Pre-match: USA vs Costa Rica, September 6th 2013

Will be interesting to see what Klinsmann's first trip to Rich Coast is like. It's not the Monster's Cave, the grass/turf is nice, and the fans are so far from the pitch they might as well be using binoculars.

Also, hopefully whoever from AO is down there sings "Let it snow" during the game

 

So, probably no snow?

 

I believe it's the rainy season, so maybe a melted blizzard.

 

It depends on who you know...

 

That's sno joke

 

-----------rimando--------
--evans--gonzo--besler---fabian--
---------bradley--cameron------
---bedoya-------------donovan---
---------jozy--dempsey------

Subs: EJ, Mixx, Shea for offense. For defence? Hmmmm, still thinkin'. Zusi in for Bedoya, I suppose.

 

Bedoya Evans and Rimando? Huh.......

 

Would be absolutely thrilled with a draw.

A win?

 

We definitely need to see Rimando get some time with the Brazil back 4. The CR game away could be the best opportunity. Timmy will be challenged for a starting spot at Everton. Suppose he is benched and Guzan breaks a finger at the last moment. We do not want Rimando out there learning the signals in the group stage of the WC.

I could see Parkhurst for Evans and Zusi for Bedoya.

 

With all due respect i dont get your reasoning. We need to see our #3 goalkeeper start in a qualifying game with a ton on the line because of what? If your proposal is that Rimando is competing for the #1 spot, again i strongly disagree. Howard and Guzan are borderline Elite goalkeepers so its no disrespect to Rimando but....No.

 

Suppose I agree with you and point out that the manager at Everton has brought a gk in to compete with Howard for a starting spot. Howard may be an elite gk on the bench. Do u want a rusty gk with no recent pt as your keeper in the wc? No. That would mean Rimando is #2. Anything happens to Guzan and Rimando is the man. Howard and Guzan are ahead of Rimando but guess what, life happens. If we dont run him out now, then when?

 

Er...he's started the majority of games in pre-season. He will start this weekend. New keeper is competition, not the starter.

Howard has actually also looked good in pre-season.

 

Costa Rica are a good side. Better than Chepo's Tricicleta. I am looking forward to the class fixture of the hex.

I would use the B team that is playing the training game in Bosnia against Mexico to see if any of the players are good enough for the A team we are bringing to Brazil.

 

--Howard--
--Evans--Goodson--Besler--Beasley--
--Jones--Bradley--
--Zusi--Donovan--
--Dempsey--
--Altidore--

It's the lineup you have to go with, unless Cherundolo is magically ready.

Seconds later i realize i have no Fabian Johnson on the roster, though he might be hurt still. Lets see what he can do off the bench. Other likely subs being Gonzales (protecting a tie late) EJ (going for the win), Stuff like that. If you want Fabian to start, put Zusi on the bench, move Donovan to the right FJ to the left and then don't worry about a bad random injury messing the defense up on the left with FJ.

 

Are you worried that Parkhurst could not even make the game day roster in his game today?

 

Note taken

 

If the theoretical scenario which you present occurs (i'll give it a 2% chance), then wouldn't the qualifiers at the end of the Hex when we have it locked up be much more appropriate?

 

I think we have a chance to get 3 points but will be happy with a draw.

Especially if we get some crappy CONCACAF ref like we usually do in situations like this.

 

Goes without saying.

 

Meh.

There are some average refs out there too.

 

Not a Saprissa? Too bad, I would have loved to stomp them at that shiitehouse.

 

Yes.

 

To be truthful, I was taking into account, tho I did not express it, that Guzan and Howard would be at the start of their EPL seasons in September which is an important time for players to get established with their clubs. You are free to minimize the concern, I can't stop you.

P.s. - your 2% figure is too low considering Howard's age.