Random Soccer Chatter
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hoops23
I've never been high on Gooch. It's not surprising to me that he played bad against Brazil... -
gorocks99
I'm not terribly pissed about the result. Although keeping it close would've been good for morale, a swift kick in the ass (which tonight was) may help wake the team up and let them know they're not nearly as good as they think they are as they head into qualifying. -
OSH
I'll be one to say the penalty was a legitimate penalty, saw a similar one called on South Korea against Spain earlier -- the South Korean's arm was above his head though, still trying to get out of the way of the shot. Either way, but handling instances prevented a shot on frame. To me, that's hard NOT to call.
Gooch needs to sit. He's not ready for the international game, especially the speed, technical ability, and craftiness of Brazil. I think it was a mistake starting him, but now is the time where you let him see if he's ready or not, unlike with Bobbo who'd allow him to play every game in the World Cup group stages.
Gomez is in nice form, which is exciting to see. I'd still like to see Dempsey healthy -- he should've had a goal too. Fabian Johnson has been our best defender in the last few games he's played in. Michael Bradley and Maurice Edu weren't in their same form as they were against Scotland, but nothing too awful from them this game -- just not as sharp. I don't think Jermaine Jones played his best tonight either. -
killer_ewok
Gomez played a whale of a game. -
gorocks99
Cal FC (a USASA team) beat Portland in the US Open Cup last night. Another banner night for MLS soccer.
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OSH
They do have former professionals on their team AND...coached by...the great...Eric Wynalda...gorocks99;1185675 wrote:Cal FC (a USASA team) beat Portland in the US Open Cup last night. Another banner night for MLS soccer. -
Automatik
I honestly think Gooch should just be done with the USMT in general. He hasn't impressed in a while and he's not getting any younger. The WC is 2 years away, can you even see him contributing by then? I don't.OSH;1185363 wrote:I'll be one to say the penalty was a legitimate penalty, saw a similar one called on South Korea against Spain earlier -- the South Korean's arm was above his head though, still trying to get out of the way of the shot. Either way, but handling instances prevented a shot on frame. To me, that's hard NOT to call.
Gooch needs to sit. He's not ready for the international game, especially the speed, technical ability, and craftiness of Brazil. I think it was a mistake starting him, but now is the time where you let him see if he's ready or not, unlike with Bobbo who'd allow him to play every game in the World Cup group stages.
Gomez is in nice form, which is exciting to see. I'd still like to see Dempsey healthy -- he should've had a goal too. Fabian Johnson has been our best defender in the last few games he's played in. Michael Bradley and Maurice Edu weren't in their same form as they were against Scotland, but nothing too awful from them this game -- just not as sharp. I don't think Jermaine Jones played his best tonight either. -
hoops23
Agreed, actually.Automatik;1186187 wrote:I honestly think Gooch should just be done with the USMT in general. He hasn't impressed in a while and he's not getting any younger. The WC is 2 years away, can you even see him contributing by then? I don't.
US needs to improve their overall team speed and I think they've done pretty well at that with the front line... Our back line still seems a step slow for premier world class competition. -
Automatik
Back line seems like it's always an issue.
I liked what I saw from Fabian Johnson, although I don't know much about him. Twellman said he was one of the best LBs in the Bundesliga last year....not sure how true that is. -
Laley23
Fabian Johnson has promise. I also think Perry Kitchen and Zarek Valentine should get some run. They could be the future, cause Boconegra and Onyewu are either bad or old. As well as some others. Plus, Jermaine Jones and Bradley both go forward as midfielders, despite playing the holding role. Perry Kitchen plays that roll, and plays it correct. -
OSH
Interesting news today, Nike is divesting Umbro...plans to just focus on the "swoosh." So...I may be able to be an Umbro fan again! I think it's funny how they do it after they grabbed Manchester City's kit for next season (2013-2014).
Also, GM is scrapping Super Bowl advertising money for...Manchester United! Huge news! Shows how much soccer is growing. I think I'll get a Manchester United truck...
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DeyDurkie5
Our back line needs to significantly upgrade before we even think about winning anything of importance. Our defense looked like little boys compared to Brazil's attack/midfield. -
ohiobucks1
ESPN Insider Article (let me know if you guys want me to keep posting their insider stories throughout the euros):
LANDOVER, Md. -- There were plenty of negatives to take away from the 4-1 U.S. loss to Brazil in Wednesday night's friendly, but the Yank players were more angry than downcast.
"It wasn't like they pumped us tonight," U.S. captain Carlos Bocanegra said. "It didn't feel like a 4-1 game. A few mistakes, but they didn't hammer us the entire game."
Coach Jurgen Klinsmann and the players pointed to what they called questionable officiating, especially an early penalty given for Oguchi Onyewu's handball in the box, which gave Brazil a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute. Klinsmann said he was "pissed off" about that call, and Bocanegra added, "That early penalty is a tough one to take at home, 10 minutes in. I think we're the only country in the world that gets homered at home."
Though the U.S. ultimately killed itself with three defensive gaffes, leaving Brazilians unmarked on the Selecao's last three goals, the squad could take solace from an attack that maintained a surprising amount of possession and created a gorgeous goal. And they could celebrate the continued outstanding play of left back Fabian Johnson, who made the assist to Herculez Gomez for the picturesque score just before halftime.
Johnson, making his fourth start Wednesday, is the latest, and the most talented, claimant to the fullback spot, and his effort drew raves.
"He's a good soccer player," said Michael Bradley, who delivered a perfect through ball to find Johnson on an overlapping run, which Johnson then expertly delivered to Gomez at the goalmouth. "His ability to read at the right times and get forward, use his quickness and agility to find space out wide behind the other team's outside backs -- he's someone who I think going forward is going to be an important guy for us."
Added Bocanegra: "He's a very clever player, and his composure on the ball is great. And then you see his legs. He can get forward and get into the attack. He's right-footed, and he cuts in almost like a winger and goes at people and serves nice balls in."
Johnson's attitude is also welcome. "He's unassuming but he's really consistent, really good," keeper Tim Howard said.
The Hoffenheim product's calm presence neutralized Brazil's dynamic attacker, Hulk, on the U.S. left side for most of the night, and he did nothing to discredit Klinsmann's oft-repeated statement that he is "one of the best, if not the best, left back in the Bundesliga."
For his part, Johnson says he's comfortable there. Klinsmann has told him to use his feet to "play like a winger," and he's gladly accepted the role, while being more consistent defensively than the previous left back, Timmy Chandler, who declined to play for the U.S. this summer. "He gives us quality, high quality, in that position," Klinsmann said. "He can time the runs; he can play killer balls into the space."
Johnson -- the son of a German mother and a U.S. soldier who learned the sport growing up in Germany -- started his run with the U.S. as a midfielder, but he's settled into the back line easily. "I've played a whole season now," he said last week. "Now I'm getting into it. With every game I'm getting better, more confident."
The only worry? Johnson has a tender hamstring, and was removed from the Brazil match for the last 10 minutes. "That's why we subbed him out," Klinsmann said. "We didn't want to risk anything going forward."
If Johnson stays healthy, he gives Klinsmann options. With Gomez's outstanding showing against Brazil, Klinsmann now can play with two strikers, teaming Gomez with Jozy Altidore.Clint Dempsey could then slide into the left midfield slot (where he mostly played for Fulham last season, and where he was deployed upon replacing Jose Torres in the second half Wednesday). Johnson and a choice of central midfielders -- Bradley, Jermaine Jones and Maurice Edu -- provide ample cover for Dempsey to concentrate on scoring.
On a night with plenty of negatives, Johnson provided a bright side -- the left side.
[h=3]NOTES[/h]• Legendary U.S. keeper Tony Meola was inducted into the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame on Wednesday, to the delight of Tim Howard, whom Meola mentored once upon a time with the MetroStars. "He was just an incredible athlete, and no one deserves it more than him," Howard said this week. "I was an 18-year-old kid, I knew nothing about professional sports. He took me under his wing … I owe him a ton."
Meola set the stage for Howard's professional debut by being suspended for a match. "I remember the game; we won 4-1 against Colorado," Howard said. "It was like I was a little brother and he looked after me. He was awesome."
Meola and Howard may be the last of a breed of national-team players who grew up as multi-sport athletes, as U.S. Soccer moves toward a 10-months-a-year development system. Meola, a former New York Yankees draft pick, told Insider last year that playing several sports was a key to his overall athletic development while growing up in New Jersey. Howard was a talented high school basketball player in the same state. But the age of specialization is likely to make such athletes more and more rare.
• Before kickoff, U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati feted Bocanegra for reaching the 100-cap milestone in November in Slovenia. The Brazil match was the captain's second home game since becoming the 12th American male to hit the century mark, but he chose to be honored before the meeting with the five-time world champs. -
OSH
I get to go to my second Open Cup game tomorrow. I am pretty excited.
I will be making the trek to Rochester, Michigan for the Dayton Dutch Lions and Michigan Bucks game. -
ohiobucks1
I think DDL gets beat. They don't have much quality
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SportsAndLady
Jesus...no offense, but that sounds awfulOSH;1188471 wrote:I get to go to my second Open Cup game tomorrow. I am pretty excited.
I will be making the trek to Rochester, Michigan for the Dayton Dutch Lions and Michigan Bucks game. -
ohiobucks1
helsea transfer target Hulk has appeared to pave the way for a move to Stamford Bridge by suggesting it may be time for him to leave Porto.
GettyImagesHulk has won seven major trophies in his four years at Porto, including this season's league title
• Chelsea line up Hulk deal
The Blues were widely reported to have agreed a £38 million fee for Hulk with his Portuguese club last week, with personal terms yet to be agreed.
Hulk, who is earmarked as a replacement for Didier Drogba at Stamford Bridge, refused to admit a deal with Chelsea is done but the 25-year-old hinted a summer move was on the cards.
Asked what the future held for him, Hulk told Lancenet: "I will always continue to work hard and keep my feet on the ground, regardless of whether I stay at Porto.
"I have won many titles in the past four years at Porto, and I think that I have a great relationship with everyone.
"If the time has come to move on, I'll do so with a good feeling. I have enjoyed a great time here.
"I'm sure that they will understand the motives behind my decision if I leave."
Hulk, who is contracted to Porto until 2016, added: "The club and its fans will forever have a place in my heart. I can only thank them for all the affection they've shown me."
Hulk has been linked with the Blues all season. His record is outstanding - 57 goals in 91 games in the past two seasons - and there is the belief that he can improve in the Premier League.
lets go!!!! -
OSH
ohiobucks1;1188493 wrote:I think DDL gets beat. They don't have much quality
Yeah, but it's alright. I enjoy watching soccer. It's at Oakland University, so I get to check out another school's facility. It's also a paid trip...meeting up with a recruit we'd like to have.SportsAndLady;1188557 wrote:Jesus...no offense, but that sounds awful
I think Dayton can pull it out, they have put together some solid defensive efforts. Goalkeeper Matt Williams has been tremendous all season. I really want to see the Michigan Bucks, they are a tremendous PDL side and I've kept up with them a bit in the past few years. So, I am interested in the side they field and the style they play. -
OSH
I saw this the other day and didn't have time to post it...if you think Liverpool's new home kit is ugly, their away one blows that away!
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chicago510
Watched this today. 10th anniversary of the maybe the greatest upset in US soccer history. Was in shock when it hit 3-0, will never forget that.
[video=youtube;qyNA2ue9QeA][/video] -
Laley23
That is my most memorable moment ever watching the USMNT. Easily our greatest vicotry ever. Propelled us to the best WC run I can remember as well. Should have beaten Germany in that Quarterfinal game as well.
But beat the #1 team in the world. They have the Fifa World POY (Luis Figo) and had Cristiano Ronaldo (as a teen, but still on the team). -
OSH
Dayton won last night! Great game. Went 120 minutes.
They are now traveling to Sporting KC on June 26 for the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup.
Surprising, there are 3 USLPro teams in the quarterfinals which is a record for 3rd division teams in the US Open Cup. -
ohiobucks1
We said it from the outset more than a year ago, and we'll say it again: Projecting the U.S. World Cup 2014 lineup is a fool's errand. For proof, look at our first attempt. We projected rarely-on-the-field Ike Opara at center back. We wrote in running-in-place Juan Agudelo at striker. We had History's Greatest Monster (fan balloting version) Jonathan Bornstein at left back. Back then, we even figured Bob Bradley would be coach.
We failed to anticipate the rise of German talent in the U.S. ranks, from the hiring of coach Jurgen Klinsmann on down to a tasse of Kaffee for David Yeldell. Thus does the world turn, and with it, the U.S. World Cup board.
Except in the case of U.S. central defenders, for which nothing ever changes, rendering predictions is even more difficult.
Over the past year, the U.S. center back pool hasn't cooperated with the natural aging process and moved gracefully out of the way. For much of the Klinsmann era, in fact, Carlos Bocanegra has been the team's steadiest player; Oguchi Onyewu put together his best stretch of club play since 2009; and Clarence Goodson kept showing up at international matches as his usual reliable self. More importantly, not a single young central defender established himself as an odds-on 2014 starter. Tim Ream grew a year older and lost his confidence; John Anthony Brooks grew two inches and lost his coordination; Opara kept getting hurt; and Geoff Cameron keeps getting beat over the top.
So for now, at least through the Guatemala game June 12, we're staying with the same old, same-old guys in the middle.
In contrast, the fullback picture has brightened considerably. For about a four-week span in March and April, the Yanks had not one, not two, but three quality left back candidates for Brazil. Timmy Chandler seemed to lock up the job last fall, but then Fabian Johnson looked even better. And Eric Lichaj won a starting job in the EPL with Aston Villa. Of course, this is left back, the Yanks' most accursed position. By early June, Chandler has declined to show up for national-team duty, Lichaj didn't get called in and Johnson -- after impressive performances against Scotland and Brazil -- is nursing an injury.
LANDON DONOVAN, SUPER-SUB
Much was made of Donovan's remarks last month saying his motivation isn't what it used to be. "I think all players reach a point in their career where it's natural to lose some of that hunger, that desire, to sort of break out or be a star," he said.
Though he backtracked over the next few days, and showed he has plenty left with his hat trick against Scotland, his initial statements were only common sense. And that's why, for the first time, our Brazil Board has Donovan coming off the bench. It's a role he's well-suited for, as he showed in last year's Gold Cup for the U.S.
Still, we think Johnson is the future at left back, and that Klinsmann will come around on Lichaj (in the same way he came around on Michael Bradley) and play him on the right, with another old reliable, Steve Cherundolo, backing him up.
Also bright is the central midfield. The U.S. has plenty of quality players who are still figuring out how best to combine with each other, with intriguing reinforcements at the ready. We're taking a flyer on one of those potential reinforcements here: Alfredo Morales.
No, we haven't seen enough of Morales to be sure, but soccer is a young man's game, and we know this much about him: He was good enough to challenge for playing time in the Bundesliga last year; he absolutely destroyed a good Mexico U-23 side this year; and his absence from the Olympic qualifying tournament is probably the single biggest reason the Yanks aren't in London this summer. We also know he has earned the respect of veterans in the Yanks' camps.
His mobility and bite give him a shot, in our minds, to leapfrog Jermaine Jones, Maurice Eduand Kyle Beckerman in a No. 6 role, allowing Bradley to roam in the midfield.
We liked the three-headed central midfield Klinsmann used against Scotland and believe that using Danny Williams pinched in on the right creates the same dynamic. Williams, remember, manned this position in the U.S.'s 1-0 victory against Italy in February, and though he's not a natural winger Klinsmann obviously wants Williams on the field somewhere.
The Canada match, like last year's Gold Cup, showed how much the Americans need speed on the field. Johnson and Lichaj provide that, and so does Brek Shea.
Yes, Shea is going through some growing pains. Did he have buyer's remorse after re-signing with FC Dallas last year, then drawing looks from European clubs? Is he dealing with a bit of the too-much-too-soon issues that have plagued young pros since Freddy Adufirst signed with D.C. United? Did he get tired after a grueling campaign last year? Is he in need of some mental maturity?
The answer is probably yes on all counts. But Shea is fast, he's skilled and, when on form, is a scary handful on the left wing. If he grows up this summer and learns from his recent meltdown, this spring will look like a hiccup on the way to an outstanding international career.
Up front? Let's face it, it's a little like the back line. It's Jozy Altidore, Herculez Gomez as an ideal super-sub, and … um …
There are plenty of gleam-in-fans'-eyes guys out there who could suddenly figure out how to score in bunches at a high level -- Terrence Boyd and Andrew Wooten; C. J. Sapong and Tony Taylor; maybe even Omar Salgado (remember him?) -- and emerge as a reason to put two strikers on the field at once.
But the Yanks aren't there yet. And until there are more viable striker options than midfield choices, we'll stick with a 4-5-1.
Anything else is speculation, which, as we know, is just plain foolish.
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ohiobucks1
[h=3]Top national team prospects from MLS
[/h]June, 4, 2012JUN 4
3:17
PM ET
By Brent Latham
Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesAJ Soares could provide depth at center back for the U.S. national team.
As Major League Soccer gradually becomes a more regular talent producer for the national team, as well as for clubs worldwide, the league is also more thoroughly mined for talent by the USSF and foreign leagues. American soccer, in turn, still depends on college for a decent amount of its talent.
That means that every year, a few players emerge from the university ranks to excel in MLS. Those late bloomers inevitably move up toward the national team. Clint Dempsey is the ultimate example of a former collegiate athlete made good, but other national teamers such as Graham Zusi, Michael Parkhurst and Omar Gonzalez provide further evidence of the trend in U.S. soccer.
So who are the next young MLS players today who could follow that path, finding their way into USMNT contention in the coming years after emerging from college to flourish in MLS? Given the needs of the national team going forward, we have some guesses.
AJ Soares, CB, New England Revolution
Since taking over the national team, Jurgen Klinsmann has been on a search for the eventual center back replacements for veterans Carlos Bocanegra and Oguchi Onyewu. He's got a pretty decent stable in Gonzalez, Geoff Cameron, Tim Ream and Clarence Goodson, but the pool could certainly use some depth.
All four of those future hopes developed their games in college and MLS before attracting overseas interest. Since center backs naturally mature a little more slowly, given the responsibility they assume on the field, college-matured, MLS-refined players are a good fit at the position for the U.S.
Soares is a prospect who could follow that pattern by fighting his way into the mix for a national team spot in the future. A two-year MLS vet who has won the trust of two different coaches in New England to become a regular starter, he is solid in the air and good on set pieces. The Revolution defender could develop this season into a player Klinsmann will want to see at next year's January camp.
Austin Berry, CB, Chicago Fire
Another center back who looks to be developing in the mold of the MLS vets now in contention for the national team, Berry is a bit further down the development curve. But he's won a starting spot in Chicago by proving solid in defense and particularly good in the air going forward, scoring two goals in six consecutive appearances.
Already 23, Berry will need to continue to come on quickly to reach the upper echelons of the American game. It's too early to tell what the Louisville graduate's ceiling is, but it wouldn't surprise to see him in the national team mix in years to come.
Steven Beitashour, RB, San Jose Earthquakes
The U.S. pool at right back is deep, so getting a look is a challenge. Behind veteran Steve Cherundolo and Michael Parkhurst -- who would seem to be Klinsmann's second choice after a sparkling season in Denmark -- there are some good young prospects who could fit the national team bill, particularly in MLS.
Beitashour and Kansas City's Chance Myers stand out among them, but we mention the San Jose player here because, unlike Myers, he's never been involved in a U.S. setup. In his third year out of San Diego State, Beitashour has seized the right back job for a very good San Jose team, and proved a formidable presence in defense and going forward up the touchline. He turned 25 before the season, so he's not the youngest of prospects, but with interest from Iran brewing for the dual-national, it might be time to give him a look in U.S. colors soon.
Nick DeLeon, MF, DC United
For a player who skipped soccer entirely his senior year of high school, only to pick it up again at UNLV before transferring to Louisville, DeLeon has come on strong in his rookie year in D.C. The Arizona native has surprised just about everyone but the United brain trust with his fit in the nation's capital, earning a starting spot and scoring three goals before a hamstring injury slowed him down a little last month.
DeLeon's torrid start was so convincing that he usurped the place of former teen prodigyAndy Najar, and has probably been the most dangerous winger on an offensively stacked D.C. team. In the meantime, the 22-year-old is gradually moving closer to the fringes of the national team radar.
Tony Cascio, MF/F, Colorado Rapids
Another Arizona native, Cascio has been on a tear in his rookie season out of Connecticut, starting all but one of the Rapids' games and scoring a pair of goals. A versatile attacker, he fits well in coach Oscar Pareja's fluid offensive system. Good speed, size and excellent field vision mean Cascio could eventually develop into an international quality winger or central mid. Like the other late bloomers on this list, though, time is of the essence, since he'll turn 23 next year.
[h=3]Notes[/h]• Coach Tab Ramos and his U-20 squad just wrapped up a five-day training camp in Houston, and will now head to South America for three matches in the coming week. The team will face Uruguay twice before heading to Chile for a match in Santiago against that country's U-20 team.
• The boys' U-15 national team secured some impressive results over the weekend at theMarveld tournament in Holland. A fifth-place finish included wins over Real Madrid, Liverpool and Ajax. Full results here.