1. Clint Dempsey plays better in the midfield
Dempsey and Landon Donovan are much more effective in the midfield as opposed to having Dempsey playing behind the lone striker in Jozy Altidore. In the second half Donovan looked much more involved and dangerous while Dempsey effectively tracked back on defense and made the overall attack much more structured. The passing in the first half was very chaotic and the overall organization of the midfield was all over the place which led to the countless times where the Turks countered and had tons of space to operate in the final third. When Robbie Findley was inserted up top, Dempsey dropped back and there was a noticeable difference in the overall play of the team. The big question for Bob Bradley is whether he sticks with Dempsey up top or has him sit in the midfield. I believe the team operates much better when Dempsey is in the midfield.
2. Jose Torres is a player
Along with the Dempsey inclusion, perhaps the most important substitute introduced to start the second half was Torres. I've eluded before that I feel he's the most technical player the United States has, and I believe Bob Bradley is finally realizing it. Torres was an absolute stud as he sprayed the ball around the park and showed clever and down right cheeky moves that help to elude numerous defenders. The energy he brought to the game lifted his team and injected a superb amount of life that wasn't there in the first half, as well as possession in the midfield. A knock on Torres is that he doesn't always gets back on defense, which is a Bradley must for his players. Not only did he get back, but he showed immense grit in making strong tackles and constantly moving the ball forward. It's no coincidence that the team's play improved in the second half. A Torres pairing with Michael Bradley in the center of the park would suffice the team greatly. I still believe either Ricardo Clark or Maurice Edu starts alongside Bradley against England, but Torres proved that he's definitely a dangerous option that the United States should take full advantage of.
3. Defense still a question mark
Carlos Bocanegra coming back from injury put in a solid 75 minutes before being subbed out. He looked better than I thought he would fitness wise and looks prime to start come June 12th. It has to be very encouraging for Bradley and the rest of the team. Oguchi Onyewu came on and looked better than he did v. the Czech Republic, and Jay Demerit had a solid game providing the steadiness and toughness in the back. Two players that did not have good games however were the two Jonathan's, Spector and Bornstein. Spector was out of position numerous times on balls in the air and did little in terms of attacking on the overlapping runs. The one time he did do well to pose a threat, the ball was dispossessed and on the counter he was too late in getting back which led to the only Turkish goal. Bornstein got late game action and was instantly targeted and attacked by the Turks. He failed to clear the ball on numerous occasions and was absolutely skinned and nut megged in the corner which led to a great scoring chance for Turkey. I don't see why Bob Bradley has so much faith in him, because he hasn't showed anything on the national stage of late. He has decent speed but no other attribute that is impactful. His below average instincts on the pitch is really costing him and his team. Steve Cherundolo looks like a much better option and he could very well start opposite Bocanegra on the outside due to his experience and savvy.
4. Bradley knew what he was doing with inclusion of Findley
Findley looked surprisingly good up top. He flashed his noted pace which opened up the pitch for the midfield to operate. His confidence on the ball was also impressive and he looked like a completely different player from the one that we saw v. the Dutch in March. His pretty chip that helped to set up the first goal was beautiful. If Findley continues to impress in training and against Australia he very well could start alongside Altidore. It's imperative for Bradley to find another forward so Dempsey can play his comfortable position as an outside mid. The Findley selection held much debate and even backlash from people, but at least for now, Findley silenced those people with his performance today.
Players of the game: Jose Torres, Robbie Findley, Jay Demerit, Landon Donovan
This positive result against a very good team (one of if not the best to not make the World Cup) will boost morale greatly for the squad as they get ready to fly out tomorrow. The match v. Australia next Saturday will be the final dress rehearsal for the match v. England. OFF THE PITCH will be providing analysis of the Aussie match in addition to our predictions of the starting 11 Bob Bradley will field v. England.
JOGA BONITO
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
A LESSON ON DIVING AND EXAGGERATED ACTING
Something that isn't much discussed as much as it should be is diving (also known as simulating, flopping, falling without reasonable contact, being Italian/named Didier Drogba/Cristiano Ronaldo). In a quick definition, diving in soccer is when a player with possession of the ball goes down on what seems to be a slide tackle, elbow, punch, jersey pull, etc. from the opposing player, but in fact, there was little or no contact between the two. Of course this is frowned upon, and FIFA and other soccer governing bodies have cracked down on it recently, but let's take a minute to really think about why people do it. Diving is not a recent invention to the game of soccer. It's been a part of the game since its origins. There was always a usual bunch of players who were known for diving back in the day just like there are known "actors" in the sport in today's game.
People usually tend to dive in order to get free kicks or penalties, but what has happened with diving now is much more than getting advantage of placement on the pitch; it's turned to getting other players sent off or into foul trouble. Being a soccer player, I can justify for exaggerating to get a free kick. It isn't something that an on-looker is in favor of, but there is no fighting it. It's part of the game, and getting caught doing it should result in consequence. Most of the time when a player is caught diving, there isn't much dispute from them because they knew what they were doing and take the slap on the wrist (usually a yellow card is given to the player who simulated a foul). Should there be more punishment for diving in soccer? I don't think so. Diving, to me, isn't something as serious an elbow to the face or bringing someone down by their jersey or tackling them studs up. These are the types of misconduct that shouldn't be tolerated, and diving really doesn't fall under that category. No one is getting hurt, except if the player committing the "foul" gets a card. Diving will always be a part of the game, no matter how strict FIFA gets on it.
Exaggerating during the game is also something that is often talked about negatively. Here's a simple yet understanding reason to why acting is so important to the game: A SOCCER FIELD IS A LARGE AREA THAT IS OVERSEEN BY ONLY ONE REFEREE. There are officials on both sidelines to help out and call an off sides play, but there is only one referee that is running up and down with the flow of the game, interacting with the players. The problem with this is that the soccer field is the largest sporting area than any other sport. This causes the referee to miss a lot of the action that is going on off of the ball. It's not the referee's fault that he/she misses so many fouls, and that's why these athletes have to exaggerate it. An elbow to the eyes and nose isn't something to go without punishment, even if it doesn't do any real damage. Anything small but negligent needs to be overacted in order for the ref. to take notice. This is why you see a player roll around in agony or cover their face as if they're stopping from bleeding out of the face. At first glance, it looks childish and give soccer a bad name, but think about why it isn't used in other sports...
In basketball, the court is significantly smaller than a soccer field, and the referee's are in much closer proximity to the players and can catch fouls easier. When there is an eye gouge or an elbow, it can be seen much easier and thus eliminates the point to fall onto the ground in pain. In sports like football and hockey, the players are heavily protected against things that would be considered negligent in other sports. That makes it easier to spot misconduct. In a sport like soccer, where there is contact and physical play, these things come natural to the players and enable time to be momentarily paused for players to get short periods of rest.
It may not be respected in the outside sports world, but it is part of the game, and the fact that it is coined the beautiful game, shows it isn't a reason to give up on watching.
JOGA BONITO
People usually tend to dive in order to get free kicks or penalties, but what has happened with diving now is much more than getting advantage of placement on the pitch; it's turned to getting other players sent off or into foul trouble. Being a soccer player, I can justify for exaggerating to get a free kick. It isn't something that an on-looker is in favor of, but there is no fighting it. It's part of the game, and getting caught doing it should result in consequence. Most of the time when a player is caught diving, there isn't much dispute from them because they knew what they were doing and take the slap on the wrist (usually a yellow card is given to the player who simulated a foul). Should there be more punishment for diving in soccer? I don't think so. Diving, to me, isn't something as serious an elbow to the face or bringing someone down by their jersey or tackling them studs up. These are the types of misconduct that shouldn't be tolerated, and diving really doesn't fall under that category. No one is getting hurt, except if the player committing the "foul" gets a card. Diving will always be a part of the game, no matter how strict FIFA gets on it.
Exaggerating during the game is also something that is often talked about negatively. Here's a simple yet understanding reason to why acting is so important to the game: A SOCCER FIELD IS A LARGE AREA THAT IS OVERSEEN BY ONLY ONE REFEREE. There are officials on both sidelines to help out and call an off sides play, but there is only one referee that is running up and down with the flow of the game, interacting with the players. The problem with this is that the soccer field is the largest sporting area than any other sport. This causes the referee to miss a lot of the action that is going on off of the ball. It's not the referee's fault that he/she misses so many fouls, and that's why these athletes have to exaggerate it. An elbow to the eyes and nose isn't something to go without punishment, even if it doesn't do any real damage. Anything small but negligent needs to be overacted in order for the ref. to take notice. This is why you see a player roll around in agony or cover their face as if they're stopping from bleeding out of the face. At first glance, it looks childish and give soccer a bad name, but think about why it isn't used in other sports...
In basketball, the court is significantly smaller than a soccer field, and the referee's are in much closer proximity to the players and can catch fouls easier. When there is an eye gouge or an elbow, it can be seen much easier and thus eliminates the point to fall onto the ground in pain. In sports like football and hockey, the players are heavily protected against things that would be considered negligent in other sports. That makes it easier to spot misconduct. In a sport like soccer, where there is contact and physical play, these things come natural to the players and enable time to be momentarily paused for players to get short periods of rest.
It may not be respected in the outside sports world, but it is part of the game, and the fact that it is coined the beautiful game, shows it isn't a reason to give up on watching.
JOGA BONITO
USA - TURKEY PREDICTIONS
In tomorrows upcoming game, I'd like to see a full starting XI, or at least most of the our players that sat out on last Tuesday's game against the Czechs. Howard should be in goal, however our defense can play around a bit if Demerit still has eye problems. I'd like to see Cherundolo play as well as Goodson in the back. Ideally, a 4-4-2 should be in place, and I'm more concerned about who should be playing up top than anywhere else on the pitch. If Coach Bob Bradley does decide to put Dempsey up top to pair with Altidore, then you have to start asking what is the reasoning to bring Buddle, Gomez, and Findley? For tomorrow's game, Findley if anyone should start up with Jozy because I, like many others out there, is incredibly surprised that he made the team after such a poor performance in his last international cap. On top of that, he didn't even dress for the friendly against the Czech Republic. The entire country really want to see what he's obviously been showing during training, because keeping him as a secret is not the smartest way to go. We aren't a team that has the respect of the world yet, and keeping a playing in the dark from other countries can only hurt us, not give us an advantage, especially if he shows up to the World Cup and underachieves due to the nervousness and lack of confidence he displayed before.
Our midfield, arguably the strongest position shouldn't be a problem tomorrow, but I wouldn't mind seeing our predicted substitutes in the World Cup get a start. This game should be about prepping and giving the fans a reason to stick behind them and not lose interest just because some of our best known players are injured. Starting players like Torres or Feilhaber who aren't going to start in South Africa will show fans who don't follow US soccer as much as other that we have depth behind our key players. I think Buddle and Gomez should see some time tomorrow, and get a feel for each other playing together. We should have a stronger team playing than we did against the Czechs and I really want to see some results, instead of experimenting if we aren't looking so good.
Things To Watch Tomorrow:
1. Will Robbie FIndley play?
2. Who will start on defense?
3. How will Gooch perform?
4. Who will be paired up top with Altidore?
5. How will our substitutes contribute to the game?
MY PREDICTION:
It can go many ways. Turkey is bringing a very talented team to show Coach Guus Huddink what they're made of and the potential they have to be a competitive European giant. If the USA can communicate well on the field and make some great passes from our midfield to our forwards, I can see us winning 3-1. If we show a shaky performance, it can end in an unimpressive 1-0 victory. Regardless though on how we perform, I believe the nat. team are playing to win and start their road to South Africa on a good note.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Thoughts on final 23
Coach Bob Bradley never ceases to amaze US soccer fans, and he did pull a couple surprises out today when the 23 man roster was announced. The biggest selection, or most surprising is striker Robbie Findley. Findley, who didn't even suit up last night v. the Czech Republic must have been tearing up training for him to get a spot. I understand that Bradley wants speed up top to make up for the Charlie Davies absence and while Findley does provide plenty of pace, it's rather strange that he didn't play at all last night. This could be a ploy to keep Findley 'a secret' or have some element of surprise for other teams but it doesn't make much sense. Let's hope he plays v. Turkey. The poor play of Heath Pearce evidently kept him off the squad as Bradley chose to bring on board 7 defenders (Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu, Jay Demerit, Jonathan Bornstein, Clarence Goodson, Steve Cherundolo, Jonathan Spector). A surprise ommission at the striking core is Brian Ching. Ching has an extensive history with the national team and did play surprising well last night showing deft skill and touch, but Bradley decided to go with form (Edson Buddle, Herculez Gomez) and speed (Findley) over experience. The nagging hamstring injury also could have played a role with the Ching exclusion. Buddle and Gomez played relatively well last night, with Gomez heading in his first goal with the national team. I think Buddle will end up starting v. England alongside Altidore which would allow Gomez to be the goal poaching threat off the bench and I believe that's the role Bradley intends him to play. Buddle showed great hustle last night and held up the ball well while showing surprising athleticism. Eddie Johnson played his usual game, flowing in and out without making much of an impact.
To no ones surprise, Sacha Kljestan and Robbie Rogers were cut. Kljestan failed to impress last night although at times Rogers looked to be very dangerous, challenging Czech keeper Petr Cech on a long range shot. The Alejandro Bedoya cinderella story came to an end. It wasn't at the cost of his playing ability but rather due to the impressive play that DaMarcus Beasley has had in camp.
The name of the game for Bradley's roster is versatility. He chose to go away from bringing on players of traditional positions and rather chose players that can play multiple ones (Stuart Holden, Clint Dempsey, Beasley, Maurice Edu, Spector, Bocanegra). It poses interesting questions though. If Onyewu isn't able to go, will Goodson get the first look? It could possibly mean shifting Bocanegra over to the middle, forcing either Bornstein or Cherundolo to start. Interestingly enough, Beasley worked not only in the midfield during training but also at left back. Edu played centermid for the first 2/3rds of yesterdays game and then proceeded to move to centerback when Onyewu was subbed out. Is this foreshadowing what will happen in South Africa?
By bringing 4 forwards, it lends me to think that Dempsey will play his more preferred role in the midfield as opposed to up top. This will strengthen the midfield, arguably the most talented part of the team. Bradley could choose to operate a 4-5-1 formation with Altidore operating as the lone striker, but there is time to tinker before South Africa. As for now, it's on to the friendly match v. Turkey on Saturday, where we shall see if Bradley chooses to use his starters. Then after the game, the boys take to the air for South Africa on Sunday.
FINAL ROSTER:
Goalkeepers: Marcus Hahnemann, Tim Howard, Brad Guzan
Defense: Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Spector, Jonathan Bornstein, Jay Demerit, Clarence Goodson, Steve Cherundolo
Midfield: Jose Francisco Torres, Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, Stuart Holden, Benny Feilhaber, DaMarcus Beasley, Clint Dempsey, Ricardo Clark, Maurice Edu
Forwards: Edson Buddle, Jozy Altidore, Herculez Gomez, Robbie Findley
JOGA BONITO
To no ones surprise, Sacha Kljestan and Robbie Rogers were cut. Kljestan failed to impress last night although at times Rogers looked to be very dangerous, challenging Czech keeper Petr Cech on a long range shot. The Alejandro Bedoya cinderella story came to an end. It wasn't at the cost of his playing ability but rather due to the impressive play that DaMarcus Beasley has had in camp.
The name of the game for Bradley's roster is versatility. He chose to go away from bringing on players of traditional positions and rather chose players that can play multiple ones (Stuart Holden, Clint Dempsey, Beasley, Maurice Edu, Spector, Bocanegra). It poses interesting questions though. If Onyewu isn't able to go, will Goodson get the first look? It could possibly mean shifting Bocanegra over to the middle, forcing either Bornstein or Cherundolo to start. Interestingly enough, Beasley worked not only in the midfield during training but also at left back. Edu played centermid for the first 2/3rds of yesterdays game and then proceeded to move to centerback when Onyewu was subbed out. Is this foreshadowing what will happen in South Africa?
By bringing 4 forwards, it lends me to think that Dempsey will play his more preferred role in the midfield as opposed to up top. This will strengthen the midfield, arguably the most talented part of the team. Bradley could choose to operate a 4-5-1 formation with Altidore operating as the lone striker, but there is time to tinker before South Africa. As for now, it's on to the friendly match v. Turkey on Saturday, where we shall see if Bradley chooses to use his starters. Then after the game, the boys take to the air for South Africa on Sunday.
FINAL ROSTER:
Goalkeepers: Marcus Hahnemann, Tim Howard, Brad Guzan
Defense: Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Spector, Jonathan Bornstein, Jay Demerit, Clarence Goodson, Steve Cherundolo
Midfield: Jose Francisco Torres, Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, Stuart Holden, Benny Feilhaber, DaMarcus Beasley, Clint Dempsey, Ricardo Clark, Maurice Edu
Forwards: Edson Buddle, Jozy Altidore, Herculez Gomez, Robbie Findley
JOGA BONITO
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
3 Obsevations v. Czech Republic
1. Herculez Gomez cemented himself on the final 23
Not only did Gomez score a goal off of a nice play by Clarence Goodson, but he constantly put himself in position to score, and almost scored a second off of a nice turn at the top of the 18. Out of all the forwards that played (Buddle, Johnson, Ching), he was the most dangerous and created the most opportunities. He'll provide Bob Bradley a good option off the bench in South Africa, injecting energy into the team.
2. Injury still a problem for Gooch
While most people will point to the inability to head the ball away which led to the Czech's first goal, Oguchi Onyewu looked sluggish on the field. To be fair to him, it was his first competitive game in 7 months but he did not look completely comfortable on the field. His agility wasn't where it needed to be and his fitness definitely looked to be an issue. He does have time to regain his fitness before the England match, but Bradley definitely has a tough decision on his hands. Does he start and play a weakened Onyewu, or does he bench him in favor of Goodson (who looked good tonight)? Bradley could possibly move Carlos Bocanegra over to the middle, which would shift the entire defense and ultimately allow for Jonathan Bornstein to start.
3. Depth is still not where it should be
Most people will acknowledge that the depth in the national team pool is arguably the strongest it's ever been. That still doesn't mean that the bench/fringe players can compete well. The absense of Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, and Carlos Bocanegra among others really showed the lack of class the pool has. Sacha Kljestan made no impact when he was subbed in, and Jonathan Bornstein looked extremely shaky in the back (and he could conceivably start). Heath Pearce was absolutely torched most of the night and could very well have played himself off a spot on the roster. The main point is that the team relies heavily on the aforementioned quartet (along with Jozy Altidore and Tim Howard), and that isn't going to change anytime soon.
Tomorrow should be interesting as Bradley announces the final 23. I could see Alejandro Bedoya making the team over Heath Pearce. I also found it quite interesting to see Maurice Edu playing in the back. He did misjudge the ball on the 4th goal but it maybe lends to the notion that Bradley is toying with the idea of actually using him at that position in South Africa. Lets just hope it doesn't come down to that point. He's much better in the midfield.
JOGA BONITO
Not only did Gomez score a goal off of a nice play by Clarence Goodson, but he constantly put himself in position to score, and almost scored a second off of a nice turn at the top of the 18. Out of all the forwards that played (Buddle, Johnson, Ching), he was the most dangerous and created the most opportunities. He'll provide Bob Bradley a good option off the bench in South Africa, injecting energy into the team.
2. Injury still a problem for Gooch
While most people will point to the inability to head the ball away which led to the Czech's first goal, Oguchi Onyewu looked sluggish on the field. To be fair to him, it was his first competitive game in 7 months but he did not look completely comfortable on the field. His agility wasn't where it needed to be and his fitness definitely looked to be an issue. He does have time to regain his fitness before the England match, but Bradley definitely has a tough decision on his hands. Does he start and play a weakened Onyewu, or does he bench him in favor of Goodson (who looked good tonight)? Bradley could possibly move Carlos Bocanegra over to the middle, which would shift the entire defense and ultimately allow for Jonathan Bornstein to start.
3. Depth is still not where it should be
Most people will acknowledge that the depth in the national team pool is arguably the strongest it's ever been. That still doesn't mean that the bench/fringe players can compete well. The absense of Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, and Carlos Bocanegra among others really showed the lack of class the pool has. Sacha Kljestan made no impact when he was subbed in, and Jonathan Bornstein looked extremely shaky in the back (and he could conceivably start). Heath Pearce was absolutely torched most of the night and could very well have played himself off a spot on the roster. The main point is that the team relies heavily on the aforementioned quartet (along with Jozy Altidore and Tim Howard), and that isn't going to change anytime soon.
Tomorrow should be interesting as Bradley announces the final 23. I could see Alejandro Bedoya making the team over Heath Pearce. I also found it quite interesting to see Maurice Edu playing in the back. He did misjudge the ball on the 4th goal but it maybe lends to the notion that Bradley is toying with the idea of actually using him at that position in South Africa. Lets just hope it doesn't come down to that point. He's much better in the midfield.
JOGA BONITO
Predictions: USA v. Czech Republic/Final Roster
I see the United States pulling out a 2-1 victory against the young Czech side. I will be watching intently to see how Oguchi Onyewu looks, as well as the striker situation up top with players such as Herculez Gomez, Robbie Findley, and Edson Buddle.
Jason's Final Roster:
Goalkeepers: Tim Howard, Marcus Hahnemann, Brad Guzan
Defense: Jonathan Spector, Oguchi Onyewu, Jonathan Bornstein, Heath Pearce, Carlos Bocanegra, Jay Demerit, Steve Cherundolo, Clarence Goodson
Midfield: Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, Benny Feilhaber, Jose Francisco Torres, Maurice Edu, Stuart Holden, DaMarcus Beasley, Ricardo Clark
Forwards: Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, Brian Ching, Herculez Gomez
JOGA BONITO
Jason's Final Roster:
Goalkeepers: Tim Howard, Marcus Hahnemann, Brad Guzan
Defense: Jonathan Spector, Oguchi Onyewu, Jonathan Bornstein, Heath Pearce, Carlos Bocanegra, Jay Demerit, Steve Cherundolo, Clarence Goodson
Midfield: Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, Benny Feilhaber, Jose Francisco Torres, Maurice Edu, Stuart Holden, DaMarcus Beasley, Ricardo Clark
Forwards: Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, Brian Ching, Herculez Gomez
JOGA BONITO
Analysis: Forwards
The horrific car crash suffered by Charlie Davies robbed the United States of arguably their fastest player. His injury totally changed the complexion of the starting forward line. Davies was just staring to get into a groove at club side Sochaux as well as with the national team, providing the team an element missing in recent years. With that said, Bob Bradley will look to a group that isn't entirely proven on the world stage or for the national team.
Forwards: Jozy Altidore, Brian Ching, Herculez, Gomez
Cut: Edson Buddle, Robbie Findley, Eddie Johnson
Projected Starting Two: Altidore and Clint Dempsey
Altidore appears to be a lock to start in South Africa. His overall size and athletic ability has posed problems for many teams including Spain, when he effectively shouldered off Villarreal teammate Joan Capdevila and fired a shot that caught keeper Iker Casillas leaning the wrong way to put the United States ahead in their eventual monumental win. The year hasn't been a memorable one for Jozy as he tallied one goal during his loan time at Hull, which also saw him receive a three game suspension at the end of the year for a headbutt against an opposing player. He was also criticized by his manager about his lack of enthisiasm and desire during training time. Needless to say, this world cup is important for Jozy as he looks to possibly latch on to another side. At only 20 years old he has limitless potential, but he needs a good showing in South Africa. Dempsey looks to get the nod up top but the striking core behind the two starters is extremely shallow and Bradley has to be fretting about if the strikers can score enough in this tournament. Ching has been a constant on the national team for many years and has a good accord with Bradley. You definitely know what you're going to get with Ching, a player who isn't flashy or technical, but rather a player that is extremely hard working and very adept to helping out defensively. He is solid aerially and can hold the ball up effectively as well. I see him subbing onto the field for Altidore in late game situations when the United States has the lead. Holding possession and waiting for corresponding options to move futher up the pitch will earn him some late game minutes. I see Gomez stealing the last spot just due to the fact that he's came out of nowhere and became the season scoring leader in the Mexican league for Puebla. The former MLS veteran was on a torrid pace this season as he knotched 10 goals in 14 games. No other United States striker can boast that current form, and in this sport it is a 'what have you done lately' game, and Gomez has performed very well. He'll add a speed element off the bench, and an aspect of his game that cannot be discounted is the fact that many of his goals he scored for Puebla were when he came off the bench. It shows Bradley that he's more than capable of coming on as a substitute and effecting the game in a positive fashion. Buddle is also in great form with the Los Angeles Galaxy, as the partnership between himself and Landon Donovan has the Galaxy at the top of the table. His scoring pace has been very impressive for the Galaxy and his chemistry with Donovan cannot be slighted. Although these are positives, reports out of camp indicate that Buddle has been struggling mightily with the fitness portion of the camp, constantly finishing dead last in conditioning runs. His lack of international experience (one cap) also does not bode well either. Johnson has enjoyed mild success with his new side Aris in Greece, but a nagging hamstring injury has significantly hurt his chances to make the team. He's been limited in training while the other candidates have been showing their stuff, so to speak. The Czech game will be a big test for Johnson to see if he's fit enough to play in South Africa. His biggest asset is the ability to stretch the field which makes him dangerous, especially without Davies in the fold. The United States could definitely make use of it. Findley is a player in the mold of Davies: one who possesses above-average pace and below-average size. He isn't however, close to the player that Davies is. Against the Dutch, he looked incredibly tentative and had no confidence whatsoever on the ball. He just isn't ready for international football, especially on the grandest stage of all, the World Cup.
Questions: Will someone step up and fill the void missing by Davies? Will the strikers produce well enough to alleviate pressure off of the midfield? Which newcomers out of Findley, Gomez, and Buddle will make the team (if at all)?
The friendly v. the Czech Republic will be incredibly interesting to watch. For the candidates minus Altidore, this game is imperative in order to have a good showing I can see a scenario in which Gomez, Findley, and Buddle get extended runs out on the pitch, but I also feel like Bradley already has a good idea as to whom he will bring to South Africa.
JOGA BONITO
Forwards: Jozy Altidore, Brian Ching, Herculez, Gomez
Cut: Edson Buddle, Robbie Findley, Eddie Johnson
Projected Starting Two: Altidore and Clint Dempsey
Altidore appears to be a lock to start in South Africa. His overall size and athletic ability has posed problems for many teams including Spain, when he effectively shouldered off Villarreal teammate Joan Capdevila and fired a shot that caught keeper Iker Casillas leaning the wrong way to put the United States ahead in their eventual monumental win. The year hasn't been a memorable one for Jozy as he tallied one goal during his loan time at Hull, which also saw him receive a three game suspension at the end of the year for a headbutt against an opposing player. He was also criticized by his manager about his lack of enthisiasm and desire during training time. Needless to say, this world cup is important for Jozy as he looks to possibly latch on to another side. At only 20 years old he has limitless potential, but he needs a good showing in South Africa. Dempsey looks to get the nod up top but the striking core behind the two starters is extremely shallow and Bradley has to be fretting about if the strikers can score enough in this tournament. Ching has been a constant on the national team for many years and has a good accord with Bradley. You definitely know what you're going to get with Ching, a player who isn't flashy or technical, but rather a player that is extremely hard working and very adept to helping out defensively. He is solid aerially and can hold the ball up effectively as well. I see him subbing onto the field for Altidore in late game situations when the United States has the lead. Holding possession and waiting for corresponding options to move futher up the pitch will earn him some late game minutes. I see Gomez stealing the last spot just due to the fact that he's came out of nowhere and became the season scoring leader in the Mexican league for Puebla. The former MLS veteran was on a torrid pace this season as he knotched 10 goals in 14 games. No other United States striker can boast that current form, and in this sport it is a 'what have you done lately' game, and Gomez has performed very well. He'll add a speed element off the bench, and an aspect of his game that cannot be discounted is the fact that many of his goals he scored for Puebla were when he came off the bench. It shows Bradley that he's more than capable of coming on as a substitute and effecting the game in a positive fashion. Buddle is also in great form with the Los Angeles Galaxy, as the partnership between himself and Landon Donovan has the Galaxy at the top of the table. His scoring pace has been very impressive for the Galaxy and his chemistry with Donovan cannot be slighted. Although these are positives, reports out of camp indicate that Buddle has been struggling mightily with the fitness portion of the camp, constantly finishing dead last in conditioning runs. His lack of international experience (one cap) also does not bode well either. Johnson has enjoyed mild success with his new side Aris in Greece, but a nagging hamstring injury has significantly hurt his chances to make the team. He's been limited in training while the other candidates have been showing their stuff, so to speak. The Czech game will be a big test for Johnson to see if he's fit enough to play in South Africa. His biggest asset is the ability to stretch the field which makes him dangerous, especially without Davies in the fold. The United States could definitely make use of it. Findley is a player in the mold of Davies: one who possesses above-average pace and below-average size. He isn't however, close to the player that Davies is. Against the Dutch, he looked incredibly tentative and had no confidence whatsoever on the ball. He just isn't ready for international football, especially on the grandest stage of all, the World Cup.
Questions: Will someone step up and fill the void missing by Davies? Will the strikers produce well enough to alleviate pressure off of the midfield? Which newcomers out of Findley, Gomez, and Buddle will make the team (if at all)?
The friendly v. the Czech Republic will be incredibly interesting to watch. For the candidates minus Altidore, this game is imperative in order to have a good showing I can see a scenario in which Gomez, Findley, and Buddle get extended runs out on the pitch, but I also feel like Bradley already has a good idea as to whom he will bring to South Africa.
JOGA BONITO
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