Going into this round we needed CB's; Going into next round we still do!

Lets just say these playoffs have not been favorable to Gonzo and the outlook on his future Internationaly. However, JK has shown zero interest in most of the others we have brought up here so who knows what will happen.

Need to watch some Seb Hines games to see if maybe he might be plan B.

 

You know, I truly do want him to succeed but it boils down to him making the plays. He can and has played better in the past. This was a an excellent test to gauge his development. Playing in the HEX is going to be much of the same...playing at a high tempo with lots on the line.

 

Just go back to the previous playoff games this year, last year and the year before that. Omar has experienced the intensity of the playoffs and has done well. He has also played in the CCL so he is used to the types of environments and opponents he'd face in the HEX.

 

This

That is why he is already on Klinsmann's list.

 

So his "marks" scoring 3 goals* (of 5 given up by LA) so far in playoffs this year you view as favorable?

*Could be more but I will go with what I know for sure are his.

 

OK and what past stats has to do with CURRENT form or is his past accomplishments going to play for him?

 

The past is prologue.

 

Really? sell that to Bornstein.

 

Omar has actually done very well in these playoffs except for yesterday's game which was played in wet turf and the unlucky SJ free kick when he jumped.

 

I saw the last 30min of the Hertha. JB looks to be a good passer. The heading was unpolished. He didn't look uncoordinated or slow.

 

Matt Besler won MLS Defender of the Year.
http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/11/20/sporting-kcs-besler-named-2012-defender-year

I think he is a good combination of skill and physicality. I'm afraid he needs more experience before being thrown into the Hex though. He has been steadily improving for the last 2-3 seasons, and I would consider him a serious candidate for WC '14- even though starting in Brazil is still a long shot.

 

Brian Sciaretta's take on CB issue

http://www.yanks-abroad.com/content.php?mode=show&id=9671

 

Watched some of the Malaga match. Gooch still looks a tad slow.

 

Zak Whitbread one of the defenders mentioned in that article is also slow.

Seb Hines hasn't been starting consistently.

 

Are you suggesting that speed is an important factor to consider?

 

good list, if hes gonna mention Berry I would give a shoutout to Hedges too

imo
1. Gonzo
2. Besler
3. Brooks
4. John/Hines/Whitbread?
5. Berry/Hedges/Okugo

 

I think id agree with that.

 

Then speak up and say so!

 

I am not sure about that. There's really not too many things in Club soccer that can simulate the Saprissa, Azteca, San Pedro Sula, the Office or even Panama during the Hex.

 

Not sure if is the same, are those games as important or have the type of consequence as in the Hex? After all, it is only done once every 4 years AFTER one qualifies the group round.

 

Matt Besler was the only American chosen for the MLS best XI, though they did select only CBs and no fullbacks.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/11/26/sporting-kc-land-four-players-2012-mls-best-xi

 

You must have meant Besler was the only American defender in the best XI, because Chris Wondolowski, Landon Donovan, Graham Zusi, and Chris Pontius were also picked.

 

If someone is going to suggest Demerit and Parke for "LOOKS" why not Chad Marshall. I saw somewhere that he was ranked highly among CB's in the MLS.

 

I would agree, if we are going this "older" route Marshall and Demerit should be 1 and 2 on list. I remember watching Marshall run with our fastest player (Omar Cummings) a whole game in Colorado.

 

Demerit is an C'ship, EPL, and World Cup vet. Parke and Marshall aren't at his level.