He's So Wondo! The continuing chronicle of Chris Wondolowski's career

Well that was the 2nd debate. First debate was whether or not it was a "poacher's goal". And regarding "toe poke", it was implied :--).

 

I suspect he came back too soon at IU, which ended up really aggravating the situation. I have to wonder if the fact that he is getting better medical advice, monitoring and treatment from the Quakes factored into his decision to accept the homegrown deal. It's possible that improper rehab during 3 more years of college and summer amateur play could have destroyed his knees and career.

 

He says on twitter that he hopes to start practicing in the next few weeks. We'll see...

 

I looked up the definition of "poacher" and there was one that described the term as it relates to the game. That definition, while I can't recall it word for word at the moment, described Wondo's style of play almost perfectly....the ability to find the proper space, within the penalty area, to score goals (more or less). That's different than how I had always defined it (and I am still not convinced that I'm wrong....after all, it was just one definition). Regardless, the real issue is that many don't consider it a skill. It's too subtle for some....often people only see "skill" as something one does directly with the ball....really, how many actually watch all the movement that isn't directly involved with the specific movement of the ball? Most don't see it until the replay. I have no idea if Wondo makes the trip to Brazil or not, but it is probably in his favor that Klinsmann was the kind of player he was.

 

visualize Wondo hoisting the world cup.

 

Visualize Wondo winning the Golden Boot. Lalas' head would explode.

 

http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/...n-mark-for-brazil/?ocid=Yahoo&partner=ya5nbcs

Quotes a negative comment from another article:

"...here’s another question – was his name mentioned once during the broadcast outside of the goal? Did he hold up the ball well for his teammates to get upfield? Did he go at defenders with trickery and pace? Did he connect with Dempsey often to provide his scoring partner with opportunities?

The answer is ‘no,’ and it’s for this reason that Wondo will not be making the trip to Brazil."

 

I thought his hold up play was pretty good actually... and he had a cross and several quick taps. Guess these guys need to rewatch the game.

 

It is most definitely a skill, and kind of a fascinating one, because it is almost magical - to be able to predict what might happen at any given time and how to best position yourself to get the best chance to score. I don't think you can practice it really, it is just sort of innate, though I'm sure you can become better at it the more you play. But I think it's one of those things that you almost can't think about too analytically because it might ruin the "feel" .IOW I have a sense that it is more of a right brain thing than a left brain thing, which of course makes it no less of a skill or gift.

But there's more to it than just positioning / movement. You also need the quickness in small spaces and balance to be able to finish, and Wondo excels in that as well.

 

[quote="NedZ, post: 29898490, member: 14730"

"...here’s another question – was his name mentioned once during the broadcast outside of the goal? Did he hold up the ball well for his teammates to get upfield? Did he go at defenders with trickery and pace? Did he connect with Dempsey often to provide his scoring partner with opportunities?

The answer is ‘no,’ and it’s for this reason that Wondo will not be making the trip to Brazil."[/quote]


Meanwhile, Jeff Carlisle (who has covered the Quakes more closely than most) rated the players and wrote at:

http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/usnat...ve-in-after-brilliant-start-vs-mexico?cc=5901

"It was a night when fringe players like Wondolowski and Michael Parkhurst did what they could to make a positive impression. Wondolowski’s first-half tally helped him shed his reputation -- at least somewhat -- for only scoring against minnows and third string sides... The U.S. was flying now, and nearly grabbed a third in the 33rd minute, but Munoz was able to palm away Wondolowski’s cross ahead of the advancing Dempsey...

Player ratings: (0-10)

M Michael Bradley, 8.5 – An utterly dominating performance on both sides of the ball in the first half. His passing and dribbling helped spark many an attack. Wasn’t as impactful in the second, but still an impressive match for Bradley.

F Clint Dempsey, 6.5 – Seemed to strike a good balance between dropping into midfield to collect the ball, and staying high to support Wondolowski. His sharp pass to Beltran was the catalyst for the second goal, and had a sharp deliver to Johnson as well.

F Chris Wondolowski, 8 – Has always seemed a longshot to make the final squad, but his performances have steadily improved to the point that he is well in contention. Took his goal well, and linked consistently with his teammates."

 

Greg Lalas on Wondo:
http://www.mlssoccer.com/video/2014/04/17/make-way-wondo-brazil-bound

 

Surprises me that Greg Lalas is so supportive of Wondo. He and Alexi must be arguing about this a lot! I would guess that since Eddie Johnson seems to have disappeared at DCU, that wondo's chances must be rising.

 

"ussoccer.com's "Road to the Roster" returns for Episode 6, with U.S. MNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann discussing the significance of strikers scoring goals, the upcoming World Cup preparation camp in Northern California, and the importance of staying connected with the Youth National Teams. In addition, Jurgen answers your questions from Twitter. We also hear from Chris Wondolowski about his recent form and competing for a spot on the roster at the 2014 FIFA World Cup."

Listen at:

http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2014/04/18/09/30/140418-road-to-the-roster-ep6

 

I'm amazed this actually needs to be discussed.

 

We've had a hard time scoring at World Cups from the striker position. Off the top of my head, I can only recall a few since 1990. McBride, Mathis, Wynalda and Stewart with McBride the only one with multiple goals. Donovan might have played some forward as well in 2002 and scored.

 

Other than Wondo yelling at everyone, he was invisible against the CRapids today!

 

I almost vomited in my mouth. UGH, don't ever repeat that guys name again. Uttering Al@@i on the Earthquakes forum is just like someone saying the word Satan in the Vatican.