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

Parkhurst wasnt good enough to play CB for Nordsjaelland. He is certainly not national team quality as a centerback.

 

There's a separate thread already for Klinsmann's 'pre-Russia' conference call, but in terms of CB name-dropping ...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs...uergen-klinsmann-discusses-u-s-national-team/

 

Yep, he's the natural replacement when Omar leaves L.A., which could be this winter.

 

Demerit is a big part of why Vancouver were able to limp into a playoff spot, and is arguably their most important player. He's one of the best defenders in MLS, actually. Nevertheless, I don't look to him as anything but an emergency "Oh crap, we're out 3 defenders this camp!" type of a call-up. A big part of that is that he is the least capable player that we have to play the high-line or the play-out-of-the-back games that Klinsmann prefers to play. If we have to deploy Jay Demerit, we have to fundamentally change the way the team deploys.

He picked up some kind of injury last night, and I don't know how bad it is or if it would be a factor for how long.

 

Care to bring some data with that statement? I've only watched a few of his games with Nordsjaelland with him playing RB, but he definitely looked like one of their best players. I think it's more that they feel like they have competent CBs and prefer him at RB... mostly to add to the attack.

 

I cant really back it up. Its pretty much what ive heard from working with EA & watching a few matches where he played centerback (a while ago). He was benched as a centerback & reinvented as a fullback. He plays right back because he is better at that position now & Okore & I believe, Mtiliga are simply better.

 

He has the turning radius of a semi. I just don't see him doing the job against top teams.

 

Seb Hines starts for top team in Championship. If that means anything....

 

He was at fault for both goals during the play offs. As a CB, that means both of his performances were at best below average.

 

it's a 3.5 hour flight from frankfurt to moscow...

coming from the left coast that's a long long trip with toms of jet lag

do the euros, unless ghe mls talent are well eliminated and can travel early

sounds like gooch gets a shot, fine with me, it's a friendly

 

I've always had the impression that Seb was maybe available to the USA but maybe not. Given our track record with dual-nationals right now, I suspect that USSF has spoken with Seb and made a decision whether he's worth the investment of time and effort. He's quite a good (but not great) player.

 

He would switch in a heartbeat. All he needs is to be asked

 

I wouldn't need to switch - how come no one's asking me?

 

That's good to hear. Need to go read up on his game to see if he's a good fit for our high-line, pressing style.

 

Moment of confusion? You realize that players have to decide whether to jump before the ball is struck, right?

Turned out badly in this case, but that doesn't mean it was a bad decision (Sean Franklin also jumped next to Gonzalez). A low bouncer from 30 yards or so should be saveable, as this one was.

 

It went through the wall, not under it. As a professional CB, you need to be able to keep the wall tight enough to prevent the ball from getting through.

 

Onyewu has played a few minutes for Malaga? Then again, watch Edu get called up despite not making the 18 for Stoke. Klinsmann should send a message to Edu and not reward him with a callup.

 

If Edu gets called in, then JK's "you have to be playing regularly for your club" rule and the credibility of his word as a whole are shot IMO. The dude has played 10 minutes all season.

 

gooch and edu being euro based have an edge in the call up

i can see both being starting cb against russia

id go with fabian on the left and cameron at rb

 

no Besler?? come on man....

 

Did JK really lay down a 100% bright line rule that no club playing time = no call up? Or was playing time presented as one of many factors that would determine these types of decisions. My recollection is that his statements have been closer to the latter. Regardless, something tells me JK doesn't care a whole lot where his credibility stands on BigSoccer.