For those that forgot, the United States was drawn into the "Group of Death" with Germany, Ghana, and Portugal. As I said in that post, Building The 23 for the USMNT is similar to what I do with Building The 53 for the Green Bay Packers, Building The 25 for the Milwaukee Brewers, and Building The 15 for the Milwaukee Bucks. I gave my first and second looks at the 23
players I thought USMNT manager Jurgen Klinsmann would take to the 2014
World Cup in Brazil. Yesterday, Klinsman named his provisional 30-man roster that will have to be trimmed to 23 by June 2nd.
Traditionally the breakdown of The 23 is 3 goalkeepers, 8 defenders, 8
midfielders, and 4 strikers. Besides goalkeeper, some of the players
drawn into defense or up front could also slide into the midfielder so
those are not hard and fast numbers. Here are my updated thoughts about the players Klinsmann should select for The 23.
Goalkeepers on 30-man & 23-man (3): Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, and Nick Rimando.
Starter: Tim Howard
Analysis: Absent an injury to one of the three goalkeepers, the USMNT is all set at goalkeeper.
Defenders on 30-man (11): DaMarcus Beasley, Matt Besler, John
Brooks, Geoff Cameron, Timmy Chandler, Brad
Evans, Omar Gonzalez, Clarence Goodson, Fabian Johnson, Michael Parkhurst, and DeAndre Yedlin
Defenders on 23-man (8): DaMarcus Beasley, Matt Besler, John Brooks, Geoff Cameron, Timmy Chandler, Brad Evans, Omar Gonzalez, and Fabian Johnson
Dropped (1): Clarence Goodson
Added (1): Timmy Chandler
Starters: DaMarcus Beasley (LB), Matt Besler (CB), Geoff Cameron (CB), and Fabian Johnson (RB)
Analysis: The USMNT has a ton of quality options across the back four. I am not as worried about the outside backs because those spots seem borderline interchangeable but I am starting to worry about the two central defender spots because continuity is key. Thus Klinsman needs to settle on a healthy pairing soon to give them time to build the chemistry necessary to man what could be the the two most important positions on the pitch for the USMNT at the 2014 World Cup.
Midfielders on 30-man (10): Kyle Beckerman, Alejandro Bedoya, Michael
Bradley, Joe Corona, Brad Davis, Mix
Diskerud, Maurice Edu, Julian Green, Jermaine Jones, and Graham Zusi
Midfielders on 23-man (8): Kyle Beckerman, Alejandro Bedoya, Michael Bradley, Brad Davis, Mix Diskerud, Julian Green, Jermaine Jones, and Graham Zusi
Dropped (1): Landon Donovan* (previously treated as midfielder but now treated as forward
Added (1): Alejandro Bedoya
Starters: Brad Davis (LM), Kyle Beckerman (CM), Michael Bradley (CM), and Graham Zusi (RW)
Analysis: I started Beckerman over Jones despite Klinsman's affinity for Jones because that gives Klinsman the option to field two proper wingers. Zusi deserves to start on the right side, which left the winger spot open. I decided to give Davis the spot but the left winger spot is probably the least settled in the starting eleven so look for Klinsman to try a number of players in that spot, including possibly moving Beasley up from left back, Klinsman can find a suitable replacement for Beasley at left back.
Forwards on 30-man (6): Jozy Altidore, Terrence Boyd, Clint
Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Aron
Johannsson, and Chris Wondolowski
Forwards on 23-man (4): Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, and Aaron Johnannson
Dropped (1): Chris Wondolowski
Added (1): Landon Donovan* (previously treated as midfielder)
Starters: Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey
Analysis: Eddie Johnson's goal against Mexico last September was the goal that secured the USMNT's spot in the 2014 World Cup. For the third World Cup in a row the player that scored the goal to clinch the USMNT's spot in the World Cup (Steve Ralston against Mexico in September of 2005 and Conor Casey at Honduras in October of 2009) will not be on The 23 at the World Cup for the United States. With Johnson no longer in the running for a spot on The 23 that leaves six guys fighting for four spots. Interestingly Donovan is characterized as a forward instead of a midfielder. The fourth striker
spot likely comes down to Donovan and Wondolowski given that Altidore, Dempsey, and Johannson look like locks. Since Donovan is the most successful player in USMNT history, I would give him the spot ahead of Wondolowski but it only matters what Klinsman and his assistants think come early June.
The USMNT play three exhibition games as they prepare for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The USMNT's first match is against Azerbaijan at San
Francisco's Candlestick Park on May 27nd followed by a match against Turkey at Red Bull Arena in
Harrison, N.J. on June 1st and finally a match against Nigeria at EverBank Field in
Jacksonville, Fla. on June 7th. Klinsman must submit his final 23-man roster following the USMNT's match against Turkey, at the latest. Make sure to check back following that announcement by Klinsman for my initial thoughts on The 23.
Showing posts with label Landon Donovan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Landon Donovan. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Building The 23 - USMNT 2.0 for 2014 World Cup
Yesterday the United States Men's National Team tied Mexico 2-2 in a friendly played at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The USMNT jumped out to a 2-0 lead as cheers of Dos a Cero Chants rang through the stadium. Unfortunately the USMNT sputtered in second half conceding two goals so it ended up being Dos a Dos.
Although the United States and Mexico are bitter CONCACAF rivals, ultimately the scoreline is meaningless given that it is only a friendly and thus simply a means to help prepare for the 2014 World Cup. This match could carry much more symbolic significance though. Landon Donovan and Julian Green both got subbed into the match in the second half at the same time. Donovan will likely go down as the most successful USMNT player of all-time while the 18-year old Green has limitless potential that could make him the next Donovan for the USMNT. The USMNT are lucky to have Green in the fold given that he had the choice to play for Germany or the United States and choose the United States. Since Green plays for Bayern Munich's youth team it was a bit of a surprise that he choose the United States since Green choose the United States, he has a much better chance to go to the 2014 World Cup. If Green choose Germany he would have no chance of going to the 2014 World Cup and an outside chance of appearing for Germany in the 2016 European Championship.
I gave my first look at the 23 players I thought USMNT manager Jurgen Klinsmann would take to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil the day after the United States was drawn into the "Group of Death" with Germany, Ghana, and Portugal. As I said in that post, Building The 23 for the USMNT is similar to what I do with Building The 53 for the Green Bay Packers, Building The 25 for the Milwaukee Brewers, and Building The 15 for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Just to reiterate, the breakdown of The 23 is usually 3 goalkeepers, 8 defenders, 8 midfielders, and 4 strikers. Besides goalkeeper, some of the players drawn into defense or up front could also slide into the midfielder so those are not hard and fast numbers. Here are my updated thoughts about the players Klinsmann should select for The 23.
Goalkeepers (3): Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, and Nick Rimando.
Starter: Tim Howard
Analysis: This is the most solid spot on the entire squad. Guzan would start for at least half of the countries in the World Cup but absent injury will have to serve as Howard's understudy.
Defenders (8): DaMarcus Beasley, Matt Besler, John Brooks, Geoff Cameron, Brad Evans, Omar Gonzalez, Clarence Goodson, and Fabian Johnson
Dropped (1): Steve Cherundolo
Added (1): Fabian Johnson* (treated as midfielder last time)
Starters: DaMarcus Beasley (LB), Matt Besler (CB), Geoff Cameron (CB), Fabian Johnson (RB)
Analysis: Unfortunately Cherundolo is just not fit enough to play in the 2014 World Cup, which opens up the right back spot for the first time in essentially a decade. Besler was a revelation a year ago but his star has faded slightly but the lack of depth at central defender for the United States, I still see Besler as a virtual lock for the starting lineup. That leaves seven guys fighting for three spots. I honestly could see almost any of those seven starting across the back for the USMNT, so it will be interesting to see what there can separate themselves from the group.
Midfielders (8): Kyle Beckerman, Michael Bradley, Brad Davis, Mix Diskerud, Landon Donovan, Julian Green, Jermaine Jones, and Graham Zusi
Dropped (2): Fabian Johnson* (treated as a midfielder last time but moved to defender this time) and Brek Shea
Added (2): Brad Davis and Julian Green
Starters: Kyle Beckerman (DM), Michael Bradley (CM), Jermaine Jones (CM), Graham Zusi (LW/RW)
Analysis: The USMNT is in a unique spot because Beckerman and Jones look to be redundant central midfielders that can allow Bradley to push forward. Given Klinsman's affinity for Jones, I could see him playing all three as central midfielders since he likes to see his outside defenders push forward. That leaves Zusi as the only true winger unless the other midfielders that I currently have on the bench can separate from the pack.
Forwards (4): Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Aaron Johnannson, and Chris Wondolowski
Dropped (1): Eddie Johnson
Added (1): Chris Wondolowski
Starters: Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey
Analysis: It will be interesting to watch the competition for the fourth striker spot given that Altidore, Dempsey, and Johannson look like locks. Over the last two years Wondolowski has scored some important goals for the United States, which is why I added Wondolowski instead of Johnson.
Klinsman will announce his provisional 30-man squad in mid-May. Those 30 players will participate in a two week training session that includes a couple exhibition matches before Klinsman must winnow his roster down to The 23 by June 2nd. Make sure to check back in mid-May for my thoughts on Klinsman's provisional 30-man squad.
Although the United States and Mexico are bitter CONCACAF rivals, ultimately the scoreline is meaningless given that it is only a friendly and thus simply a means to help prepare for the 2014 World Cup. This match could carry much more symbolic significance though. Landon Donovan and Julian Green both got subbed into the match in the second half at the same time. Donovan will likely go down as the most successful USMNT player of all-time while the 18-year old Green has limitless potential that could make him the next Donovan for the USMNT. The USMNT are lucky to have Green in the fold given that he had the choice to play for Germany or the United States and choose the United States. Since Green plays for Bayern Munich's youth team it was a bit of a surprise that he choose the United States since Green choose the United States, he has a much better chance to go to the 2014 World Cup. If Green choose Germany he would have no chance of going to the 2014 World Cup and an outside chance of appearing for Germany in the 2016 European Championship.
I gave my first look at the 23 players I thought USMNT manager Jurgen Klinsmann would take to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil the day after the United States was drawn into the "Group of Death" with Germany, Ghana, and Portugal. As I said in that post, Building The 23 for the USMNT is similar to what I do with Building The 53 for the Green Bay Packers, Building The 25 for the Milwaukee Brewers, and Building The 15 for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Just to reiterate, the breakdown of The 23 is usually 3 goalkeepers, 8 defenders, 8 midfielders, and 4 strikers. Besides goalkeeper, some of the players drawn into defense or up front could also slide into the midfielder so those are not hard and fast numbers. Here are my updated thoughts about the players Klinsmann should select for The 23.
Goalkeepers (3): Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, and Nick Rimando.
Starter: Tim Howard
Analysis: This is the most solid spot on the entire squad. Guzan would start for at least half of the countries in the World Cup but absent injury will have to serve as Howard's understudy.
Defenders (8): DaMarcus Beasley, Matt Besler, John Brooks, Geoff Cameron, Brad Evans, Omar Gonzalez, Clarence Goodson, and Fabian Johnson
Dropped (1): Steve Cherundolo
Added (1): Fabian Johnson* (treated as midfielder last time)
Starters: DaMarcus Beasley (LB), Matt Besler (CB), Geoff Cameron (CB), Fabian Johnson (RB)
Analysis: Unfortunately Cherundolo is just not fit enough to play in the 2014 World Cup, which opens up the right back spot for the first time in essentially a decade. Besler was a revelation a year ago but his star has faded slightly but the lack of depth at central defender for the United States, I still see Besler as a virtual lock for the starting lineup. That leaves seven guys fighting for three spots. I honestly could see almost any of those seven starting across the back for the USMNT, so it will be interesting to see what there can separate themselves from the group.
Midfielders (8): Kyle Beckerman, Michael Bradley, Brad Davis, Mix Diskerud, Landon Donovan, Julian Green, Jermaine Jones, and Graham Zusi
Dropped (2): Fabian Johnson* (treated as a midfielder last time but moved to defender this time) and Brek Shea
Added (2): Brad Davis and Julian Green
Starters: Kyle Beckerman (DM), Michael Bradley (CM), Jermaine Jones (CM), Graham Zusi (LW/RW)
Analysis: The USMNT is in a unique spot because Beckerman and Jones look to be redundant central midfielders that can allow Bradley to push forward. Given Klinsman's affinity for Jones, I could see him playing all three as central midfielders since he likes to see his outside defenders push forward. That leaves Zusi as the only true winger unless the other midfielders that I currently have on the bench can separate from the pack.
Forwards (4): Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Aaron Johnannson, and Chris Wondolowski
Dropped (1): Eddie Johnson
Added (1): Chris Wondolowski
Starters: Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey
Analysis: It will be interesting to watch the competition for the fourth striker spot given that Altidore, Dempsey, and Johannson look like locks. Over the last two years Wondolowski has scored some important goals for the United States, which is why I added Wondolowski instead of Johnson.
Klinsman will announce his provisional 30-man squad in mid-May. Those 30 players will participate in a two week training session that includes a couple exhibition matches before Klinsman must winnow his roster down to The 23 by June 2nd. Make sure to check back in mid-May for my thoughts on Klinsman's provisional 30-man squad.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Building The 23 - USMNT 1.0 for 2014 World Cup
The United States Men's National Team manager Jurgen Klinsmann can take 23 players to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Yesterday I covered the United States being drawn into the toughest group in the 2014 World Cup with Germany, Ghana, and Portugal. Much like I do with Building The 53 for the Green Bay Packers, Building The 25 for the Milwaukee Brewers, and Building The 15 for the Milwaukee Bucks...I am about to do the same for the United States with Building The 23. Without further adu, let's turn our attention to speculating on the 23 guys Klinsmann should take to Brazil.
Traditionally the breakdown of The 23 is 3 goalkeepers, 8 defenders, 8 midfielders, and 4 strikers. Besides goalkeeper, some of the players drawn into defense or up front could also slide into the midfielder so those are not hard and fast numbers. Here are my initial thoughts about the players Klinsmann should select for The 23.
Goalkeeper (3): Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, and Nick Rimando.
Starter: Tim Howard
Analysis: Luckily Klinsmann has the benefit of having two legitimate starting goalkeepers in Howard and Guzan. I think it is highly unlikely to happen but I wonder what Guzan would have to do to unseat Howard.
Defenders (8): DaMarcus Beasley, Matt Besler, John Brooks, Geoff Cameron, Steve Cherundolo, Brad Evans, Clarence Goodson, and Omar Gonzalez.
Starters: DaMarcus Beasley (LB), Matt Besler (CB), Omar Gonzalez (CB), Steve Cherundolo (RB)
Analysis: After Cherundolo held down the starting right back spot for essentially the last decade, injuries have hampered his form in 2013. Given there are six more months until the 2014 World Cup, I see Cherundolo doing everything humanly possible to be in form by the start of the 2014 World Cup.
Midfield (8): Kyle Beckerman, Michael Bradley, Mix Diskerud, Landon Donovan, Fabian Johnson, Jermaine Jones, Brek Shea, and Graham Zusi.
Starters: Landon Donovan (LW), Michael Bradley (CM), Jermaine Jones (CM), Graham Zusi (RW)
Analysis: Absent injuries, Bradley and Donovan are locks to start in Brazil. That leaves two spots: one in central midfield and one at outside midfielder. Unfortunately, I see those two spots changing a dozen times in the next six months.
Striker (4): Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Aron Johnannson, and Eddie Johnson.
Starters: Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey
Analysis: There was never any question about Altidore's physical abilities but going into 2013 he still had not found a way to turn that promise into actual production scoring goals for the national team. Given that Jozy Altidore has been in rare form scoring almost every time our for the national team, he deserves to be in the starting XL in Brazil. If Klinsmann deploys Dempsey and Donovan in the midfielder, I could actually see Johnson getting a start up front next to Altidore.
Shifting gears from the futbol to football. Make sure to check back on Monday for my thoughts on the Green Bay Packers make-or-break game at home against the Atlanta Falcons sans starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the sixth straight game. Without Rodgers the Packers have gone 0-4-1 so even though the Falcons are one of the worst teams in the NFL this season. Let's not forget that they went to the NFC Championship Game last season so a win is far from guaranteed for the Packers. If the Packers win, their slim playoff hopes stay alive. If the Packers lose, all the coverage of them in this space will shift towards building for 2014.
Traditionally the breakdown of The 23 is 3 goalkeepers, 8 defenders, 8 midfielders, and 4 strikers. Besides goalkeeper, some of the players drawn into defense or up front could also slide into the midfielder so those are not hard and fast numbers. Here are my initial thoughts about the players Klinsmann should select for The 23.
Goalkeeper (3): Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, and Nick Rimando.
Starter: Tim Howard
Analysis: Luckily Klinsmann has the benefit of having two legitimate starting goalkeepers in Howard and Guzan. I think it is highly unlikely to happen but I wonder what Guzan would have to do to unseat Howard.
Defenders (8): DaMarcus Beasley, Matt Besler, John Brooks, Geoff Cameron, Steve Cherundolo, Brad Evans, Clarence Goodson, and Omar Gonzalez.
Starters: DaMarcus Beasley (LB), Matt Besler (CB), Omar Gonzalez (CB), Steve Cherundolo (RB)
Analysis: After Cherundolo held down the starting right back spot for essentially the last decade, injuries have hampered his form in 2013. Given there are six more months until the 2014 World Cup, I see Cherundolo doing everything humanly possible to be in form by the start of the 2014 World Cup.
Midfield (8): Kyle Beckerman, Michael Bradley, Mix Diskerud, Landon Donovan, Fabian Johnson, Jermaine Jones, Brek Shea, and Graham Zusi.
Starters: Landon Donovan (LW), Michael Bradley (CM), Jermaine Jones (CM), Graham Zusi (RW)
Analysis: Absent injuries, Bradley and Donovan are locks to start in Brazil. That leaves two spots: one in central midfield and one at outside midfielder. Unfortunately, I see those two spots changing a dozen times in the next six months.
Striker (4): Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Aron Johnannson, and Eddie Johnson.
Starters: Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey
Analysis: There was never any question about Altidore's physical abilities but going into 2013 he still had not found a way to turn that promise into actual production scoring goals for the national team. Given that Jozy Altidore has been in rare form scoring almost every time our for the national team, he deserves to be in the starting XL in Brazil. If Klinsmann deploys Dempsey and Donovan in the midfielder, I could actually see Johnson getting a start up front next to Altidore.
Shifting gears from the futbol to football. Make sure to check back on Monday for my thoughts on the Green Bay Packers make-or-break game at home against the Atlanta Falcons sans starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the sixth straight game. Without Rodgers the Packers have gone 0-4-1 so even though the Falcons are one of the worst teams in the NFL this season. Let's not forget that they went to the NFC Championship Game last season so a win is far from guaranteed for the Packers. If the Packers win, their slim playoff hopes stay alive. If the Packers lose, all the coverage of them in this space will shift towards building for 2014.
Howard
F. Johnson (Parkhurst, 46)
Goodson
Gonzalez
Beasley
Jones
Beckerman
Bedoya (Zusi, 84)
Dempsey (c)
Donovan-1
E. Johnson (Diskerud, 76) - See more at: http://www.ussoccer.com/teams/us-men/lineups/2013-lineups.aspx#sthash.OaFxfIMe.dpuf
F. Johnson (Parkhurst, 46)
Goodson
Gonzalez
Beasley
Jones
Beckerman
Bedoya (Zusi, 84)
Dempsey (c)
Donovan-1
E. Johnson (Diskerud, 76) - See more at: http://www.ussoccer.com/teams/us-men/lineups/2013-lineups.aspx#sthash.OaFxfIMe.dpuf
Howard
F. Johnson (Parkhurst, 46)
Goodson
Gonzalez
Beasley
Jones
Beckerman
Bedoya (Zusi, 84)
Dempsey (c)
Donovan-1
E. Johnson (Diskerud, 76) - See more at: http://www.ussoccer.com/teams/us-men/lineups/2013-lineups.aspx#sthash.OaFxfIMe.d
F. Johnson (Parkhurst, 46)
Goodson
Gonzalez
Beasley
Jones
Beckerman
Bedoya (Zusi, 84)
Dempsey (c)
Donovan-1
E. Johnson (Diskerud, 76) - See more at: http://www.ussoccer.com/teams/us-men/lineups/2013-lineups.aspx#sthash.OaFxfIMe.d
Altidore, Jozy
Altidore, Jozy
Altidore, Jozy
Altidore, Jozy
Sunday, July 28, 2013
United States Wins 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup
Ryan Braun's ban by Major League Baseball for the rest of the season (presumably) for the use of performance enhancing drugs has been dissected from almost every angle so I decided to cover a non-Cheesehead sports team, the United States Men's Soccer Team.
The US was on a five game winning streak heading into the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup to make them a virtual lock to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Despite fielding a weaker squad than their World Cup qualifying squad, the US picked up right where they left off winning five more matches in a row to start the Gold Cup to reach the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final at Soldier Field against Panama.
I tried to talk Cheesehead Chick and my buddies (Uncle Patty and Sug) into attending the match but I got no takers so I picked up a singleton in the south end of the stadium on StubHub. As you can tell from the title, the US won. Since I attended the match alone, I sent a number of tweets that I am going to use as my de facto review of the match:
If you enjoyed reading some soccer content on this predominately Cheesehead sports blog makes sure to check back later in August as I write my review of the off-season for Manchester City and preview their 2013-14 season.
Congrats to the United States men's soccer team on winning their fifth CONCACAF Gold Cup and good luck in the next round of World Cup qualifiers in September.
The US was on a five game winning streak heading into the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup to make them a virtual lock to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Despite fielding a weaker squad than their World Cup qualifying squad, the US picked up right where they left off winning five more matches in a row to start the Gold Cup to reach the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final at Soldier Field against Panama.
I tried to talk Cheesehead Chick and my buddies (Uncle Patty and Sug) into attending the match but I got no takers so I picked up a singleton in the south end of the stadium on StubHub. As you can tell from the title, the US won. Since I attended the match alone, I sent a number of tweets that I am going to use as my de facto review of the match:
Nothing says patriotism like seeing #USMNT solo in the Gold Cup Final v. #Panama. Pre-game prediction, US wins 3-0. pic.twitter.com/cKNMgXHcPU
— CheeseheadSportsNut (@CheeseheadSN) July 28, 2013
Sitting on other side of pitch from where Papa Cheese & I saw Klinsmann bag the winner for Germany to beat Bolivia to open 1990 World Cup.
— CheeseheadSportsNut (@CheeseheadSN) July 28, 2013
Love seeing Beasley as captain. Fine with starting 11 for #USMNT but bummed to see Gonzalez, Shea, and Wondo couldn't make the cut.
— CheeseheadSportsNut (@CheeseheadSN) July 28, 2013
'19th minute couple decent chances for #USMNT, should have more though given their dominance of possession
— CheeseheadSportsNut (@CheeseheadSN) July 28, 2013
Holden substituted for injury again, the injury nightmares continue for him. Let's see what Diskerud can do. #USMNT
— CheeseheadSportsNut (@CheeseheadSN) July 28, 2013
HT with score 0-0 feels about right. If possession equaled goals, #USMNT should be up 1/2 to 0 but not enough quality chances to be up more.
— CheeseheadSportsNut (@CheeseheadSN) July 28, 2013
Gonna be tough for #USMNT to win 3-0 given how much #Panama is packing it in, US better watch out for counterattack in 2nd half.
— CheeseheadSportsNut (@CheeseheadSN) July 28, 2013
Might be worth replacing Corona or Bedoya with Shea or move Donovan to one of their spots to get Wondo in the mix. #USMNT
— CheeseheadSportsNut (@CheeseheadSN) July 28, 2013
Too far away to tell but crowd's reaction makes me think that was a handball in the box for a PK. #USMNT
— CheeseheadSportsNut (@CheeseheadSN) July 28, 2013
'56 - felt like '02 with Beasley and Donovan almost combining for a goal. #USMNT
— CheeseheadSportsNut (@CheeseheadSN) July 28, 2013
'70 - Shea for Corona was a few minutes too late. Love Shea taking Donovan's whiff/goal. #USMNT up 1-0.
— CheeseheadSportsNut (@CheeseheadSN) July 28, 2013
'72 - best chance all day for #Panama. Could be 1-1 but shot was just wide of the mark. #USMNT
— CheeseheadSportsNut (@CheeseheadSN) July 28, 2013
'81 - even a decent first touch by Shea from Donovan's pass and there is a primo scoring opportunity for #USMNT
— CheeseheadSportsNut (@CheeseheadSN) July 28, 2013
84 - Johnson misses a sitter to ice the match should be interesting last few minutes
— CheeseheadSportsNut (@CheeseheadSN) July 28, 2013
'89 - wasting time by subbing Gonzalez for Bedoya. Looks like my lineup thoughts were spot on. #USMNT
— CheeseheadSportsNut (@CheeseheadSN) July 28, 2013
'90 - things are getting chippy at the wrong time. Shocked there are at least 4 minutes of stoppage time.
— CheeseheadSportsNut (@CheeseheadSN) July 28, 2013
A.J. Hawk-style (Business HJ) Gold Cup Championship victory for #USMNT 1-0 over #Panama
— CheeseheadSportsNut (@CheeseheadSN) July 28, 2013
If Shea has a decent first touch & Johnson bags the sitter, my 3-0 pre-match prediction for #USMNT comes to fruition pic.twitter.com/oHvarfcmiC
— CheeseheadSportsNut (@CheeseheadSN) July 28, 2013
Donovan deservedly takes home the 2013 Gold Cup MVP, absent injury, shocked if he doesn't crack the starting 11 at 2014 World Cup. #USMNTAs you can tell from my recap, I would not give the US many style points for how they played today. I might even go so far to say this was their worst performance of their 11 game winning streak but a win is a win, especially in the championship game of a even a second tier tournament like the Gold Cup. Plus grinding out wins like the US did today is great experience for the 2014 World Cup.
— CheeseheadSportsNut (@CheeseheadSN) July 28, 2013
If you enjoyed reading some soccer content on this predominately Cheesehead sports blog makes sure to check back later in August as I write my review of the off-season for Manchester City and preview their 2013-14 season.
Congrats to the United States men's soccer team on winning their fifth CONCACAF Gold Cup and good luck in the next round of World Cup qualifiers in September.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
US v. Slovenia: World Cup Retro Diary
As you know by now, the United States and Slovenia tied 2-2 in a thrilling match of two completely different halves...Slovenia dominated the first half and the United State dominated the second half. Here is my retroactive look at the match:
1': Clint Dempsey elbows Zlatan Ljubijankic for what could have been a red card. At the very least it should have been a yellow card but as you will see throughout the match, this was not the only blown call by referee Koman Coulibaly.
8': Ljubijankic heads the ball straight up into the air. US goalkeeper Tim Howard comes out to snare the ball and as usual yells at his defenders. Howard is a very good keeper but why does he always come out barking at the top of his lungs. Every now and again he could just go about his business. Don't get me wrong, I am all about accountability but Howard's yelling seems like overkill...it becomes ineffective if you always yell. My advice, pick your spots Timmy.
13' - Valter Birsa scores for Slovenia from 25 yards out to give Slovenia a 1-0 lead: Somehow there was not a US defender within 5 yards of Birsa. After the game Howard intimated that he never saw the ball. I hope that is the case because Howard watched the ball soar into the back of the net without even moving. The US is consistent at one thing, giving up early goal. Just to add insult to injury, that goal marks the 12th straight match that the US will not keep a clean sheet.
15': Landon Donovan's free kick is punched clear by Samir Handanovic. If Handanovic didn't punch that ball clear it looked like Dempsey would have had a great chance to equalize.
37': Bostjan Cesar is shown a yellow card for tripping Altodore. Torres takes the free kick and decides to go for goal instead of swinging it into the box. I like the idea of going for goal in that situation but the execution left more than a little to be desired. When I saw that Bradley inserted Torres instead of Clark I was ecstatic...after 37 minutes not so ecstatic.
40': Findley receives a yellow card for a handball that the replay shows hit him in the face. Since this is Findley's second yellow card in as many games, he will miss the US/Algeria match. I actually see this as the only gift referee Koman Coulibaly gave the US. As a quick tangent, not too sure why Bradley started Findley up top alongside Altidore against England and Slovenia. If I were in charge of the US, I would have started anyone (Buddle or Gomez) instead of Findley up top. Then I would bring Findley on with 20 minutes remaining to make some piercing runs. Findley starting consecutive matches for the US shows how much they miss Charlie Davies.
41': Dempsey's cross is deflected by Miso Brecko, robbing Donovan of an easy equalizer. When Donovan is that close he has to throw his body at the ball. Instead the US misses another close opportunity.
42' - Zlatan Ljubijankic scores for Slovenia to give Slovenia a 2-0 lead: Slovenia had two attempts on goal the entire first half, which lead to two goals. Oguchi Onyewu pulled off a tough double gaffe on the goal by failing to close down the attacker while playing on the goal scorer. A play like this by Gooch shows that Gooch is still not fully fit. What a change of momentum, in less than a few minutes the US goes from being tied 1-1 to being down 2-0.
Halftime: I don't think Ricardo Clark brings anything to the table so I liked that Bradley started Torres in Clark's place, unfortunately Torres was completely ineffective. As a result, Bradley brings in Benny Feilhaber for Jose Torres as well as Maurice Edu for Robbie Findley. Agree with bringing in Edu, I wanted Bradley to start him alongside his son instead of Clark or Torres the entire World Cup. The Feilhaber sub is a little surprising. Since Dempsey is going to move up top I would have brought in DeMarcus Beasley or Stuart Holden to play outside midfield instead of Feilhaner.
48' - Donovan scores for the US to cut Slovenia's lead to 2-1: Steve Cherundolo played Donovan into space. Donovan was looking to cross the ball but for some reason no one on Slovenia closed down Donovan so Donovan went towards goal. Donovan struck an absolute screamer into the only place he could go, the roof of the net, for his 3rd World Cup goal (43rd international) and first World Cup goal since 2002.
51': The US almost capitalized on a Donovan free kick but neither Dempsey or Gooch can bury the equalizer.
59': Altidore does the hard part turning the defender while possessing the ball but is unable to capitalize on his hard work. The way Altidore holds the ball reminds me of Brian McBride but Altidore is no where close to McBride in terms of finishing.
69': Marko Suler drags down Altidore just outside the box. If Suler gets Altidore a quarter second later, the US wins a penalty kick...instead they fail to capitalize on the free kick.
72': Andraz Kirm slides in late on Cherundolo and receives a yellow card.
75': Referee Koman Coulibaly continues to baffle me. Coulibaly is talking to Altidore despite the fact that Altidore was simply playing the ball. Coulibaly is really struggling and we haven't even gotten to his Mona Lisa of horrible decisions yet. Not too sure how reffing in Mali qualifies you to ref the World Cup...just saying Sepp Blatter.
80': Bob Bradley inserts Herculez Gomez for Gooch. I like the strategy, the US had to go for broke at that point. Plus, Edu is a better option than Gooch in central defense at this point. I am sure that it would create an uproar in the small but dedicated US soccer community if Bradley started Carlos Bocanegra or Clarence Goodson in place of Gooch but I would support the decision. Gooch is no doubt an impressive physical specimen, I just question if he can go another 90 minutes against Algeria coming off the major knee injury.
82' - Michael Bradley scores for the US to tie the game 2-2: Donovan played the ball long to Altidore, who perfectly nodded the ball towards an on rushing Bradley. Bradley pulled off one of the classiest toe pokes in World Cup history to tie the match. Can't say enough about how calmly Bradley slotted that shot. If the US advance, Bradley's 1st World Cup goal (8th international goal) will go down as one of the best in US soccer history.
86': Off a Donovan free kick, Maurice Edu bags a goal in the six yard box to put the US up 3-2. Wait...referee Koman Coulibaly continues his horrible performance by waving off the goal for a foul on the US. The replays show that at least four Slovenian defenders were absolutely mauling US players. If there was going to be a call, it should have been a penalty kick for the US instead of a foul against the US. It is hard to put into words how horrible of a decision Coulibaly made. ESPN has its talking point until the US plays again...if the US sputters against Algeria, everyone US fan is going to point to this decision as the turning point of the World Cup. If Edu's goal would have stood, it would have marked the first time in World Cup history that a team won 3-2 after going down 2-0 at halftime.
Final Thoughts: The US became the fifth team in World Cup history (the first since the 2002 World Cup) to tie a match after trailing 2-0 at halftime. The US should be happy with the result considering the US is 6-16-5 in World Cup history and has never won a World Cup game after trailing.
The US continued their futility against European teams in the World Cup running their record to 1-9-4 against European teams in the World Cup since 1990. If you were to tell me at half time that the US would have a chance to tie the game 2-2 and have a legitimate gripe about getting robbed on a third goal I would have called you crazy so US fans should be happy with the result.
Bring on Algeria and hopefully the knockout round!
1': Clint Dempsey elbows Zlatan Ljubijankic for what could have been a red card. At the very least it should have been a yellow card but as you will see throughout the match, this was not the only blown call by referee Koman Coulibaly.
8': Ljubijankic heads the ball straight up into the air. US goalkeeper Tim Howard comes out to snare the ball and as usual yells at his defenders. Howard is a very good keeper but why does he always come out barking at the top of his lungs. Every now and again he could just go about his business. Don't get me wrong, I am all about accountability but Howard's yelling seems like overkill...it becomes ineffective if you always yell. My advice, pick your spots Timmy.
13' - Valter Birsa scores for Slovenia from 25 yards out to give Slovenia a 1-0 lead: Somehow there was not a US defender within 5 yards of Birsa. After the game Howard intimated that he never saw the ball. I hope that is the case because Howard watched the ball soar into the back of the net without even moving. The US is consistent at one thing, giving up early goal. Just to add insult to injury, that goal marks the 12th straight match that the US will not keep a clean sheet.
15': Landon Donovan's free kick is punched clear by Samir Handanovic. If Handanovic didn't punch that ball clear it looked like Dempsey would have had a great chance to equalize.
37': Bostjan Cesar is shown a yellow card for tripping Altodore. Torres takes the free kick and decides to go for goal instead of swinging it into the box. I like the idea of going for goal in that situation but the execution left more than a little to be desired. When I saw that Bradley inserted Torres instead of Clark I was ecstatic...after 37 minutes not so ecstatic.
40': Findley receives a yellow card for a handball that the replay shows hit him in the face. Since this is Findley's second yellow card in as many games, he will miss the US/Algeria match. I actually see this as the only gift referee Koman Coulibaly gave the US. As a quick tangent, not too sure why Bradley started Findley up top alongside Altidore against England and Slovenia. If I were in charge of the US, I would have started anyone (Buddle or Gomez) instead of Findley up top. Then I would bring Findley on with 20 minutes remaining to make some piercing runs. Findley starting consecutive matches for the US shows how much they miss Charlie Davies.
41': Dempsey's cross is deflected by Miso Brecko, robbing Donovan of an easy equalizer. When Donovan is that close he has to throw his body at the ball. Instead the US misses another close opportunity.
42' - Zlatan Ljubijankic scores for Slovenia to give Slovenia a 2-0 lead: Slovenia had two attempts on goal the entire first half, which lead to two goals. Oguchi Onyewu pulled off a tough double gaffe on the goal by failing to close down the attacker while playing on the goal scorer. A play like this by Gooch shows that Gooch is still not fully fit. What a change of momentum, in less than a few minutes the US goes from being tied 1-1 to being down 2-0.
Halftime: I don't think Ricardo Clark brings anything to the table so I liked that Bradley started Torres in Clark's place, unfortunately Torres was completely ineffective. As a result, Bradley brings in Benny Feilhaber for Jose Torres as well as Maurice Edu for Robbie Findley. Agree with bringing in Edu, I wanted Bradley to start him alongside his son instead of Clark or Torres the entire World Cup. The Feilhaber sub is a little surprising. Since Dempsey is going to move up top I would have brought in DeMarcus Beasley or Stuart Holden to play outside midfield instead of Feilhaner.
48' - Donovan scores for the US to cut Slovenia's lead to 2-1: Steve Cherundolo played Donovan into space. Donovan was looking to cross the ball but for some reason no one on Slovenia closed down Donovan so Donovan went towards goal. Donovan struck an absolute screamer into the only place he could go, the roof of the net, for his 3rd World Cup goal (43rd international) and first World Cup goal since 2002.
51': The US almost capitalized on a Donovan free kick but neither Dempsey or Gooch can bury the equalizer.
59': Altidore does the hard part turning the defender while possessing the ball but is unable to capitalize on his hard work. The way Altidore holds the ball reminds me of Brian McBride but Altidore is no where close to McBride in terms of finishing.
69': Marko Suler drags down Altidore just outside the box. If Suler gets Altidore a quarter second later, the US wins a penalty kick...instead they fail to capitalize on the free kick.
72': Andraz Kirm slides in late on Cherundolo and receives a yellow card.
75': Referee Koman Coulibaly continues to baffle me. Coulibaly is talking to Altidore despite the fact that Altidore was simply playing the ball. Coulibaly is really struggling and we haven't even gotten to his Mona Lisa of horrible decisions yet. Not too sure how reffing in Mali qualifies you to ref the World Cup...just saying Sepp Blatter.
80': Bob Bradley inserts Herculez Gomez for Gooch. I like the strategy, the US had to go for broke at that point. Plus, Edu is a better option than Gooch in central defense at this point. I am sure that it would create an uproar in the small but dedicated US soccer community if Bradley started Carlos Bocanegra or Clarence Goodson in place of Gooch but I would support the decision. Gooch is no doubt an impressive physical specimen, I just question if he can go another 90 minutes against Algeria coming off the major knee injury.
82' - Michael Bradley scores for the US to tie the game 2-2: Donovan played the ball long to Altidore, who perfectly nodded the ball towards an on rushing Bradley. Bradley pulled off one of the classiest toe pokes in World Cup history to tie the match. Can't say enough about how calmly Bradley slotted that shot. If the US advance, Bradley's 1st World Cup goal (8th international goal) will go down as one of the best in US soccer history.
86': Off a Donovan free kick, Maurice Edu bags a goal in the six yard box to put the US up 3-2. Wait...referee Koman Coulibaly continues his horrible performance by waving off the goal for a foul on the US. The replays show that at least four Slovenian defenders were absolutely mauling US players. If there was going to be a call, it should have been a penalty kick for the US instead of a foul against the US. It is hard to put into words how horrible of a decision Coulibaly made. ESPN has its talking point until the US plays again...if the US sputters against Algeria, everyone US fan is going to point to this decision as the turning point of the World Cup. If Edu's goal would have stood, it would have marked the first time in World Cup history that a team won 3-2 after going down 2-0 at halftime.
Final Thoughts: The US became the fifth team in World Cup history (the first since the 2002 World Cup) to tie a match after trailing 2-0 at halftime. The US should be happy with the result considering the US is 6-16-5 in World Cup history and has never won a World Cup game after trailing.
The US continued their futility against European teams in the World Cup running their record to 1-9-4 against European teams in the World Cup since 1990. If you were to tell me at half time that the US would have a chance to tie the game 2-2 and have a legitimate gripe about getting robbed on a third goal I would have called you crazy so US fans should be happy with the result.
Bring on Algeria and hopefully the knockout round!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
US World Cup 30-Man Provisional Roster
You might be asking yourself, why is there a soccer post on the best Cheesehead Sports Blog on the web? First, I am a huge soccer fan so there will be a bunch of soccer content leading up and through the 2010 World Cup in South Africa which runs from June 11th to July 11th. Second, Jay DeMerit, a native Cheesehead, has a good chance of starting as a central defender for the United States.
After missing nine straight World Cups from 1954 to 1986, the United States is qualified for their sixth straight World Cup (1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, and 2010) drawing Algeria, Slovenia, and England in Group C. Bob Bradley, the United States Men's World Cup Coach, took the first step towards filling his 23-man roster for South Africa by naming his preliminary 30-man roster:
Goalkeepers (3): Brad Guzan, Tim Howard, and Marcus Hahnemann
Defenders (9): Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Bornstein, Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit, Clarence Goodson, Chad Marshall, Oguchi Onyewu, Heath Pearce, and Jonathan Spector
Midfielders (12): DaMarcus Beasley, Alejandro Bedoya, Michael Bradley, Ricardo Clark, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Maurice Edu, Benny Feilhaber, Stuart Holden, Sacha Kljestan, Robbie Rogers, and Jose Torres
Forwards (6): Jozy Altidore, Edson Buddle, Brian Ching, Robbie Findley, Herculez Gomez, and Eddie Johnson
The household names that were left off the provisional 30-man roster were Freddy Adu, Conor Casey, and Charlie Davies. Bob Bradley is justified in leaving Adu off the 30-man provisional roster. Adu has never lived up to his hype and is more of a novelty than anything else at this point.
Conor Casey scored two goals against Honduras to help the United States clinch a berth in the 2010 World Cup berth last October. I am not surprised was left off the provisional roster but it is too bad for a guy that scored such crucial goals for the United States.
Charlie Davies was involved in a potentially life threatening car accident on October 13, 2009 and is still not match fit so his exclusion is not that surprising.
The United States plays friendlies against the Czech Republic on May 25th and Turkey on May 29th, which gives Bob Bradley two more chances, besides training, to evaluate the 30 men mentioned above before Bradley has to submit his final 23-man roster to FIFA on June 1. My best guess at the 23-man roster is:
Goalkeepers (3): Brad Guzan, Tim Howard, and Marcus Hahnemann
Defenders (7): Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Bornstein, Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit, Clarence Goodson, Oguchi Onyewu, and Jonathan Spector.
Midfielders (9): DaMarcus Beasley, Michael Bradley, Ricardo Clark, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Maurice Edu, Benny Feilhaber, Stuart Holden, and Jose Torres
Forwards (4): Jozy Altidore, Edson Buddle, Robbie Findley, and Herculez Gomez.
Absent serious injury, if I were Bob Bradley, I would play these 11 guys in a 4-5-1 formation against England:
Goalkeeper: Tim Howard
Defenders (4): Steve Cherundolo (RB), Jay DeMerit (CB), Oguchi Onyewu (CB), Carlos Bocanegra (LB)
Midfielders (5): DaMarcus Beasley (LM), Maurice Edu (DM), Michael Bradley (CM), Landon Donovan (AM), Clint Dempsey (RM)
Forwards(1): Jozy Altidore
If you are interested in more soccer coverage, check back over the next few months for more World Cup coverage.
After missing nine straight World Cups from 1954 to 1986, the United States is qualified for their sixth straight World Cup (1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, and 2010) drawing Algeria, Slovenia, and England in Group C. Bob Bradley, the United States Men's World Cup Coach, took the first step towards filling his 23-man roster for South Africa by naming his preliminary 30-man roster:
Goalkeepers (3): Brad Guzan, Tim Howard, and Marcus Hahnemann
Defenders (9): Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Bornstein, Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit, Clarence Goodson, Chad Marshall, Oguchi Onyewu, Heath Pearce, and Jonathan Spector
Midfielders (12): DaMarcus Beasley, Alejandro Bedoya, Michael Bradley, Ricardo Clark, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Maurice Edu, Benny Feilhaber, Stuart Holden, Sacha Kljestan, Robbie Rogers, and Jose Torres
Forwards (6): Jozy Altidore, Edson Buddle, Brian Ching, Robbie Findley, Herculez Gomez, and Eddie Johnson
The household names that were left off the provisional 30-man roster were Freddy Adu, Conor Casey, and Charlie Davies. Bob Bradley is justified in leaving Adu off the 30-man provisional roster. Adu has never lived up to his hype and is more of a novelty than anything else at this point.
Conor Casey scored two goals against Honduras to help the United States clinch a berth in the 2010 World Cup berth last October. I am not surprised was left off the provisional roster but it is too bad for a guy that scored such crucial goals for the United States.
Charlie Davies was involved in a potentially life threatening car accident on October 13, 2009 and is still not match fit so his exclusion is not that surprising.
The United States plays friendlies against the Czech Republic on May 25th and Turkey on May 29th, which gives Bob Bradley two more chances, besides training, to evaluate the 30 men mentioned above before Bradley has to submit his final 23-man roster to FIFA on June 1. My best guess at the 23-man roster is:
Goalkeepers (3): Brad Guzan, Tim Howard, and Marcus Hahnemann
Defenders (7): Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Bornstein, Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit, Clarence Goodson, Oguchi Onyewu, and Jonathan Spector.
Midfielders (9): DaMarcus Beasley, Michael Bradley, Ricardo Clark, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Maurice Edu, Benny Feilhaber, Stuart Holden, and Jose Torres
Forwards (4): Jozy Altidore, Edson Buddle, Robbie Findley, and Herculez Gomez.
Absent serious injury, if I were Bob Bradley, I would play these 11 guys in a 4-5-1 formation against England:
Goalkeeper: Tim Howard
Defenders (4): Steve Cherundolo (RB), Jay DeMerit (CB), Oguchi Onyewu (CB), Carlos Bocanegra (LB)
Midfielders (5): DaMarcus Beasley (LM), Maurice Edu (DM), Michael Bradley (CM), Landon Donovan (AM), Clint Dempsey (RM)
Forwards(1): Jozy Altidore
If you are interested in more soccer coverage, check back over the next few months for more World Cup coverage.
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