USMNT

[ASU_Fanatic]

SOCCER. My love for soccer continues to grow, and I'm an avid follower and supporter of the USMNT. Last night's game was absolute nuts, we're always so resilient. It's glad to see Jozy is coming around the corner, he has potential to be a star and when he's on it he's our best player. Not Dempsey (who's a Furman grad, btw) but we're in great position to qualify for the world cup after last night, when Jamaica tied it in the 89th minute 1-1 then we scored in the 92nd to secure a 2-1 win and three huge points. Panama at home Tuesday, we tend to be great at home so hopefully we win our next two games against Panama and Honduras at home to get 6 more points. If we can do that, we'll be close to locking up our spot in Brazil 2014 with still a good bit of games remaining. Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Alitidore will definitely be the three catalyst, I think they're easily our three best players on the pitch and Howard is still solid in the net. Our defense is concerning me. We gave up too many chances last night and the goal we gave up was a pitiful effort all around, JK should be ripping them up about that even though we still won the game. It should have never came down to that. Other than that though we were making some good clearances, it was just the last part of the first half we looked really bad. It looks like we've finally found the pair of CMs will be moving forward with in Jones and Bradley, they're just clearly better than any other CMs we have in the pool right now. Dempsey will continue to be a threat, and again I think Altidore is our best player. If he would learn to use his strength more he could be the next American star in the Donovan/Dempsey mold. Well I figured we'll discuss the team here. If there's already a thread merge this, but I didn't see one on the front page.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Klinsmann is definitely throwing his defensemen into the fire trying to figure out who belongs back there. Klinsmann has impressed me with his ballsy scheduling of Belgium, Germany, and just recently he adding Bosnia/Herzegovinia, currently atop their WCQ group. What's a bit sad is if we had a young Eddie Pope back there, the USMNT would be poised to do some serious damage.

[tribe_pride]

Anyone think that Donovan will be back at all? He would definitely help if we can get him back but not sure if he or Klins wants him back.

[superman7515]

United States Mutant Ninja Turtles?

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Anyone think that Donovan will be back at all? He would definitely help if we can get him back but not sure if he or Klins wants him back.

I get the impression that it's an epic battle of wills going on. Though I think he's on the gold cup list, somewhere, which might be greasing the wheels for his eventual return. We'll see.

[HailSzczur]

From following many MLS reporters and sources on twitter, most people are anticipating Lando and Klinsmann working something out after the gold cup. He's looked pretty good since being back (shelled my Union) and if he has a strong showing he will be back. Only problem is he basically plays the same position as Zusi, who has played very well in qualifying thus far. Only difference is Lando likes to create down the middle and Zusi is a killer with his distribution from wide.

Defense is the big concern for me. The offense is looking good with Duce, Altidore, Hurc Gomez, Eddie Johnson, etc.... I don't mind Klinsmann throwing every different defensive combo out there. Brad Davis played well in Kingston, but isn't the answer. Granted Chlander and Cherundelo are hurt and we will get some relief. But I really like Besler, Omar Gonzalez, and Beasly on the back line. Should be fun, 2 more WCQ games to come

[ASU_Fanatic]

I still think Donovan makes us a better team, but the last thing I want is to bring him in if him and JK are gonna but heads the entire time, we don't need that. If he comes back him and JK better be completely on the same terms, because if not Zusi will suffice. He's played very well. I agree, the defense is what is worrying me. Can't wait for the Panama game tonight. We should win, but a draw would still suffice. We're sitting pretty right now.

[HailSzczur]

Stepping aside for a second, how about Mexico. Love to see disorder down there. Pura Vida!!! Way to go Costa Rica

[MSUDuo]

Stepping aside for a second, how about Mexico. Love to see disorder down there. Pura Vida!!! Way to go Costa Rica

Seeing Mexico in 3rd makes leading this thing right now even sweeter

[ASU_Fanatic]

What an awesome showing for the USA tonight. Best performance under JK yet imo. Fabian Johnson is seriously one of the best LMs we've ever had. Our chances to qualify are now at 98.5%. WE ARE GOING TO BRAZILLLL, WE ARE GOING TO BRAZIL.

[citdog]

http://www.reflexstock.com/stock-photo-image/Girl-soccer-players-eating-orange-36188050-0.jpg

[Lehigh Football Nation]

What an awesome showing for the USA tonight. Best performance under JK yet imo. Fabian Johnson is seriously one of the best LMs we've ever had. Our chances to qualify are now at 98.5%. WE ARE GOING TO BRAZILLLL, WE ARE GOING TO BRAZIL.

Great night for the USMNT, coupled with Mexico's humiliation at home against Costa Rica. IMO, it's a matter of time before we see Donovan back. While seeing Jozy score goal after goal for us is great, an attack with Bradley, Jozy, Dempsey AND Landon could make us a great, clinical, attacking team. The only issue is the back line, and while they still need some work, they made great strides last night.

When was the last time you saw a team actually spooked coming to play in the US? I'd never seen it until last night. Panama was reeling after the first goal and never felt like they were going to be a threat. It could have easily been 3-0 or 4-0.

While great, you have to look at the lack of depth behind Jozy and be concerned. If for no other reason the USMNT needs Landon back.

[NHwildEcat]

What an awesome showing for the USA tonight. Best performance under JK yet imo. Fabian Johnson is seriously one of the best LMs we've ever had. Our chances to qualify are now at 98.5%. WE ARE GOING TO BRAZILLLL, WE ARE GOING TO BRAZIL.

Agreed.

Getting into the World Cup each time is an expectation. If the US were to fail after how far the sport has come in the past decade it would be an embarrasement. As a US soccer fan I demand a spot in Brazil and I want to come out of the group play and get into the semi-finals this time around. They need Donovan for that to happen.

[MSUDuo]

Even with the debacle of 2006, I demand fitting a spot in the Round of 16. We've come a long way since 1998 and there is no reason to not have expectations raised.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

I thought this was interesting... Mariners might have screwed US Soccer out of $1 million or more.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/prishe/2013/06/12/seattle-mariners-city-of-seattle-cost-usa-soccer-at-least-1-million-in-revenue-due-to-ticket-sales-cap/

[NHwildEcat]

I thought this was interesting... Mariners might have screwed US Soccer out of $1 million or more.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/prishe/2013/06/12/seattle-mariners-city-of-seattle-cost-usa-soccer-at-least-1-million-in-revenue-due-to-ticket-sales-cap/

Seattle hates America.

[Nova09]

Seattle hates America.

Nah, they just hate themselves. Ever listen to grunge?xlolx

[Nova09]

Great night for the USMNT, coupled with Mexico's humiliation at home against Costa Rica. IMO, it's a matter of time before we see Donovan back. While seeing Jozy score goal after goal for us is great, an attack with Bradley, Jozy, Dempsey AND Landon could make us a great, clinical, attacking team. The only issue is the back line, and while they still need some work, they made great strides last night.

When was the last time you saw a team actually spooked coming to play in the US? I'd never seen it until last night. Panama was reeling after the first goal and never felt like they were going to be a threat. It could have easily been 3-0 or 4-0.

While great, you have to look at the lack of depth behind Jozy and be concerned. If for no other reason the USMNT needs Landon back.

I hate to be the downer, and that game was a lot of fun to watch and overall we controlled it, but I feel a general sense of overreaction to beating an inferior team at home by a score of 2-0. I know part of the problem is we so rarely beat anyone by more than a goal, but that whole mindset needs to change. As for a few great chances we had to put a couple more in, don't overlook the chances they missed out on. A split second slower on the defense moving the line and they score at the end of the first to take a 1-1 game into the half and all the emotion away from us. If that happens, Johnson might not be so open for his run with them playing a different scheme. Even if we did get up 2-1, they had a golden opportunity at the end and we could be talking about how we can't close out halves and got a disappointing tie. They had a few other good opportunities, just lost their footing or got muscled off the ball after essentially beating the defender. I know both teams played on the same surface and a defender recovering enough to use his body to cut off the lane is a skill, but still I don't want to get carried away by an admittedly very fun game and end up blinded to our flaws.

[tribe_pride]

I thought this was interesting... Mariners might have screwed US Soccer out of $1 million or more.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/prishe/2013/06/12/seattle-mariners-city-of-seattle-cost-usa-soccer-at-least-1-million-in-revenue-due-to-ticket-sales-cap/

They brought up the attendance cap a number of times during the game wondering if 5,000 people were going to make it to the Mariners-Astros game

[TTUEagles]

Nah, they just hate themselves. Ever listen to grunge?xlolx

Best band to come out of Seattle was Queensryche, anyway...

[ASU_Fanatic]

sloppy tonight in the first half, but we looked a lot better the last 30 minutes or so. i didn't think we'd ever find the back of the net. but jozy came through again. i'm feeling GREAT :)

[NHwildEcat]

Sitting pretty with some time off now before the final four qualifying games! Good work by these men.

Now a little World Cup Break for some Gold Cup action, let's get back on track there. Should be as usual a final matchup with Mexico; nothing to crazy there.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Graham Zusi has the potential to be the most creative midfielder the USMNT has EVER had. I hope European teams are watching these WCQ games because I think somebody needs this guy. West Ham gave him a trial in January and they'd be insane not to pick him up, IMO.

The Gold Cup needs to be all about getting that back four straightened out, and getting depth at mid and striker. Part of that depth solution is Landon Donovan, and we'll see if Jeff McInerney and Wondolowski are, too. Can Onyewu get back into the mix?

[ASU_Fanatic]

Graham Zusi has the potential to be the most creative midfielder the USMNT has EVER had. I hope European teams are watching these WCQ games because I think somebody needs this guy. West Ham gave him a trial in January and they'd be insane not to pick him up, IMO.

The Gold Cup needs to be all about getting that back four straightened out, and getting depth at mid and striker. Part of that depth solution is Landon Donovan, and we'll see if Jeff McInerney and Wondolowski is, too. Can Onyewu get back into the mix?

What about John Anthony Brooks? He's arguably our best prospect. And with how shaky our D is looking, I think he could make an impact sooner rather than later.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

What about John Anthony Brooks? He's arguably our best prospect. And with how shaky our D is looking, I think he could make an impact sooner rather than later.

He actually looks like Onyewu. He hasn't been capped yet. If he's in the mix I agree I'd love to see what he could do alongside Omar Gonzalez and the others.

[MSUDuo]

JAB is listed as a CB. Barring injury we're going to be set at CB. Klinsmann isn't going to stray from the Beseler-Gonzo combo.

Maybe someone else can provide info into if he can play LB or RB

[HailSzczur]

Ugh, I don't want to see Jack Mac on the Gold Cup squad. Call me selfish, but it seems my Union could be decimated without him

[MSUDuo]

If USA wins and Mex/Hon draw, then either a Panama loss or draw secures USA qualification. This is because if Panama draws, they would need to win all 3 of their remaining matches plus goal difference to jump the USA, including beating both Mexico and Honduras. That means Mexico and Honduras would be at 9 and 8 points through 8 games each, and neither could possibly reach the USA's 16.

[MSUDuo]

Ghana stands in the way again of another USMNT advancing at a World Cup. This time it's at the U20s in Turkey. A win and we probably advance as one of the 4 best 3rd place teams.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

USMNT has beaten their respective opponents 12-1 in two straight games now, including Round 1 of the GC. Wondo and Landon have looked like world-beaters, , even though it was Guatemala's A/B team and Belize, who is terrible. In any event, Klinsmann looks like a genius now to get them to compete for their spots on the team. Integrating Wondo and Landon with an already strong attack with Dempsey/Jozy is a pleasant problem to have. Beckerman, too, did a nice job creating the second goal.

But despite the good times, the problems with the back line remain. The goal the USMNT gave up to Belize was horrible, leaving a guy completely unmarked on a corner. Orozco is the same, inconsistent player he was with the Union - deadly on headers, but he always seems to have dangerous, serious mental lapses that lead to goals. Beasley is doing yeoman's work at DL but it's hard to picture him as the long-term answer. If the USMNT's goalie situation brings us to chunky Nick Rimando in the WC, I have serious concerns. We don't need a 1990 German back four but we need one central defender that we can depend on, and we don't have that yet. We need one badly.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

With the 1-0 win vs. Costa Rica in the GC, finally we see some decent defending with Orozco, Goodson and Beasley. It was really encouraging to see them with a clean sheet with Sean Johnson at goalie. Talk about a goalie that needed a confidence boost - Johnson looks like the future at goal, and if I'm Klinsmann he's going with me to Brazil to learn what a WC is about.

With all the offense the USMNT has had, this game in the oppressive heat was a real chess match and rested on one cleared corner and counterattack. As fun as the other games were, this was the one where they were genuinely tested by a good team and passed the test.

[HailSzczur]

Ugh, I just want to see Jack McInerney in the Red White and Blue for even just 5 minutes tonight. Feeling really good about the rest of the GC and WCQ. I'd love to head down to Brazil ranked in the Top 18 or so in the world, which is conceivable.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

The GC win was a feel-good moment for the national team, but in retrospect didn't seem like a really strong challenge for the hosts since Mexico got upset by Panama in the semis. The USMNT will be more tested after their trip to Bosnia in a couple of weeks, who are a young team with a ton of offense and also a squad that seems like they have a good chance to make their first-ever WC.

The temptation is to read too far into the GC victory. Bosnia and Mexico coming up will be the real litmus test, especially if Mexico will be as desperate for a win as I think they'll be.

The back line has vastly improved after a summer playing together. Like it or not, too, DaMarcus Beasely, barring injury, will be your starting left back in Brazil.

[HailSzczur]

Jozy F'inf Altidore. What a game.

[appmaj]

Jozy F'inf Altidore. What a game.


Crazy. Hope Jozy can keep it going

[344Johnson]

I just generally don't waste my time cheering for the USMNT.

Die Mannschaft uber alles!

[appmaj]

I just generally don't waste my time cheering for the USMNT.

Die Mannschaft uber alles!


Ok. Thanks for commenting on a USMNT thread. xeyebrowx