US Soccer Spot

Just read on Soccernet.com that two of the best prospects, Gyau and Renken,  for the US Men’s National U-17 Team will be heading to Germany to continue their development.  I’ve been hearing about these guys for awhile now and am definitely looking forward to their development.  It’s good these guys are getting over their now and developing under a system (the German one, not necessarily Hoffenheim’s – takin’ what I can get here) that produces top-level talent.  US Soccer video of the two playing against Brazil a few years ago:

Jozy came on at the 60 minute mark during this weekend’s game for Hull City and managed to get an assist with his first touch – balled. Too bad he missed a couple golden chances after that – saul good, we still love you. Take that Xerxes, ya Persian punk!

So I’m late. I didn’t get to watch the entirety of the game since I had too much work to do at…work. So I streamed it while at work. That didn’t exactly work out to well with everyone else online – made for a choppy showing. Anyway, the US went ahead and basically played for the tie after that. Bunkered in and played bend, but don’t break.

Why? If you score in the ninth minute, perhaps keep the pressure on or at the very least maintain some sort of possession.  Mexico dominated possession.  They usually win the possession game, say 51% to 49%, but this was ridiculous.  Didn’t see the actual possession percentages, but I’m sure it was worse than that.  And, if you’re going to bunker in, why in the hell did Ching get to play as much as he did?  He needs service and people running off of him to be of any use.  At least Jozy can create on his own, so the need to have guys running off of him decreases.  Poor choice, Bob.  

And well done to Charlie Davies.  He played aggressively, took his chance well (didn’t on that header…), and was active.  He still has a way to go, but he’s showing great promise.

Also, Spector should have started over Cherundolo. There is no reason to switch the Confed Cup lineup. None. Spector played extremely well against superior competition. Way to jack up the chemistry, Bob.

The defeat doesn’t do much to damage their chances of going to the World Cup, but it certainly makes things a bit tighter.  And, it’s our rival.  And with they way they played in the Confed Cup, it did seem their best chance to win thus far.  We always have the Gyao, Renken, McInerny group on the way.

“He ended up initially on loan at Everton, some newspapers even cruelly suggested that as a sufferer of Tourette syndrome who refused to medicate himself against the neurological disease, he had lost Ferguson’s confidence….”

Good little article from Soccernet on Tim Howard.  I found this tidbit of information particularly interesting – the non-medicating part.  Considering how often we as a society medicate for every problem we have, I’d say that’ s quite commendable.

Altidore is off to the English Premier League, to Hull City to be exact.  Hull City?  Yes, Hull City.  Not a glamorous team, but at this point it’s all about being able to get consistent minutes for the guy.  He sat on the bench after Villareal loaned him out to some second division Spanish club (Xerez) whose name reminds me of the movie 300 and that Persian Xerxes.  The EPL will suit him just fine.  He plays physical and the refs allow much more tussling to go on unlike the in Spanish league.  Freeeedom!

Now that’s what I’mtawnbout!

Fado Austin

If there is anyone in Austin, TX looking for a spot to watch the US versus Mexico World Cup qualifier this week (you only live once, take the day off or take off early – come aaaawn), I’d suggest Fado on 4th.  Place is always packed when the US plays, and during the EPL season for that matter.  It’s an Irish pub – dark, bar’s made of 4 tons of solid wood, awesome food (Shepherd’s Pie) and knowledgable fans, lots of fans from other countries – good stuff.

Bradley names U.S. roster to face Mexico – U.S. Soccer – ESPN Soccernet.

Please, for the love of god, do not play Ching.  As a matter of fact, Bob, don’t change a damn thing from the Confederations Cup, cool?  There is no need to tinker.  That lineup played Spain and Brazil extremely well – duh.  Demerit needs to stay as does Davies.  Onyewu and Altidore are the anchors and the other are free to move around a bit more – that’s what will work best.  Yes, Altidore needs to work on his touch and playing with his back to goal, but he is still our best forward.  Let him learn under pressure.  As for Onyewu, yes, that mofo is huge and muscular, but he isn’t the quickiest guy.  He has long limbs and isn’t going to win a quickness contest.  Keep Boca on the left, where he plays for his club team, and let Spector rain in crosses from the right.  No Ching.  No Bornstein.  No Casey.  Maybe Torres midway through the second half if someone is conspicuously tired.

And for the record, I’m predicting a 2-1 USA win – first ever.  That team at the Gold Cup was straight dookie, C-team status.  I’m a massive US soccer fanboy, but they played horrible competition while having people sing their praises (Beckerman, Marshal, even Holden, I’m not yet willing to give him anything since he disappeared in the Mexico game after they lost their minds).