Comments on: USMNT Releases 23-Man Qualifying Squad, Novice Back Four Looks Frightening

By: jagsfan1

jagsfan1 — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 21:43:11 +0000

Can someone send a memo asking them to please stop with anything soccer related? Please? anyone?

By: pRohphet8

pRohphet8 — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 21:01:58 +0000

@ Rambo….I honestly don’t watch enough MLS to speak inteligently on what is there….but the US Soccer GK coaches definatly emphasize this point.

I lean towards your thinking that the solution to the problem will present itself once the situation arises….

By: rambo.cts

rambo.cts — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 20:47:16 +0000

@prophet, I think there are a few good prospects out there coming through. Guzan can play in this cycle and 2018. Then you have Hamid, Johnson, Cropper still coming through. Not saying they are the greatest, but they have a lot of time to improve.

By: pRohphet8

pRohphet8 — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 20:27:08 +0000

correction from comment 29 – you CAN”T just throw the reserve center mid back there and be successful in developing defenders long-term.

By: schlom

schlom — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 20:23:14 +0000

Ann Killion thinks that Donovan is done with the National Team, or at least with Klinsmann as coach:

https://twitter.com/annkillion/status/313739649036214273

By: pRohphet8

pRohphet8 — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 20:06:02 +0000

the next big crisis down the road (4-8 years) is the gk position believe it or not. there isn’t jack in the pipeline coming up behind the current crop of internationals that are at the level that US has enjoyed at gk. People inside the US Soccer constantly bring this up at coaching schools.

By: pRohphet8

pRohphet8 — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 20:02:57 +0000

IMO, one of the main reasons we don’t have adequate defenders at this level is because US Soccer doesn’t develop them at the youth levels (read ODP, youth national teams.

Instead of developing defenders at these younger ages, they basically just call up a dozen strikers and a dozen center mids and square peg/round hole them into the team.

Defending requires a different skill set and mindset. These players are often passed over because they aren’t as fast or flashy with the ball, etc. You can just throw the reserve center mid back there and be successful in developing defenders long-term.

though I hate the term “defender”, as all 11 on the field are defenders if you don’t have the ball, the same way that I believe all players support the attack when in possession. I prefer to call them “backs”.

By: oranjebleeder

oranjebleeder — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 18:36:36 +0000

Mexico 6 USA 1

We will probably lose, but Mexico had an even worse result than the US in the first game. A tie at home vs one of the weaker teams is no bueno.

By: Nada

Nada — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 18:36:18 +0000

Bring in Rafa!

By: rambo.cts

rambo.cts — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 18:35:47 +0000

They definitely have to win all of their home games besides Vs Mexico. They can get points on the road too I think against Jamaica and Panama. They could even have a chance against Costa Rica if they play in in their new stadium. Still should be able to lock up 4th place and beat New Zealand in a playoff

By: Nada

Nada — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 18:34:34 +0000

Freddy had a Eurail pass for the last 5 years

Wasn’t he playing for some Turkish second-division club not long ago?

By: HuskerDawg

HuskerDawg — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 18:33:06 +0000

The U.S. has to win all home games save for Mexico. They can lose that one and be okay. It sucks knowing Mexico is in their golden generation while the U.S. has a serious lull in talent. As stated above, it’s not like we haven’t looked for defense. It seems we’ve called up anyone with a “DEF” next to their name on Fifa.

By: rambo.cts

rambo.cts — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 18:33:02 +0000

I just don’t think you could trust JK with the next round of games (3) if he has not shown he knows how to win in this region.

The Mexico game could get out of hand if they get a goal early, especially if they play Beltran or Morrow back there. I would have to think that Cameron and Beasley would get the call over them

By: Der Kaiser

Der Kaiser — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 18:31:49 +0000

only=will

By: HuskerDawg

HuskerDawg — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 18:30:32 +0000

Mexico 6 USA 1

Not gonna lie…I could see this happening. More like 4-1 though.

By: Der Kaiser

Der Kaiser — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 18:29:56 +0000

Yeah I know just mocking those who have made that indefensible claim.

Someone said this? I only continue to take potshots at LandyCakes, but come on now.

By: HuskerDawg

HuskerDawg — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 18:28:34 +0000

Two years in and this still feels like the trial and error method of squad selection.

Couldn’t say it any better. Though if Chandler, Johnson and Howard were healthy, I wouldn’t be all that worried.

By: Cowboy Mike's Old Original Red Hot Ricochet Barbeque Sauce

Cowboy Mike's Old Original Red Hot Ricochet Barbeque Sauce — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 18:28:02 +0000

I would bitch about the USMNT, then I remember that the U.S. has actually made a World Cup semifinal, while Mexico has never made it past the quarterfinals.

Hahaha 1930, when winning a three team group automatically put you into the semifinal.

Not sure that’s a better club career. No Landon apologist here, but his short time at Everton trumps the pu-pu platter Freddy had backpacking Europe.

Yeah I know just mocking those who have made that indefensible claim.

By: A.P.

A.P. — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 18:27:27 +0000

If they lose both games do you think Klinsman is out? I would have to think that he is

Fire him, bring someone else in to coach this average talent

By: rambo.cts

rambo.cts — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 18:26:25 +0000

Should still be able to beat Costa Rica. depending who plays vs Mexico they can possibly get a draw if they go very defensive.

If they lose both games do you think Klinsman is out? I would have to think that he is