The race to fill the remaining roster spots at forward for the U.S. World Cup team is about as wide open as you could imagine and with Brian Ching suffering a hamstring injury, and Robbie Findley starting out on the bench for Real Salt Lake last night, you have to wonder just who is leading this race to fill the final forward spots.
Herculez Gomez is scoring goals in bunches in Mexico, while Edson Buddle has started off the 2010 MLS season in style with three goals in two matches. It's still just week two in MLS so other candidates, such as Conor Casey and Jeff Cunningham have yet to really get rolling. There are still six weeks to go before invites to the Pre-World Cup training camp are handed out, so there is still time for players to impress, or fall out of the picture.
Here is our question for you. If Brian Ching can't go, and assuming there is one forward spot available for the following forwards, which would you take between Edson Buddle, Conor Casey, Herculez Gomez, Robbie Findley, Eddie Johnson and Jeff Cunningham?
Cast your vote (Please note, if you vote before 1:20pm, you can vote again. the ballot was reset to include Eddie Johnson):
Who would I take? I'd probably go Herculez Gomez the way he's playing right now. As for who Bob Bradley would take, if Ching is out, then Bradley would probably take Conor Casey to give the squad a target forward option.
Who did you vote for?
Share your thoughts below.
whatever happened to Charlie Davies, he’s practically fully healed and has already proven himself in international play unlike all these other forwards except for conor casey
I been keeping track of this kid and he makes due from what he gets. he scored today again with 10 man side and almost scored again in the final moments, his shot hit the corner of the crossbar.
Why is size always so important in US forwards? Why do we need a “target” up front? How about someone with a little pace and a quick first step to get some separation from the defender as he checks back instead of having to hold him off with brute strength? I like the idea of including some more midfielders, maybe Beckerman and Klejstan (who can play up front). To say Eddie Johnson is a good choice because he has world cup experience is a joke. His appearances in WC games are exactly the reason he should not be included. Dempsey is finding success in Midfield with Fulham, but he has always been more effective at forward internationally. Put him up there with Altidore and let him do crazy things where his high-risk moves will not leave us exposed. If we have to make a change up front, push donovan up and bring on another midfielder.
Brian McBride! at 38 I would take him over any of that list.. you want a target man?? perfect.. is he only going to be a late mins sub?? perfect… Leadership and so many other reasons to bring him… and oh yea, did I mention, HE IS BETTER THAN EVERYONE ELSE ON THIS LIST BY A WIDE MARGIN!
Ives, serious question… Why is McBride not an option? do you really think his skills have degraded below the level of this list? Someone help me understand.. He still looks great in MLS to me. EPL still wanted him back last season… ????????
I don’t think Bradley will seriously consider taking him, but the most overall skilled player out of the bunch is definitely Gomez. I’ve been impressed with his touch and instinct for the goal, which is something I noticed right after signing with the Galaxy. He has a bit more creativity and I was hopeful when he first came into MLS for him to show something for the national team. He disappeared off the Nats radar with several unspectacular seasons in MLS. But the change in scenery, and in style of play, has seemingly rejuvenated the kid. He has a nice little combination of touch, vision, a bit of flair, and (at times) confidence that this team needs more of up front.
“He just can’t create, ”
What do you mean?
Scoring? John Harkes
Honduras game in Honduras…enough said…Who knows where the U.S. would have finished without his work down there. The Costa Rica game may have been very different if we were put on our heals without securing a spot going into the last game.
Connor Casey scored a pivotal goal in Honduras. Most teams in the world would struggle to get a win down there. His hard work and massive goal in qualifying should be enough to send him. If he can put a few away in MLS play he’ll be there. I have no doubt.
Obviously you know very little about CONCACAF if you think scoring goals in Honduras is easy. Most teams in the world would struggle to put more than a goal up against them there.
All positive Casey comments must be from a member of his family. When he plays it is such a hedge, nothing electric. And lets be honest the #1 thing we need is creative work and good finishing up top.
Comr on guys, no matter what we say here or think, my bet is that Casey goes with Ching out…especially with the way Jozy has been when paired with JoVH. Casey has shown well for the Nats of late.
My belief is that Casey goes. My prayer is that he then merits it.
Oh, and that Davies gets fully healthy very soon.
honestly, i don’t understand our fans. we have a guy scoring goals, which our current national team forwards do not, but we keep making excuses for our current striker mediocrity. please, someone, give gomez a shirt already!
I’ll assume this is a late April Fool’s joke.
ditto.
as for the forward options, however, we should stop with this “big target forward” stuff since we only have one of those that can compete with good defenders.
how about we bring the guys scoring goals (gomez) and have chemistry with our best player (buddle) and leave everyone else, including casey and ching, in the US…
When was the last time EJ did anything of note internationally? He hasn’t really impressed me in any recent games with the national team. He has some experience, but has that really helped him lately?
Dude, yes, he is on a streak. But it is up to a 12 game streak now, 1/3 of the season! pretty soon, it isnt a streak, and it is form. he is all of the sudden WC material because he is one of the only people scoring goals! no one is saying he will start, but he clearly should be considered for the bench. it’s not hard to comprehend.