team that has been gaining momentum since a tournament-opening loss to Guadeloupe.
Trying to come up with a starting lineup for the U.S. team shouldn't be that tough considering how few options remain, and with Bradley not planning to call in any of his seven extra roster players for Saturday's match (call-ups for a semifinal and final would be very likely), the U.S. team looks prepared to go with the group it has left.
So what will the starting lineup look like vs. Panama? Here's a likely squad:
Projected USA Starting Lineup vs. Panama
—————Ching———Arnaud—————–
Rogers—–Beckerman—–Holden——Quaranta
Pearce—–Marshall——–Conrad———–Evans
———————–Perkins————————
Other possibilities? Bradley could give Kenny Cooper a start, but Arnaud looked better vs. Haiti and deserves the look. Bradley could also shift Holden out wide and use Sam Cronin in central midfield, or play a 4-2-3-1 with Ching alone up top and Holden behind him, like this:
————————Ching————————–
Rogers—————-Holden————–Quaranta
—————Beckerman—–Cronin—————-
Pearce—–Marshall——–Conrad———–Evans
———————–Perkins————————
What do you think of these lineups? Which lineup would you go with against Panama?
Share your thoughts below.
T.R. Your point about Cooper is well taken. I’m not an obsessed fan but in the 6 games that I’ve seen Cooper play for the Nats 1.He hustles all the time (unlike Jozy most of the time) 2. He has a good first touch (unlike Jozy most of the time) 3. He pressures the opposing dribbler (unlike Jozy most of the time) 4. He tracks back to defend (unlike Jozy most of the time)5.He traps well (unlike Jozy most of the time) 6. He puts the ball on frame more than not (unlike Jozy most of the time). From what I’ve written you may think that I don’t like Jozy, but I do. I’m just not pretending that he’s something that he isn’t just because the so called “experts” think he is. He may very well be a great player in the future.It could very well be that he’s been out of form or his toe still bothers him. I repeat, I’m a Jozy fan but also a Cooper fan. I’ll always root for them. But didn’t you notice that when Jozy was 1 vs. 1 with the Spanish keeper , he shot it right at the keeper in the center of the goal and was very fortunate that it went in and wasn’t saved? I’m not taking that goal away and believe me, I was elated and appreciative that he scored,but he shouldn’t have left any room for chance on that goal. That being said ,I admit that these things happen to the best in the world and will continue to. But in my humble opinion I think that if Cooper had had as many starts as Jozy he might be showing more than Jozy has to this point in his USMNT career.
True enough Strider but I do recall the A League teams beating up on the MLS teams out in Hawaii last year… Not Prem quality but at least he is not being called names by the Fulham faithful at the moment which is a big step forward.
Not too many choices. Hopefully this squad can get it done.
This what i would expect,
Ching
Rogers Quaranta
Holden
Beckerman Pause
Pearce Conrad Marshall Goodson
Beckerman and Pause should sit behind the front four to hold Panama back, Ching should start just for experience purposes with such a weak squad, Quaranta and Rogers have the speed to break the game open and thats something we need to brake down there back four.
Andy, Lets not get too excited about Eddie’s return just yet. Let’s see what happens when they play sides stronger than the A-League. I sure hope he can regain some of the ground he lost. It would be great to have another possible striker for WC 2010. MUCH will come down to form and playing time this season!!
I’d like to see either of those two lineups, I think they’d get the job done. Maybe swap Holden and Quaranta’s positions in the 2nd one.
As for “where are the goals going to come from”, 6 of our 8 goals so far have been scored by players in those lineups.
But I think Bob will start this front group:
———-Ching——Arnaud———-
Rogers—Beckerman—Cronin—-Holden
Which normally I wouldn’t like, but that group has played pretty well in this tournament so far.
Either way, I feel pretty confident, these guys have played well. Overall this will be a better group than has started in any of the previous games.
US 2-0!
Let’s hope Pearce’s regular inclusion builds his confidence back. The 4-4-2 also gives the trial players a more realistic US experience, even if the midfield shape is a bit different at times.
I thought Jozy was added to the roster, no?
Posted by: Yossarian | July 15, 2009 at 11:58 AM
And the interesting point is the fact that Jozy is in the US. He was here in Los Angeles last night for an event honoring Lionel Messi.
I am deffently going to say that the 4-4-2 line up Ives picked will be the starting roster against Panama. Then I say if we get past them, which we better then, its bring on the extra roster guys, and win this tournement.
Assuming Cooper keeps playing like he has for the Nats, at what point do Cooper’s obsessive fans think, “Hmmm. He’s not scoring, not providing assists, but he is dribbling around in circles.”
But seriously, the guy has to do more with his limited time than he has already.
I thought Jozy was added to the roster, no?
Ives,
I like the second line-up better…We just need to get thru the first 15 minutes with a clean sheet. The second line-up will better fit the personeel on the field..
Josh, you make an excellent point! This USMNT isn’t very deep. But I still feel that the starters can get the job done. Hopefully we’ll only need our bench to kill off the game late. I can see Cooper or Ching scoring in the first half and then Coach Bradley bringing in extra defenders in the 2nd half. Yeah, I know, my glass is always half-full but I don’t even want to think about losing to Panama at this point in the tournament.
In case anyone has not mentioned it… our lost soldier Eddie Johnson again had a strong showing for Fulham in his 45 mins against the Pertg Glory… Eddie provided two very classy assists to Erik Nevland and the striker partnership of Nevland and EJ has now produced 6 goals in their last 90 mins together… 4 goals for Nevland with two coming from EJ and a goal for EJ himslef…Hopefully this is signs that EJ is continuing to settle in…
Second line-up looks good on paper, but every time we try it. We struggle. Just look back at the Costa Rican Game.
I like the first lineup but to me Quaranta hasn’t show that much. Shift Holden out wide and either insert Cronin or Pause in the center. Or perhaps Arnuad out wide for Quaranta and insert Cooper up top.
The 4-4-2 lineup looks good. It’s not our A-team, but with that lineup I like our chances against anybody in CONCACAF. The defense and midfield look especially good.
I suppose the tougher question is who comes off the bench? While the first 11 may be solid, it shows our lack of depth (for this tournament, anyway).
Texas 1836 it was two years ago: 4-2 against Brazil.
None of these line-ups look likely to yield many goals. And we don’t really have any ball winners in the midfield. If we are going to be playing it out side and pumping it in to Ching, god forbid, we are going to struggle with this Panama team — they are freaking huge.
I think that your first line-up would be the one that I would use, with one exception, I would exchange Arnaud for Cooper.
Ives i like ur second lineup better. I like Arnaud, but I don’t think he or Rolfe should be our starting forwards. Holden has been great in this tourney, and should play that position instead of Arnaud. however this would be my lineup.
———Ching Cooper———–
Rogers Beckerman Holden Quaranta
–Pearce Conrad Marshall Heaps–
————Perkins————-
When is the last time the US lost in the US?
——-Cooper——-Ching——–
Rogers——–Holden———–Arnaud or Quaranta
—————-Beckerman——————-
Pearce——Marshall——Conrad——-Goodson or Evans
—————-Perkins——————
I strongly prefer Goodson, but if he’s injured than Evans. And If the We are going for fire power, I prefer Arnaud, but if are going for speed, then it’s Quaranta.
” it’s sad when Davy Arnaud appearing for the National Team makes me feel better. Isn’t it? ”
Yea who would want a speedy workhorse with foot skills, game understanding, heart and ability to score in a variety of ways that can play in 3 different spots; what could a guy like that do for a team?
I’m fine with either, though I’d like to see Cooper and Ching together up top. I’m actually looking forward to this game, as it should be a pretty good game and the US will have to earn the win since Panama knows this is probably the best chance they’re going to have to beat the US on US soil anytime soon.
Bradley will definitely call up guys for the semis, but I think he’s making the right choice not disturbing any MLS rosters for this weekend’s games. Even though this will be a tough game, it’ll be a good test for the current group of players.
I like either really. I don’t think which forwards start is as important as who will be in the midfield. I believe that as long as Holden, Beckerman, Rogers and Quaranta are out there that will be where the fire power comes from. As an FC Dallas supporter (Yes it’s a sad admission)I’d like to see Cooper get another chance and since he’s basically the only other forward option, the chances are high that he will. Having said that though, Ives is right that Arnaud earned the right to get another starting nod if they start two forwards. If Cooper does come in though, I’d like to see him pair with Ching rather than Arnaud. Other than that, without the additional 7, the pickings are pretty slim unless Robles wants to play out in the field.
Start Arnaud and Cooper up top. Bring in Ching in the 2nd half after we have the lead.
sorry, is Goodson still around? I’ve read here he is gone, but other sites have him as still on the roster.
(SBI-Goodson is still around. It is Michael Parkhurst who has left.)
First off, I wish Bradley called in guys like Jemal Johnson and Jeremiah White, especially now with all the suspensions and guys leaving early to join their clubs in preseason. I honestly believe we can lose this game. Panama brought almost a full squad and should be smelling blood.
I think the 4-4-2 lineup Ives listed could give them problems, Holden is in amazing form at the moment. If they can withstand the pressure, and hold possession, create and convert their chances, they should win.
Is there any chance that if we were to advance to the semis, he’d actually make use of his 7 players? Jozy’s sitting around in the US with nothing better to do.
Nugget… why not Holden?
Ching
Rogers Holden Quaranta
Pause Beckerman
Pearce Marshall Conrad Evans
Perkins
But I have a sneaky feeling that we’ll see:
Ching Arnaud
Rogers Quaranta
Beckerman Pause
Pearce Marshall Conrad Evans
Perkins
First line up but Jozy for Arnaud….
But what about…
——Cooper—- Quaranta
Rogers———————Holden
——-Beckerman-Arnaud———-
for a front 6
with the caveat that Bob tells Cooper–“Hold the bleeding line son. You’re 6 foot 4 for goodness sake!!!!!!”
We already know what Ching can do. I know it’s untested… and it will never happen…. but Bob’s not exactly taking notes anyhow.
I would stick Robles in there at left fullback, he seems to be more comfortable out there.
Who should they start… Who’s left?
Jozy, Clark or Bornstein are not getting called according to other reports.
I like Ives second line up.
Are people still suggesting Cooper get more time because of momentum? I didn’t understand it before, and his latest performances still indicate to me that he doesn’t belong. (Lately most of the arguments in his favor seem to be that the US should change how they play to accommodate him; remarkable). In any event I might like Cronin or Pause in place of Beckerman with Holden pushing a bit higher up. I do not however know from where the goals are going to come.
I don’t see any reason why Pause should lose his place. I think his contribution is the kind that Bob Bradley particularily appreciates. As do I.
Tidy player who helps maintain the side’s shape and sets the tempo for attacks with no-nonsense, fundamental, simple passing. Almost never loses possesion. Puts in the hard yards. Not a sexy, offensive pick to most fans (who often suggest a central midfield pairing of Adu and Donovan . . . sigh), but people who live in the soccer real world understand Pause’s value.
I was at Panama’s big win over Nicaragua and even though Nicaragua isn’t much better than Grenada, Panama looked great passing the ball around and sending in dangerous crosses all game. Panama has bigger and stronger athletes than other Central American countries and they could give our back 4 some trouble. They get 4 potential starters back from suspension and we lose some big names for this match. It could be tough, I hope Mexico loses so we know that whatever happens at least they don’t win the cup.
If we actually want to win this thing (and why wouldn’t we?) Jozy should get the call upfront with Ching.
Prefer the 2nd lineup, was very impressed by cronin
When is the last time the US lost in the US?
I have a feeling that even if CHING struggles, Bradley wont take him out of the game.
My biggest concern with either of those line ups is the mids coming back to support the backs. Panama will rightly see them as out weak points and attack. It will be interesting.
Has Sam Cronin moved ahead of Logan Pause?
Here’s my lineup…
Ching
Rogers Holden Quaranta
Pause Beckerman
Pearce Marshall Goodson Evans
Perkins
I love Jimmy Conrad, but not sure he’s starting here.
I was looking at the roster literally seconds ago and wondering Ives’ thoughts on starters. I was saddened by the lack of attacking depth remaining if we do start Holden centrally with Quaranta on the right, then I came here, found the post and saw Davy Arnaud mentioned. This made me feel better… it’s sad when Davy Arnaud appearing for the National Team makes me feel better. Isn’t it?
I’ll be in Philly on Saturday hoping Charlie Davies shows up. Or just plain bummed he’s not there… Maybe Jozy will come.
I like your first line-up although I would put it Cooper for Arnaud
Our team has seem to do better with a 4-4-2 lately. I would go with the first lineup. Leave Cronin as a sub to come in and replace anyone not stacking up in the midfield around 60th min. Evans for any defenders around the 80th. Cooper as a late sub for forward around 75th min.
As much as I don’t like Ching for the National Team, I think your 4-2-3-1 is the best bet for the match with Panama. Rogers, Holden, and Quaranta can do a lot of running off of Ching if he is going to hold the ball up.
anyone but jay heaps