Something that everyone can agree on is that hyperbole and posturing often results in a stinging brand of humiliation.
Exactly. Unless, of course, you actually care about having your opinion heard (read) and somewhat respected. Back to Dempsey and Spurs... I have the sneaking suspicion that Spurs being managed by AVB is a bigger influence than the notion of a malaise within the squad that promotes individuals playing in a manner that WE perceive as selfishly. Yesterday, Dempsey's short chip to Bale was sublime. He also could be seen following up many other chances on goal in a way that suggests that he actually does have a clue, tactically, of where he needs to be in and around the box. And while many of his goals last year were bungled over the line in true poacher fashion, he is capable of shooting from distance with both power and touch. Yes, he was a better fit at Fulham, and yes, he got greedy after having a great season (two as their PoY). He partnered with Dembele at Fulham very well...no reason he can't do the same at Spurs. Granted, he hasn't produced for Spurs at the same rate. Does this mean he needs to Yanked ? (Potential for a new thread title: Yank the Yank) Anyway, it was good to see CD contribute more than just that hound dog face, and aimless running.
Dempsey wins the award formerly known as the Honda player of the year: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/so...nt-dempsey-player-of-the-year.ap/?eref=sircrc
More NT form than club form right? But if it's a case of both, than has to be Jozy. Set a goal scoring record and than a transfer record to go back to the PL. Only thing now is to start scoring for Sunderland.
They really should split the award to emphasize both club success and then NT success. Seems the former gets forgotten by the NT critics
This award has a weird name. Why "US Soccer Athlete of the Year"? Why not simply "US Soccer Player of the Year"?
If this award has any kind of sportsmanship or fair play type aspects to it then I do not know how it can be to anybody other than JA. He had a very good club season, but he also had the "let us play ref" thing in repsonse to racist chants. That was a transcendent thing that is beyond just being good at Soccer/football. That was a pretty amazing thing for the young man to do, and revealed a very mature side of him. I appreciated most his interview where he said he refused to empower them and so he asked the ref "to play on." From a young man who was often looked at as petulant and pouty , who does not always give full effort at times, to a professional footballer focused on the task at hand. We have all seen his growth in the last couple of years both on and off the pitch and I am sure his parents are quite proud as we all should be.
4 goals with the Nats so far this summer, including 3 in qualifying on top of the 31 goal season with AZ and return to the PL. He deserves it. But wouldn't be surprised if Guzan/Zusi gave him a close run.
Yes. Because it recognizes Jozy's hard work, his increasing talent, and his maturity. Would be great if he continued his trend enough to win.
IMO as of this moment it should be Jozy, but the year's only half over, with the other nominees being Bradley, Guzan, and Dempsey. But we still have the Gold Cup, 4 qualifiers, half a season of MLS and the playoffs, and a half season of European play to go. That's plenty of time for things to change.
This award is always biased in favor of goal scorers and goal keepers. For that reason, I'd like to see Bradley win it for once. He's clearly our most important player right now, and that's not to minimize the contributions of Altidore, Dempsey and so on. The stability both in distribution and ball winning Bradley is providing in the middle of the field is why we've been so much more successful as of late.
You're right. Bradley should win it, but not this year. I'm sure he will bring it all out next year for the WC and be a top candidate. But this year it's all Jozy. Guzan makes a strong case as well. Zusi's NT performances merit him in the running. And Dempsey as well, being made captain has up his game.
I disagree, Altidore has 19 goals in 2013 already. If he gets to 25 goals (barring injury, this is quite likely, since you are talking at least 25 games he can play in before the end of 2013) he has to be a shoe in. Holland isn't England or even Italy, but it's a top 10 league, and 15 goals in Holland + 4 (or more) goals for US + a few goals for Sunderland (hopefully more than 5) would make him a lock.