My U.S. World Cup Roster for April

Forwards: Jozy Altidore, Charlie Davies, Brian Ching, Clint Dempsey

Midfielders: Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, Maurice Edu, Benny Feilhaber, Jose Francisco Torres, Ricardo Clark, DaMarcus Beasley, Alejandro Bedoya

Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu, Jay DeMerit, Jonathan Spector, Jonathan Bornstein, Clarence Goodson

Goalkeepers: Tim Howard, Marcus Hahnemann, Brad Guzan



The Orebro midfielder didn't look out of place one bit against Honduras or Holland, which is quite an accomplishment in and of itself for a 22 year-old who has, all together, only played a little over and hour on the field in a U.S. Jersey( Bedoya turns 23 this April).



As far as the forwards go, it would take an injury setback to keep Charlie Davies off the roster, and seeing as how he's progressing extremely well, I'd say he's on. If he can't secure playing time or form for Sochaux then that might be a concern, but considering the comments by his manager saying he'll use him when he's available, I'd say Davies will get at least one chance to impress, which was about all he needed in the Confederations Cup. Herculez Gomez has been in good form( 10 goals in 14 games) for Puebla and if he keeps it up, Brian Ching, who is injured, might not have a spot on this team. Conor Casey is another option who is vying for the backup target forward spot, but, apart from his heroics against Honduras, Casey has been pretty average.


As far as the lineup goes, I would imagine this to be the safest bet:

------------------------Dempsey-----Altidore-------------------

Donovan------------------Edu-------Bradley-------------Holden

Bocanegra-------------DeMerit-----Onyewu-------------Spector

-------------------------------Howard---------------------------

I wouldn't bet against Holden getting back in time, but I wouldn't count on him getting fit and in form before the England game. Edu has been getting time and playing well for Rangers, so I would start him over Ricardo Clark.

A lineup I'd like to see? Something like this:

--------------------------------Altidore-------------------------------


Davies-------------------------Dempsey---------------------Donovan


-------------------------Edu--------------Bradley--------------------



Bocanegra---------------DeMerit-----Onyewu-------------Cherundolo



--------------------------------Howard-------------------------------



I think this lineup is conducive to the style that the USA plays. It gives the Yanks some pace and skill on the flanks with Donovan and Davies and encourages counterattacks, like the legendary one against Brazil. Dempsey is put in a position to create and get close to goal, two things he has proven to be very dangerous at. Morever, he doesn't have quite as much defensive responsibility
as he did on the right/left in a 4-4-2. Instead, they're given to Davies, who actually has the work rate to complete them, not to mention the pace to get back into the attack quickly enough when the USA does win the ball. I know that this formation moves Davies away from Altidore, but if you look at most of the USA's best goals at the Confederations Cup, Davies isn't anywhere near Altidore. On the first goal against Spain, Davies brings down a pass from Michael Bradley out wide on the left for Clint Dempsey, who touches it back to Davies, who in turn plays it for Dempsey, who.... well, you know the rest. On the first goal against Brazil, Dempsey and Davies switched places before Spector whipped in the cross, putting Clint in the center, and Davies on the right. On the second goal against Brazil, Davies is out wide on the left and leading the counter attack with Donovan. My point is that the USA my have played a 4-4-2 in the Confederations Cup, but it looked like a 4-2-3-1 at times, and those times seemed to come when the USA scored. Coincidence? I would think not. Even in the El Salvador game, Davies would drift to the right and left and take players on, like his lane-change stepover he did on the left flank before feeding Dempsey for a missed chance. In the Honduras game, Davies fed Donovan, who had to take the playmaker role since Dempsey was injured, who played through Casey for a goal. Now, don't get me wrong. Clearly Altidore and Davies play well together and are good at breaking down defenses, but I don't really expect Davies to just sit on the flank if he wasn't going to do the same thing at the striker position. Davies, Donovan, Dempsey and Altidore would swivel spots all the time during the Confederations Cup and Qualifying. Dempsey started on the right flank against Spain, but had switched with Donovan after a corner kick and thats why he was on the left for the goal. What I'm saying is that this is the most frequent shape the USA should take in it's matches because it fits their style. Of course, if my thoughts on the front four of Altidore, Davies, Donovan and Dempsey floating around the midfield and attacking third are correct, then it really doesn't matter what formation we put them in because they'll just keep rotating until somebody can find a sweet spot in the defense to exploit and a way to exploit it, i.e. Sergio Ramos against Spain, Gomaa against Egypt.

France struggled in the World Cup in the group stage just like the USA. , but a change in style to a 4-2-3-1 with Zidane as the playmaker, Henry as the lone striker, Ribery and Malouda on the flanks, Vieira and Makelele as the central midfielders, and placing David Trezeguet on the bench, trashing the 4-4-2. The change worked; the French beat Spain(3-1), Portugal(1-0), and Brazil(1-0) on the way to the final, and, in my opinion, they probably would have won if it weren't for a famous shiny head. The French played a pretty similar style to the USA, in that they don't focus on possession, are a very direct team and use a team effort to press the opposition, win possession which is where Vieira and Makelele come in handy, and then get the ball into it's dangerous attacking players whichever way is possible( a defense splitting pass, a long ball, build up through the midfield, corner kicks, crosses from full backs) . Two goals against Spain(Ribery, Zidane) were created through interceptions in the midfield. What I'm saying is that the USA's style managed to work against Spain TWICE and got the national teams who used them to a FIFA Tournament final. Coincidence? Maybe, but I don't think so. Davies is back in full training so this is very much possible.

In general, the USA seems to be stronger than it has been in a while, and will continue to strengthen themselves as players like Charlie Davies, Oguchi Onyewu, Clint Dempsey, and Stuart Holden continue to work themselves back from the injury list. The real question is whether they can translate individual strength into the team strength that took them to the Confederations Cup final.

My thoughts on Brian Ching

Brian Ching for my taste is one of the most underrated forwards the USA has ever had and the criticism of him gets tiring after a while. This is my defense of Ching:

I would honestly take Brian Ching over Buddle, Gomez, and Casey if he were to get back from injury on time for a spot on the roster. I understand that Ching hasn't scored a lot for the USA, but he wasn't exacly paired with a great striker to help him, or any striker at all for that matter. When Bradley played Donovan and Dempsey next to Ching it was actually making Ching a lone striker, when he's a target striker, and, yes, there is a difference. A target man, normally, holds the ball up, wins aerial challenges, draws fouls, does most of the dirty work, latches onto crosses, gets the attention of the centerbacks, creates chances for others, provides the second striker with a shield to pass to and run off of. A lone striker combines the qualities of a second forward and a target man, which does not describe Ching. The question was this: If Ching was taking lumps and doing all the dirty work, and Donovan was running the USA's midfield, who was going to actually score the goals? The USA provided temporary answers to this question with things like set piece ability, long balls, and it's home crowd, but once it's competition began to become tougher in the final round of Qualifying, it became pretty clear that the USA needed someone who would strictly score goals, while fitting the teams style. Lo and behold, as soon as said goalscorer Jozy Altidore comes off the bench and onto the field in San Salvador, Brian Ching is involved in his goal, bringing down a knockdown header from Dempsey and getting the ball wide to Frankie Hejduk, who played the ball across to Altidore for a goal. Ching and Altidore then combined again, with Jozy laying off a pass for Ching that he couldn't quite direct home, as he was on his left foot. The next game, Ching and Donovan were again involved in another one of the young striker's goals, with Brian flicking on a Carlos Bocanegra longball into the path of a streaking Landon Donovan, who volleyed a pass across to a free Jozy Altidore. The fact that the USA managed to score more goals(5) consecutively in those matches without getting scored on than they had that entire round surely says something for what an Altidore-Ching combination could have led to if Brian had been healthy. People talk about Ching's lack of goals for club and country, but when he was paired with Dwayne DeRosario, one of the best attacking players in the league in 2008, he was among the top scorers. The point is that even if Ching wasn't a goalscoring machine, he either wasn't next to somebody who could help him, or he wasn't next to anyone at all.

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Edu and Torres get minutes in midweek matches

Maurice Edu moved one step closer to returning to national team status after going 90 minutes in a Rangers' 1-0 victory over St. Mirren in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup. Edu stayed composed for most of the match, delivering tackles when needed, and occasionally getting into the attack. Edu even switched into the center back role for a short time. Rangers' Kris Boyd notched the winning goal just before the death to send Rangers through. Jose Francisco Torres' team suffered the opposite fate, losing 1-0 in a match to Chivas de Guadelajara. Unlike Edu, Torres went 71 minutes before coming off, filling his normal role in central midfield by creatively relaying the ball around the field and helping Pachuca keep possession.

Not all the American's got minutes however, as Stuart Holden was unable to even touch the bench of Bolton Wanderers.

U.S. El Salvador roster analysis

With the first game of 2010 behind them, a bad taste probably lingers in the mouths of most of the players who participated in the USA-Honduras match, not to mention their fans. A second chance comes against El Salvador for most of these players, who will have the help of Brian Ching and Michael Orozco. The following players are on Bob Bradley's roster:

GOALKEEPERS: Troy Perkins (D.C. United), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake), Zach Thornton (Chivas USA).

DEFENDERS: Kevin Alston (New England Revolution), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles Galaxy), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Michael Orozco (Philadelphia Union), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC).

MIDFIELDERS: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Dax McCarty (FC Dallas), Chris Pontius (D.C. United), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew).

FORWARDS: Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake).

I could see Bradley going with this:

----------------------Findley----Ching---------------------

Davis------------------------------------------------Rogers

--------------------McCarty----Beckerman---------------

Bornstein--------------------------------------------Alston

------------------------Orozco----Marshall----------------

--------------------------------Perkins----------------------

Findley did well against Honduras considering how little he had to work with, showing his pace, tenacity, and work rate. Ching will be a good player for him to move off of and will provide good leadership for this squad. I put McCarty over Kljestan because there most likely will be no more chances for the FC Dallas midfielder to strut his stuff, at least not from the first whistle anyways. Moreover, McCarty had a better game in his short time than Kljestan did, helping the USA hold what little possession they had. He did well for FC Dallas in a deep-lying central role, so paired with Beckerman, someone who gets covers ground quickly offensively and defensively, the partnership could will really help the U.S. control the midfield. I would take Alston over Wynne because he is a possible future prospect who had a better season than Wynne did. Davis also had an excellent season in MLS and did well in little time against Honduras, keeping things simple in possession and delivering good set piece service, including the one on Clarence Goodson's goal.

My prediction? I'd say a 2-0 victory is a fair expectation and the goals will come from Beckerman and Findley with assists from McCarty and Ching.

CASL Cup 2009 Final

If you looked at the first two games of CASL Cup 2009, you would have expected the final to be very evident. After the first games, the Satellites stood at the top with 3 points, the Pirates and the Sunspots were tied each at 1 point with the Lightning rounding out the bottom. However, an exciting 3-2 win over the Sunspots, and 3-3 draw with the Pirates took the Lightning in the final with the Pirates as their opponents.

The first few minutes of the final was end-to-end attacking soccer until a penalty call finally gave the Lightning a clear cut chance. Gaurav took the spot kick with aplomb and gave the Lightning the lead. However, there was still no room to breathe, as the goal seemed to force the Pirates to find their second gear in the match.

They found that, and the net twice with two quick breakaway strikes that put them in the lead. The reality of a comeback seemed to be distancing itself when Weston chipped a pass over the top of the defense. Gaurav manuevered himself around the goalkeeper and calmly slotted into the open net. If the clock didn't indicate the importance of the goal, the raw excitement of the Lightning's celebration certainly did.

With the score tied, the teams headed into overtime. They locked horns for the whole 20 minutes of the extra time periods, each team having a fair share of opportunites. However, none were finished and so the dreaded penalty shootout followed. The first penalty went to the Lightning as Neel stepped up. Unfortunately, the defender caught the ball all wrong and it rolled weakly at the keeper. The Pirates jumped on the opportunity to take the lead in the shootout, their penalty sailing in to corner, past Sergio. The next penalty belonged to the forward, Isaac. He slotted the ball low and to his left, just out of the keepers reach. The Pirates were able to finish one more chance on another well-taken penalty. Gaurav would take the next penalty for the Lightning. He'd manage to finish all his chances from twelve yards that tournament and was the Lightning's highest goal scorer for the tournament, and the season. He didn't quite live up to either of those titles, as he curled his penalty over the bar. The Pirates had a great chance to go up by two. However, Sergio's knee-jerk reaction kept the shot out for the bottom corner. Weston was next on the Price is Right. He aimed for the top corner ,but sent his over the bar as well. Sergio managed to bail the Lightning out again with another save, this one coming right at him. The final penalty belonged to Alex with all the pressure in the world on his shoulders. If his didn't go in, the Pirates would be victorious. Ultimately, his shot struck the bar and went out. The ping of the bar was almost in unison with the roar from the Pirates, as well as their parents.

In the end both teams fought well, to which the Pirates' coach agreed and payed tribute to after the match. This time however, the Pirates ended up in first place.

Edu set to start in Old Firm Derby

I know what you're thinking ' We said this the last time there was an Old Firm Derby, and he didn't start'.

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This time, there is nothing to stand in the University of Maryland graduate's way.

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With Barry Ferguson out, and Edu continually piling minutes and good performances on top of one another, his chances of starting in tomorrow's Old Firm Derby look good. His two winning goals this season have kept Rangers in the title race, and with Rangers only 1 point behind Celtic in the standings, and this the last Old Firm Derby of the season, a victory at Ibrox could very well seal Rangers' spot at the top of the table.

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In short, it's the most important game of the season so far.

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However, Edu has been known to step up when the team needs him to. He's showed leadership qualities for Toronto FC and during the Olympics. His gritty, aggressive, athletic style of play on the defensive end make him perfect for the SPL and perfect for this match.

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The U.S. Central Midfield

As far as lineup problems go, I’d have to say this is the one I’d like to have the most.

There are quite a few options in central midfield varying from gritty Pablo Mastroeni, to skillfull Jose Francisco Torres. Considering the influx of central midfielders there was in 2007, the starting central midfielders have changed around quite a bit, from Benny Feilhaber to Ricardo Clark, to Sacha Kljestan, with the only constant being Michael Bradley.

Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids)- The most experience of the central midfield bunch, Pablo operates really as more of a third center back. He has a really bad reputation for getting booked with for bad tackles. His red card against Italy still haunts many USA fans. He lacks the creativity and flashiness that you’d think a central midfielder playing next to Michael Bradley would have, but his ability to break up attacks, and make the possession-maintaining passes keep him an option Bob Bradley likes to use against physical teams.

Sacha Kljestan (CD Chivas USA)- After a good Qualifying campaign in 2008 and a dream start to 2009 with a hat-trick against Sweden, He looked a shoe-in to go to Celtic. But after the deal fell through, He started slumping in form. A technically gifted central midfielder, he’s able to orchestrate the attack with his creative passes. He’s also able to carry a bit of the defensive load. However, an uncomfortable percentage of his passes don’t work out. He’s also a bit on the slow side, but his ability to make runs into space with good timing somewhat supersedes that.

Maurice Edu( Glasgow Rangers)- In my opinion, the central midfielder in the best position of the whole bunch. With Barry Ferguson banned from international play and placed on the transfer list for Rangers, Edu stepped up to his starting spot and made an immediate impact with two winning goals that kept Rangers in the race for the Scottish Premier League title. The most athletically gifted of the central midfield group, reasonably skillful on the ball, and a sharp passer.. He’s also very versatile, playing as a center back during the Olympics. He’s got a bit of a problem with fouls and bookings. On paper, he’s the best partner for Bradley in central midfield.

Jose Francisco Torres( Pachuca)- The most skillful player on the ball we have in the central midfield. A constant starter for Pachuca, the Gold Cup looks to be his coming out party. His skill on the ball, creative distribution, and solid work rate make him great prospect in central midfield.He’s done more than enough to prove he’s good enough for the Confederations Cup. There was a scare in which everyone thought that he would go for Mexico but when they didn’t call him up, he decided to accept a call up from the U.S.A.. With significant playing time during the Confederations Cup, World Cup Qualifying, the Gold Cup, not to mention a good season for Pachuca, he could find his way into Europe.

So what order do I put these guys in? I see something like this

Maurice Edu
Jose Francisco Torres
Sacha Kljestan
Pablo Mastroeni

Edu tops my list mainly because he’s in Europe, getting playing time, and making a huge impact for his club. Mind you, his league isn’t the greatest, but he’ll be around European eyes and with the progress he’s making, I could see him starting. I also like the idea of two central midfielders who can create and destroy. Rather than looking for two polar opposite central midfielders so that one defends, and the other attacks, why not play a pair that can do both? I see the lineup working like this:


---------------Altidore------Ching------------------

Donovan-------Bradley---------Edu-------Dempsey

Beasley--------Bocanegra-----Onyewu------Hejduk

-------------------------Howard---------------------

I honestly like the central midfield pairing of Bradley and Edu for a couple of reasons. For starters, these are two players who are starting constantly for their respective club in Europe. Second off, they have been able to make a positive impact on their clubs.

Bradley has great pace, tackling ability, and offensive intensity. However, he's starting to learn the finer nuances of being a center midfielder. He's finding out that he needs to be more than just fast and have a good shot on the offensive end. He's gaining the vision in the final third, he's become great at keeping possession, and has learned to move with the team and put himself in good positions.

Maurice Edu is a special kind of center midfielder becuase he's able to play an aggressive, ball-winning midfielder on the defensive end, but still shows the finesse, ball skill and a great soccer brain going forward. He was useful in away games like the Switzerland and Guatemala where there wasn't much time on he ball and we're looking for some level of control and composure while still being able to be gritty on the defensive end. He's been good for Rangers of late with two winning goals that kept them in the title race and looks ready to start for them this weekend in the Old Firm Derby.

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