By IVES GALARCEP
Veterans Tim Howard, Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley headline the U.S. Men’s National Team roster chosen to travel to San Pedro Sula ahead of Wednesday’s vital World Cup qualifying clash against Honduras, a roster heavy on European-based players.
Graham Zusi, Eddie Johnson and Matt Besler headline a contingent of seven MLS-based players.
Here is the roster:
GOALKEEPERS– Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Sean Johnson
DEFENDERS– Tim Chandler, Fabian Johnson, Geoff Cameron, Carlos Bocanegra, Edgar Castillo Matt Besler, Omar Gonzalez, Brad Evans, Michael Parkhurst
MIDFIELDERS– Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, Danny Williams, Maurice Edu, Graham Zusi, Brad Davis, Jose Torres, Sacha Kljestan
FORWARDS– Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, Eddie Johnson, Herculez Gomez
———-
Here are some thoughts on the squad:
Jose Torres makes his way back into the fold. He has been playing well for an unbeaten Tigres side and he could also be a good option against Honduras.
The biggest surprise on the roster is Brad Evans, though he had been considered a likely inclusion based on Sigi Schmid’s recent comments hinting at a call-up. Klinsmann has him listed as a defender and it’s very likely he will be battling with Michael Parkhurst for the final spot on the roster.
Among the exclusions are Terrence Boyd, Juan Agudelo and Kyle Beckerman. Boyd is finishing up pre-season with Rapid Vienna, while Agudelo missed the cut behind a veteran collection of forwards. It was believed that he could be seen as a late-game change-of-pace option, but Klinsmann decided to go with veterans for this tough road trip. Beckerman was a bit of a surprised because of his regular inclusion in the squad, and his solid showing against Canada, but the recent resurgences of Jose Torres and Maurice Edu made them the picks.
There will be some complaints about there not being enough exciting young talent in this roster, but with this being a tough road qualifier, and many of the young options being unlikely to play, Klinsmann has bought himself some time before trying to incorporate players like Mix Diskerud, Boyd and Josh Gatt into the qualifying mix.
MLS centerbacks Omar Gonzalez and Matt Besler make the squad and represent the next generation of centerbacks. Klinsmann is fully aware that he needs to rejuvenate the centerback pool and it will be interesting to see which of those two he calls on to play if he needs one of them to step on the field against Honduras.
————–
What do you think of the squad? Who are you most surprised by? Which exclusion are you most disappointed with?
Share your thoughts below.
Is Lichaj ever going to be back in the fold?
he’s just not as good as brad evans, i guess.
Nate. I almost spit out my food. Quit being so D@^&$ funny.
Didn’t even dress for Villa this weekend so I think his stock is falling even more
I noticed that after posting. He’s gotten a lot of PT this year, though.
Davis seemed to be the only player with any vision in the first half and made some smart runs and some good passes/combinations… I think he absolutely played his way onto this roster…
Since Klinsmann like 4-3-3 and experience, I think it will look more like this
_______________Howard_____________
Chandler____Cameron____Boca____F. Johnson
Zusi____________M. Bradley______J.Jones
Gomez_________Dempsey_________Altidore
Of course, neither Jones or Bradley is a left-sided player, and whether Jones or Bradley starts out wide, the tendency to drift in will show up, but that lets F. Johnson overlap effectively.
We are not creative enough to run a 4-3-3 you need some attacking in the middle to run that formation….at the current moment, my high school squad has more attacking in the middle.
you aren’t far off, but switch Altidore and Dempsey…
Since I’m still sure that Chandler will back out at the last moment, how about playing Cameron at right fullback (where he’s been starting for Stoke) and Boca and Edu as centerbacks? We will need some experience there. You can’t just throw people with no experience, like Gonzalez and Besler, in there.
lol…….
Timmy will get the start and be cap tied… Gonzo is a monster and when do you start him in a USMNT game? the WC2014?
I see this starting lineup. EJ played much better as a wing player, and all we have is Zusi for the other side though i think he is overrated. Two solid Defensive minded Mids who like to go box to box and take turns doing so. And a very solid back four.
_______________Howard_____________
Chandler____Cameron____Gonzalez____F. Johnson
_________J.Jones______M. Bradley______
Zusi___________________________________E.Jonson
________________Demps_____________
_________________Jozy______________
I would have liked to have seen some more natural wide players over the glut of center mids – which I’m worried will not allow Klinsmann much tactical flexibility.
The last time we played Honduras there in a qualifier, to nearly everyone’s surprise, Bradley started Connor Casey who proceeded to score 2 goals before Donavon added an insurance goal in a must-win game for the US. The first goal was just hustle and muscle, the second was a counter, as was Donavon’s if I recall rightly. There is something to be said for a mixture of strength and quickness. I’m not sure if that means Altidore or Gomez starts. Of course, Klinsmann might not see it the same way.
I see nothing wrong with Castillo or Torres. This will be perhaps the second toughest road qualifier and you need a veteran team here. I would suspect after Aztecs we will probably not see Boca, the Brads, or Torres. If they can get a point or three none of this matters.
Also, I’m going to gripe about picking Edu when he has been riding the pine for Stoke. I know he’s now on loan to Turkey but that hasn’t been long so this is basically a rote pick of someone he likes no matter their circumstances. Ditto Boca, Williams, Kljestan, Torres, etc.
Edu has started and gone 90 the past four games for Bursapor and is apparently impressing and getting stronger each match. Danny Williams is not playing at all right now so the pick makes sense. Given his experience he probably starts at the 6.
The reason I why I prefer 3-5-2: We could Johnson & Chandler attack flanks players, both Jones, Bradley or Torres as CM, Dempsey or Donovan or maybe Zusi behind the forwards.
I don’t mind Davis per se — although I do think he did not play particularly well against Canada to earn this — and I actually believe conceptually in having him around as a late free kick guy. But what concerns me is the sheer amount of midfield callins who are milquetoast technical guys who’ve not been particularly effective for us. Kljestan, Davis, Torres. Add that to Williams who was awful against Russia. I mean, it’s basically a bunch of DMs and technical guys, no wide speed, no take people on playmaker types. I think his GK, D, and F picks are in the ballpark give or take a player or two (Parkhurst, Evans), but his middie choices don’t seem to reflect basic wisdom about players he should have seen from recent games, and it’s not only a poorly selected bunch but also not tactically diverse. What if he’s chasing a game?
Agreed with some of your points here. You have to think that we will likely start 3 of the “forward” players in the roster. That leaves us with 1 striker option off the bench. That is ok but not ideal. My main concern, as you noted, is who can come into the midfield if we are chasing the game? Who can provide that thrust through the center of the field if we need to push forward? Torres is more of a ball retainer, Kljestan just hasn’t really shown that ability to drive the team forward, Zusi has been used more on the wings for us.
That brings me to a guy like Feilhaber. His game fits that mold perfectly. He works hard, provides incisive passes, and has good technical abilities. He brings a different option off the bench we wouldn’t otherwise have. Can’t understand how he can’t find a place in a 24 man roster.
One bad game for Williams vs Russia. But he has been very good at DM since JK moved him there. He also was outstanding defensively when he played him on the right. Terrible offensively out wide though.
He and Bradley play very well together normally. But we do have small number of games to judge by.
I listed a group of people and said the risk is essentially there’s not much form or danger among them. Williams is just one. And I stand behind the critique, he almost cost us that game.
Four thoughts:
1. I think Klinsy hopes to get width from his fullbacks. Fabian and esp. Chandler can send in great crosses.
2. Torres choice was a surprise, but obviously the Camp did not yield creative choices that Klinsy rates
3. Does boca finally sit? Maybe, but i think it might be Besler before Omar
4. Here’s a potential game plan: play Torres and bradley in the middle, hold the ball up enough allow numbers to get forward, and send the ball out to the wings. They put it in and we score ugly but we still score. if you play zusi, davis, fabian and chandler, you have four good crossers of the ball. In this scenario I play Eddie Johnson over Jozy because he is good with his head and Jozy, for all of his talents, shies away from headers in traffic.
This is ugly football, but it makes a lot of sense to get results in Central America. Now if Bernardez would just get hurt, because that guy is an absolute beast in the box
What if as often happens in road qualis we get stuck back to the wall defending and spend so much time doing that there is no room for fullback counters? In which case we need a second level of wing speed on the counter which he just didn’t even bother to call up. I agree there is a tactical sense to these callins but it provides for no adjustment. It’s basically the 3 DMs of Jamaica to stalemate then technical players for keepaway. But what if, like Jamaica, we end up chasing the game?
If we’re hurting for speed on the wing as we slog through the game, I suppose we can always swap the starting Left Mid for Castillo and move FJ up to left mid. That may be our best late-game move to add a wide threat.
You know you’ve done the wrong callups when it’s like, we can patch that by moving players from one level up or down. That’s emergency stuff for a one game set of qualifying….not like there’s two games in this set. I can’t believe he doesn’t call up at least one speedy wing that could either get behind the defense, or at least make them hang back on D.
It’s like, I wouldn’t go to one of these games without a Jozy/Boyd type for late headers. I wouldn’t show up for a game without any fast wings.
@Cairo: To the best of my recollection, Torres has never played his preferred club position under Klinsmann, but rather as left wing and attacking midfielder and–the stupidest experiment–left back. I would love to see Torres paired with either Mikey Bradley or Jermaine Jones as double Sixes in a 4-2-3-1, with MB/JJ surging forward now and then.
Totally with you on this.
Would very much like to see Torres playing central and deeper.
Thought Torres was very good in an understated sort of way, keeping the ball moving, against Jamaica in Columbus.
Just like that Evans goes from controversial for the Sounders to controversial for the US Nat team.
Guys like me can’t believe the Sounders value him that highly….now it is USMNT ?
I am glad the MLS is represented well. Guys like EJ ( boarderline ) and OG (definitely ) should start and deserve the start too. People posting negatively about the US league on site like this tend to be so Europe based, not sure if it is ignorance or bias that causes them to undervalue MLS players. When you see negative comments about Davis, who is the best set piece guy the US has, you just have to think they have not seen him play much.
“24 PLAYERS CALLED INTO USMNT CAMP”
Isn’t the game day after tomorrow? And many players are probably still traveling after weekend’s games. So, what “camp” are we talking about?
Galaxy fan here and I really don’t get all the Brad Davis hate. has tons of experience, albeit MLS and can deliver consistent superb set pieces. what’s the big deal? who else would we bring in its not like the US has a sort of phenom waiting on the outside looking in.. (and please don’t say Gatt is ur phenom being snubbed)
The US has a few people capable of a decent set piece delivery. At the international level you need someone on the outside who has the ability to beat people 1 v 1 and send in a good cross. Against Canada Davis showed neither of those attributes (although his delivery in MLS would suggest he is capable of better). Gatt at least showed the ability to beat defenders, he just didn’t know what to do with the ball after that.
Is Castillo even cap-tied yet?
Doesn’t matter, he already filed his one time FIFA switch.
Jose Torres is a smart addition. The best playmaker (admittedly when he’s on his game) on this roster….Best of luck!
Yeah no,Toreres is a box to box 8.The best playmaker is Feilhaber.Id even take Klejstan over Torres in that role.
Klinsy saw benny for three weeks and did not choose him. I am going to trust klinsy on this one. When i watch Anderlecht sacha looks good. He looks unsure when he is with the Nats. Still like Torres but wish we could slide him into a defensive mid position. Not likely to happen on the road in the hex though.
Feihaber is more super sub type, not 90 min. player. Torres is our “poorman” Cambiasso.
This is the fallacy, he’s not been a playmaker for us, for us he’s basically been a soft, tiki-taka get the ball and pass it on kind of guy. Mostly sideways.
Yeah, Torres has never been a playmaker, or a number 8 box to box midfielder either for that matter. He just gets the ball moving smoothly. I liked what he did against Scotland, drifting across the pitch to create overloads in different areas, allowing our midfield to play right around Scotland’s and run straight at their defense, who did not cope well.
Scotland showed so poorly last year their coach got fired, and that game was an embarrassment for them.
I’ve yet to see him play well against the level of opponent we will be facing in the Hex and Brazil.
I’m not sure. I wonder if this side really has enough ingenuitive players combined with guys who bring direct thrust. I’m not saying that Josh Gatt is a complete player, or that Benny Feilhaber has had the best few years lately, but we saw what guys like that can do when we bring them on the field. Zusi and Davis are good players, but in the end, they’re just hard workers who can strike a dead ball as well as just about anybody in MLS. Zusi could definitely become more, which is why I’m not really concerned with bringing him along. Moreover, set pieces are still key, especially in CONCACAF, so having one specialist is actually a good idea, particularly with Donovan not being available.
Brad Davis, on the other hand, is completely superfluous in my mind. That spot could have gone to a Benny Feilhaber, who showed well against Canada. I’m not begging for Benny to start, but it’s pretty clear that, for now, he can still play the role that Bob used him for in 2010.
I will say that I’m somewhat pleased Sacha Kljestan continues to get looks. He could easily be left at home, but the fact that he isn’t makes me wonder what Juergen thinks he’ll be useful for. I would say the same thing for Jose Torres. I still think the role he played in the Scotland game was the proper spot for him.
Perhaps we will finally now see this 1000% committment from Chandler
Real glad to see Castillo called in, and also that Torres is getting another sniff. Also happy to see the new young CBs Matt Besler and Omar Gonzalez (and am hoping like heck that Timothy Chandler does not wreck Omar’s knee in practice again like he did last year). Also have high hopes for Edu. I watched Bursaspor against Galatasaray over the weekend, and Bursaspor is an exciting attacking team and Edu looked very good as a Deep Six in all aspects of his game.
Also pleased that Klinsmann did not buckle under to pressure to call in Agudelo, who ain’t even close to being ready for prime time. Agudelo showed this against a Canada C-team by losing the ball too many times and failing to head in a shot on a couple of decent crosses during his brief cameo roll. Maybe he will be ready for WC 2018.
Happy as heck to see Herc Gomez, who I think is now one of the most important players on the team. No one can outwork him and he is a true inspiration.
Evans, the last thing we need is another unathletic middle aged dude fumbling around the field.
I think we’d probably play some variation of a 4-1-3-2 with the lack of wide players. Something like this:
———Jozy————Herc———–
—————-Deuce——————–
—Jones—————–Bradley—–
—————Williams——————
I’m ok with this.
I’m actually okay with that too, and I have a feeling that’s what we’ll see.
The problem is that’s almost identical to what we played against Jamaica when we lost. We, of course, have Williams and Bradley in there instead of Edu and Beckerman, so things should be smoother in that sense. Beckerman is great positionally and distributes the ball well, but he’s a tad too slow, which partly led to the first free kick goal in that game.
I think Bradley’s absence was the main factor of that game. Remember, Jamaica had absolutely ZERO chances other than 2 free kicks.
Not like I’m going to be able to see the game anyway…
Amen. I wonder if the ESPN-apologists have considered what it means that the network was willing to pay for the rest of Mexico’s qualis, but not ours.
ESPN has appologists?
When the road quali/BeIN issues first arose I complained that the Soccer Network was unwilling to show very much soccer between big tournaments, including US friendlies and road qualis. I heard an awful lot about how it’s a business and treating the games solely as a cost and not advertising or building an audience and how ESPN owes me nothing. That apparently only applies for the USA. For Mexico, the economics somehow work out.
How do you know they weren’t willing to pay for ours? The other federations may not have even wanted to sell the rights to ESPN.
I know they weren’t willing to pay enough for the rights because they bid for them and someone else got them.
It magically got easier for Mexico?
I believe Univision own the english broadcasting rights to Mexico’s home games, since Telemundo owns the Spanish broadcasting rights.
They probably sold them to ESPN for a reasonable price, something they haven’t been able to get for the US home games.
You really think the rights for the US are more than Mexico?
I think this has to do with internet rights squabbling, seeing the US as cheap programming they won’t pay much for, etc. But then come Brazil time it’s the Soccer Network, etc. One set of rights dwarfs the other. You’re talking a total of 6 games they need to buy to do right by the fans and arguably advertise for the WC.
And, like I said, they just managed it with Mexico, which I assume is actually more expensive because I bet it’s higher rated TV.
5 games I mean.
Few things…
Brad Davis is exactly the type of player you want in CONCACAF matches. He is a super sub with deadly free kick accuracy and get service delivery. The majority of goals are nasty scrums in front of the net or set pieces/crosses.
Boyd is in pre-season. Non-starter to even think about complaining about that.
And just on a final note, if you’re seriously questioning the act of bringing in the best free kick taker MLS has probably ever seen (other than Beckham of course) for sloppy matches on bad pitches in bad weather where set pieces are the world than you have no business even suggesting you know what’s best for the squad.
Johnson is the type of forward you want in CONCACAF–he’s great in the air and can hold the ball up/earn fouls for the aforementioned set pieces.
Brad Evans offers some versatility in being plugged into multiple positions. He’s also the last guy on the roster, so he isn’t going to play. Why complain about the last guy on the bench?
Torres has always offered tough defense in the center of the field and decent distribution of the ball. In CONCACAF you want strong midfielders who will go in hard and can distribute well.
why complain? because you he could have called up someone who can make a difference…. obviously.
This.
Well put.
SO you are free to question anybody’s opinions, but if someone questions your thoughts concerning “the best free kick taker in MLS history (faint praise by the way) other than Beckam”, than that person doesn’t know anything about the game.
This my friend is exactly how NOT to have a meaningful and insightful discussion about anything.
JUST MY OPINION, and certainly open for debate. Enjoy the game!!
Not all opinions are correct and there is a reality that your opinions should be based on.
Ragging on Castillo is not based in reality. He’s one of the top defenders in Liga MX. That’s just a fact.
Saying the call up of MLS’ best free kick taker and service deliver is a bad decision is just not based in reality. That’s just a fact.
Whether you want to accept it or not is up to you, but realize that you’re talking nonsense.
How is that a fact??? You can not possibly prove that he is the second best free kick guy in the history of MLS. That is solely an opinion.
I do agree that opinions can be wildly wrong and not worthy of discussion. I also understand your valuing of free kicks in CONCACAF. We have made a living off of them during the ealry BB days. But in my opinion, and I hope I’m wrong, you are over valuing his ability. I was not impressed with the free kicks he took against Canada. More than once he did not get them past the first defender. I would prefer Bradley, Gomez, Zusi, and possibly others to Davis. Bradley will be out their for 90 minutes save a red card, so their is really no need for Davis. At least these are my points of discussion.
I would love to hear your reply, if you can do it without using phrases like “you don’t know anything about the game”, or “you are not based on reality” or “you’re talking nonsene”. Adults don’t try to degrade others, they talk, discuss and communicate ideas. At least that is my opinion of adulthood.
I’m sorry but being a free kick master and not much more Is not enough to be called a super sub.A super sub makes a difference in the flow of play.
David Beckham’s ENTIRE CAREER is based on existing only as a free kick and service specialist.
And yes, it is absolutely a reason to come on as a super sub.
Let me put it this way.If he comes on at the 75th like you say.Thats 15 minutes to make an impact from set pieces.How many do you think he’ll take realistically in that time, one or two.Sorry but I would def take a Feilhaber or Gatt.How much of an upgrade is it from the guy taking the free kicks already.
Unless Bradley is dead, and Gomez is on the bench, no way he is taking an important free kick over those two guys. Sorry but MLS is a growing league, Mexican and Italian leagues are much stronger at this point. I don’t think its even a discussion unless you strictly want a left footed in swinger. Do you really think Davis would stand over a free kick in 83rd minute of a tie game and say to MB “Dude I got this.” Bradley might chew his left foot right off. Comeone consider who else will be on the field.
+1 id like to see somebody agrue that davis isnt a threat with free kicks.
This is dead on. Davis struggled in the Canada game because Brad Evans dropped way too deep into midfield. At times he was below Beckerman. Evans dropping forced Zusi and Davis to pinch in and pay that AM role together. With two inexperienced outside backs behind them it was bound to fail. At least Evans gives you options in training. Win.
Moving on, Davis is great off the bench to put balls into the box. Someone has to get the ball to “Alan Gordon.”
————-Altidore———-
Dempsey———–Gomez
Jones———–Bradley—-
———Williams/Edu——
FJ—–Boca—-Cam—-Chandler
———–Howard———
What jk will put out most likely.
Who are the impact subs though???
+1. Thats exactly the lineup i had. Not bad, all in season vets with a plethora of up and coming mls’ers off the bench; zusi, ej, gonzo, davis, etc. i just hope he pickes Edu over Williams for the start
I doubt JK brings both Besler and Gonzalez if he doesn’t intend on playing at least one of them. I get the feeling Boca is there for group dynamic purposes, and may not see the field.
Also my line up, with Edu getting the nod, being that Williams is not playing at all right now.
That’s a weak team.
It’s a solid but not flashy team. We are clearly going to try to grind this one out.
How is this a weak team? This is the best USMNT roster in a while.
Seriously, no Gatt? What does this kid have to do? I get it, it’s a difficult road qualifier… but the kid has big balls and I don’t think he would be phased by it. He’d be a great spark option off the bench in a stagnant game.
Lack of balls is not the reason why Gatt has not been called up for a tough road qualifier against Honduras. I like Gatt’s potential, but he had some questionable decision-making against Canada and protested to the refs in a manner that would likely to get him carded and potentially thrown out of the game in an official CONCACAF game. He just needs to keep working hard and continue to improve, which will lead to more call ups.
What were you seeing? He dribbled into trouble and then whined to the referee after his dumb play got him into trouble. Being aggressive and blaming your failure on the referee is way not smart.
Gatt has some physical talent, but he needs to put his brain in charge, not his “balls”.
Think of how fast he’d be if his jewels were smaller!
The Evans inclusion is purely to cover if Fabian Johnson comes up lame in training. IF FJ is healthy, I’d be shocked if he even dresses. And, as poorly as he played at CM against Canada, he really was Ok when he moved to the backline in the second half.
Personally, I can’t wait to see Jozy and Clint pair up now that both are at the top of their games. I see the two of them up front with Clint playing underneath and running off Altidore all day. I know it’s overly optimistic to expect a win on the road, but I feel like 3-1 is a real possibility with this line up. I think it will be a 4-4-2 with a lot of pressure on Chandler and FJ to provide the width and crosses.
———-Jozy—
———–Clint—–
EJ——————Zusi
—-Bradley—-Jones—–
FJ———————Chandler
——-Boca—Cameron—–
———–Howard
Castillo is here to cover FJ. Besler & Gonzo cover Boca & Cameron, while Parkhurst is there to backup Chandler, so Evans is there to …… well I don’t know why Evans is there. With nine defenders coming, it appears to me that Evans is solely there because he is from MLS. Maybe JK is throwing them a bone, to placate them. Who knows what goes on behind the scenes.
Who got us threw to the Hex? MLS players,or do people forget?
+1. Not my preference (i am ready to replace boca) but this is what he will prob. Put out there
Glad beckerman and wondolowski didnt make it. Davis deserved the call up, we have to many defensive midfielders on here anyway. Davis provides the vision that is lacking in the middle.
Beckerman’s not that bad. Wondolowski on the other hand has no business being part of the Nats. He might score plenty of goals at club level, but he can’t find the back of the net as a member of the Nats.
Where’s Freddy Adu?
+1
Where he belongs, far from the USMNT.
Thumbs up Dennis!
How come the Adu joke is so hard for so many to get?
I tried to Rick Roll you, but SBI moderated it. Bummer.
Evans just seem average in MLS, and Johnson seem just good enough for Qualifiers, but not the World Cup. Sorry Sounders fans.
Boyd seem more logical bench #9 type.
Castillo, sucks worst than Bornstein in defending and being out position.
Except not.
Why do people make comments like this? They aren’t rooted in reality. You’ve probably never even watched Castillo play.
And Boyd is in pre-season form. You want to bring a pre-season striker to a world cup qualifier?
And this is qualifiers, so what’s the point of saying Johnson isn’t good enough to play in another competition that isn’t this?
Catillo over-laps great, but done too mistake in games,clumsy ones, out-muscle, and out position.
We are doing it with MLS players? Why not Boyd? I blame USSF for lack preparations.
Johnson is good enough CONCACAF level, his records in Europe and with USNT shows Johnson is C+ level player.
@A. +1. Castillo has grown up as a player . He has done a tremendous job at Xolos. I’ll take him over Parkhurst any day. The Mexican league is much stronger than the league in Norway, and although Parkhurst now “plays” in the Bundesliga, he’s yet to see any PT. As for taking a Pre-Season in form Boyd over an in-form Altidore, c’mon man. Seriously? Do you understand the significance of this WCQ in an extremely hostile San Pedro Sula stadium?
We are in agreeance on not bring Boyd. I was saying to that guy that we shouldn’t bring him.
Short term I am OK with Boyd missing because you want people with a history of at least some production in this circumstance. I’m not wild about EJ or Jozy but they have done it before. Neither Boyd nor Wondo has officially made the jump yet.
But I do think Boyd has superior potential to most of the forward pool so he should be called in for Gold Cup and played a lot. Then if he scores some you have your proof and you can elevate him past some players like EJ who really aren’t that good.
I never wrote “Boyd over Altidore”, Boyd seems more natural centrelforward after Altidore.
Xolos is one thing, but I am yet to be impress with Castillo’s performance with the USNT. I do agree MX is better than Viking leagues. San Pedro might be among friendliest cities in the Qualifiers, we do well there, and San Jose is far worse.
You do realize Johnson was a crucial piece in getting into the Hex, right? Or did you just want to ignore the last six months of national team soccer (which would be understandable)?
If you watched our game against Canada C, I think you saw why EJ can be an incredibly frustrating player. He runs very hot and cold. He plays sufficiently slow and sloppy it’s in the long term interest of the NT for Boyd and anyone else to step up. But I think he gets this game because in theory he’s been sharper and the theoretical replacements have not yet proven themselves. Almost by default.
I never understood the hate for castillo. as a starter i would not like him, but as a bench/sub/pinch he is a great choice.
exactly, i don’t understand y people squabble over the 20-24 guys, there not gonna play anyway. the only player I can see people making a case for is Gatt just bc he might be able to come in and do something with his speed (although he def isn’t ready for the international level yet).
I thought we learned from the “but he’ll never play” last qualifying round where like every LB we called in was sick or hurt, Klinsi refused to call in new guys, etc.
I think aspects of the XI are OK although I don’t feel 100% comfortable with back or the absence of real wings with speed, a historical US advantage. So the core is…..OK. But there are some train wreck picks in the bench. Yes, some of them may not get used, but if a coach makes enough goofy bench picks (in addition to baiting the Meal Ticket, whom we can hardly afford to check out mentally) you start to question his sanity and coaching quality.
Because Castillo’s every performance has been awful for the USMNT. There are so many other people who would be better in that position but Klinsman has a hard-on for Mexican league players, good or bad. And the anti-MLS crowd feeds into that attitude. Does anyone remember how great Zach Lloyd at left back against Chile? Why isn’t he in the mix?
You’re blinded by your anti-Mexican agenda.
Castillo isn’t good enough. Thats all. Hell, Bornstein (kosher-mexican) far better players but not getting playing time.
I criticize one Mexican league player and I have an anti-Mexican agenda? Castillo is terrible and we have other players that can play at that position.
@A +1
You’ll find that a lot here. Castillo is awful but mention Lichaj, and that’s the second coming of Christ. Zach Lloyd …. SMH
your last sentence just took away any credibility that your post had. Think first, then write.
I know he didn’t show up against Canada but not seeing wondo is a bummer for mls fans
Some people might say that Wondo was set up in that game to fail.
And some others might say that Wondo has no business being on the field for international games.
Yep.
Yes, some paranoid people would say that.
Klinsi is Illuminati
right. wondo gets a pass, but jozy is a bum…
I think you mean a relief.
How is an in form Corona not picked over Brad Davis. And I don’t want to hear about Davis being an off the bench set piece option. This isn’t NBA or NFL where you can call time out and bring in certain players.
Set pieces in CONCACAF are KEY.
When we lost to Jamaica on that nonsense pitch, why did we lose? Two amazing free kicks.
This is true. I don’t really think Davis did well against Canada, and I don’t think he’ll end up being that close to a spot on the plane to Brazil, but he could easily end up playing the same role that Steve Ralston did for the U.S. in Bruce Arena’s last cycle as a coach. Involved in some key plays, may get a goal or assist, but not ultimately seen as indispensable enough to bring along.
+1 last hex games we got almost every goal vs central american teams of corners, and you are correct about the free kicks against us. I dont think i would have picked davis but hopefully he proves me wrong and provides some quality assists late in the game.
Actually, it’s almost exactly what it is. Impact sub who can deliver something that no one else can. As others have said, quality service on road CONCACAF qualifiers cannot be overlooked.
Can even imagine davis starting. On the road, it is going to be about set pieces most of the time. And his speed limitations will matter less with FJ behind him. Not my preference, but makes sense…
rather see Boyd over Altidore walking around lost on the pitch
Lets just put this to rest. DON’T FEED THE TROLL
ok dude
I would never say that Jozy walks around lost on the pitch. But I will say that during the past year he many times has not looked very sharp while wearing a USMNT shirt. So, yeah, at this point in a key game, I also would rather see Boyd on the field over Jozy, whose last non PK goal for the USMNT was June 19, 2011, against Guadeloupe in the Gold Cup. A guy named Bob Bradley was coach then. Since Jurgen Klinsmann took over, Jozy has played 13 games. He scored a PK goal against Slovenia on November 15, 2011, but no goals during regular play. Not one single goal in 13 games.
I have always been a fan of Jozy and I cheer him at the club level. But after 13 games in a row without a goal I am starting to wonder whether he has what it takes at the international level. I will be cheering louder than anybody if Jozy can put the ball in the net in Honduras. But how many chances is Jozy going to get. If he can’t start scoring soon, Klinsmann is going to have forget him and find someone who can score in Hex competition so we can get qualified for WC 2014.
did you see the game against italy? are you aware of the form he has been in this season with AZ?
many of his appearances under klinsmann have been as a sub. of the starts he has gotten many have been without any service at all.
not playing jozy at this point would be absolutely crazy. what exactly has boyd done that makes him a better candidate than jozy? don’t give me this “heart” or “play for the shirt” bs…
jozy is clearly the best and most experienced striker on the team. messages have been sent. it’s time to get on with putting the best lineup possible together.
Here we ago again, making excuses for Jozy not scoring in his last– count ‘em–13 games for the USMNT. It’s all Klinsmann’s fault. No service. blah blah blah.
I agree with you that Jozy is good forward. But for the last 20 months he has only been good at the club level. At the international level he has, quite frankly, su**ed. How can a forward he has not scored in his last 13 USMNT games–three more games than the 10 Hex games–be called “clearly the best and most experienced striker on the team.” Sorry, but he has been among the worst.
I hope Jozy rises to the occasion Wednesday in Honduras. But if he doesn’t, Klinsmann is going to have to seriously consider replacing him with someone who can score in the remaining Hex games.
he has not sucked. that is ignorant. did you watch the italy game? he was awesome.
I would also prefer Boyd over Jozy. Jozy has had too many years of not being able to score for the Nats.
Boyd just seems to have much more energy and desire and plays with heart.
I’m not trying to berate Jozy, I’m just voicing my opinion that I feel Boyd is a better striker.
Ud rather see a striker who is in the PRESEASON right now over an in-form striker who has a lot more experience in a curcial away qualifer. Boyd is basically a rookie at this level and you think he is the answer for this game? wow
you’re drunk
Austria is still in preseason
There will be at most 14 playing in the game. Other than Landon the best 14 that America has are on the roster.
+1
Glad for Sacha. Really surprised Feilhaber didn’t get the call over Torres. Torres is brought in for creativity, but can’t show it for the USMNT. Feilhaber comes on against Canada, splits their defense open on a number of occasions, and is left at home. Also, neither Evans nor Davis deserve to be here.
Also, what a Brad heavy roster this is.
+1
Torres is not creative in the sense Feilhaber is. We US fans constantly think he’s an Iniesta. He’s more of a Carrick-type player who’d prefer to sit back, collect balls, spray them around, and intercept balls. He’s not a “ticki-tacka” player – or however you spell it.
No, I totally agree. I don’t think of him as an Iniesta type, I like him as a deeper lying play maker. The problem is, when with the US he doesn’t make plays. I know he gets played out of position a lot with the nats, but so does Feilhaber. The difference is, Benny tends to make things happen while Torres doesn’t.
he doesn’t just get ‘played out of position a lot’, he’s never played his natural position with the usmnt (except maybe the turkey friendly? can’t remember). which may be why he doesn’t make plays.
i like torres, but i really don’t think will ever get a lot of time with the usmnt, because we already have bradley and jones to do basically the same thing as him, only better (except set pieces).
Calling in Davis over impact sub guys like Gatt and Bedoya is not a wise choice.I suspect Evans was just a convenient body that Klinsi could call in to make numbers up.Why no Benny?He too could of made a difference off the bench if need be.
Calling in the best set piece taker in MLS to play a dirty away match in CONCACAF is a bad move? Really?
The guy would be perfect for a 75 minute sub needing some great service or to take some shots on target from set pieces.
That’s how goals are scored in CONCACAF–set pieces, set pieces, set pieces, crosses.
“dirty”?
Sloppy pitch, bunker play, poor officiating?
Two really good guys to take corner kicks are Bradley and Torres — so let Torres take the kick to leave Bradley in the box.
I don’t want to see Davis, but even he is above Bedoya right now. What has that guy done to be considered an “impact sub”?? Feilhaber, sure…
I think he’s an impact sub for the way he plays.Takes people on and tries to make things happen.Not necessarily for what he has done in his career.Same with Gatt.
Lack of pace on the wings is a consistent problem.
Yep
Yeah, that is what jumped out at me on the roster, a lot of technical players and no wide speed. My experience is that the US tends to overrate any technical advantage it’s supposed to have. You look at a game like Panama 1 (the group round game) at Gold Cup 2011 and I think that’s what happens when we try and play against a physical and athletic team with our technical players.
FWIW, while I respect the idea of experience the midfield selection is so defensive and bland I don’t know how he expects to score. You need to send a fear of god team and this is a stalemate machine at best.
Also, looking at this roster, it’s almost like the Canada game didn’t happen. Evans and Davis, yes? No to Agudelo, Gatt, Benny, etc.? This list could have been picked before the friendly based on perceived camp play plus the core usual suspects. Cause Evans and Davis couldn’t actually hit a dangerous ball to save their lives last week.
Aside from Evans seems about the best set of options. Evans has experience in similar settings in champions league, and is versatile. He’s not a high class player but I get the choice.
This is what I expected, though it leaves a lot to be desired. The team has no wide players and little in the way of creativity in the final third. Don’t really get how Edu or Torres make the roster, one has hardly featured over the past 5 months at the club level and the other has never preformed at the international stage despite numerous opportunities. Got to imagine my Wednesday afternoon will be filled with frustration as our 3 defensive midfielders struggle to connect passes and control the game. Hope Altidore starts, he at least is among the goals, and want to see if he can translate club succes into international success.
YEah Kljestan, Boo Torres
possibly Torres is there solely in case we have a late lead, and want to possess the ball. He does do a good job of moving the ball, and not being dispossessed. I agree with most that he is not helpful to the attack.
Maybe Torres is there to do the translating now that Landon Bilingual Donovan isn’t around.
+1
That has been Torres strength in the Mexican league, for the USMNT, he has looked less solid in keeping possession, especially since he sometimes makes passes that teammates don’t expect and turnovers result.
I think we’ll see something like this;
Altidore
Davis Dempsey Zusi
Jones Bradley
Johnson Boca Cameron Chandler
Howard
Or replace Davis with Johnson
Why so much hate on Davis?
Can we start all 3 Johnsons just to shake things up?
This is my lineup too! We’ll see Davis because he’s the closest thing to a #11 with Brek Shea unavailable, and he has experience in Central America playing in CONCACAF Champions League. I don’t see us using a tactical lineup that is NOT a 4-2-3-1. And if we do change anytime during the match it will be to a 4-4-2, and only if we’re trailing.
9 defenders and only 8 midfielders, of which none are Feilhaber.
His passing would have been key in keeping the frantic-ball-chasing-in-the-sweltering-midday-Honduran-heat to a minimum.
What in the world did Brad Evans do vs Canada that would make you think he is suitable for anything other than a USL team?
+1
I fully admit that I wasn’t completely engaged in that match but I’ve been silently wondering how he got any positive reviews. I’ll be happy to not have him see the field in this one.
Would have liked to see feilhaber over him. benny is much more creative with the ball (something the us lacks)
I think Evans is a good enough player, but he’s kind of in a bad spot timing wise… Bradley will be there forever, Jones will be for the next few years and younger guys are going to be hitting their prime before he ever really gets a shot. I don’t see him getting much of a chance with the Nats unless a massive injury bug hits… but then again I never thought Beckerman would get as many caps as he has so what do I know?
Brad is there for positional flexibility because he can play many spots. Plus he is good enough at RB. I predict he is here to stay (as a bench guy).
you mean we are lacking positional flexibility players, let me see…Chandler (RB, LB, RM) F.Johnson (LB, RB, RM, LM), Parkhurst (RB, LB, CB) Cameron (CB, LB, RB, DM) EDU (CB, DM, AM), E.Johnson (LM, CF), Jones (DM, AM, LM) etc etc. Evans inclusion is just overkill, his spot could have been used somewhere were we are lacking.
Klinsmann not admitting he was wrong with the Canada roster selection – it’s as simple as that.
this to me is very clear. he had playing taking the lion’s share of playing time that didn’t work out. Sometimes I wonder who is in charge.
well, Alex Seldin, I’ll tell you what Brad Evans did: In the first half against Canada starting in the play-making position at the top of a midfield diamond, he did a great job making darn sure that Wondoloski would not get any good service and the chance to score a goal. Could it be that Klinsmann is rewarding him for a job well done? And Eddie Johnson also did a pretty good job from the left wing of denying Wondo service in the first half and then Klinsmann pulls Wondo at half-time and slides Evans to RB and puts in a better playmaker (Benny).
I kinda agree with this. Further, I still wonder what it is that Wondo does that seems to put off coaches. He made more chances than EJ or any other forward did vs Canada. I get that taking 5 forwards would be pointless since it is likely only 3 of them would actually see the field and lets face it starting, right now that means Altidore and Dempsey with Gomez getting some time. EJ might get a run out if we need a late goal, but …
I didn’t see it the same way. Wondo got the ball a number of times, mostly because he moves really well off the ball. Unfortunately he didn’t do anything once he got it, largely because of a career performance by Jakovic.
biff,
A conspiracy to keep Wondo off the team ? On this anti -Wondo issue you’re acting as if you’ve been ate up by a wolf and defecated off a cliff. .
.
From what you have written you can’t argue against Clint EJ or Gomez as keeping Wondo off the team based on their recent play.
So that leaves Jozy vs Wondo for the last spot in the four forward rotation.
I would argue a conspiracy involving Evans to keep Wondo off the team is unnecessary. Wondo is doing fine on his own.
Yes Jozy is in a slump not having scored in the last 12-13 USMNT games.
Jozy has 53 caps and 13 goals. Before his recent slump he was scoring at a rate of about one goal every three appearances, which just happens to be about the same rate at which Dempsey scores for the US ( 91 caps, 30 goals). So Jozy has a track record of success for the USMNT.
The definition of a slump is he’s not doing it now but he did it once and he can do it again.
In 2010 in 11 games for England Rooney scored 1 goal and for Argentina Leo Messi scored 2 goals. Those are slumps for those guys but they had track records for scoring so their teams kept faith with them and they have come back to their previous form. Jozy is not in their class but like them he has proven he can score well for the US. If Jozy never comes back then it’s not a slump anymore. Then you can say he is “finished”. I doubt seriously any sane person thinks Jozy is finished with the USMNT.
With a guy in a slump you look to get him going before you look to replace him. Clearly the USMNT staff is working on that. But even if Jozy is finished why replace him with a guy in Wondo who has not scored in his last 9 US games?
You replace Jozy with EJ, Gomez, Boyd, or Juan or some other promising guy because Wondo is in an 0 for 9 USMNT “slump” too.
Except it’s not a “slump” since Wondo has NEVER scored for the US and we don’t know if he ever will. No track record.
In comparison, in his first 7 games Jozy scored 5 goals for the US.
Jozy may be a “has been” but so far Wondo is a “never was”.
But “Wondo has been hot for his club” you say. I would say so has Jozy and he has been hot much more recently. So your Wondo vs. Jozy, EJ, Gomez and Clint campaign makes no sense.
What’s weird about this is how EJ didn’t play the left wing in that game (unless you get Brad Davis and EJ confused), and how Wondolowski had a golden opportunity to score, and flubbed it with a weak effort. So, there’s that.
He’s handsome.
I have this pipe dream that somebody other than Bocanegra will play with Cameron against Honduras. Really tired off watching him for the Yanks, he’s just simply not good enough.
Don’t count on it. First round of the hex on in Honduras seems like a good game for us to stick with Bocanegra. We have obviously gone with experience in the roster and I’d expect the starting lineup to reflect that too
The Brads must have had a pretty good camp to get themselves in the starting lineup vs Canada and included in this roster. Count me among those very surprised to see them.
Maybe we will see something like this?
———————Howard
Chandler–Cameron–Boca–Johnson
———————-Jones
———–Bradley——-Kljestan
Gomez———————————Dempsey
———————–Altidore
Don’t be shocked to see Danny Williams in the midfield 3 instead of Kljestan. Who knows with Torres at this point either? Impossible to know where he stands.
On second thought, Klinsmann has shown he really prefers to keep Dempsey central (maybe bump one of the mid 3 for him and bring zusi in on the wing?). Will be interesting to see how attacking he is willing to go in this one.
That lineup seems like a safe bet. The only position up for grabs is Kljestan/Williams/Torres, like you mentioned. I like Kljestan. Gives you the option to bring on Torres for a little more going forward, or Williams for a little defensive security depending on the score late in the game. Williams will eventually replace Jones as a starter, but not yet.
I think you’re spot on dinho. Maybe in a 4-1-2-1-2 with Dempsey in the hike behind jozy and Gomez. Bradley with sacha/zusi/Torres providing the link.
*dempsey in the hole
Experience doesn’t mean anything if you simply can’t run with the other team’s forwards
Lots of veterans for the hostile away atmosphere. Just hope JK doesn’t send them into a shell and place Williams on the right.
Under Klinsi you get an automatic 10pt advantage if your based in Mexico no matter how bad you are
And a 20 pt boost if you have any German in your blood. I don’t understand the constant love for Castillo…..Torres? He’s like a cat, he’s got 9 lives. Evans would be my vote for not dressing, why bring in a foreign based player to sit in the stands.
I think Castillo has really grown as a player. He had a pretty good game in Azteca, and plays 90 minutes every game for his club. He’s not the same player we saw in Klinsy’s first few games.
I hope you are right. I just remember him falling down (losing his footing) often and getting bumped off the ball in the past.
+1 He has really come up for Xolos
Castillo and Corona’s experience playing in hostile LigaMX stadiums and upcoming away games in the Copa Libertadores against teams like Corinthians next month are only going to make them even better players for us in the future.
My god, just imagine if we ever got one of the Ger-mericans to play in the Mexican league… they’d be the captain FOR LIFE.
THAT was funny.
Also, Evans will dress… Chandler will come down with German Flu at the last minute before the CAPS are handed out.
And how does this explain the two biggest surprises, ie the two Brads?
This is Klinsmann’s thought process for every roster:
1) Who’s German?
2) Who else isn’t really American?
3) Oh yeah, Donovan, Dempsey, and Bradley
4) Crap, Donovan still hates me
5) I’m bored
+1
My comments and others like MemRook get moderated, but this gets through.
+ 1
Could be that there’s a whole lot more substance to go through in you guy’s stuff, A. Could be that the moderstaors actaullay need to read through it, would be my guess.
The quality of the USMNT is such that if a player is good enough to start in the Bundesliga or EPL, then he is automatically good enough to make the team and probably start. Liga MX is also better than MLS and probably on a par or a bit behind the Eredevisie, so it comes down to the level of play and the level of competition that US players show consistently. Also, there is a definite Latin style of play which players who play in Mexico are exposed to weekly and which serve the US well in qualifiers against Latin teams. Is this logical enough for you?
Not much in the way of wide players. What kind of lineup/formation do you guys expect?
I’m thinking the Klinsmann special, the 4-3-0-3. 3 Dmids and 3 center forwards. Who needs wide play or a link between the midfield and forwards? Not the USMNT.
But seriously, I don’t know. I look at this roster and I don’t see where the creativity comes from. We have some solid forwards who will score goals, provided there is decent service. But who does the service come from? Davis, Zusi and Bradley are probably the best bets, but we’ll probably see Bradley, Dempsey and Jones/Williams starting…
I’m not trying to be pessimistic or overly critical of Klinsmann. We have some great players and we called in some of the best, if not the best, available. But I’d be much less worried if Donovan and Shea were in form.
Agreed. You throw Donovan and Cherundolo on this roster and I think it would be our best in years, possibly ever?
If I had to guess:
———————Howard—————
Chander-Cameron-Boca-Johnson
——————Williams————–
———-Jones————-Bradley—–
Gomez——-Dempsey———Johnson
Creativity isn’t there, but Bradley and Jones can pick a decent pass. And away to Honduras, I’m not ashamed to bunker a bit more than usual. Plus, our sidebacks will offer the width. That’s usually how a 4-3-3 works, with the winged forwards pinching in.
Facepalm – Forget Jozy. Even then, I’m not 100% he starts based on Klinsi’s preferences and Johnson doing well enough the last two games he played in a qualifier.
If Jozy does start, I’m fine seeing him through the middle, Dempsey out left, cutting in on his right.
*forgot
I’m guessing the width will be coming from the fullbacks. Chandler and Johnson bombing up the flanks while the D-mid drops in between the two centerbacks when the US is in possession.
Well, Klinsy used EJ on the left wing a couple of times, Dempsey spent most of his career at Fulham playing wide left, and Zusi has played right wing the last couple of games plus he plays there often for Sporting KC.
Timmy Chandler will get cap-tied, finally. Not sure why Brad Davis and Brad Evans made it. Would have rather seen Gatt, maybe Joe Corona too. Would have also liked to have seen Diskerud and Feilhaber on the roster. We need their creative presence, but understand that we’re probably going for the draw on the road in Honduras.
I had to go back twice to make sure his name was there.
+1
Evans and Davis over Gooch? In a match with points at stake, you would choose to forgo someone with Champions league experience? I’d rather have Gooch on the bench than Evans,Davis, Besler, and Gonzalez at this point.
Neither Evans nor Davis plays CB so they are not competing with Gooch. I think that Cameron and Boca will most start at the CB against Honduras, but it does look like Besler and Gonzalez are now ahead of Gooch and Goodson on the depth chart. I agree that Gooch has more experience than either Besler or Gonzalez, but Besler and Gonzalez are younger and the age could have been a factor in Klinsmann’s decision.
If we’re going to call-in Gooch simply based on experience, than why not kick the tires on Alexi Lalas or Balbo? Eyes rolling… Gooch isn’t the answer on so many levels.
No Gooch. If he can start playing games for Malaga AND show well, then yes, but he’s not even getting into games. Maybe he should be loaned again.
I’m keen on Diskerud and Feilhaber myself. Not really sure what Evans and Davis bring to the table creativity-wise.
It’s a small matter as i doubt Diskerud and Feilhaber would have seen much of the pitch, if any.
Really! I wasn’t very impressed with Davis or Evans, but Gatt was a zero. All he did was dribble until he lost the ball. true, he often beat a player, but then he continued dribbling until he lost possession, or when he did not have the b all taken, he gave it away with a bad pass.
Gatt needs to learn that speed isn’t everything – you have to do something with it other than dribble into trouble and loose the ball.
+1 Absolutely right.
Unless Chandler is the 1 out of 24 who doesn’t dress…
That’s about what I expected. I can’t think of any big surprises.
Mo Edu is a surprise given his lack of playing time as of late.
Edu has started three games in a row for Bursaspor, and has shown well.
Three games in 9 month months is sparse, but if he’s fit and he’s playing well, awesome.
As of late constitutes 9 months? Not so much guy.
I’m not your guy, buddy.
Dudes…
Hold up chief…none of this buddy/guy business needed
this is a south park joke (canadians)
Edu has been getting good playing time in his loan to Turkey. Better than the last time he was called in.
Edu was called when he wasn’t playing so him being called while playing in a very good team shouldn’t be a surprise, in fact, it should have been expected.
It’s not like he will start, but it’s good to have a vet on the bench in case he has to play. His flexibility in playing defensive mid or centerback serves him well as a utility player.
Evans is still a big surprise and makes my eyes bleed. But it’s a wasted spot anyway. You’d have to imagine Chandler, Parkhurst, and Cameron are all in front of him.
Pleased to see Torres back. I always felt Klinsi tried making him into a player he never was going to become. Keep him in the middle, let him sit back.
I would have liked to see Corona and Feilhaber. Otherwise, the team is good enough to get at least a point.
Evans showed well enough @ RB against Canada. I think you’re blinded (understandably) by his atrocious showing at CM during the first half of that match.
I don’t think Evans played that bad at mid. If you don’t put him at the top of the diamond, but see him as a poor man’s Bradley, he did well in that role. He’s the one that started the USA’s decent first-half chance, and he got the call up. Klinsman must have seen something he liked. Not to mention his opta was top 4.
Just saying. Don’t think of him as an attacking middy and you’ll see him differently.
Canada was set on not getting scored that they conceded possession so anyone from our side was going to look good. I don’t think the Canada game was a good opponent for our team to be tested.
pretty sure we could’ve stuck anyone back there against canada, and they would’ve looked good. it’s not like canada was attacking.
Agree with Torres, let him play where he can contribute (the middle).
I’ve said this a million times.
I think the player that people want/hope Torres to be, and the player he ACTUALLY is are two totally different things.
Torres does possess good technical ability, and has a good range of passing, but he’s not the type whose going to hit that “killer” ball that unlocks an entire defense and springs an attacker. Also, because of the space he occupies in the midfield, he’s required to do real defensive work – which he isn’t consistently proficient at.
He has his moments, but as a continuous 90 minute effort, his defensive ability is lacking and generally leads to big holes in the midfield where the opposing side can get some major shots on goal.
My two big points to prove this was the away qualifier at Costa Rica in ’09 we were down 2-0 both from goals that Torres’ lack of effort contributed to. Also the WC game with Slovenia where we were down 2-0, which Torres contributed to.
Well said.
I don’t what you are talking about….in the away game in Costa Rica it was the outside backs who screwed up big time….Beasley at left back and Wynne at right back….I recall Torres being near the play but the ball bounced off him when Beasley desperately tried to clear it….then like I said Wynne let someone run lose on the other side…and even tho he was suppose to be really fast he didn’t use his speed well and bam another goal….in Slovenia game I felt Gooch didn’t close very fast on the 2nd goal I believe and on the 1st he did but he didn’t go at the shooter very aggressive and sorted of turned….before his injury Gooch would keep charging trying to block the shot..
The majority of the goals in both of the games I referenced came from shots outside the box, space that should be defended/marked by Torres – who wasn’t there. I’m not saying he was the only one involved in the buildup to the opposition goals, or the only one to play poorly on the defensive side – but that he was culpable.
In certain game situations, if you are looking for a goal or playing against a team that are bunkering in, a player who can collect the ball from the back 4 and iniatiate the buildup – than JFT is your man, but as he exists today – there’s too many holes in his game to be a consistent/effective starter on the international level.
On paper, I love Torres and feel he can be a playmaker for JK. But on the international pitch, he lacks confidence and cannot get rid of the ball quicker. He is running thin on chances
With 24 called in and 23 allowed to dress, Evans may be that utility extra player in case of injury.
If Torres plays is not going to be in the middle. not a chance.
Biggest omission is Feilhaber. The only player who really looked good in that Canada friendly. How Davis and Evans made the roster over him is beyond me. Maybe Evans as defensive backup, but while Davis didn’t look terrible, Feilhaber certainly looked better. And Gatt should be on the roster as a speed option, no question.
I get where your coming from but you’re basing your take on the game. JK saw them in action for 3 weeks and knows better as to what these guys offer him. I guess I’d have more issue with JK if he made his decisions based on that horrible, horrible match.
Gatt is not ready yet. He is definitely an option going forward and look forward to seeing him during the Gold Cup. His contribution will probably come this spring and into the fall.
It’s good to have a speed guy on the bench that you can throw in at tired legs late in the match, especially if you’re down a goal, and especially since we lack wide speed in the midfield.