Pre-match: Camp Strudel: USA vs Canada; 1-29-13

Predictions on lineup go here.
Player discussion also goes here.

Here is my starting 11:

-------------------------Hall---------------------------
---Morales----Gonzalez------Besler----Morrow---
----------------------Beckerman---------------------
----------Zusi-----------------------Diskerud---------
--Gatt------------------------Agudelo----------------
---------------Bruin------------------------------------

News out of camp certainly sends the message that Bruin could be up for a starting job. Since JK has also said that this camp is definitely for preparing for Honduras, does that indicate that Bruin is a major candidate to make that roster? I'm interested to see which strikers from this roster make it to the WCQ.

I think, I agree with your lineup, except I'd guess that EJ is going to start instead of Agudelo.

I don't have that sort of feeling that Johnson will start, but then again...

very excited to see Zusi and Diskerud in the Midfield
and
Besler, Gonzalez at the CB spots

---------------Bruin----------------
--Johnson------------------Gatt------
-----Zusi-----------------Mix--------
-------------Beckerman--------------
Morrow---Besler-----Gonzo---Beltran
-------------------Hall------------------

GK is the biggest toss up mainly because none will really have a shot in playing in the WCQs.

I can see Morales going for 45 mins with Beltran starting or vice-versa.

Agudelo will probably play 30-45 mins but I don't think he'll start. Probably replace Gatt or Johnson.

Wondo on in the final third of the game for Bruin.

Love to see Davis get a shot at some point in the game. Also think Benny comes with half and hour left for either Mix or one of the wingers.

I expect Besler and Gonzo to go the full 90 mins to see how they play.

Outside of the CB's I'm more interested in seeing Morrow more then anyone else. He has the physical ability to play international ball but he's still not fully developed tactically.

Were it not for the off-season trade I'm sure I'd be seen as a NE Rev homer for saying this (and I may be still), but nothing about this match would make me more excited than to see that Benny is playing in a way that earns JK's confidence.

I believe that he (and players of his ilk) have been drastically overlooked in the JK regime with their approach to midfield tactics/personnel. We'll see. Go Yanks.

Cross-posting from the camp thread ...

Predicted ...



Preferred ...



That was as of January 21 - we've had a couple of injured players {Beitashour and Buddle} removed from consideration since then.

Click on the link above for Ives' rationale for each player's inclusion/exclusion.

Agudelo an EJ out there would be nice.
Especially if they can get proper service on crosses. Both are very accurate with their heads.

Buddle is out of the camp.

Seems like it has been an eternity since we have enjoyed a game. I am looking forward to it.

When the picks were first announced, it was suggested that Jurgen was going to use this camp to select some players to move on into the Honduras and Hex qualifiers. At that time, we thought Graham Zusi, Eddie Johnson and Omar Gonzalez were practically automatic with Gatt, Diskerud and Agudelo strong candidates for inclusion.

It's going to be interesting to see who emerges from this camp as legitimate roster contributors and contenders.

In addition to the aforementioned, Matt Besler plays a position where there is a primary need and Justin Morrow may be a candidate as a back up at left back. The reports out of camp have also indicated that Will Bruin has shined.

Has Kyle Beckerman continued to force his case for a roster spot? Has Benny Feilhaber revealed enough of the old magic to be viewed as a legitimate offensive spark off the bench? Are any other surprises lurking or emerging?

I believe these are the questions that most of us and the USA coaching staff hope and expect to be answered when we face the Canadians. Sweet revenge, given the full men's recent friendly tie and the Olympic qualifying defeat may also be gained.

Go USA and here's hoping a number of our younger candidates step boldly forward when given this opportunity.

Since there is only going to be six changes and from the limited report it looks like the younger ones were the ones that made things happen. I would think the starting back 4 will be on the field again. We could see alternates of Johnson-Davis, Mix-Failhaber, Gatt-Zusi, Hall-Hamid, Wondo-Bruin and even Beckerman-Morales. Can't see anyone else contesting serious minutes from these matchups.

He did make some good passes on the wing after coming on against Russia though...

I think the idea is to see how far Bruin's ability will take him as the difficulty of opponent increases. I have my doubts but it is worth a try and I dont see anybody better in camp.

It is definitely set up for Bruin to be successful. At home in Houston on familiar grounds. Maybe Davis coming in providing good service in the 2nd half.
Let's see if he takes advantage of it.

Seriously pissed that this game is not tonight or tomorrow night. I had grown quite accustomed to having a PM match on the weekend before the super bowl

Yeah, it's hard for me to put together a line-up. I imagine the following players will start: Bruin, Johnson, Zusi, Gonzalez, Beckerman. After that it seems like a lot of close calls or relative unknown factors.

-----------------------Hall---------------------
---Beltran---Gonzalez---Besler---Morrow---
--------------------Beckerman----------------
-------------Diskerud--------Davis------------
----Zusi-------------------------------Gatt----
---------------------Johnson------------------

Canadian squad, which includes American Mason Trafford

You tube channel Kicktv will stream Canada's friendly against Denmark in Tucson at 3 eastern.

While the younger ones made things happen, there are some mitigating factors. The starting lineup had two D-mids (Beckerman and Evans) whereas the second half featured Feilhaber and Mix in the middle, so the second half lineup was definitely more inclined to attack. Also, I don't know what Tijuana's lineup was like, but I suspect their second half lineup also featured more younger players, or perhaps they had more guys going the full 90 than we did since we had a rather big squad. I guess my point is that our young guys probably either played weaker players and benefited from attacking with fresher legs.

I think you are probably right, the first half it was more traditional (defensive) and once JK realized the opponent wasn't as strong he decided to forgo with the DM and go with two AMs.

EJ should start, not sure who will be the striker out of Aguedlo or Bruin though. Also wouldn't mind Davis starting, hope he gets a chance off the bench if not. Ready to see what the CBs, Diskerud, Gatt and Morrow can do though. I think Morrow and Besler are pretty underrated

I'd bet it's Bruin. He's a coach's pet type of player. In addition to being fairly physically strong, he's got effort you can rely on. With Agudelo, you have to hope the 'right Agudelo' showed up that day. With Bruin you aren't going to have that problem.