Easily one of the best USA v. Mexico matches in years, arguably the best Nats performance of the Bradley era. No matter how you slice it, Bradley's got his first taste of silver and now has Copa action to wash it down with.
Yanks Abroad , Fullback, Goff, Ives, and QuarterVolley.
I'll get right into some player ratings (out of 10):
Howard - 9
Timmy has none of the calming veteran tranquility that Keller possessed but all of the passion, intensity, and drive to keep the US defense inspired 60, 70, 90 minutes into a match. Truly inspirational presence. On top of that he's got a magic touch to keep a team in the game, making clutch saves at crucial moments. In sum, Howard really impressed me tonight. USA's ranking #1 keeper without a doubt. Great job, Timmy.
Bornstein - 7
Bornstein was contributing to the attack tonight and really made his offensive presence known, confirming haunting suspicions that he actually does have some talent. Too bad he was caught way out of position on the goal, shifting the defense over to the left and leaving Guardado wide open. I won't go so far as to say he caused the goal (Castillo burned Gooch and Boca), but I'm fairly certain it could have been prevented if he were properly positioned.
Boca - 8
Wearing the captain's armband, Boca truly seemed the anchor of the US defense and would come up with crucial tackles when things were looking desparate. Commendable effort.
Gooch - 7
His best performance in a long time. He didn't look stellar but he certainly proved to everyone watching that he is a good defender of international quality. For some reason, though, it seems like when everyone touts Gooch's physical presence and size and strength, he seems to be the one being knocked around the most on the pitch.
Spector - 6
He was holding his own, but barely. That sickening collision with Guardado might have been a blessing in disguise. I hope he recovers soon. Looked very scary.
Mastroeni - 7
Nothing really wrong with his performance tonight. Had some good tackles, performed well as the typically slow holding midfielder. Stuck up for his teammates with the ref.
Feilhaber - 9
I really didn't sense his presence at all up until his blessed goal, but afterwards he seemed like the best field player on the pitch. His performance tonight will make a great case for a big international transfer or at least some significant first team minutes from HSV. Finally the public will be hearing about a stellar performance by a talented young American whose name isn't Donovan.
Beasley - 7.5
Proves yet again why he's the top left winger for the US squad. He's got speed, touch, and damned sexy ball service. Only thing is, the boy can't finish. Where's the final shot? He's not alone. Nevertheless, 'Gers will be lucky to have him come the fall. (He only went for 1.some-odd mil? That's almost insulting.)
Donovan - 7.5
Quite an average performance from Donnie, which is suprising given he was starting on the wing, but he offered nothing we haven't seen before. This coupled with the fact that tonight was really Feilhaber's time to shine. Although, I have to say, his penalty taking technique was great to watch. Sanchez had no idea what was happening to him.
Dempsey - 6
Dempsey is one of a small group of Americans who can come up with a crucial touch with no space to work, but that doesn't excuse the fact that he doesn't defend in any significant fashion nor does he have a nose for goal. He wasn't dampening the offense, but he wasn't exactly Greased Lightning either.
Ching - 7
I'm sure a lot of people would rate him worse, but both he and Twellman proved to me tonight that as veteran strikers, they still serve a purpose in the U.S. squad. Ching has more scrap in him than anyone else on the pitch and he can really damage the opposing defense with his back to the goal. I'm really sorry he bit the post on that one because it was great to see him fight off three green shirts and get the keeper Sanchez on his knees.
Subs:
Simek - 6
Honestly, for his thirty minutes on the pitch, I really didn't see him do any better than Spector.
Rico Clark - 7
Ives says Clark and Feilhaber were establishing themselves as a nice tandem in midfield. I'd have to see the second half again but he certainly didn't hurt the US performance on the pitch.
Twellman - 6
He is at the very least a veteran striker, whether or not he has the goals to prove it. The simple fact that he was onsides to receive a random Bornstein clearance upfield is proof to me that he just might be the difference between a draw and a win one day. Plus, after Feilhaber scored, Twellman looked totally psyched to hit up that scoresheet. Keep on truckin, TayLor.
Refereeing - 8
Adequate refereeing, which, relative to CONCACAF, means it was well above the standard. Kept things from erupting between the rivals, which is no small feat, I'm sure. Certainly nothing to blatant as the Canada offsides.
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Other notes, in no particular order:
-Donovan is still kissing his hands before games and penalty kicks. Very superstitious...
- Beasley is getting muscled, ergo nullified, by Mexico's def.; Mexico seems to be taking a cue from Canada.
- Through the 20th, Mexico's style of play seemed to consist of strong, hard touches to eat space, blinding speed onto throughballs to harass the wings, and voodoo magic to work the ball to the center. Worked like a charm, though not so soon or so often as they hoped.
- Hey, whaddya know: the midfield is pitching in on defense. Go USA!
- Mexico is damn good on the counterattack.
- I just realized: today was Feilhaber's first real test with the MNT. This one's for all the marbles. And damned if he didn't use this opportunity to make a name for himself, too.
- Regardless of Ching and Twellman's good qualities, the US is in DIRE need of an attacker who can finish with some level of consistency. We have no real scoring threat, save for Donovan every other game. Charlie Davies, if you're waiting for the opportunity to establish a dangerous reputation, Copa is it.
- Tim Howard is a beast and deserves everything Everton has to offer.
- Bornstein had a super hard shot in the first half that looked really great. It was a wicked rocket bullet that was only overshadowed by the cannon blast that loosed itself from Feilhaber's foot to win the game. Don't worry, Bornstein: I saw you do it.
-In contrast to the USA, Mexico's midfield is damned laggardly or even absent on defense.
- Learn to shoot, Dempsey.
- I'd like to see Onyewu connect with someone through a ground pass.
- Bradley needs to whip these guys into shape up top. What horrible finishing. Beasley, Ching, Twellman, Dempsey -- disappointing.
- Tim Howard is golden.
Congrats, Yanks. Tip of the hat to Bob Bradley. Thrilling performance. I look forward to the Copa to see what lies in the USMNT future.
Enjoy yourselves, boys.
Showing posts with label MNT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MNT. Show all posts
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
2007 Copa America Roster
And now we have it. Courtesy Ives:
GOALKEEPERS- Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Kasey Keller (Borussia Moenchengladbach)
DEFENDERS- Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Bobby Boswell (D.C. United), Dan Califf (Aalborg BK), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Drew Moor (FC Dallas), Heath Pearce (FC Nordsjælland), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)
MIDFIELDERS- Kyle Beckerman (Colorado Rapids), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Benny Feilhaber (Hamburger SV), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Justin Mapp (Chicago Fire), Lee Nguyen (PSV Eindhoven), Ben Olsen (D.C.United)
FORWARD- Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Herculez Gomez (Colorado Rapids), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards), Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution)
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I'd like to make it known right now that Ives is a bit ingenious for hyping the Gaven call-up a few days ago. He was probably the only one in all of U.S. soccer punditry who saw that coming.
The only tried and true presences in this squad are Keller, Conrad, DeMerit, and Feilhaber. DCU fans know that Olsen and Boswell have experience playing in hostile, pro-South American environments; their presence on the squad will be more for morale than international talent-- although, if Boswell performs well with Conrad and DeMerit, I'll feel good about DCU and the MNT.
I'm pegging Davies to have a breakout performance soon and Johnson to pick his head up a bit. This is a big opportunity for Nguyen, Gaven, and Mapp as well.
Something good this squad is that it gives Bradley the opportunity to truly sort out his second string options for when players in the First XI are unavailable. Trial by fire. But you know what? Although I am preparing myself for some absolutely tragic scorelines in the near future, this isn't something to be negative about. Not by a long shot. Copa America is a real opportunity for a large squad of players who need a real opportunity. I said it before, I'll say it again: during Copa America, I won't be hiding in fear.
GOALKEEPERS- Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Kasey Keller (Borussia Moenchengladbach)
DEFENDERS- Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Bobby Boswell (D.C. United), Dan Califf (Aalborg BK), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Drew Moor (FC Dallas), Heath Pearce (FC Nordsjælland), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)
MIDFIELDERS- Kyle Beckerman (Colorado Rapids), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Benny Feilhaber (Hamburger SV), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Justin Mapp (Chicago Fire), Lee Nguyen (PSV Eindhoven), Ben Olsen (D.C.United)
FORWARD- Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Herculez Gomez (Colorado Rapids), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards), Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution)
-------------
I'd like to make it known right now that Ives is a bit ingenious for hyping the Gaven call-up a few days ago. He was probably the only one in all of U.S. soccer punditry who saw that coming.
The only tried and true presences in this squad are Keller, Conrad, DeMerit, and Feilhaber. DCU fans know that Olsen and Boswell have experience playing in hostile, pro-South American environments; their presence on the squad will be more for morale than international talent-- although, if Boswell performs well with Conrad and DeMerit, I'll feel good about DCU and the MNT.
I'm pegging Davies to have a breakout performance soon and Johnson to pick his head up a bit. This is a big opportunity for Nguyen, Gaven, and Mapp as well.
Something good this squad is that it gives Bradley the opportunity to truly sort out his second string options for when players in the First XI are unavailable. Trial by fire. But you know what? Although I am preparing myself for some absolutely tragic scorelines in the near future, this isn't something to be negative about. Not by a long shot. Copa America is a real opportunity for a large squad of players who need a real opportunity. I said it before, I'll say it again: during Copa America, I won't be hiding in fear.
Argentina Hasn't Won Anything in 15 Years
And thus Argentina's roster for the Copa America is simply frightening. So is ours, if rumors are to be believed. Ives commenter:
Some commenter over at Deadspin posted this. Can't vouch for accuracy, obvs...
The Copa America roster for the U.S. was released today.
gk: keller, guzan
d: bornstein, boswell, califf, conrad, demerit, drew mooor, heath pearce, marvell wynne
m: kyle beckerman, rico clark, feilhaber, eddie gaven, sacha kljestan, justin mapp, lee nguyen, ben olsen
f: charlie davies, gomez, johnson, twellman
We're going to get slaughtered.
Goff corroborates, about Olsen and Boswell at least. Yikes.
Here's the thing: this game has potential. If we manage a draw or better, we have license to party like we never did during WC. If we lose, we fulfill everyone's expectations. Argentina's exciting to watch anyways. I won't be hiding in fear.
Little more on Hejduk: Jen Chang over at ESPN has some choice words for Hejduk's performance as well, and some interesting speculation as to Hejduk's successor v. Mexico. I'll agree that Hejduk's physicality would have troubled Guardado, but I am 90% positive Hejduk would have tripped over the ball in some way that would have proven disastrous for the US. Spector could do no worse, and I'm sure Simek could do better.
Some commenter over at Deadspin posted this. Can't vouch for accuracy, obvs...
The Copa America roster for the U.S. was released today.
gk: keller, guzan
d: bornstein, boswell, califf, conrad, demerit, drew mooor, heath pearce, marvell wynne
m: kyle beckerman, rico clark, feilhaber, eddie gaven, sacha kljestan, justin mapp, lee nguyen, ben olsen
f: charlie davies, gomez, johnson, twellman
We're going to get slaughtered.
Goff corroborates, about Olsen and Boswell at least. Yikes.
Here's the thing: this game has potential. If we manage a draw or better, we have license to party like we never did during WC. If we lose, we fulfill everyone's expectations. Argentina's exciting to watch anyways. I won't be hiding in fear.
Little more on Hejduk: Jen Chang over at ESPN has some choice words for Hejduk's performance as well, and some interesting speculation as to Hejduk's successor v. Mexico. I'll agree that Hejduk's physicality would have troubled Guardado, but I am 90% positive Hejduk would have tripped over the ball in some way that would have proven disastrous for the US. Spector could do no worse, and I'm sure Simek could do better.
USA v. CAN, Gold Cup 2007 Semifinal, 6-21-07
I went to a sports bar by my lonesome to watch this game. Overpriced food: paid sixteen dollars for a soda and a sandwich. I wasn't disappointed for entertainment value, though.
Here's Ives, more Ives (with ratings!), and Yahoo! Sports Singapore for good measure.
The game was ugly. Should have gone into extra time: regardless of who touched the ball first, Hutchinson was onsides. The goal should have stood.
Hedjuk is getting some undue praise about the match. Every member of our back four was a defensive liability, Hedjuk included. Bornstein was ineffective on offense and plain stupid on defense (Gerba played him like a puppet), Gooch was afraid of the yellow, Boca was trying to maintain Gooch's typical physicality without Gooch, and Hedjuk had numerous bad touches in crucial situations which gifted Canada with breakaways and momentum. Canada's offense was having an easier time than ours.
By the way, all due respect to the Canadians around here, but your MNT loves to hack. Donavan was getting legitimately abused by Stalteri & Co. Beasley the same. Even Keller couldn't escape the hard tackles, thanks in part to Boca and Hedjuk passing to him under pressure.
Other notes:
-Canada established physicality by the seventeenth minute and we played in the wings the rest of the game.
-Up until the seventeenth: Landon was dribbling at people. He + EJ + Bease + Deuce + Bradley were clicking like a true offensive unit. Looked good. After that our touches went from nifty to pressured.
-Hedjuk just looks uncoordinated with his own body sometimes.
-I like EJ. He smiles a lot. But he never manages to produce. I think if Bob tried out other young options up front (Nguyen, Davies, Altidore soon) it would take the pressure of EJ and he wouldn't look so bad all the time.
-Beasley played like he wanted to impress. I'm sure there were some Rangers reps present at the match. Bornstein wasn't helping any.
- Iain Hume for the 'Nucks was impressive.
-Both Keller and Onstad are over the hill. Or just out of form in a way that makes them look old.
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And in case you were wondering, there was a mothod to Donovan's PK madness. Or not.
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I've learned something about how I like to watch soccer: I prefer to put the TV on mute and crank up some good music. Think my own thoughts once in awhile.
Here's Ives, more Ives (with ratings!), and Yahoo! Sports Singapore for good measure.
The game was ugly. Should have gone into extra time: regardless of who touched the ball first, Hutchinson was onsides. The goal should have stood.
Hedjuk is getting some undue praise about the match. Every member of our back four was a defensive liability, Hedjuk included. Bornstein was ineffective on offense and plain stupid on defense (Gerba played him like a puppet), Gooch was afraid of the yellow, Boca was trying to maintain Gooch's typical physicality without Gooch, and Hedjuk had numerous bad touches in crucial situations which gifted Canada with breakaways and momentum. Canada's offense was having an easier time than ours.
By the way, all due respect to the Canadians around here, but your MNT loves to hack. Donavan was getting legitimately abused by Stalteri & Co. Beasley the same. Even Keller couldn't escape the hard tackles, thanks in part to Boca and Hedjuk passing to him under pressure.
Other notes:
-Canada established physicality by the seventeenth minute and we played in the wings the rest of the game.
-Up until the seventeenth: Landon was dribbling at people. He + EJ + Bease + Deuce + Bradley were clicking like a true offensive unit. Looked good. After that our touches went from nifty to pressured.
-Hedjuk just looks uncoordinated with his own body sometimes.
-I like EJ. He smiles a lot. But he never manages to produce. I think if Bob tried out other young options up front (Nguyen, Davies, Altidore soon) it would take the pressure of EJ and he wouldn't look so bad all the time.
-Beasley played like he wanted to impress. I'm sure there were some Rangers reps present at the match. Bornstein wasn't helping any.
- Iain Hume for the 'Nucks was impressive.
-Both Keller and Onstad are over the hill. Or just out of form in a way that makes them look old.
-------------------
And in case you were wondering, there was a mothod to Donovan's PK madness. Or not.
-------------------
I've learned something about how I like to watch soccer: I prefer to put the TV on mute and crank up some good music. Think my own thoughts once in awhile.
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