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Sninho Offline
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Post: #21
RE: OT: USMNT Soccer Thread
(06-12-2017 10:31 AM)Rojogrande Wrote:  Yea Bradley saved the day last night for sure. Like Sninho said though he plays much better with Acosta as his partner. Acosta plays box to box and it allowed Bradley to be Bradley from 4 years ago where he makes dangerous runs up the pitch and can play more forward. He still had some really bad giveaways and fouls in dangerous areas. But overall he played a much better game in Azteca than he has played in a while.

I will be honest with the line-up was announced yesterday I was a little beside myself. I am more than glad to be wrong. Though I do maintain if Howard had been in goal instead of Guzan he would have at least got a fingertip on the Mexican goal.

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I think Howard is starting to show his decline at this point. He is not Gigi Buffon playing in the Champion's League Final at his age. I'm not entirely convinced he still has the competitive spirit needed for international matches. I think Guzan could put a real stranglehold on the keeper position going forward if given the opportunity.

Beyond that, I think last night might have represented a changing of the guard somewhat. Not that long ago, it would have been a no-brainer to put Dempsey, Jones, Howard, and Altidore on the line up sheet in pen against Mexico in Azteca. I like that Bruce started Paul Arriola, Kellyn Acosta, and Bobby Wood. The truth is, we've really got guys that can provide actual competition for spots that were considered locks for a long time. That's how this program grows and moves forward.
06-12-2017 11:16 AM
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VA49er Offline
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Post: #22
RE: OT: USMNT Soccer Thread
(06-12-2017 11:16 AM)Sninho Wrote:  
(06-12-2017 10:31 AM)Rojogrande Wrote:  Yea Bradley saved the day last night for sure. Like Sninho said though he plays much better with Acosta as his partner. Acosta plays box to box and it allowed Bradley to be Bradley from 4 years ago where he makes dangerous runs up the pitch and can play more forward. He still had some really bad giveaways and fouls in dangerous areas. But overall he played a much better game in Azteca than he has played in a while.

I will be honest with the line-up was announced yesterday I was a little beside myself. I am more than glad to be wrong. Though I do maintain if Howard had been in goal instead of Guzan he would have at least got a fingertip on the Mexican goal.

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I think Howard is starting to show his decline at this point. He is not Gigi Buffon playing in the Champion's League Final at his age. I'm not entirely convinced he still has the competitive spirit needed for international matches. I think Guzan could put a real stranglehold on the keeper position going forward if given the opportunity.

Beyond that, I think last night might have represented a changing of the guard somewhat. Not that long ago, it would have been a no-brainer to put Dempsey, Jones, Howard, and Altidore on the line up sheet in pen against Mexico in Azteca. I like that Bruce started Paul Arriola, Kellyn Acosta, and Bobby Wood. The truth is, we've really got guys that can provide actual competition for spots that were considered locks for a long time. That's how this program grows and moves forward.

TBH, that ball should have never even made it to Guzan.
06-12-2017 11:30 AM
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Rojogrande Offline
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Post: #23
RE: OT: USMNT Soccer Thread
(06-12-2017 11:16 AM)Sninho Wrote:  
(06-12-2017 10:31 AM)Rojogrande Wrote:  Yea Bradley saved the day last night for sure. Like Sninho said though he plays much better with Acosta as his partner. Acosta plays box to box and it allowed Bradley to be Bradley from 4 years ago where he makes dangerous runs up the pitch and can play more forward. He still had some really bad giveaways and fouls in dangerous areas. But overall he played a much better game in Azteca than he has played in a while.

I will be honest with the line-up was announced yesterday I was a little beside myself. I am more than glad to be wrong. Though I do maintain if Howard had been in goal instead of Guzan he would have at least got a fingertip on the Mexican goal.

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I think Howard is starting to show his decline at this point. He is not Gigi Buffon playing in the Champion's League Final at his age. I'm not entirely convinced he still has the competitive spirit needed for international matches. I think Guzan could put a real stranglehold on the keeper position going forward if given the opportunity.

Beyond that, I think last night might have represented a changing of the guard somewhat. Not that long ago, it would have been a no-brainer to put Dempsey, Jones, Howard, and Altidore on the line up sheet in pen against Mexico in Azteca. I like that Bruce started Paul Arriola, Kellyn Acosta, and Bobby Wood. The truth is, we've really got guys that can provide actual competition for spots that were considered locks for a long time. That's how this program grows and moves forward.


I agree Howard is starting to decline. However, even at his decline he is still better than Guzan. The problem with Guzan has always been that he can't make the big save. That is why he is no longer in the Premier League. He fell off dramatically as well. I think going forward we need to play younger guys like Horvath or Jesse Gonzalez (who just switched over from Mexico) in goal to get them the experience they need to take over in the next couple years. They both still have a lot of upside and sadly if we are relying on Guzan long term we will be in trouble in my opinion.
06-12-2017 12:01 PM
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Rojogrande Offline
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Post: #24
RE: OT: USMNT Soccer Thread
(06-12-2017 11:30 AM)VA49er Wrote:  
(06-12-2017 11:16 AM)Sninho Wrote:  
(06-12-2017 10:31 AM)Rojogrande Wrote:  Yea Bradley saved the day last night for sure. Like Sninho said though he plays much better with Acosta as his partner. Acosta plays box to box and it allowed Bradley to be Bradley from 4 years ago where he makes dangerous runs up the pitch and can play more forward. He still had some really bad giveaways and fouls in dangerous areas. But overall he played a much better game in Azteca than he has played in a while.

I will be honest with the line-up was announced yesterday I was a little beside myself. I am more than glad to be wrong. Though I do maintain if Howard had been in goal instead of Guzan he would have at least got a fingertip on the Mexican goal.

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I think Howard is starting to show his decline at this point. He is not Gigi Buffon playing in the Champion's League Final at his age. I'm not entirely convinced he still has the competitive spirit needed for international matches. I think Guzan could put a real stranglehold on the keeper position going forward if given the opportunity.

Beyond that, I think last night might have represented a changing of the guard somewhat. Not that long ago, it would have been a no-brainer to put Dempsey, Jones, Howard, and Altidore on the line up sheet in pen against Mexico in Azteca. I like that Bruce started Paul Arriola, Kellyn Acosta, and Bobby Wood. The truth is, we've really got guys that can provide actual competition for spots that were considered locks for a long time. That's how this program grows and moves forward.

TBH, that ball should have never even made it to Guzan.

No question you are correct there. Beasley did what he was supposed to do and force the man inside to help defenders. But no help defenders came as Cameron was still recovering from being up field and Acosta was man marking Chicharito.
06-12-2017 12:03 PM
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Sninho Offline
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Post: #25
RE: OT: USMNT Soccer Thread
(06-12-2017 12:01 PM)Rojogrande Wrote:  
(06-12-2017 11:16 AM)Sninho Wrote:  
(06-12-2017 10:31 AM)Rojogrande Wrote:  Yea Bradley saved the day last night for sure. Like Sninho said though he plays much better with Acosta as his partner. Acosta plays box to box and it allowed Bradley to be Bradley from 4 years ago where he makes dangerous runs up the pitch and can play more forward. He still had some really bad giveaways and fouls in dangerous areas. But overall he played a much better game in Azteca than he has played in a while.

I will be honest with the line-up was announced yesterday I was a little beside myself. I am more than glad to be wrong. Though I do maintain if Howard had been in goal instead of Guzan he would have at least got a fingertip on the Mexican goal.

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I think Howard is starting to show his decline at this point. He is not Gigi Buffon playing in the Champion's League Final at his age. I'm not entirely convinced he still has the competitive spirit needed for international matches. I think Guzan could put a real stranglehold on the keeper position going forward if given the opportunity.

Beyond that, I think last night might have represented a changing of the guard somewhat. Not that long ago, it would have been a no-brainer to put Dempsey, Jones, Howard, and Altidore on the line up sheet in pen against Mexico in Azteca. I like that Bruce started Paul Arriola, Kellyn Acosta, and Bobby Wood. The truth is, we've really got guys that can provide actual competition for spots that were considered locks for a long time. That's how this program grows and moves forward.


I agree Howard is starting to decline. However, even at his decline he is still better than Guzan. The problem with Guzan has always been that he can't make the big save. That is why he is no longer in the Premier League. He fell off dramatically as well. I think going forward we need to play younger guys like Horvath or Jesse Gonzalez (who just switched over from Mexico) in goal to get them the experience they need to take over in the next couple years. They both still have a lot of upside and sadly if we are relying on Guzan long term we will be in trouble in my opinion.

Jesse hasn't switched anything because he's not technically cap tied to anyone. He's basically just said that he'll play with whichever team caps him first now. If he plays for us in the Gold Cup, then he's ours, but he could still play in a friendly and go back to Mexico if he wanted to.

Nevertheless, I think your point is well served. We've kinda hit a small gulf in which we don't have a younger keeper ready yet, but our keepers are no longer a strong point of the team. I agree with VA49er though, if the defense does its job, then the keeper doesn't even need to make that save.
06-12-2017 02:51 PM
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MTPiKapp Offline
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Post: #26
RE: OT: USMNT Soccer Thread
I'm just ready for Gonzalez to get capped by somebody, tired of his wishy washiness on this matter, wasn't it just April that he said he wants to play for Mexico?
06-12-2017 02:58 PM
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Sninho Offline
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Post: #27
RE: OT: USMNT Soccer Thread
(06-12-2017 02:58 PM)MTPiKapp Wrote:  I'm just ready for Gonzalez to get capped by somebody, tired of his wishy washiness on this matter, wasn't it just April that he said he wants to play for Mexico?

He's 22yrs old. My most important decision at 22 was Budweiser or Coors, so I'm willing to give him a pass on being indecisive about what country he wants to cast his potential future international availability with. Also, at 22, is he better than Ethan Horvath or Zack Steffen? I think he's very good, but Horvath might be playing Champion's League next season with Club Brugge and Steffen is very highly thought of in the US setup, despite not being included on the preliminary roster. They're all basically the same size, 6'3"-6'4", 180-190lbs. I guess I'm just saying that I don't think it'll really matter in the long run if Jesse sticks with the US or not, I expect one of those three to be the keeper for the foreseeable future, and I think it'll come after the next World Cup.
06-12-2017 04:36 PM
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Rojogrande Offline
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Post: #28
RE: OT: USMNT Soccer Thread
I realize it isn't official until he is cap tied. He only played for Mexico at the youth level. Gonzalez is on the Gold Cup roster for us and his agent has said he would accept if he made the 23-man roster. Hopefully arena cap ties him during competition. I agree that I think he is behind Horvath, but he may be right there with Steffen. Gonzalez problem with Mexico is that Ochoa is locked in there for quite a while and I think he wants a chance to play sooner rather then later. He is like 3rd or 4th on the GK depth chart for Mexico right now.
06-12-2017 05:34 PM
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FriscoDawg Offline
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Post: #29
RE: OT: USMNT Soccer Thread
American Outlaws are that much closer to booking trips to Russia next June as Panama had to come from behind just to pull out a 2-2 draw at home against Honduras.

US stays in an automatic qualifying position with four matches left in the hex.
06-13-2017 10:38 PM
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Sninho Offline
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RE: OT: USMNT Soccer Thread
Costa Rica at home and Honduras on the road, can't afford not to get points out of those games. Panama at home will be tough, but I don't see them winning. Same with T&T. What I love is that there is still a mathematical chance that we end up qualifying in first place, provided we win all of our remaining games. Actually, there's a chance for a 3-way tie at the top with Costa Rica if they lose to the US and win their remaining games, but Mexico would have to lose two or draw three. Gotta love the Hex!
06-14-2017 01:34 PM
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VA49er Offline
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Post: #31
RE: OT: USMNT Soccer Thread
Looks like several of the European league players (including Pulisic) won't be called up for Gold Cup action. Arena mentioned rest as the primary reason.
06-16-2017 09:11 AM
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Rojogrande Offline
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RE: OT: USMNT Soccer Thread
I figured that would be the case. Send the "B" team and get some guys cap tied. The Gold Cup before the world cup is usually the one where teams don't send their A squads. It is a good chance to get some of the young guys some experience on the international stage and get them ready to help contribute down the road.
06-16-2017 11:53 AM
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pilot172000 Offline
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Post: #33
RE: OT: USMNT Soccer Thread
We need the experience now that WC qualifying is winding down.
06-16-2017 12:23 PM
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Rojogrande Offline
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RE: OT: USMNT Soccer Thread
Per Stu Holden:

Understand Jesse Gonzalez has officially submitted paperwork to FIFA for one time switch to USA and will be automatically cap tied.

Paperwork submitted for Gent midfielder Kenny Saief to make one-time switch from Israel to USA has been approved by FIFA.
(This post was last modified: 06-22-2017 01:25 PM by Rojogrande.)
06-22-2017 01:17 PM
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Sninho Offline
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RE: OT: USMNT Soccer Thread
Well there we go then.
06-22-2017 04:19 PM
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Rojogrande Offline
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Post: #36
RE: OT: USMNT Soccer Thread
Gold cup group stage 23-man roster was announced. No Jesse Gonzalez as FIFA hasn't approved his switch to USMNT yet.

Goalkeepers:
Guzan
Hamid
Johnson

Defenders:
Besler
Gonzo
Hedges
Lichaj
Miazga
Morrow
Villafana
Zusi

Midfielders:
Acosta
Arriola
Bedoya
Corona
McCarty
Roldan
Rowe
Saief
Zardes

Forwards:
Agudelo
Dwyer
Morris
06-25-2017 01:27 PM
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Sninho Offline
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RE: OT: USMNT Soccer Thread
I'm a little disappointed to not have Nagbe called in for the group stages, honestly. I feel like he needs as much time playing international games as possible. Here's my XI against Panama:

Saief Agudelo Morris

Rowe
Acosta
Roldan

Villafana-Gonzo-Hedges-Lichaj

Guzan

Only position I'd worry about in that lineup is CAM, I'm not entirely certain Kellyn Rowe is up to it on an international level, but he's doing well with New England.
06-26-2017 02:33 PM
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MonarchManiac Online
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RE: OT: USMNT Soccer Thread
Ignorance probably on my part....but what is the reasoning for leaving out most of our top quality players for this tournament?
06-27-2017 12:39 PM
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MTPiKapp Offline
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Post: #39
RE: OT: USMNT Soccer Thread
(06-27-2017 12:39 PM)MonarchManiac Wrote:  Ignorance probably on my part....but what is the reasoning for leaving out most of our top quality players for this tournament?

World Cup qualifying is also going on, so it's largely a B squad for the Gold Cup.
06-27-2017 01:04 PM
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Sninho Offline
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RE: OT: USMNT Soccer Thread
I think part of it is also about expanding the player pool and giving more players opportunities. Its similar to what Germany's doing with aplomb during the Confederations Cup. For the most part, we know what Altidore, Bradley, Pulisic and Howard can do and don't need to see them against these guys. The backline isn't totally settled, outside of Brooks, so here's a chance for Lichaj and Villafana to put themselves in the conversation. I think calling in this squad makes this Gold Cup more interesting.
06-27-2017 01:29 PM
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