World Cup 2014 Aftermath--Salute to the Veterans

Deep breaths. Heart Rate Check. Anti-depressants unnecessary. Proud and patriotic, but somewhat sad nonetheless.

Almost a week after watching the U.S. get eliminated from the 2014 World Cup at the hands of a 2-1 loss to Belgium, it is hard to be truly sorry. Remember back in December 2013 and the World Cup draw, no one expected the U.S. to do much. But these boys escaped the Group of Death and played Belgium for 120 minutes and could have equalized or won. Hardly anyone expected the U.S. to make the Round of 16. The U.S. was one half-volley or one set piece or one missed save by Courtois to advance to the quarterfinals.

I think the USMNT is on a good footing going forward. There is much youth in the squad and that bodes well for the future. I will have more going forward on that score in future posts. However, I want to take the time to thank the veterans, the men on the back side of 30 who are unlikely to see 2018 in Russia. That is not say they won't have a role going forward transitioning to the World Cup 2018 USMNT, but let's face it Father Time is a cruel S.O.B. and there are always those young and hungry guys chomping at your heels.

So taking a look at five of the World Cup 2014 starters and stars who played their way into our hearts.

Tim Howard--yes, goalkeepers have a longer shelf-life than field players and Howard stands among the greatest goalkeepers the U.S. has ever produced. How you rank Tony Meoloa, Kasey Keller, Brad Friedel and Howard depends largely upon your age and how you came up through the U.S. Soccer system, but you would be hard pressed to name a better four keepers for any country who have manned the net over 24 years and seven World Cups than those men. At age 36, Howard could be in the prime of his playing career and a 16 save performance against Belgium shows that the man can still stop the shots. But Howard will be 40 at the next World Cup...he will be old enough to be some of the squad member's father. Yes, I believe Howard could still play at the highest level in four years, but will Klinsmann let him? Will Howard let himself do so?

Clint Dempsey--Deuce got screwed this World Cup. With Jozy Altidore going down, Deuce was called upon to play in a role that does not suit him. That is a bit sad to see because I would have loved to have seen him roaming the channels and the penalty area like pissed off Texas rattlesnake ready to strike. But Dempsey is 32 and not likely to make the next World Cup squad to redeem his memory. He plays with flair, he can score, he has the quintessential American attitude of someone who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, made good, but never lost that wrong side of the tracks swagger disappear. But the mileage on the legs will doom him.I will never forget how heartbroken Dempsey was following the 2009 Confederations Cup final, holding the Bronze Boot trophy, tears in his eyes at losing the heartbreaker to Brazil. Dempsey is a quality player and deserves all the accolades he received, but his time is measured--one only need look at how Jurgen Klinsmann handled Landon Donovan.

Jermaine Jones--injury prevented him from playing in 2010 in South Africa. But for my money, he was the best player on the U.S. team in the group stage--far and away. Say what you want about German Americans on Klinmann's squad, Jones showed all the characteristics of an American player, playing till the final whistle or till he dropped. His goal against Portugal will be one of my favorite memories of this World Cup. His box to box play, his willingness to sacrifice his body to the game, and the infamous image of his hair during the Snow Game against Costa Rica all make certain that he will live in U.S. lore for a long time to come.

DeMarcus Beasley--what can you say about Run DMB?

• The only American to play in four World Cups. 
• A man who so completely reinvented himself as a player, to step into the left back position (even if he didn't like it to start) and play better than men 10 years younger than himself. 
• To see him defend on an island against Ghana, against Portugal, against Germany and against Belgium, taking on and outsmarting world class players. 

It was a sight to behold. Beasley made so few mistakes that it hard to imagine that he played in his fourth World Cup. Then after 270 minutes of defending, to play 120 minutes against Belgium and to be bombing down the left flank like the DMB of 2002 it was hard to realize that this is a man who has spent more than 12 years off and on the USMNT but always peaking at the right time, fulfilling the roles every coached asked of him. Beasley's place in the pantheon of American soccer is assured...but he did it on terms that might not suggest that he is done (five World Cups anyone?). He also did it quiet, which I love.

Kyle Beckerman--my favorite dreadlocked hobbit. Beckerman proved that you don't have to be the greatest athlete, the fastest man on the squad or even the best technical player to be indespensible. If not for Klinmann's fear of Marouene Fellani's height, we could have seen one of the classic hair battles in the World Cup: Beckerman's Dreads vs. Fellani's 'Fro. Beckerman could have made a difference for the USMNT in the Belgium match. But coulda, woulda, shoulda. To make his first World Cup squad at his age, Beckerman proved that if you fill a role as completely, and as completely effective, as he does there is a place in the squad for you. When many people thought Beckerman would be a back up to Jermaine Jones or Michael Bradley, he proved to be as important as Tim Howard. Beckerman may not have had the length of a USMNT career as Howard or Beasley, but he certainly had a big impact and set the standard for defensive midfielders for Klinsmann going foward. Did you see that Perry Kitchen and Will Trapp?

These five men will possibly see action in the 2015 Gold Cup and maybe we will see one or two of them in the Copa America. These are great players, who played the game the American way--without apology and without quitting. But like I said before, Father Time is a cantankerous bastard and he marches ever on.

Thanks guys--for every memory.

In College Park, MD, Sasho Cirovski is Smiling

Look, come about 12:15 last night, I was getting nervous, I didn't want a heart break as the U.S. MNT grabbed the first World Cup Qualifying point out of Azteca stadium in 16 years.

But when the starting line-up was announced last night, the team included these three players:
Maurice Edu
Omar Gonzalez
Graham Zusi

Course, when the U.S. took to the snow in Denver for the SnowClassico, Zusi and Gonzalez were joined with Clarence Goodson, another former Terp.

All three are former Terps.  Yeah Sasho is smiling......I am too.

FEAR THE TURTLE!!!!!

GAME DAY!!! USMNT at Honduras

Alas, paying job obligations keep me from a preview of my own, but suffice to say that the opening match is important for the USMNT.  Three points is not a total long shot, but my guess is that Jurgen Klinsmann will be happy with a point on the road.

Lots of different previews of today's match:  For ones that I like check out:

Ives Galarcep, Soccer by Ives here and podcast version here.

Grant Wahl of course here.

Charles Boehm for USSoccerplayers.com.

The always slightly irreverent, but usually very accurate, The Shinguardian's Official Preview.

Me, Three points and "watching" the game via MatchTracker.  Sucks but BeIN Sports is blocked at the office (I wonder why?)  Also not that ESPN3 is blocked also, so.....Damn law firms.

Five Talking Points: USMNT Roster for Honduras WCQ

For reasons best known to him, US coach Jurgen Klinsmann waited until today to announce his squad for the first Hexagonal World Cup Qualifying Match against Honduras in San Pedro Sula on Wednesday.  (to be fair, Klinsmann said he wanted to make sure people didn't get hurt in the weekend's matches, but it is not like he couldn't name others on short notice if necessary--whatever.)

Here is the Roster:


GOALKEEPERS (3) : Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire)
DEFENDERS (9) : Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Carlos Bocanegra (Racing Santander), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana), Timmy Chandler (Nuremberg), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Michael Parkhurst (Augsburg)
MIDFIELDERS (8) : Michael Bradley (Roma), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Maurice Edu (Bursaspor), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht ), Jose Torres (Tigres), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)
FORWARDS (4 ): Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), Clint Dempsey (Tottenham Hotspur), Herculez Gomez (Santos), Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders)

1.  If there are any surprises on this roster, it would be the Brad Evans and Brad Davis.  Brad Davis did not supremely impress in the match against Canada, although he was better that Brad Evans.  Though to be honest, Evans played much better at right back than in central midfileder.  That said, I don't see either starting this match.

2.  Sean Johnson now needs to shave his head--he has wayyyy too much hair for a USMNT goalkeeper.  Still I think he has earned this call up.

3.  Centerback pairing is kind of an interesting question.  The inclusion of Mo Edu on this list suggests that Klinsmann is keeping his options open, with the former Terp having played as a centerback for Klinsmann in the past.  However, I suspect that we will see Omar Gonzalez line up next to Carlos Bocanegra.

4.  The striker corps presents an interesting conundrum for Klinsmann.  Jozy Altidore has been hot, red hot in the Eredivisie, but in the past has not been able to translate that in to success for the Red, White and Blue. Add to the equation that Eddie Johnson has proven himself to be far better holding the ball as a target striker than Altidore.  Dempsey is too good a player to leave on the bench, so will we see a 4-3-3 that Klinsmann likes but that most U.S. players are not used to playing?

5.  If there was ever a chance for Timmy chandler to redeem himself in the eyes of U.S. fans this game will be it.  Almost assured of starting--short of being caught in bed with a teammates wife--Chandler is going to need to provide width if Klinsmann goes 4-3-3 and that will put a big burden on him.

Bonus Talking Point:  Too many Brads on this squad and too many Johnsons, I don't like it.


My predicted line up

-------Altidore ------------  E. Johnson-------
------------------Dempsey--------------------

--Jones------------------Bradley-------------
----------------D. Williams---------------------

Castillo--Bocanegra--Gonzales----Chandler----

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

Five Talking Points--USMNT 0:0 Canada--Two Words UGGG---LLYYY

We have all had that morning after bad date experience right?  The morning after the beer goggle moment where it looks like you have found a sexy young thing to spend the night with but you wake up feeling not only violated, but lied to?  Where morning hideousness makes you wonder what the frak was I thinking?  Yeah--that was last night.

Like most US Soccer fans, I am prepared to suffer late nights to be coupled with early mornings, odd line-ups and tactical situations, crappy refereeing from Central American officiating crews, terrible television commentating (although I liked the half-time bit between Taylor Twellman and Alexi Lalas.  Those guys should be calling games together.  No offense to Adrian Healy or Arlo White).  I was prepared for a lesser standard of play from the USMNT last night simply because it was the January camp and most of the players are, frankly, B level players.  I was prepared for Canada to bunker 9, 10, or even 11 men behind the ball.  But I woke this morning with a serious case of beer goggle hangover.  And I am feeling violated.

Last's nights match was simply ugly with a capital U.

I know that not every match is going to be pretty, but aside from about 1.1 seconds of Sean Johnson save brilliance and a three pass sequence in the first half, I can't remember anything truly pretty about that game.

The match left me wondering why I stayed up to watch the whole thing and wondering if I should ask Comcast for a refund of my cable bill for last night.

I think my ability to do extra reps in my workout this morning can be attributed to anger at the performance last night.

It was Post-50 First Dates Adam Sandler movie bad.

It was wondering if I could get a ruffie to forget it bad.

It was 11:00 am dorm hall walk of shame with the not hot one night stand calling after you that you forgot your underwear bad.

So, now that little rant is over, on to the talking points, as there was a few things that can be gleaned from last night's soccer famine.

1. Eddie Johnson--Grown Ass Man has grown up a lot.  Maybe it is the tutelage of Sigi Schmidt, maybe it is the humility that comes with age and experience, but Grown Ass Man looked like a pretty decent target striker last night.  He held the ball well and played well with his back to the goal.  But when GAM went wide, he really made trouble for the Canadian back line.  The problem, although not of Johnson's making, was that there was few opportunities for him and the USMNT to exploit the space he created.  I can see an Eddie Johnson/Jozy Altidore pairing up top in Honduras.
2. Omar Gonzalez is the real deal.  A while back, I argued that A.J. De La Garza was actually the better defender from the long time tandem, and he may be the better defender.  But Gonzalez is the better soccer player.  Gonzalez was frequently up in the attack, not just on set plays, but starting attacks from the back with sharp passing.  If Gonzalez can keep that kind of play going, it would not surprise me in the least to see a Gonzalez/Geoff Cameron pairing in Brazil 2014.
3. Oh, Michael, Michael, Wherefore art though Michael Bradley?  It was clear that the U.S. was missing a player like Bradley, a general who can dictate the pace of the match, spray the ball around and unlock a packed midfield.  To say that Brad Evans was better playing right back rather than the top of a midfield diamond is a minor understatement.   Benny Feilhaber was better than I have seen him during his limited appearance, but right now, I don't see any kind of competition for Michael Bradley for that midfield general role.
4. Josh Gatt--Lightning Contained. I love his speed, I love his willingness to take on players, I love the fact that he is true winger.  But Josh Gatt cannot play against a five man midfield.  Wingers like to dribble, wingers like to run and if it is too stuffed in the midfield, there is nowhere to run.  You can make the argument that Gatt needs to find his own space to run, but ....
5. Juan Agudelo--Super Sub?  The young Chivas USA striker did what substitutes are supposed to do, make an impact.  Agudelo was all over the place, picking up the ball, taking risks, taking shots, drawing fouls in dangerous spots.  He was energetic with the U.S. needed him to be.  Find the holes in the defense a little better and Agudelo will be a terror as a super sub.

We all know that Jurgen Klinsmann was looking for lessons in the friendly rather than a result.  The big lesson is that a young, MLS centric team does not have enough tactical skill to unlock a packed midfield.  

We have all had that experience, but last nights beer goggles were pretty bad and I for one want to put them back in the closet.

Five Talking Points--USMNT January Camp

Five talking points about the USMNT Roster for the January Camp.

Just as a quick reminder, here is the roster:

GOALKEEPERS- Tally Hall (Houston Dynamo), Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire)

DEFENDERS-Steven Beitashour (San Jose Earthquakes), Tony Beltran (Real Salt Lake), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), A.J. DeLaGarza (LA Galaxy), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Connor Lade (New York Red Bulls), Alfredo Morales (Hertha Berlin), Justin Morrow (San Jose Earthquakes), Jeff Parke (Philadelphia Union)

MIDFIELDERS- Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (out of contract), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders), Benny Feilhaber (Sporting Kansas City), Joshua Gatt (Molde), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)

FORWARDS- Juan Agudelo (Chivas USA), Will Bruin (Houston Dynamo), Edson Buddle (Colorado Rapids), Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

To the Points:  

1.  I can't remember the last time a USMNT roster featured two outside midfielders who could serve the ball with as much aplomb as Brad Davis and Graham Zusi.  Two set piece service maestros.  Seems to me like a match made in heaven--so that means we won't see them together.  Shame, that could be a lot of fun to watch them on the pitch together.

2.  Besler or Gonzalez?  If you accept the (semi-conventional) wisdom that Geoff Cameron has solidified a place in Klinsmann's back line corps, who between Omar Gonzalez and Matt Besler has the chops to make the step up to partner with Cameron with the surely imminent departure of Carlos Bocanegra from the regular national team fold.  (on that point- is Bocanegra really on the outs?)

3.  Speaking of Gonzalez, can he and his L.A. Galaxy and Maryland Terrapin teammate A.J. De La Garza make an impact on the national team as they have in college and MLS?  The versatility of De La Garza to play either right or left back has to be give him the edge to start in this corps.  Truly has there ever been as consistent a pairing of players through all levels as these two?  I think not.

4.  Klinsmann has said that between 5 and 8 of these players will likely be held in camp for the Honduras World Cup Qualifier.  That list, I suspect will include, Hamid, Beckerman, Gonzalez, Zusi, Johnson and Wondolowski.  On the bubble will be Gatt and Besler.  

5.    It would be easy to look at this as Benny Feilhaber's final chance to impress Klinsmann for inclusion in World Cup Qualifying rosters, but I suspect that his inclusion is no throw-away.  Can Feilhaber capture that Gold Cup magic in a bottle (or in a volley) and catapault himself back into contention--particularly in light of the doubts surrounding Landon Donovan's future?  A strong camp will do that for him.

Projected Line-Up vs. Canada (4-1-3-2)

---------------------Hamid-----------------------

De La Garza---Gonzalez---Besler---Beitashour

------------------Beckerman----------------------

Gatt --------------Zusi---------------Feilhaber----

----------Wondolowski----Johnson--------------

Five Talking Points: RUS 2:2 USMNT

1. The scouting report on the USMNT is pretty clear for opponents.  High pressure, high intensity for the first 15-20 minutes will likely yield a goal.  Jurgen Klinsmann has got to find a tactical or a psychological solution to this problem for the USMNT.  One tactical solution for the U.S. is to just be frenetic for the first 20 minutes, run at defenses, long balls out of the back, open the field and let the superior physical fitness carry them through the half and into the second half.  If the solution is psychological--Klinsmann needs to hire a new sports psychologist and pronto.
2. Klinsmann needs to find a true left-sided midfield player.  The trio of Bradley, Jones, and Williams/Edu does not provide enough linkage in the midfield to do all the things that need to distribute the ball out of the back and connect to the strikers.  Maybe a healthy Donovan (who has played on the left for both club and country) could do it.  Some might say Dempsey, but the defensive responsibilities take Dempsey away from where he is best.  I think the answer is probably someone new, which is a worry heading into the World Cup Qualifiers.
3. Gatt--it is pronounced "Gatt" as in rhymes with "cat" I am sure his family was cringing and groaning every time Ian Darke mispronounced his name--showed some promise.  He was not significantly worse in the first 15-20 minutes of the game than anyone else.  The boy is fast and he has an eye for attack.  I think given that he trained for all of about two hours--maybe three--with the MNT before this game, I can't say he doesn't deserve more call ups.
4. Can we finally put an end to the Geoff Cameron doubts?  He has been consistent all year long at centerback.      
5. Overall team performance is a C+.  Were it not for the late game heroics of Bradley and Diskerud, as well as the never say die effort (another U.S. trademark is seems), then this would a lot lower grade.

Player Grades:

Howard--8      What can you say, he kept the U.S. in the game--as usual.

Chandler--6     Impressed with his movement and defensive skills.  

Cameron--7    Provided lots and lots of lateral cover, but has to be expected with F. Johnson and Chandler moving foward.

Bocanegra--5  Left early for an injury, played okay during limited time.

F. Johnson--5.5  looked suspect at times, but played well out of the back.

Gatt--5.5             See above.

Bradley--8.5     Man of the match performance.  Brilliant, and technically difficult, strike for a goal.  

Jones--5.5        He is not the attacking link we need out of a midfielder, but didn't totally suck either.

Williams--4.5    Although he found the game in the second half, I was wondering if Klinsmann was going to pull him out in the first half.

Gomez--6         Made a nuisance of himself, buzzed around, but not his best performance.

Altiodre--6.5    Was getting back and helping defend, working hard, had a few chances that didn't break his way.

Subs

Goodson--6     Had one golden chance on goal, some fine defensive work, and bad decision on fouling for the late penalty.  Still not going to supplant Bocanegra or Cameron in the central defense.

Edu--6             Compared to Williams, Edu was miles better.  Sharp and mistake free.

Kljestan--5       Didn't have as much an impact as I think he could or should have.  But workmanlike effort.

Agudelo--5.5    Smart header to set up Bradley, fair impact on the match which is what subs should do.

Boyd--5           Not really enough time

Diskerud--6     and yeah, that is all goal.  Not really enough time otherwise to make an impact.

Jozy Altidore Getting Sick on De Haag Defense

the boys at The Original Winger/Bumpy Pitch have video of Jozy Altidore's goal over the weekend against ADO Den Haag.  Check the skill!

Five Talking Points About USMNT Russia Friendly

So, with the final FIFA Friendly of the year on Wednesday, USMNT Coach Jurgen Klinsmann finally announced a squad, here it is:

GOALKEEPERS- Tim Howard (Everton), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
DEFENDERS- Carlos Bocanegra (Racing Santander), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Timmy Chandler (Nuremberg), Maurice Edu (Stoke City), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim)
MIDFIELDERS - Michael Bradley (Roma), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Joshua Gatt (Molde), Joe Gyau (Hoffenheim), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim)
FORWARDS- Juan Agudelo (Chivas USA), Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna), Herculez Gomez (Santos Laguna)

So my Five Talking Points:

1.  Klinsmann went young.  The average age of this squad is 25.7 with six players aged 30 or more (Bocanegra, Gomez, Goodson, Howard, Jones & Rimando).  By contrast, the squad in the Antigua and Guatamala World Cup Qualifiers had an average age of 28.4 and nine players age 30 or more (the previously named six, plus Beckerman, Cherundolo and Gordon).  Youth is a good thing and of course a friendly is designed to see what young players can do on an international stage.  But will Klinsmann play some of those youngsters?  I hope so.  I would like to see Sean Johnson play, along with Gatt, Gyau, Boyd and Agudelo.  That is five of the permissible six subs---seems good to me.

2.  Rumor has it that Timmy Chandler is committed to the U.S.  Well, until he is cap tied to the U.S. in a qualifier or Gold Cup, I have been burned too many times before.  Seeing is believing Timmy, seeing is believing.

3.  Speed aplenty in this squad.  Chandler, F. Johnson, Gatt, Gyau, Boyd and to a lesser extent Agudelo represent some speedy guys.  Will Klinsmann's tactics use that speed?  I hope so.  

4.  Sacha Kljestan has a chance here to show what he can do.  Will he start?  I hope so.  I would like to see him on the right in 4-4-2, but if Klinsmann goes 4-3-3, Kljestan will suffer as the midfielder dropped.  Kljestan is an attacking midfielder.  Unless he has improved his box to box play, he will not supplant Bradley, Jones or Williams without an injury.

5.  Is Altidore out of the doghouse?  Sure seems like it, but as his form for AZ Alkmaar suggests, for him to be effective, he needs to be running at defenses and getting good service in the box--will Klinsmann use him that way?  Let's just say that I am not betting the farm on it.

Line-up I would like to see:

-----------------Gomez---------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------Altidore-----------------------------

Kljeston----------------Bradley---------------------------Gatt----------
---------------------------Williams-----------------------------------------

F. Johnson--Bocanegra---Cameron--------Chandler---------

--------------------S. Johnson----------------------------------------

Line-up we are more likely to see

----Agudelo-------------Altidore-------------Gomez------------

----------------------------Bradley------------------------------
--------------Jones---------------------Williams-------------------

--F.Johnson---Bocanegra---Cameron------Chandler-----

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

October Call Ups Yield some Surprises Up Top

U.S. Men's National Team Coach Jurgen Klinsmann announced his squad for the final matches in this round of World Cup Qualifying.  With the next two games away to Antigua & Barbuda and home to Guatamala having massive importance, the squad yielded some interesting surprises up top--in the form of Alan Gordon and Eddie Johnson and the snubs of Jozy Altidore, Terrance Boyd and Chris Wondolowski.
Tthe U.S., Jamaica and Guatamala all have the same number of points (7) in this round with the U.S. tied with Guatamala a the top of the group on goal difference (+2).  The U.S. holds their destiny in their hands, win out and  they are in the Hexagonal.  The best results of match day 5 would be a solid win over Antigua and a Jamaica/Guatamala win by either team.  

But you have to wonder--what the hell is Klinsmann thinking?  Altidore, Boyd and Wondolowski have been in form and Altidore and Wondo lead their respective leagues in goal scoring.  Boyd has been finding the back the net regularly as well.  So, the the "whaaa..." question will be answered later.

Here is the full roster:

GOALKEEPERS (3) : Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
       Seriously---this section is getting to be a snoozer.  Howard will start unless injured.  Guzan could get the nod against Guatamala if the U.S. demolish Antigua and Jamaica and Guatamala end in a win for either side. Don't be surprised if Rimando does not travel to Antigua.  


DEFENDERS (8) : Carlos Bocanegra (Racing Santander), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Maurice Edu (Stoke City), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Michael Parkhurst (Nordsjaelland)
         No surprises here.  All these players are playing on good form and this is shaping up to be Klinsmann's go to squad of defenders.  

MIDFIELDERS (8) : Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Roma), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht), Brek Shea (FC Dallas), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)
         Apparently, Sacha Kljestan is no longer in the doghouse.  It is very, very, very good to see Bradley back--the U.S. always seem to play much better with him on the pitch.  I like Zusi getting another call, but I don't expect him to be in the game day squad, but who knows.

FORWARDS (5): Clint Dempsey (Tottenham Hotspur), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Herculez Gomez (Santos), Alan Gordon (San Jose Earthquakes), Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders)
         Dempsey?  Check.  Donovan?  Check.  Gomez?  Check.  And then the head scratching begins.  Gomez and Demspey have been scoring goals for the U.S. and so it is not a surprise.  Donovan is the talisman who often steps up big in important matches.  But why Alan Gordon and Eddie Johnson.

First the positives on both.  Domestically, there is probably no better off-the-bench striker in MLS than Alan Gordon (although fellow Earthquakes striker Steven Lenhart could make a case).  Gordon has scored 13 times this season, mostly off the bench, and is scoring almost one goal for every 90 minutes on the field.  But here is the key stat, Gordon is converting almost 3 out of every 10 chances he has to score.  He has 25 shots on goal (out of 43 taken) and scored 13.  That is a conversion ratio that probably can't be ignored.  Gordon is a big guy, has a high work rate when coming on with 25-30 minutes left in the match, and has shown that he will take the abuse that a fox in the box has to take while holding the ball.  I would call Gordon a poor man's Brian Ching, but I am not sure the comparison holds up beyond the physical toughness.

Eddie "Grown-Ass Man" Johnson got lost for a few years in Europe, but has found form with the Seattle Sounders.  Johnson has 14 goals on 69 shots with 24 on goal.  That is giving Johnson a 20.2% conversion rate as well.  Johnson and teammate Fredy Montero are the league's best strike duo on any team not from San Jose.  What Johnson needed was an ego that matched his own and a partner with creative skills that Johnson lacks, but a partner who does have the raw physical talent that Johnson possesses.  

But is not all about stats is it?  Surely Klinsmann is not just looking at goals and minutes and conversion ratios, right?  Well, maybe not. What do Altidore, Wondolowski and Boyd have at their club teams, that they don't have at the national team level?  Yep, a midfield full of guys who can feed them the ball.  

What the U.S. has lacked with the big stable of defensive midfielders occupying the midfield slots, are creative passers and ball handlers who can get the ball into the final third and find guys like Wondo, Altidore and Boyd.  Add to that fact that those three players are far better at going at players rather than playing with their back to goal.  Johnson and Gordon are better with their back to the goal than Wondolowski, Boyd and Altidore.  I seriously don't expect Gordon or Johnson to get a start, and at most will get 20 minutes if Klinsmann needs to get a goal to put a game out of reach or to equalize in the latter stages (please avoid this situation).  

But what does this do to the U.S. tactically?  I expect to see Klinsmann field a squad that will put a lot of pressure on Steve Cherundolo to provide width on the right.  I would expect to see an asymmetric 4-4-2 or even a 4-3-3.  

Here is what I expect against Antigua

----------------------------Howard----------------------
Cherundolo ------Cameron--------Bocanegra-----Castillo

----------------------Williams---Jones-------------------
--------Bradley----------------------------Donovan-----------
----------------------Dempsey--------------------------------
-----------------------------------Gomez-----------------------

Now that is a weird set up, and again puts a big burden on Cherundolo to provide width on the right and to a lesser extent Castillo on the left.  But here is where things can be itneresting if the U.S. can make the communication work.  Michael Bradley is the best box-to-box midfielder I think the U.S. has produced in years.  Klinsmann should give him free rein to create, to move around and spray passes around like he can, to get the ball wide and to follow up attacks with his late runs into the box.  Let Donovan, Dempsey and Gomez buzz around the back line and in the hole just in front of the back line and drive the defense crazy with movement.  But the three of them have to be on the same page to make sure at least two of them are crashing the goal area on every cross.  

Let Danny Williams do the holding, he did very well versus Jamaica, and let Bradley and Jones create a little.  Yes, Antigua and Guatamala are going to bunker in these games, the U.S. will have to use the movement of Bradley, Donovan, Dempsey and Gomez to defeat that.  

Having said all that, congrats to Alan Gordon for the call-up.  I bet he thought someone was pranking him when Klinsmann called.

Well, I got that Wrong

Well, in the final hours of the Transfer window, Clint Dempsey signed with Tottenham instead of Sunderland.

It is a good move for the Texan and I can say that I got it wrong.

Good luck Deuce.

Demspey to Spurs

BenSmithBBC is reporting that Tottenham and Fulham have agreed to a transfer fee and Dempsey is at Spurs lodge undergoing a quick medical and to negotiate personal terms.

Clint Dempsey and the Transfer Market

I am attempting to put my homer hat on a shelf and take a good long look at the Clint Dempsey transfer saga.  Since the end of last season, speculation has run rampant that Dempsey, arguably the best American field player to ever suit up for a Premier League side, would leave the confines of Craven Cottage for climes with a more cash.  In particular, there were rumors that Dempsey would move to Arsenel or Liverpool.  To be sure, Dempsey was certainly looking for a chance to play Champions League soccer.  But as the summer wore on, the market for Dempsey seemed soft.

That leads to the question of why?  Let's take a look at Dempsey and his time a Fulham.

From his early days at Fulham, he proved adept at two things.  First, he regularly scored goals and for every year he was fully healthy, he scored more goals each year than he did the year before.  Dempsey became a Fulham hero in his first year when he scored the goal that saved the Cottagers from relegation in 2007.  In the 2011/12 season, the Texan scored 23 goals across all competitions for Fulham, rightfully earning him Club Player of the Season honors as well as consideration for Professional Footballers Association Player of the Year.

Second, every time the manager merry-go-round at Fulham forced managers to change, Dempsey earned his way in to the starting XI.  Each time.

Dempsey has displayed his versatility as a player, playing as striker, withdrawn striker and midfielder.  He was able to score no matter where he was placed in a line-up.  He is a relentless player, playing until he drops and never quitting.

So, in the summer after his most successful year as a professional, why is it the Dempsey might be headed not to Arsenal or Liverpool or even Tottenham?  Why, if the rumors are correct, is Dempsey probably headed to another mid-table team in England?

Clearly, the market for Dempsey is not as strong as either he thought or for that matter, his agent, or American fans.  There could be the xenophobic explanation--i.e. Dempsey is an American and therefore not someone that would be considered good enough.  But while there may be some doubts about Dempsey because he is an American, it cannot be said that Dempsey is couldn't play on Champions League teams.  He has succeeded on every team he has ever played on, and did so despite his supposed "American" handicap.  If American fans think that is the reason, we will never get past that mindset until such time as the U.S. wins the World Cup, when ever that may be.

Rather the reason for a soft transfer market for Dempsey is probably three-fold.  Dempsey can be incredibly streaky as a player.  When he is "on" he is really on and a threat to score at any moment.  But there are many times, sometimes in big games, that Dempsey is practically a non-entity.  That has happened for the U.S. MNT and for Fulham.  Yes, last year was a great year for Dempsey, but it is hard to ignore the streaky nature of his play.

Second, is what is Dempsey's best role?  Striker, withdrawn striker, central midfield, flank player?  Dempsey's versatility may actually be his downfall.  Dempsey may be able to work as a striker, but he would need to be a withdrawn striker as he is better going at people, coming into the attack.  That is not to say he can't hold the ball up and take the abuse a target striker has to take on occasion, but it is not his best role.  In a fairly traditional 4-4-2, Dempsey can work either at the top of a diamond midfield. or on the right flank.  But with a number of teams moving into a 4-3-3, Dempsey may not fit very well anywhere.  Hence, Sunderland's interest, which is a much more traditional set up.

Third, and finally, Dempsey is 29.  He is at that magic age, and likely his peak, as a field player.  In the past clubs have overpaid for players (and some clubs still overpay in the transfer market).  But in the current world, Dempsey, at his age, is not going to have a massive future transfer value.  If he gets a three or four year deal, he will be 33.  His next move maybe back to MLS, a league with notorious reluctance to pay any transfer fee, so they would take him on a free.  Without any future transfer value, this is his last big move and as a result, his current transfer value is going to be smaller.

With the transfer window about to close, the dealing for Dempsey maybe intense but if I were putting money down, if Dempsey is going to leave Craven Cottage, it will be for the Stadium of Light and Sunderland, not Anfield.

USMNT Away Matches for World Cup Qualifying

Steven Goff, the Washington Post's Soccer Insider, has been burning up Twitter this morning with the news that the fledgling outfit BeIn Sport has the U.S. TV rights to CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying matches including all of the U.S. MNT's away matches during World Cup Qualifying, beginning with the Jamaica--US match.

The sports channel, owned by Qatar based Al Jazeera (an tidbit that has been left out of press releases for some pretty obvious political reasons), has been buying up the rights to the worlds top leagues, including La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, and others.  In fact, the network has been splashing the cash like crazy like a Las Vegas whale on a bender.

What does this mean for the U.S. MNT?

All of their away matches in World Cup Qualifying, including this round and the hexagonal, will be carried by BeIn Sport.  BeIn sport is currently carried in the U.S. on DirectTV and Dish Network.  While they are actively seeking space on other cable carriers, currently there are only satellite feeds.  As Goff has pointed out, the home teams own the rights to broadcasts.  So while ESPN and/or NBC will show the home games, U.S. Soccer has no control over the away matches and cannot sell the rights.

With so much cash to spend around, other CONCACAF Members will snap up the generous payment for rights being offered, something that CONCACAF has a particular reputation for doing.  Not that I blame the other national federations, so many countries are seeking additional funds to keep up.  All BeIn has to do is come in with a bid that is 10-15% higher than anyone's bid and watch the rights flow in like so much water.  While it is clear that no federation has to do business with Al Jazeera/BeIn Sport, the kind of money flowing from Qatar is hard to ignore.

So what will happen?  In theory BeIn could sell a transmission to ESPN or NBC or Fox for transmission in the U.S. (a good short term but expensive idea given that a U.S. Jamaica match which is the biggest draw in the group won't come anywhere close to the viewership that U.S.-Mexico will pull in).  Of course, BeIn Sport is making a big push to contact cable providers and get on systems (which you can do here) through out the U.S.  That probably won't help for the Jamaica game, but might be plausible by the time the Hex rolls around.

Also, Goff notes that his information does not indicate that BeIn Sport will be streaming the games on their website.

Bummer.

Update:  8/22 1:21p.m.  Comcast states that they are currently working with BeIn Sports to provide service Xfinity customers.

Klinsmann's May'June Roster

Jurgen Klinsmann named is final 23 man roster for the May/June friendlies and the first two World Cup Qualifying matches.  Here is the list:


GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
DEFENDERS (7): Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers), Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Oguchi Onyewu (Sporting Lisbon), Michael Parkhurst (Nordsjaelland)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Chievo Verona), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Jose Torres (Pachuca)
FORWARDS (6): Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), Terrence Boyd (Borussia Dortmund), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Herculez Gomez (Santos), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes).

Prior to naming the team, Klinsmann had indicated that he was treating this series of games like a tournament and was going to name all three goalkeepers to the final roster.  As I expected Alfredo Morales, Danny Willams, Graham Zusi and Juan Agudelo did not make the cut.

Morales and Agudelo should not have made the roster.  Neither has had much playing time with their respective club's first teams, although that will likely change for Agudelo with his recent move to Chivas USA.  You could make an argument that Terrence Boyd was not making first team appearances for the Bundesliga Champions, but Dortmund is now out of season whereas Chivas is not. I don't expect to see Boyd on the pitch much anyway.

I think Zusi's inexperience is what ultimately cost him, but he is firmly on Klinsmann's radar and will have time to impress in the coming months.  Williams is probably a victim more of his shoulder injury than anything else.

The backline kind of picks itself right now.  You will see, R-L, Cherundolo-Bocanegra-Onyewu-Castillo.  Although depending on training performance, Parkhurst at left back is not a bad choice, but is not as attack minded as Castillo, but is certainly steadier in a defensive set.  I also like the line of Cherundolo--Goodson--Onyewu--Bocanegra.  You may see Goodson and/or Cameron get a run out in one of the friendlies, either Scotland or Canada.  I would call holding midfielder a toss up between Beckerman and Edu.  Klinsmann has favored Beckerman in the past and is a known quantity for Klinsmann.  I would expect Edu to start against Scotland and see from there.  I would think that Klinsmann will go with a more two way player in central midfield and that is likely to be Bradley in my mind.

So who plays in the attacking roles.  Dempsey is going to be unavailable for the Scotland match, if for no other reason than to give his groin a little more time to heal.  Much will depend on what kind of formation that Klinsmann wants to run, a 4-4-2, 4-3-3 or some asymetric tweak on a 4-3-1-2 mix.  A straight 4-4-2 would likely see Altidore up top, with Gomez or Wondolowski playing off him and Donovan and Torres or Johnson playing the flanks.  I think with the plethora of attacking talent in this squad, Klinsmann is going to want to have at least two strikers.  Such a system puts a burden on Bradley in the middle to pull the strings. If Donovan and Torres are played on the flanks, expect to see them pinch in on the attacks and for Cherudnolo/Castillo to provide the width on the overlap, taking some of the play making burden off of Bradley.

There is going to be some pressure for the U.S. attack to produce against all the opponents but Brazil (and I would like to see the U.S. just go at Brazil early on.  Certainly the U.S. will be expected to attack against Antigua and go into Guatamala with an attack minded plan.

Klinsmann's First Roster

No doubt about it, Jurgen Klinsmann is not Bob Bradley.  Of course we knew that, for one think Klinsmann still has hair and I hope won't be wear track suits on the sidelines (really Bob, was even khakis and a U.S. Soccer polo too much?)  But with today's announcement of Klinsmann's first roster as MNT coach, it is clear that Klinsmann is looking at things very differently that Bob Bradley.

By now, everyone has seen the Roster, but here are my comments on the particular groups:

Goalkeepers:  Bill Hamid, Tim Howard.

    Big, huge break for Hamid, but I think he has earned it.  I have been surprised that he hasn't been called up into youth national team camps.  But I think Klinsmann is looking at Hamid as his guy for the Olympics next year.  The young DC United Academy product has really improved this season, taken his lumps and learned from each one.  Clearly one of the best young American keepers since, well, since Tim Howard.
    Howard's inclusion is no surprise.

Defenders:  Carlos Bocanegra, Edgar Castillo, Timmy Chandler, Steve Cherundolo, Clarence Goodson, Michael Orozco Fiscal, Heath Pearce, Tim Ream.

     This is almost the perfect mix of youth and promise paired with age and consistency.  Older guys first--Bocanegra and Cherundolo.  I don't know if these guys will be around in three years for Brazil 2014, but right now, there is no better right back in the U.S. than Cherudolo, so much poise and leadership, plus the ability to get down the wing and whip a great cross.  I think Dolo is looking for a chance to get at the Mexican side after leaving the Gold Cup final with an injury.  Bocanegra is not as mobile as Cherundolo and I see him moving back into the middle, particularly with the inclusion of Heath Pearce and Orozco-Fiscal who are better on the left flank.
     Chandler and Ream are clearly future starters.  Ream is the less polished of the two and prone to mistakes, but if you watch his play carefully, he rarely makes the same mistake twice and never three times.  Chandler is, as of right now, the heir apparent to the right back slot currently held by Cherundolo.  But Chandler can also move forward into the right wing slot, with lots of speed.
     The biggest surprise for me was Edgar Castillo's inclusion.  I have seen him from time to time playing the FMF and he has always looked solid.  But I am not sure where he would play, but clearly Klinsmann or someone has been watching Castillo who has been solid, if not flashy south of the Border.
     Let me say a few words about Clarence Goodson.  If I were a betting man, I would say that Goodson becomes the center back anchor for the next four years.  Goodson is strong, consistent, a quiet leader and has worked his way into this position.  Almost the classic center back, tall, strong in the air and a good position player.  But what sets Goodson apart from guys like Jay DeMerit and Oguchi Onyewu is that Goodson can play with the ball at his feet.  He can make that cutting pass from the defensive third to deep into the midfield third or attacking third.  Credit to DeMerit and Onyewu for their defensive skills, but Goodson is an "attacking" centerback and that is exciting--if if Goodson's demeanor on the pitch is not.

Midfielders:  Kyle Beckerman, Michael Bradley, Ricardo Clark, Maurice Edu, Jermaine Jones, Brek Shea, Jose Torres.
     Dear Jurgen---I think you have enough central, defensive midfielders here.  Just sayin'
     I am surprised by the inclusion of Beckerman.  He doesn't have a great many caps and has been on the fringes of the MNT "A" squad for years.  There is not doubt in my mind that Beckerman is not a quality defensive midfielder, but at 29, can Beckerman really contribute that much to a team that is already neck deep in defensive midfielders.  Likewise, I am surprised by Clark's inclusion.  While his club team just crashed out of the DFB Pokal (the German Cup), I am surprised that Clark is here, having not garnered a huge amount of playing time since leaving the Houston Dynamo.  Perhaps Klinsmann sees something new, and we will see.
     The Bradley-Edu-Jones trio continues.  Finally, Michael Bradley will be able to show people that he is not a nepotism call-up as I do believe he is the most complete player of these three, efficient on defensive, brilliant on the late run into the box and deadly from long range.  The pressure is on Bradley to prove something to fans and people who don't like his surname, but the greater pressure is on Edu.  Sure Edu is a quality player, but hasn't really raised his game in recent years.  That is no doubt owed to injury problems, but this next year is going to be key for Edu.
  I am excited to see Shea in here, but he knows the pressure is on.  Despite his success and improvement in MLS, Shea has rarely stepped up when he has had the chance on the national team.  This might be his last shot at the MNT for a year (although he is certain to get called up in September).  The same thing might be said for Jose Torres, although there is a little less pressure on Torres.
     One thing that strikes me about this midfield is that aside from Torres, there are not a lot of great ball handlers in this group.  Of course the forward group selected provides people we have come to think of more as midfielders than strikers.

Forwards:  Freddy Adu, Juan Agudelo, DaMarcus Beasley, Edson Buddle, Landon Donovan

    Of this group, only Agudelo and Buddle are true "strikers" but certainly Donovan can fill the role.  I guess I could see Adu as a second striker, but he doesn't have the pace to effectively work as a second striker. Adu could spray passes around as an attacking midfielder.
     But it is the selection of Beasley that has to have people buzzing.  Beasley, always a left midfielder or even a left back, is not a name that has been on the tongues of a lot of MNT fans for a while.  But Beasely is naturally left footed, has loads of pace and can stay wide.  On the flip side, players like Donovan, although good on the left flank, tend to cut into their preferred right foot.

To be sure, Klinsmann thinks that FMF is producing some great footballers and it will be interesting to see how in works that into matters.

Jozy Altidore Gets Busy

Here is the highlight reels form Jozy Altidore's first game with Bursaspor.  Jozy was key in the lead up to his team's lone goal in the 1-1 draw.  Check out Jozy's nifty spin move at about 0:45 of the video.

High Risk-High Reward for Davies, MLS and DC United

The news that Charlie Davies was coming to the United States for a week long evaluation/trial with DC United was met with hope and excitment by this DC United Fan. There are other Black & Red Supporters who are less than thrilled, wondering if Davies has resolved his off-field problems. Goal.com's Kyle McCarthy, has a pretty good piece on the complications that DC United, MLS and Davies face in the potential deal. McCarthy sees a little more grey skies in the deal, but realistic grey, but this potential move is a high risk/high reward situation for Davies, DC United and Ben Olsen, and MLS.

Mostly Upside for Davies

It is not nearly as complicated for Davies. A number of people wonder about the wisdom of Davies coming to DC considering that RFK is about 4 miles (as the crow flies) from where his fatal car crash took place. While some people might flinch at the idea, I think Davies is playing this one pretty smart. Coming to DC United and playing well will allow him to put the ghosts of that night behind him. I don't think he will ever forget the impact it has had on his life and career (who would be able to), but confronting the problem head on shows a maturity about the incident that should be lauded.

That is not to say that he won't carry some risk. Failure at trial will pretty much end his thus far rising European career and he will have to suffer the ignominy of stepping down in stature and possible end his hopes of a national team career for the next year or so. It will also likely mean that he will, at best, be playing for the Sochaux reserves for the next six months as the European transfer window is closed, making a move now more difficult. He will also face some pretty intense media/fan scrutiny. But I believe that Davies is ready for that and has surely considered his options well.

The biggest risk for Davies is that if DC United, with their well-known striking woes, takes a pass on Davies the question becomes will any MLS side take a chance on him. I could see some teams willing to do so--Columbus for example.

But the reward is significant.  As for his playing and potentially resurgent national team career, a move to a "summer league" is all but necessary. Davies will not be getting playing time for Sochaux's first team anytime soon. With the CONCACAF Gold Cup this summer and World Cup qualifying beginning next year, playing for an MLS side, and playing well, will get Davies back on Bob Bradley's radar screen. Given that MLSers comprised 50% of the strike force for the U.S. World Cup squad, Bradley clearly does not consider MLS strikers to be inferior. But also, playing regularly for an MLS side will be the best step to getting back in good graces with his primary employer, Sochaux or a Europoean side willing to pay Sochaux a modest transfer fee. While there is little risk for Davies, other than the media/fan cauldron, there is much reward possible for Davies. His desire to get back to the national team will ensure that he takes this chance well.

MLS' Risks are Structural

For everyone howling (and I hear you guys up in New England), DC United is tops in the allocation order for returning national team players so United has the right of first refusal. But the primary risk for MLS is that this potential loan move may break the rules that MLS has established for itself. Typically, MLS takes loans only with a potential for a buyout at the end of the loan. I don't know if Davies wants that or Sochaux for that matter. If Davies performs, Sochaux will want him back next January. The details of the loan move seem to indicate that there is no potential buyout clause, although almost certainly from a business standpoint that would be possible. The problem with that is that as a normal rule, MLS doesn't pay transfer fees or doesn't pay significant transfer fees and I believe Davies' Sochaux contract runs until 2013, which means if MLS wants Davies to stay, they will have to pay a more significant transfer fee.

While the paying of a transfer fee would be something new, it is not, in and of itself, a bad thing. MLS has visions of being a top league and that can't happen if MLS remains absolutely unwilling to bring world class players in on anything other than a free transfer. The possible change in policy clearly impacts the league's economic structure and Don Garber and the owners would have to be very careful and very, very judicious about setting the precedent and controlling the number of times a transfer fee is paid and the size of the transfer fee.

McCarthy does point out another problem. Davies wages are probably higher than the maximum non-DP salary in the league of $335,000 per year. Unless Sochaux is picking up part of the bill or Davies is taking a pay cut, MLS owners have got to be feeling a little worried about the precedent. I suspect that if Davies is truly committed to the idea, he might take the pay cut for a year. It is not like he is hurting on a $335,000 salary. By the way, I think DC United's salary cap can accommodate Davies max non-DP salary.

But at the same time, a successful Davies loan spell might entice a number of young American players who have suffered either career stagnation and/or long-term injury to return to the MLS, get some quality playing time and help revive their careers. From a league marketing perspective that is not a bad thing, having someone of Davies stature in the hearts and minds of American fans, if not as a player right now, can't help but get bodies in the buildings, if for nothing else but a chance to see the old Charlie work some magic.

DC United and Ben Olsen

Olsen and the United front office are in the midst of rebuilding the DC United squad. Olsen, Dave Kasper and Kevin Payne haven't called it that (at least not publicly) but that is what is happening. The signing of Jospeh Ngwenya and Josh Wolff, two veteran MLS strikers, should find DC United 15 to 20 goals, but not much more than that. A healthy Davies is a legitimate 15 goal striker if he works out. That is the risk for United. But Davies fits in with what Olsen & Co. have been building, a striker corps with some speed, unlike last year with Jaime Moreno's aging legs, Danny Allsop and Adam Christman--three strikers not know for any kind of pace.

Olsen is going to get something of a pass from the fans this year, given his history with the club, but too many risks like Davies that don't pan out is not going to help him any with the front office. Kasper and Payne must already be under scrutiny, as their off-season dealing this year has been much smarter than past years. But the attention that will come with a Davies signing might be truly intense, both from MLS who will want success, but also from the Black & Red faithful. The risk is that if Davies comes to United, and plays well in the early season, United could see Davies on national team duty during the Gold Cup, in the heart of the season. So United bring in a risky striker, get rewarded with Davies renaissance only to see him gone in the summer doldrums for National Team duty. That could be hard to swallow from a fan perspective.

So if United bring Davies on, he almost has to start or be the first off the bench given the financial investment, and that bears some potential resentment from other United players. United can't bring Davies in on that salary number and then have him riding the pine or playing with the reserves. Wolff might be professional enough to understand, but I could imagine Chris Pontius, Ngwenya or Andy Najar not seeing the situation is such a light. So there is the possibility of dressing room a club like United doesn't need this year. Four years out of the playoffs and there is pressure to make the post-season. Dressing room dissension is not going to help in that campaign and will test a young coach like Olsen.

But the potential reward for United is big. A return to the exciting soccer that electrified United fans previously, with goals being scored and a dynamic attack. The Barra Brava, Screaming Eagles and the casual fan would make the crumbling RFK the difficult place to play it used to be. After years of declining attendance, United could see its attendance numbers climb back up into the 20,000 per game range, making the demand for a stadium that much stronger. DC United would be back on the track that won them so many trophies so many years ago.

Yes, Davies to DC United is exciting news, but the deal is a high-risk, high-reward arrangement for all parties. Yet, despite the risk, I think if all parties are realistic about the potential to crash and burn, go into the deal with realistic expectations, then all could benefit. Ultimately though, the people who most benefit are MLS fans, who have a chance to see, week in and week out, a player who electrified us and is displaying a courage that few athletes could muster. In itself, that kind of drama is what we hope for in the beautiful game.

Dax McCarty's Wicked Bicycle Kick in USMNT Training

DC United's new midfielder and USMNT captain (for one game) breaks out the bicycle kick during USMNT training in Carson, CA.




Suh- wwweeeeeetttt!!

Making a Case for an American 4-3-3

In light of the play of the young Americans on the US Men's National Team against Chile, Bob Bradley certainly had to have seen some promising players who might make a big impact on the future of the MNT.  Bradley has clearly  moved to the almost international standard 4-2-3-1 formation, abandoning his former bucket 4-4-2.  While I understand why Bradley would move to a 4-2-3-1 considering the feast of central midfielders at his disposal and the formation's focus on maintaining a strong defensive pressure, I think the arrival or impending arrival of some of these young Americans, there is a solid case for a 4-3-3.

The 4-3-3 does a couple of things that could appeal to the American fan and me, even as a former center back/sweeper myself.  It opens up the field of play and gives a fair number of options for attack, either through the midfield or through the direct ball or counter attack.  I don't see Bradley making this change, particularly in light of the current trend in world soccer of clogging up the midfield with players, but in a dream scenario, using players currently available in the pool, this is what I could see as a possible 4-3-3.

If I were making up an 18-man squad under this theory, it would look something like this:

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

Cherundolo------Goodson----Ream------Convey

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

--Dempsey---Altidore-----Davies---

My bench would have the following guys

Brad Guzan, Eric Lichaj, Jermaine Jones, Mo Edu, Mix Diskerud,  Juan Agudelo, Teal Bunbury.

First up, as goalkeeper, Howard is one of the best shot stoppers in the world, but he is also very good with distribution to start a counter attack and the goal against Algeria is not the first time.  A goal keeper is about more than blocking shots, he has to just as good with distribution.

The back line is where people are probably going "huh?"  Most everyone would agree that right now Steve Cherundolo is the best American right back even though he is getting up there in age, he might still make the 2014 World Cup squad.  Certainly Convey is a surprise pick, but if you look a little deeper and a little longer at these four guys, what do you see?  Confidence and skill with the ball at their feet, great passers of the ball, and good defending skills.  Such a back line is necessary because they will be tasked with two additional jobs other than defending--starting the ball forward with sharp passing, and providing width and ball handling in the midfield.  Both Cherundolo and Convey can attack down the flanks with speed and control and whip in great crosses.  They will either have to provide width in the attack, letting Holden and Donovan to pinch inside or Dolo and Convey would have to move into the channels to provide the connection to the wings.  Convey has been out of the spotlight for a while, but his time with San Jose has improved his crossing and defensive skills. The fact is that Convey is a better crosser of the ball than Jonathan Bornstein, has more speed that Carlos Bocanegra and better ball skills than both.  If the problem is left back, Convey may be the solution.

Stuart Holden, Michael Bradley and Landon Donovan are going to have the hardest job.  It is a good thing that these guys are the probably the fittest players on the U.S. squad, because they have their work cut out.  These guys will have to put in box to box shifts, covering in attack and getting back in defense.  The beauty of these three is their ability to mix it up.  Bradley is not as good on the wings, but he is a brilliant destroyer, breaking up plays but also making those late slashing runs that result in goals.  Neither of these players is afraid of letting go from long distance.  All of these players are also confident on the ball, sharp passers and unafraid to take defenders on.  They all possess the right soccer brain as well and that will be necessary to carry out their tasks.

The strikers are a dynamic group all with a knack for moving around.  Imagine you are a back line with these three players moving all over the pitch.  All three can play on either side or in the middle.  All three are strong, reasonably quick and good in the air and on the ground.  They are capable of scoring from anywhere.  Such Davies might be some wishful thinking, since don't know anything, but the chemistry between Davies and Altidore was undeniable.

With the bench I have chosen, I have looked for flexibility of position (Agudelo and Bunbury aside), guys who can play many positions well, proven industry, tactical awareness and attacking ability.  Do you need to lock down a game in the last 20 minutes?  Take out Holden, insert Jones or Edu and move Dempsey to right midfield and go with a 4-4-2. Does Bob Bradley need some more box to box players--enter Diskerud and Jones.  What about another centerback?  Hello Mo Edu.  Does Bob Bradley need to insert some more attacking flair, in goes Bunbury and Agudelo, another solid partnership that is forming, who can run at a tired defense and make something happen.  The point is that the bench has to be flexible if you are going to play a 4-3-3.

The drawbacks to the 4-3-3 is that it takes an enormous amount of tactical knowledge, soccer brains and absolute trust in your teammates.  The system puts big burden on the defenders and a burden on one or two of the strikers to regularly track back to help on defense.  It will take a lot of work on the pitch to make sure the defenses doesn't get hung out to dry.

I harbor no illusions though.  The fact is that our players may not be tactically savvy enough to run an effective 4-3-3, but the possibility is there.  A system as attacking as this one is radically different than what Bob Bradley has done in the past and could easily unbalance opponents.  A 4-3-3 is unquestionably an attacking formation which rewards creativity and forwardness.  It also requires more defensive discipline, despite the system's emphasis on attack, and the system is highly intolerant of mistakes as there are fewer bodies to clean up the mistakes.

But simply revel in the possibilities--an attack oriented American team, running at defenses, getting sharp, quick passes from the back line to pry apart a midfield and three strikers moving around like the Harlem Globetrotters doing the weave drill.  A team that entertains and isn't that what we want?