By IVES GALARCEP
When the new U.S. Men’s National Team roster was announced earlier today, the initial reaction was one of shock at the dearth of defensive options on the 23-man roster, but you only needed to look a little closer to find that there aren’t as few defensive options as you might think.
The sudden rash of injuries to players like Fabian Johnson, Edgar Castillo and Timmy Chandler have left the ranks thin at the fullback positions, but it is a safe bet that Klinsmann will turn to some players to give him minutes at fullback who don’t normally play the position.
That isn’t meant as a knock on players like Tony Beltran and Justin Morrow, who both started in the team’s 0-0 draw vs. Canada in January, but the reality is neither of those players has World Cup qualifying experience.
So who does? DaMarcus Beasley has plenty of it, and his stints at fullback with the national team haven’t been covered in glory, his recent good form in Mexico with Puebla, and his experience playing in big matches make him a real possibility at left back. Conversely, Geoff Cameron has seen his share of playing time at right back for Stoke City so a run there in qualifying wouldn’t be a big shock for him either.
With those things in mind, here is a look at the starting lineup we could see Jurgen Klinsmann trot out against Costa Rica on Friday:
PROJECTED USMNT XI vs. COSTA RICA
—
As I wrote about last week, Jurgen Klinsmann has made it clear that he is open to playing a midfield where Jermaine Jones and Michael Bradley are alone in the middle of the park, with no pure defensive midfielder between them and the defense. The Costa Rica match would be a good opportunity for him to try that system out.
The wealth of in-form forwards makes this projected lineup make plenty of sense. Eddie Johnson has had success as a left forward before, and Herculez Gomez has been playing on the right for Santos Laguna this year. Throw in Jozy Altidore’s improved play as a target forward and you have the potential for a strong attack.
Getting back to the defense. While Beasley and Cameron aren’t shutdown fullbacks, both can give you quite a bit going forward, which fits in well with this group of players. Johnson and Beasley are no strangers to each other’s game. The same could be said for Cameron and Gomez.
Plenty is made of Beasley’s past failure at fullback, which came in a 2009 World Cup qualifier in Costa Rica. Yes, he was shocking that day, but so were plenty other Americans. Also, Beasley put in a short stint at left back against Mexico last August and held his own there. That cameo just might be what gives Klinsmann confidence to play him there.
Could we see Matt Besler in the starting lineup? It’s possible, but I think Klinsmann will want Edu’s experience and athleticism in there as a complement to Gonzalez, who appears to be ahead of Besler in the national team pecking order right now. Given the fact that Clarence Goodson has been playing regularly for Brondby you have to consider him as an option as well.
Ultimately, Edu slots in here at centerback because of his overall ability and given Klinsmann’s recent admission that he’s considering doing away with a pure No. 6 role. If Klinsmann goes back to that, then look for Edu to start in midfield and either Besler or Goodson to start at centerback, with one of the forwards going to the bench (though that would seem a more likely scenario for the Mexico match).
So why no Brek Shea in the starting lineup? He isn’t 90-minutes match fit so throwing him in as a starter would be a bit risky. He will definitely see time, and certainly will be an option against Mexico, but it’s tough to see him starting against Costa Rica given the relatively little playing time he’s received at Stoke City.
What do you think of this projected lineup? Think it can beat Costa Rica? What changes would you make to this lineup?
Share your thoughts below.
Klinsmann’s “Attacking” Lineup:
Altidore
Jones Bradley
Beckerman Cameron Edu
Morrow Goodson Gonzalez Beltran
Guzan
Just trying to understand. This sentiment seems to be everywhere.
We just gave up 2 goals to Honduras and are peicing together a back line that will have never started a single game together. Why would anyone remotely consider an attacking line up? If there was ever a time to bunker, get through the month, and hope for injuries to go away it’s now. A 1-0 win against Costa Rica and it doesn’t matter too much what happens in Mexico.
Possibly a good home field and CR coming out looking for a tie? I can sort of see the idea of offsetting an inexperienced back line with possession but I don’t really see the personnel here for a great possession game.
“bunkering” is not the way to go in my opinion. It invites pressure on our defense as we wouldn’t get any sustained possession or attacks. The players we have in our team are not inept. We have injuries, but this is still a team fully capable of beating Costa Rica at home. We don’t have to park the bus inside the 18 and hope for a point. I’m not saying we throw caution to the wind, but a balanced approach would do us good.
———————–Guzan
Cameron–Gonzales–Besler–Morrow
—————Bradley——-Jones
Gomez————Dempsey——Beasley
————————Altidore
Wouldn’t be against Zusi for Beas or maybe Edu at CB but the point is there is no need to bunker and play for a point at home. We still talented players who can get us 3 points.
Whoever we play at left back will be a potential weakness for us. Doesn’t matter if its a player who doesn’t normally play LB or a player who just isn’t a spectacular LB, Costa Rica and Mexico will know this and try to attack down our left. We need to solidify that left side as much as possible. Starting Eddie Johnson or Brek Shea on the left would be irresponsible and hang whoever we have at LB out to dry. If we go with the 4-2-3-1 most people seem to favor, it has to be Beasley or Zusi as our left wing. Both very hard working guys who can give a little cover for whoever gets called upon on game day to play LB. could we possibly see something like this though?
Cameron–Gonzales–Besler–Morrow
————————-Edu
————–Bradley——Jones
———————Dempsey
—————Altidore—-Gomez
I believe we used a similar lineup against Slovenia and it was very successful. Not sure if I prefer this to the 4-2-3-1 but we certainly still have options.
I think having Edu, Jones, Bradley essentially as 3 cdms is probably the worst thing we could possibly do. However, JK has done something similar many times before.
I don’t particularly want the 3 of them starting in midfield, but was just pointing out we have gone with a similar formation before with success. Giving Jozy a partner up to would be very helpful to him.
I kind of understand what you’re saying but don’t you think you’re being a bit cavalier with the lb spot? It doesn’t matter who plays it? So Verne Troyer in a unitard out there, we won’t give up any more goals than Justin Morrow? Think of this. If you want to play offensively and with possession, you need to play a high defensive line in order to support the midfield and prevent gaps for counterattackers to slip into. This provides the opportunity for long ball counters where attackers slip behind your defenders if they aren’t able to stay together and maintain a straight line across. Who is better able to maintain that line? An experienced fullback who does this as second nature or a midfielder who played a few games at fullback several years ago?
My point was that a lot of people are focusing on who will play left back when that is not the real issue. Whoever we stick there, be it Morrow, Beasley, or whoever will be a weak link. We should focus on how to protect that left back so that when teams try to overload that side, we are prepared. Sticking EJ or Shea in front of them gives little in the way of defensive help.
I don’t think Morrow will be the weak link, but I do agree having someone like Zusi in front would be better defensively than Shea/EJ. I’m hoping after training with Stoke, Shea brings a more enlightened effort than we’ve seen in the past.
My concern is that the injuries just give JK the license to do all the crazy $##! that’s been bouncing around in his head. The man loves to mess around and come up with stuff no one else would even think of doing (because it’s too dang cray cray).
+1
Helluva time for JK to start “experimenting” with line-ups and formations. Duly noted are the injuries, BUT JK has put too much of his eggs in the European basket. There have been a lot of great defensive displays put on by experienced US MSL’ers the last two weeks. I wish JK would have watched some.I think the coaching staff should be constantly rating and changing the depth charts even on a weekly basis. Depending on who’s available, whose injured, whose in form,
Klinsmann has challenged the US players to “get out of their comfort zone and take a step up to a harder league or a better team. That’s good in the long run, but you are putting the fate of the USMNT into the vagaries of foreign coaches. who may or may not be any good, or even the least concerned over playing time. They play favorites too, sometimes unfairly, to the detriment of the USMNT.
For some players, moving to a new league, new coach is NOT good if you are a peripheral player.
I think it’s time we put pressure on JK to look more closely at the MLS players, capped or uncapped, that have shown outstanding form in the pre-season, concacaf league and the nascent MLS season.
The goalkeeping is perilously thin, and this is one of the US’s strong-points. Bill Hamid and Cody Cropper I would rate ahead of Sean Johnson. Where;s Brad Friedel? I know he’s “retired”, but a plea from US Soccer and he would be on the next flight across the pond.
Remember, he was the starting goalkeeper for the 2nd place EPL team before national team politics got in the way.
If JK puts together a team that get 4 or 6 points this next week, kudos for him, but most likely we will come back with 3 points or less and a LOT of question to be answered.
bcaps,
You might have noticed this roster has a lot of MLS flavor.
What makes you think he and his staff don’t do what you are suggesting?
Wow!! Our defense is suspect at best. Nonetheless, we have enough players to come out with 2 positive results. One man’s wish for a starting 11:
Altidore-Boyd-Gomez
Beasley-Bradley-Jones-Dempsey
Edu-Gonzalez-Cameron
Guzan
Lineup for CR
Gk- Guzan
RB- Geoff
RCB- Omar
LCB- Besler
LB- DMB
DCM- Beckerman
CM- Jones
CM-Bradley
RM- Herc
Striker – Jozy
LCM/Hole- Deuce
This line up will win v CR. Have to win must win. Play Johnson and you will lose he is not good enuff. DMB has much more experience at LB role now than in CR in 2009. He is a totally different player. Still wish we could get Cobi Jones to come in the last 15 minutes v mexico.
Can’t screw around with Cameron/Gonzo pair if thats what you want for the future. Let them play every match together in the CB.
The two kids from the MLS should suffice against CR.
oops, posted this on the wrong thread, more applicable here…
JK will open it up and push the attack. The back line is thin but hopefully they won’t have as much to do. Omar and Cameron in the middle with Morrow on the left. I don’t mind Beltran on the right. I’d rather see Cameron in the middle instead of RB.
No offense, but even under potentially less pressure than normal, Edu and Omar in the middle with Beas at LB would be suicidal against the counter. The middle would be disorganized and chaotic, you need an organizer…really need Cameron in the middle. Beas would be fine getting up field, but Morrow is better defensively. He’s not much going forward, but if we have EJ or Shea on the left, we need better cover at LB.
4-2-3-1 on D, transitions to 4-3-3 attacking
JK’s front six
…………………………Jozy………………………..
Shea/EJ………………..Deuce……………….Herc
…………..Jones…………….MB…………………..
What I’d like to see for this game.
…………………….Deuce…………………………
Shea……………Corona…………………..Herc
………….Jones…………….MB……………….
Deuce isn’t a target forward, but he’ll draw a ton of fouls around the box and draw more defensive attention than Jozy…opens things up for Herc and Corona.
We’re going to rise to the occasion and put a few in. We just need to manage the counters and we’ll be fine.
I’m OK with most of this, except the Edu at starting center back thing with Gonzalez. I know a lot of teams are doing away with the traditional center back position in favor of Defensive mids who are more comfortable on the ball and can pass out of the back better, but I still don’t trust Edu in defense and I don’t think we’re good enough to experiment with the guys in front of goal. Also, Gonzalez needs some reps with a veteran like Goodson. Goodson is playing well and regularly right now. I don’t mind Beasley at left back, though I think he would do better up front. Also, I still think our players would do best in a 4-2-2-2 with the fullbacks playing as wing-backs, two CM’s, two CAMs and two forwards, but since we have numbers in the forwards department right now and less in defense, I like putting more forwards on the field.
This lineup is just asking to get hit on 1 or 2 counters by CR.
You have to start with a good CB pairing for any team. Continue to play Gonzo and Cameron together if that is what you think will be the CB pairing for the future. Play Beltran at RB because its not as if Chandler was all that bleed into the team either. Losing F. Johnson is what really hurts too me, but I would rather have Morrow play LB even with little int’l experience than someone with no good experience at a completely different position (Beasley). I think Zusi has to start as he is a player that can unlock a side that is playing for a draw (same with Dempsey). Push Bradley forward more as that is where he seems best for the US. Just play with our talent and our home advantage and we will win, trying to put round pieces in square holes to make us more attacking will only bog down the team. Games like this are what builds depth for a national team.
Guzan
Beltran Gonzalez Cameron Morrow
Jones Edu
Zusi Bradley
Dempsey
Altidore
If still 0-0 in the 60th bring on Shea for Edu pushing Dempsey to the middle.
Anything later offensive Beltran off Edu to CB Cam to RB on comes Gomez
—————Guzan
Beltran Gonzalez Cameron Morrow
———–Jones—–Edu
Zusi————Bradley
————————Dempsey
————Altidore
This shows one of the problems of bringing in Klinsmann. Why start a ragtag group out of position? Personally, I would put the Galaxy back line in there.
Dunivant – DelaGarza – Gonzalez – Franklin
Against Costa Rica, this D would shut them down. Dunivant is a significant upgrade over Beasley on defense, calm collected, doesn’t make mistakes
DeLaGarza is very fast and has played with Omar for 7 years since college.
Then Franklin is faster and once again, combines well with Gonzalez.
Anyway, I think this is a better stop gap solution than the one above
Hmmm, I find that idea to be very interesting.
It leaves out Cam. We need Cam and Gonzo to build chemistry. If we keep adopting short-term solutions, we go nowhere in the long term.
anybody else want a first half of Jozy and Clint up top together. If they can’t link up in the first 45, bring on Eddie and Gomez or Shea in the second to mix things up. These are our 2 purest scorers, I don’t want to see Demps dropped in the midfield, let them work together up top.
Jozy – Dempsey
Beasley – Bradley – Zusi
Beckerman
Morrow – Goodson – Gonzalez – Cameron
Guzan
I like this.
I think you have to throw MB, Dempsey and Altidore forward….and say, “It’s on you. Score goals.”
I like this, but I would prefer Besler over Goodson
I’d take Jones over Beckerman. He may not be as influential offensively in this position (#6), but I still think he can be quite effective distributing the ball around from deep.
Klinsy has to put the RIGHT personnel on the field to execute his game plan. They may not be the *best* players, but the RIGHT players.
I like this option. The U.S. is suffering from a dearth of scoring and the forwards are hot in their leagues. Capitalize on that. Go out there and out-score them.
The U.S. getting in a scoring groove is the best thing that can happen to it right now, and I think this is what Klinsy is going for.
“Klinsy has to put the RIGHT personnel on the field to execute his game plan.”
@HLavoe: Have you actually figured out *his game plan*? If yes, could you please explain it to the rest of us.
I don’t think he has EVER put the right team on the field for any game plan. Not even in terms of my preferences….he constantly starts players out of position
bbop,
Why do you assume that a player’s club position is the only one or even the best one for him?
If you play, for example, left back for your club is it possible that you are also a very good right back but your club has an even better right back than you so they play you at left back instead?
If you play left back for your club does that mean you are the best left back for your country?
Maybe they have a better left back and will move you right back.
What if your country has two better fullbacks than you but you can play midfield as well, what’s wrong with putting you there if you are better than the other midfielders? The much maligned Lichaj has played every back four and every midfield position for Villa as he was coming up
You’ll probably tell me if you put a guy at his club position he’ll feel more comfortable and play better and I’ll say he’s not playing for his club team so everything is different anyway. He’ll have to adjust anyway so if you need him at a different position you might as well fill that hole while you’re at it.
Of course the best solution to this is to cap an entire team, like Spain more or less does with Barca. Well, we can’t all be so lucky though just for fun I’d try to cap as much of SKC or the Quakes as possible in a friendly and see what happens.
I’m not a great believer in limiting a player by confining them to their so called “natural positions”.
If you are a fundamentally good international soccer player you should be able to play any of the outfield positions without embarrassing yourself too much especially if it’s just for a couple of games.
The great Dutch teams of the 70’s proved this. In fact they had players switching positions frequently during the course of the game. The great Cruyff would often spend time at right back.
JK tinkers so much because it’s the fastest way to learn about these players. There was a great hue and cry when Bradley spoke about trying out Edu at CB. Yet when JK finally did so at Azteca he did very well. Which proved to Mo that he could do it if he really wanted to.
Hmmmmmmmmmm…..let me thing, could it possibly be to WIN and get THREE points?
I am pretty sure that is his game plan for both Los Ticos, El Tri, and every game thereafter.
Klinsy parallels Herb Brooks, the coach of the 1980s Olympic team. If you compare the two, and how they approached building their teams, there are many similarities, except one. Herb had the team all to himself for 8 months or so. Klinsy has to deal with leagues and a long qualification process, etc… so it is harder. This is why I believe he experiments so much and changes things so much. Who cares if you lose friendlies, or tied Canada…. He needs to understand his entire arsenal and formations he can run to get the U.S. to the World Cup, period.
You do realize we barely made it into the Hex right?
And do you realize that the 1990 World Cup (then) West Germany won with Klinsmann on the team almost didn’t qualify by 1 point? Just 1 point.
http://bundesligafanatic.com/not-so-classic-euro-performances-1980-west-germany-0-0-greece/
Now that’s a non sequitor
I think the real non sequitur is the fact that you can’t even spell non sequitur!
I would change the subject if I were you too….again
Barrely made it? Didn’t the US win its group?
Surprised to see all this support for Heath Pearce at left back. His last consistent starts for USMNT was in ’08-’09. He doesn’t even play left back at his club. At this point in his career, he is an above average MLS defender. Lichaj was the best option – JK clearly is not a fan of his game though.
How is Lichaj the best option?
He hasn’t played in months (and in many cases not made the bench) for the worst defense in the EPL.
Why do you think he is the best option when he would not only be out of form, but not fit?
Lichaj hasn’t played since January 25th!!! http://espnfc.com/player/_/id/120842/eric-lichaj?cc=5901
How do you ask him to come in and start against CR?
He has probably just been sitting on his couch eating cheetos since then. I bet he never runs or trains. No way a guy who made it to the EPL is actually putting in extra work to try to get on the field. He”s probably totally out of shape.
MLS defending is garbage, absolutely horrific – game does not translate to competitive international play at all. When was the last time USMNT used a defender from MLS on a consistent basis….
I’ll take a player that trains every day in England vs the best in the world and plays in reserve matches over the best outside back in MLS.
+1
I mentioned it above….but people act like these guys (Lichaj, Boca, etc) wouldn’t be starting if they were in the MLS. If they were in the MLS they would be some of the very best….which in many cases is how they got offers in Europe in the first place….so how are they suddenly inferior to MLS players?
No problem with the lineup except that DeMarcus Beasley is a ridiculous suggestion at LB. And I know Ives is right to say it may happen but it makes no sense. There’s no need for a national team manager to play guys out of position. Just pick the best healthy left-back available. Using that criteria, there’s no way that Beasley is the guy.
Otherwise I like the lineup except that I fear Klinsman will play Beckerman instead of Johnson or Gomez because he still wants a pure No. 6.
+1 Pleeeeeze play Beeeez (and other players) in club positions.
While I tend to agree. With the dearth of backs on this roster, I would probably make an exception for Edu. A mostly defensive mid is closer to a center back than a wide mid/forward is to an outside back in mindset and that is what defense is all about.
Oh also, I expect to see Goodson next to Gonzo. Goodson has experience which is what the defense is lacking. Goodson vs. an out of postion Edu is a wash in terms of ability.
Pretty good except for the Beasley part. He is just to light to put in defense. A strong breeze pushes him over. Shea or Morrow would be better choices. I don’t know how Besler would handle LB, but that guy can deliver a ball, so it might be pretty good. The question is does he have the speed to corral the wingers?
On the bright side, I have been waiting for Beasley to get called back in
I’ve never thought of myslef as a eurosnob, but considering who JK left off, I can’t help but conclude that he has gone full retard. I don’t see how he doesn’t value Bocanegras experience. I can’t wait till we are beyond the dolo Boca era….but with qualifying on the line you have to lean on the veterans. Lichaj, Parkhurst, Ream, etc. Not good enough?
I also think that he’s an idiot if he plays MB and JJ as center midfielders as the article suggests. They haven’t worked well together in that capacity, I feel like I’m the only one watching games.
Edu/OG/Goods/Cameron
and
Cameron/OG/Edu/Shea
are possibilities….I like Shea (who started out as a back) way more back there than Beasley. I’ll be surprised if more than 1 MLS guy starts in the back.
Hey, baropbop@baropbop.com. I totally agree with that sentiment. Boca should be on the roster and it baffles me that Klinsmann left him off. And I can’t help but think maybe he should have scratched one of the forwards and called in either Lichaj and/or Parkhurst for a look this week. Both have USMNT experience and both could add some needed stability and it could be they look better in training then the rookies for these big games.
Boca hasn’t played a game since Feb. 2.
Explain how his presence helps? Moral support?
Lichaj hasn’t made the 18 in a while at Villa either….
So then you’re wasting 2 roster spots on guys who aren’t match fit.
Makes no sense at all.
You realize when you say “Ream” that people laugh at you right? Ream hasn’t been able to crack the 18 at Bolton lately. I like the guy, but his form is awful right now. Even Stu Holden is holding down their bench, and he hasn’t played 90 minutes in 2 years.
I do realize that. But I also think under these circumstances I’ll take a guy who made it to Europe and has caps over a regular in MLS who hasn’t proven anything
Proven what?
He is not making the bench for a mid table second division team. That’s not proof of anything other than that he’s not good enough to play in the second division.
Give me an MLS starter every day over them.
You don’t think that Bocanegra, Lichaj, etc would start in the MLS? Give me a break.
Dude, there are guys starting in MLS that make 35,000 a year.
Can Boca start in MLS? He can’t start for a nearly third division spanish side–so it might actually be up for debate if he could start for an MLS squad.
You’re right. Him not starting in the 3rd division is certainly a decision based on his ability
Read JK’s interview on the topic as the USSF website.
Santander has had 4 managers since Boca got loaned there, the implication being Boca sitting is not necessarily about him being “good enough”..
The thing about making it to europe is that it doesn’t necessarily mean anything.
European clubs are far more willing to pay for potential than mls clubs.
In many cases it means you did really well in the MLS. Which seems to be enough to get you onto the USMNT
Stu went 90 last night in a reserve match.
However, Bolton are going to be super conservative with his ongoing rehab. He’s probably not going to play a lot between now and the end of the season.
with the players available, i would go with these 11….
it would be a waste to play johnson at the left….
altidore
Zusi dempsey gomez
jones bradley
beasley goodson gonzalez cameron
Playing the Jones/Bradley combo directly in front of a nonideal back line is the surest way to make sure they fail. We need a game manager like Torres or Beckerman or Edu or anyone who doesn’t have a zillion turnovers and fouls to help them out.
Having MIchael Bradley and JJ together in the middle of the field makes me cringe more than the roster. It hasn’t worked.
+1
My main concern about this lineup is Dempsey. I don’t like him in this role when he is fit, yet alone coming off a hammy. Donovan, you have really screwed us here, have you managed to dislodge your head out of your backside yet? We need a monster game from Mo no matter where he plays against the Ticos thank the soccer gods above or below or wherever for his regained form in Turkey. I’ve given up hope for anything down at Azteca with this bunch. WE MUST BEAT CR.
Your main concern is Clint Dempsey? You must be new to this game we call soccer.
We are playing DMB, Brek Shea or Justin Morrow at LB in the biggest games we’ve played in years and Clint Dempsey is your main concern???
I get what he’s saying, Dempsey is rusty and looked awful in the Fulham match. Yet this lineup plays him as the linchpin of the attack and creative force, things Deuce isn’t great at on his best day. If it’s believed that Dempsey must start despite his form (which I get), he should be pushed up or out wide. Bradley, Zusi, or Klejstan would be better options in that spot.
I disagree. He played extremely well in that role for Spurs earlier this year, but really? This is your main concern? Have you seen the back line? We have a bunch of guys playing mostly in low to mid-tier leagues, some of whom don’t actually play defense, yet your concern is the guy that is quite possibly the greatest player to ever don a US jersey, in his absolute prime years. A man who has come through for club and country in heroic fashion time and again, or an unproven, untouted, and inexperienced group of misfits? Do you understand how strange that sounds. Everyone needs to take a step back sometimes and now is the time for you.
Ok take a deep breath and consider who needs the step back. Here’s the reality that neither of us or JK or anybody can do anything about – the defense will be a patchwork because of the ridiculous amount of injuries. I guess I’ve moved past this fact and conceded we will be scored upon. So in order to win we will need a productive attack and score multiple goals. Therefore YES, the fact that our best attacking players have either been injured (Dempsey) or not seeing much PT (Bradley) is of great concern to me.
We’ll have to agree to disagree. I would never concede goals and if I’m desperate for offense, the last person I’d be concerned about is Deuce.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Dempsey. But with this lineup, we are totally relying on him to create THROUGH the midfield which is not his strong point, and he’s injured. TomG I’m not new to the game no matter what you call it – mark my words if Dempsey is in that position there will be a MASSIVE gap in the center of the park, hopefully we’ll get away with it. I’d rather have Deuce start on the bench and then bring him in up front and get as much as we can out of him for 20-30 minutes. Just my opinion, if I’m wrong or right, it won’t be the first or last time.
CSIMB, TomG, original jb,
With all due respect, you guys act like this is the NFL with separate offenses, defenses and special teams.
That’s not exactly how it works.
All three sections need to do their part.
The midfield will have to protect the defense by keeping as much possession as possible and assisting them when needed.
The midfield also can then help out the offense with the aforementioned possession by converting it to scoring opportunities for them.
It’s all about how all three “sections” interact because during the course of the game forwards, midfielders and defenders will all occasionally spend time in the three separate sections of the field.
If they all work together well, then the US should win.
To me this means the guys who will be the most influential and should be the most “worried” about are Mikey, JJ and Mo Edu. They will set the tone and the tempo for the US.
If you must isolate it down to individuals, those are the guys who will most likely win or lose this game for the US.
——-Altidore
—————- Gomez
Dempsey—————–Zusi
———– Bradley
—————-Jones
Beasley———————Cameron
———- Edu — Gonzalez
————-Guzan
Essentially a 4,1,3,2 with this spacing for Costa Rica. But I would not do this for Mexico.
Swap Shea for Beasley and Beckerman for Jones and it really isn’t that bad.
Actually, that is a thought. I would ratther see Shea at LB than Beasley.
Shea has been a defensive liability for a team with a putrid offense that needs attackers(which is why I believe he’s not been dressing). And that’s with people behind him. Why on earth would you expose him at LB with no one behind him?
Irrespective of who would be a better LB, Shea is not fit for 90 minutes right now and using a sub there would be a waste.
oh my. but Bekcerman for Jones. Yeah. Sure.
Call me crazy but I’d rather see a guy who is actually a LB at LB instead of plugging in people out of position.
I agree, leftarm. I was just saying that if Klinsi is going to do his tinkering big-time this week, but Shea at LB than Beez. But, yeah, a true LB is better.
Shea would be a disaster at LB. He isn’t in 90 minute match condition. Anyone remember how bad he was coming back in defense in the Olympic qualifiers last year….against U-23 inferior opponents? Come on, this is a joke. I don’t like our options, but you have to pick someone that is fit to play 90 minutes and actually plays LB. Not a time to bounce players around out of position.
Speculating about a professional athletes fitness is idiotic. Just because he hasn’t been playing, doesn’t mean he can’t. Unless you do not know what fitness is and you meant form
I should have been more specific. He is coming off an injury. I don’t think he’s ready.
Have you seen Brek on the pitch for Stoke? He can go forward, but is being left flat-footed by FBs, because he can’t shift directions at speed. Later in the cycle after he’s had more time to heal? Sure, but not right now.
You’re crazy…. for thinking that the logical move is necessarily what Klinsi will do. The man flat out loves to tinker.
I like this line up!!! It is what it is….and the back line has a mixture of experience and youth. Mexico is Mexico, as long as we don’t get destroyed we will be fine!!!
I think if Cameron and Gonzo are the CB pair then they need to play together this round. Let Morrow play out right. If consistency is what this pair needs then dont change it.
I absolutely agree with this.
With Bocanegra’s absence, the time is now for Gonzalez and Cameron to get the ball rolling.
No Way!!!!! Cameron will be playing right back. I bet you 25 cents.
Okay, I’ll take that bet with one qualifier. The only way that Cameron is at RB is if Besler comes up big in training and starts in the middle. I don’t want to see Goodson at all, and an Edu/Omar pairing would be chaotic. Besler is the only other option besides Goodson that can organize things if Cameron is outside.
Oh, I’m so happy. Come Friday evening I am going to be rich! But seriously…
Cameron has been playing mostly right back for Stoke since September, and I have been touting him as RB for months and Cameron in my opinion is a better right back then Timothy Chandler, who, ahem, is claiming heh-heh, to be injured (and I truly suspected this would happen with Timmy after he learned in Honduras what it’s like to sweat blood in a dirty Concacaf WCQ game and I bet he had no desire to suffer though 90 minutes playing Mexico in Mexico City).
Can we please get over Timothy Chandler. We are better off without a prima donna like him on the team and I bet 50 cents that Omar Gonzales, who was put out of action for nine month by good ol’ exuberant Timmy in practice is happier than heck right now that he doesn’t have to look at Timmy’s face in the next two games. Omar did not seem real happy to be next to Timmy against Honduras.
You have a very strong dislike for TC. I think it clouds your better judgement. The kid struggled to decide against his dream of playing for Germany. Plus we don’t know what kind of other pressures he may have had. Truth is he may not be hurt, but the isNO WAY YOU CAN BE SURE. so you are just ranting and disparaging him without proof.
Please for the rest of our sakes, let it go until we know he isn’t hurt or he says something stupid.
Thank you.
I worry about Jones and Bradley if Jozy gets isolated. They may push forward and this back four will need the support on top of them. One of the two of them must drop back and sit with the CB’s if a FB gets forward.
I think with the current options we have this is our strongest/most experienced line-up. I have a feeling we may see this group maybe organized in a different way.
What about three at the back? Something like: Guzan; Edu, Gonzo, Cameron; Jones, Bradley; Shea, Dempsey, Corona; Altidore, EJ. Klinsmann won’t do it obviously, but it could work nicely to just try to ourscore opponents and get our best players on the field together.
I actually think this forces the team to play more attacking and I think these guys who are being given a chance will step up and prove that having a big name isn’t always synonymous with being in the best form or being the best option for your national team.
Beasley to left wing and Morrow to left back. Beasley provides great cover for left backs.
This team can score goals, no question. The best defense is an opposing team that gets less chances. Let’s go!
Hey ChiTown, I agree with you this time.
+1
BREAKING NEWS: Landon Donovan NOT included in upcoming WC qualifying roster
If it’s ESPN reporting it, I think you meant to say “Captain Landon Donovan”
SHOCKING!
Ives made me feel a little better about this…but just a little.
Start Beltran. He can play right or left fullback.
Something I haven’t seen reported: Bradley/Dempsey both on yellow card suspensions with their next booking.
Yikes.
I wonder what the rest of the squad looks like on bookings. Now, above any time, is less than ideal to lose a player.
I think we’d be fine without Dempsey.
The thing about Deuce is that he kills attacks. He slows down and as much as I like him–he can be a black hole for the ball.
One of the main critiques of Deuce at Tottenham now by fans and the media is that he slows down the game because he isn’t thinking of passing–he’s thinking of doing Deuce-like things.
If you took out Deuce and put in Corona I think the offensive cohesion might actually increase.
That’s why he should be forced up top or even all the way outside. The recessed forward position is no good for either team.
I disagree. He’s one of the Spurs’ leading assist guys and has a great chemistry with GB. Does he occasionally try the creative play that no one else would even try? Sure, but sometimes it works, too. I don’t think he usually overdoes it by any stretch.
I agree Dempsey may not be a good passer. However, he’s our best finisher. Besides maybe Gomez, Dempsey is the only one that can score against top teams. No way you can leave him out.
That’s fine. Put him up top next to Jozy.
But when Dempsey moves into the midfield we’re in trouble. Tottenham is realizing this.
Deuce can put them away (when he’s not trying to dribble into the net….) but the guy is not a CAM.
Chi-Town, I’ve been saying that forever. I don’t like Deuce in the midfield at all. Against CR, i wouldn’t mind seeing him all the way up top… make it impossible for him to drop into the midfield and bog things down.
I think we’d be fine if we took Deuce out of the midfield, but no Dempsey entirely? He’s the only guy capable of creating something for himself. He’s not a #10, but I think he should be on the field. I’d go:
— Deuce – Jozy – Herc —
——- Corona/Zusi ——–
——– MB – JJ ————-
Then figure out a back 4 that looks somewhat cohesive, whatever that ends up being.
+1
It’s heresy to say, but a Deuce YC might be the spark that this team needs to get a result at Azteca.
It’s a Catch-22. He’s the only one scoring for the US right now, but as I’ve said before in other threads… playing with Deuce is sometimes like playing a man down but getting a couple free goals.
Of course this is just my thinking – This is only a yikes if we drop points at home against Costa Rica. In that case getting points on the road will became more important and losing one/both for the away game at Azteca would be more worrisome.
In face Mexico would not get 1 player in a German, Italian, Spanish line-up. Not one world class player. People WAAAY over-rate Mexico.
neither would usmnt
I know…but I hear people saying that Mexico are a top 5-10 team in the world. They would be lucky to be in the top 15.
The hype around them is insane.
People hype them up because they can easily destroy the USMNT, that’s why.
Outside backs getting forward will be crucial with this lineup. If they can get forward consistently, I believe in this!
I’m over the Eddie Johnson at LW experiment… he had one good game there against A&B.
No one in this lineup can provide Altidore with the service he needs to be effective. If you aren’t going to put someone like Zusi out here to feed him the ball… don’t put Altidore out there.
Agreed, Beez/Shea at LW, not Eddie Johnson.
Generally agree, though I don’t see Jozy so much as needing service as needing smart, skilled, unselfish guys to combine with. Jozy likes to score and assist off of give & go/ combination plays. He’s hooked up in that way with Dempsey and LD before, but I don’t see that happening much with Herc and EJ who are more nose for the goal types. Neither is really a particularly good passer. They score more off of individual speed and hustle.
ugh, the dreaded moderation. I wish I could figure out the rhyme or reason behind what the trigger is behind it. It seems so random.
I cringe when I think about Hernandez poaching goals against a backline of Edu/Gonzalez.
He couldn’t get a goal v. Cameron/Edu a year ago and he had his 100x chances.
Chicharito is a good player but not even a top 15 forward in world football. Mexico does not have a top 50 player either. They don’t have a Chiellini, Pirlo, Ronaldo, Messi, Pepe, Iniesta, Xavi, Vidal, ect….
We can get a point off them with the right line-up.
“He couldn’t get a goal v. Cameron/Edu a year ago and he had his 100x chances.”
Who was in goal, that match?
Who has been in better form this year in the EPL?
The answer is Guzan.
Howard in form > Guzan in form
There’s simply no debate. Guzan doesn’t stop “100x” the shots that Howard has proven capable of doing so.
I agree, Howard in form>Guzan in form. No question.
But Howard has been ok this year at best…Guzan has been the better keeper even with the amount of goals conceded. Plus he has proven he can stop a lot of shots with that AV back line.
I’m not debating that Howard is better…no question, but Guzan has proven this year he can stop shots and not make mistakes consistently. He has proven his worth and can get the job done.
Well, we can both hope Guzan is up for the task.
I know he has quality but I’ve never seen him face the barrage (that he may face soon) and still have a clean sheet like Howard has so many times.
To be honest, of all the positions in question right now, GK is the least of my concern.
Howard WAS > Guzan
No longer. He may not get either of his starting positions back
Interesting, baropbop.
Not sure I’m ready to signal the changing of the guard just yet though.
You keep belittling Mexico but the fact is they have the superior talent right now especially compared to this roster the US is trotting out.
Why not 3-5-2 v CR?
Altidore-Gomez
Beasley-Dempsey-Zusi
Bradley-Jones
?-Gonzalez-Cameron
Guzan
“Why not 3-5-2?”
To broadly answer this question for everything that keeps asking: Because it’ll never happen.
It’s really that simple and there’s no explanation needed.
IMO, a 3-5-2 is more reasonable than starting DMB at left back in a 4-4-2.
Because we would die, the nats as we know them would cease to exist.
If we did a 3-5-2 it would be criminal not to have Parkhurst in the middle. But we ain’t doing a 3-5-2.
Since the team or our players don’t seem to have extensive experience playing with 3 in the back I think these calls are misguided.
Is anyone else uncomfortable with Edu at CB. I know in theory it makes sense but to the best of my knowledge he’s only played in the back line in various camps with the nats. Is that enough to put him there in a virtual must win game against Costa Rica? I’s rather have a Goodson/Gonzo combo there with Cameron on the right and whatever stopgap possible on the left (none of the options are making me feel particularly comfy).
If it needs to be pushed further…let Edu play CB against MX. that game is not a must win – it’s a would-be-great-to-win/get-a-result.
What position has Edu been playing in Turkey?
I for one agree. Goodson is an experienced CB. He has had some bad form for the US at times, but if he is playing well now, he could be the cement the back line needs. Isn’t he captain of Brondby now?
ummmm. a better back line just gave up 2 to honduras!
Optimistic thought: It’s at least pretty nice that we’re getting the toughest games out of the way first in qualification. The only “overly” tough games left will be @CR and Mexico.
If we don’t get 3 points this month, it’s over
it’ll feel like it, but not sure that math is correct (but what do I know, I suggested a lineup with 10 players…)
Definitely not mathematically eliminated. But a loss to Costa Rica and to Honduras is bad news. Jamaica managed a tie @ Mexico and we already struggled against Jamaica in the last round. I just don’t like our chances late in the competition if we need road wins.
While Jamaica did add some Reading & Championship players, they didn’t really trouble us in Kingston. Both their goals (and their only 2 real chances) came off of set pieces.
Our anemic offense did us in there.
Remember we only need to finish in the top 3 to book a spot or 4th to play New Zealand to move on.
Really a shame Heath Pearce was thrown to the wind – could have used him here.
This.
and Lichaj…and Parkhurst…and Bocanegra….
Hasn’t played in months or made the bench for one of the worst defenses in EPL history.
Hasn’t played in a month despite the starting player at his position going down.
Hasn’t played in months for one of the last place teams in the spanish second division.
So you think it’s more likely that Besler, Morrow, and Beltran continue on with the team than these guys?
Agree with that line up. Beasley > Borenstein
Old gym socks > Bornstein
Old gym socks with holes in the sole and the toes >>> Bornstein
You guys don’t know what you’re talking about.
Touche.
Bornstein > Costa Rica
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5dajuutxIA
Or if you want to hear pure joy, listen to the Honduran Radio call:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhY-IbViJ20
That makes me roll in laughter (and joy) each time.
Priceless.
I would rather see Eddie and Herc play farther back, as mids, nor wingers, and push Demps up into the 10 spot.
And move Herc to DMB side, with Jones, to tighten that side up.
But that negates the whole point of using them wide. They are not wide midfielders, and are passable in wide forward roles. I mean, what you’re describing is basically already happening here. Dempsey will play behind Altidore, if that’s what you mean by a number 10 role.
“But that negates the whole point of using them wide.”
That is exactly my point. I would rather see a 4-4-2, than keep failing at our current line ups. I would rather see Herc and Shea, at LMRM and tell them to occasionaly get forward, to allow Demps to play directly under Jozy. Every time we deploy our “wings” they get pinned back, unable to provide offensive support. And w/o Chandler and Fabian, behind them, they will be useless.
Come to think of it, I would prefer to see Herc/Bradley/Jones/Dempsey in mid, and Jozy and Boyd up top.
I would rather not try to play Dempsey as a 10
I hate that line-up. I’d rather see Shea wide left and Zusi wide right. That line-up above should get the job done though…in the CR game.
I like this idea much better. Get in guys who play on the sides rather than forcing someone to learn it for a game
Agree 100%.
Playing a defensive-minded team is fine against Mexico.
But it’s time to give Shea/Zusi a chance to really show what they can do. Put them with Dempsey in the middle and Altidore or Gomez up top.
Guessing (hoping) Shea (for Eddie) and Boyd (for Jozy) come on as subs around 60′ and 80′, respectively?
how about Shea coming in the seond half to replace Beasley and Jozy coming on to replace Boyd?
I agree that I would prefer to have Boyd start over Jozy Altidore. Jozy can come in as a sub. Boyd is hungry right now.
…And Jozy isn’t hungry? Comments like this are laughable, you have likely never met either, and the guy who isn’t hungry to you is scoring goals at a record pace.
Tru dat. His 18th goal in the Erdedivisie yesterday set the record for an American player. He had been tied with…Ernie Stewart.
Yes, Jozy is doing a great job of scoring for his club, but what has he done for Country? Lately or ever?
Altidore has to have one of the all time lowest ratios of minutes played/goals scored for any striker that has played for the USA in recent history.
Still better than Torres for Chelsea.
Here is a catalog of USMNT statistics.
http://tinyurl.com/cw3vb3b
You can view statistics from 2004 – Current
How the hell did Tim Howard get all those caps without scoring?!? 😛
I think this will have the same problems as it did in Honduras. EJ (and maybe Herc?) are not wide players and forcing them to play there doesn’t help. We will have no width, and be lucky to be the offensive side.
Also, a defense with three midfielders scares the daylights out of me. Especially since the one natural defender made the gaff that cost us in Honduras.
Herc plays this position quite successfully for his club team. Johnson can make it work with his speed. This only works if they play as true forwards and not necessarily outside midfielders.
Herc yes. Johnson NO
Did anyone see Johnson’s goal against Tigres? He started from the left side and rounded his defender.
Didn’t he already play that role against Barbados and Jamaica?
He did and actually has been playing well in the wide position. That said i would prefer that duece starts as an outside forward and zusi, corona or sasha takes the central midfield link role
This could actually work, even though the DMB at LB experiment was a disaster against Brasil, I think this can hold up against Costa Rica. I do think that the key will be making sure CR players at a slow pace when in possession to make up for the lack of cohesion and hours spent together.
Depending on how this works, there’s a logic to seeing the same lineup in mexico, but I think I’d prefer to see a 3-2-2-2 against Mexico.
Yeah, lets go with 10 on the field against Mexico. Sounds like a good idea.
Granted it’s a formation I’ve not heard of either, goalies are never included in formation counts…
Not trying to be a jerk but 3+2+2+2 is nine, plus one keeper is ten.
Thats the point. the goalie makes the count ten. here we go. 3+2=5+2=7+2=9 plus goalie = 10. need another player somewhere in that lineup
C’mon guys, the 3-2-2-2 in Azteca is a good idea…it correctly assumes J. Jones will be red-carded early on.
Would be funny if it weren’t so uninformed. JJ has no RCs for the US and has only ever earned 1 straight red in his pro career.
The formation only has 10 because he is accounting for a Jermaine Jones red card about 15 minutes in.
Hilarious. Daunting math skills.
Let’s start the game in a 4-3-1, build Costa Rica’s confidence, then plug in 3 guys to overwhelm them.
A what? I have NEVER heard of that formation. I don’t see how it could work.
yikes, sorry! must be that new math…
what I really mean is a 3-2-3-2, which is to say a 3-5-2 with 2 D mids
—-cameron goodson omar———
———–edu–jones—————–
Herc——-Bradley——-Shea/DMB
——–Deuce—-Jozy—————
Can star this way and put in morrow if bease is getting smoked.
Just read on soccernet tht Williams has a stomach bug. Can’t believe that keeps him out.
Sure it can, when you team is fighting a brutal relegation battle. Probably a hang-nail would keep him out and I do not blame Hoffenheim one bit. If they would lose Williams or Fabian to injury on USMNT duty, would really hurt chances of staying afloat in the 1. Bundesliga.
Yeah, I am skeptical of some of these injuries, especially Timothy Chandler’s.
Imagine how much more skeptical we’d be if TC wasn’t now cap-tied!
+1. Timmy pledged his support to the USSF but still isnt comitted to the cause. I bet he plays a full 90 next week.. Real shame; could be our best defender but does not want to travel/give 100% effort to the team.
I really think the boys will need to be more attack-minded in order to take the pressure off the back line – this is not a back line you’d want absorbing pressure. This line-up can do that.
They’d better. I don’t see this back line holding up to any kind of pressure. The scary thing is, even if USA dominates, this back line could easily get burned on the counter by messing up their line on the offside trap.
Yah. That’s why we gave up 2 goals to Honduras. We weren’t attack minded enough
I really hope that Dempsey doesn’t have to track back often, or Jozy gets isolated, again.
But maybe Jozy won’t be starting…
We shouldn’t look at Jozy’s play for USMNT. The decision to start Jozy should be soley based on his play in Holland.
Dude, that made me gut laugh.
I respectfully completely disagree with your opinion Vic. Taking the logic from your argument, Chris Wondolowski would have been our starting forward for the past 2 and a half years.
My big problem with Jozy is that when he plays for the Nats, he never plays his hardest and doesn’t fight hard for 50/50 balls or dive for headers. It’s like he doesn’t want to get hurt and ruin his professional career. I could possibly say that Dempsey is a little guilty of this as well.
It blows my mind that anyone can actually think this way. Unless you were being sarcastic.
Of course, it was what Klinsmann said when he started as USMNT coach. It is something he has, thankfully, more or less forgotten.
I agree. I’d rather have Dempsey pushed as far up as possible. I don’t like him the top of the triangle.
I’d like to see:
Gomez—–Dempsey—–Zusi
—————-Corona————-
——–Bradley——Jones—–
Gomez and Zusi will track back until they are hyperventilating on the field and both offer more than Johnson when it comes to playing against quality sides as outside players. Dempsey as far up as possible please. Corona plays in Mexico, is in his best form, and has earned praise in the center. Bradley and Jones are both needed for their stamina and mentality.
Unfortunately, Jozy gets the bench. He is performing for club, but we need people who are going to either A. hold up the ball and fight for it (Dempsey) or B. work their socks off chasing down balls (Gomez and Zusi). At this point, Jozy is a luxury striker who will do well against Costa Rica.
Err scratch that, I got my dates wrong.. As you were…
This looks brutal on defense. Nothing against these guys, but this is patchwork, a B-team at the back. I close my eyes and picture Bryan Ruiz running rampant through this defense. Let’s hope our strikers really are in-form, because I think we’ll need some goals to win this one.
I don’t think Brian Ruiz will run rampant through anything.
Alvaro Saborio and Christian Bolanos certainly will. Arrieta and Campell aren’t slouches either.
Interestingly enough, Cameron, Gonzalez, and Besler have all faced Saborio on a regular basis. He certainly isn’t above their capabilities.
+1
Hasn’t DMB failed repeatedly at LB? Why would this even be considered?
There aren’t exactly a plethora of options available – Castillo and Johnson are injured. Parkhurst and Lichaj haven’t played in weeks. Beas has been in good form lately, so I think he could surprise some folks.
I think Beas will play a huge role, but I’d prefer him playing left mid considering he’s one of the best guys we have as far as tracking back and helping out his fullback. I’d like to see this lineup:
Altidore-Dempsey
Beasley-Kljestan-Bradley
Jones
Morrow-Goodson-Gonzalez-Cameron
Guzan
I’m with TomG here. Beasley at LB is a nightmare waiting to happen.
Who would you put in the spot? @ Old and Tom
1:Morrow
2:Besler
3:Edu
I didn’t make the call ups and echo what some others have said about considering Heath Pearce, considering our lack of depth currently, but if Morrow was called up, JK must rate him high enough to garner consideration.
+1 on Pearce, not to sure with Besler and Morrow, not enough experiance.
DMB is a fringe USMNT candidate to begin with at this point in his career. Putting him out of position in a spot where he’s never been successful seems crazy. Wouldn’t you rather have a fringe guy like Morrow playing his natural position, especially since you’ve already got cb’s that are also inexperienced internationally at that position? Can’t you see DMB completely out of synch and throwing the whole offside trap out of whack?
Our lack of LB options make Beasley a candidate for left back, but playing Eddie Johnson in front of him would be a mistake. If we are going to put the guy in a position he really does not play, we need to give him some protection in front. A hard working player like Zusi would do better there than EJ.
Morrow will be fine at LB. He has very good speed, plays hard and he covers well…nothing flashy.
Shea…..or many others who weren’t called in
Shea is in the exact same boat as DMB. He’s failed before at LB.
That was 1 game after he was recovering from an injury. I played a bunch at LB for Dallas early in his career.
Not saying he’s my starter, but it’s better than Beasley
He played poorly at LB for Dallas. That’s why they moved him to wing.
I hear Johnny Bornstein is available….
Watching Beasley at LB would not be good for my health.
Not so much repeatedly so much as just a memorable bad game for a lot of US players.
And, that was quite a long time ago. Times and players change.
They certainly do.
I just don’t see a frail 30 year old winger suddenly become a LB at the National Team level.
Playing defense is an attitude and mentality that Beasley doesn’t seem to possess.
Hate to break it to you but DMB has been lauded his whole career on his defense and his willingness track back. His defense has never been in questions for club or country. Now I will say, playing defending as a winger is different than an outside back and DMB has been so-so in his stints as a LB . For me DMB’s struggles at LB have been systematic. He just wasn’t in sync with the others. I’m hopeful that times have changed and he has a little bit more understand of a LB’s role. We don’t have many options, especially ones with experience such as DMB’s.
That’s not something that just magically changes with age. That changes with repetition at the position and repetition with teammates at the position, neither of which he’s had in the intervening years.
dmbs one real test at left back was four years ago in the saprissa, and now this is time for redemption for dmb. he is a warrior and been in battles.
these guys can step up and do what is asked of them. plan and simple.
+1
Thank you. People who question DMB’s defense obviously have not watched US soccer very long. While I agree left back is another ball game, DMB has always been a beast at tracking back and playing some D.
Your post is a contradiction.
Yes, playing left back is “another ball game”. A ball game Beasley is not suited for.
As for “not watching US soccer for very long”, I’d counter that with saying perhaps you’ve only watched US soccer and need to watch more soccer in general to understand this why Beasley is *not* suitable for LB.
DMB is too frail and gets muscled off the ball much too easily.
Agree with TomG and Old School. Beez needs to start at left wing, not LB.
Different Scott than above…
Agreed. I would play Morrow or Besler over DMB at LB.
looks good
USA 2 – 0 CR
My chest hurts when I think about this D going to Azteca.
Yep….we have 3 quality bundesliga fullbacks. Its very unlucky that none are fit for the tilt at El Azteca
Not for me. Cameron back outside where he plays for his club is the right move. Gonzales has unfairly gotten all the blame for the last game. The fact is he is shaping into a dominate CB. I can live with EDu for one game and it is about time the Beasley player a role on this team. This is an improvement.
Realistically are we expecting a point in Azteca in WCQ? Probably not, so why not throw these guys in the fire and get them some big game experience. It HAS to come at some point if we’re going to be relying on some of them come Brazil and who knows – maybe they’ll surprise us like last year’s squad that escaped Azteca with a win.
Yes, we are expecting to try and get at least a point.
Getting 1 point in Azteca and keeping Mexico FROM GETTING 3 points is really important.
Keeping mexico from getting 3 is not, IMO, important (other than the fact that it means we get at least a point). Unless you think its going to be down to us and Mexico for the 3rd/4th spot, then it doesn’t matter how many points Mexico gets in the Hex.
Would I rather keep them from getting points, sure, but as far as I’m concerned, Mexico is absolutely qualifying, whether they get points from that game or not.
Last time Klinsi brought a ragtag team of players to Azteca, against all odds and every critic, he pulled off a win. Believe.
Orozco scored the goal in that game. playing as a right back. how come he wasn’t included in this lineup? is he behind Beltran now in the peckin’ order?
Mexico played their B or C team too… So it wasn’t like we beat their best team, but yeah I see where your ignorance is coming from, it was huge for us to win there.
I say screw the routine 4 defenders and go with more attacking options. We might get some service with all 5 FWs playing at the same time. Ives already has 4 of them starting. Let’s see this attacking soccer that JK is so passionate about.
EJ has a good record for qualification, so I totally see this midfield working. However, good teams know that you can put two guys on Dempsey and cancel him out for most of the game. If Torrado and Salcido are DMs occupying Dempsey, then our wide forwards/mids will get pinched in, forcing Bradley out wide. This will expose us to Mexico’s wingers. I hope Jozy and EJ are ready to defend all day to help out Beasley.
Of course…if we can’t hold onto possession, which has been our problem, then our shape doesn’t matter. We’re F’ed. I see a 2-1 loss at Azteca with this team. Herc with the goal.
Let’s worry about Costa Rica first. I don’t think we can or want to play the same formation in both games.
Let’s worry about Costa Rica first. I don’t think we can or want to play the same formation in both games.
I think if you play Beasley, you’re not playing with 4 defenders in the back. I don’t have near the confidence in Beasley in the back as Ives does.
Totally random but are we rocking the centennial kits?