Official roster for US/MEX

[Drum'r Boy]

Just curious who might be on the roster for the game in Dallas on April 28.

I think it is safe to assume that it will be mostly (if not exclusively) MLSers.

(Obviously, the more "?"s, the more of a guess it is)

G - Walker, Hartman?, Brown?, Rimando?, Cannon?
D - Gibbs, Califf, Pope (if healthy), Hejduk, Mastroeni, Garcia?, Curtin??, Robinson??, Talley???, Agoos???(home town)
M - DMB, Convey, Mulrooney, Armas, Zavagnin, Ralston, Klein, Olsen?, Noonan?, Martino?, Quill???, Mullan???,
F - Donovan, Wolff, Kirovski, Razov?, Twellman?, Buddle?, Cunningham?, Ching?, Johnson??

[Atouk]

I think it is safe to assume that it will be mostly (if not exclusively) MLSers.The 28th is an official FIFA friendly date, so we may have a good Europe-based contingent on hand. I hope so!

The FIFA Co-ordinated International Calendar:
http://images.fifa.com/calendar/calendar_2004_2008_E.pdf

[Drum'r Boy]

The 28th is an official FIFA friendly date, so we may have a good Europe-based contingent on hand. I hope so!

The FIFA Co-ordinated International Calendar:
http://images.fifa.com/calendar/calendar_2004_2008_E.pdf

Is it possible? Yes. But that late in the season, most teams are going to want their players rested and not traveling to another continent to play. Berhalter, Sanneh, Reyna, Mathis, Cherundolo - all have things to play for. Maybe we could see Bocanegra or McBride, but I doubt it.

Arena has been decent at playing politics with the club managers overseas - as such, I don't see him wasting political capital over something like this. Not on players he saw in Europe - twice - and who he should have a good feel for by now.

My two cents on that.

[Atouk]

Is it possible? Yes. But that late in the season, most teams are going to want their players rested and not traveling to another continent to play. Berhalter, Sanneh, Reyna, Mathis, Cherundolo - all have things to play for. Maybe we could see Bocanegra or McBride, but I doubt it.

Arena has been decent at playing politics with the club managers overseas - as such, I don't see him wasting political capital over something like this. Not on players he saw in Europe - twice - and who he should have a good feel for by now.Good points, all. As you say, most of those teams have either a promotion or relegation fight on their hands. Last year's squad vs. Mexico (May 8, Thursday) was 100% MLS, which supports the thinking that we'll see few, if any, outside of the league for this one.

[E Diddy]

I had a funny Freddy moment. I went to ESPN's website and clicked on the soccer link. The first thing my eyes went to was ADU CALLED UP. I almost soiled myself.

I've been looking for Bruce to announce his callups for the Cotton Bowl, and I didn't see the u20 part until a few seconds later.

Wow, can you imagine the gnashing of teeth in Big Soccer if Freddy got called in to the national team for Mexico? Wow.

Just thought I'd throw some humor in here.

[StillKickin]

When are they going to announce the roster? I'd like a head start on who I'm going to be cheering for from my totally awesome seats at midfield in the 4th row. :D I mean, I know I'll be cheering for the nats, the good guys, but names, I want names!

[E Diddy]

When are they going to announce the roster? I'd like a head start on who I'm going to be cheering for from my totally awesome seats at midfield in the 4th row. :D I mean, I know I'll be cheering for the nats, the good guys, but names, I want names!

Hey man- I'll be at midfield on the 3rd row- kickin' it with some Budweiser in me that is.....

I want names too....i'm hoping we get some of the European guys- these are the best seats i've ever had to a soccer match and i want to see the studs against El Tri-

E Diddy

[Drum'r Boy]

Hey man- I'll be at midfield on the 3rd row- kickin' it with some Budweiser in me that is.....

I want names too....i'm hoping we get some of the European guys- these are the best seats i've ever had to a soccer match and i want to see the studs against El Tri-

E Diddy

If I may ask - why are you guys not standing with Sam's Army?

As for the roster, I bet that comes out next week. Look for a tight, 18 man roster.

[StillKickin]

If I may ask - why are you guys not standing with Sam's Army?

As for the roster, I bet that comes out next week. Look for a tight, 18 man roster.
Believe me, that was a dilemma. This is my second nats game (I was in Houston). But Sam's Army always stands at one end....and I'd rather be more in the middle to get a better view of the game (since it's very rarely that I get to see one live.) I've decided, though, that should I ever be blessed to go to a WCQ game...I'm sitting -- I mean, standing in Sam's Army. (Plus, I like wearing my US Donovan jersey, and it's white, not red.)

[Drum'r Boy]

Believe me, that was a dilemma. This is my second nats game (I was in Houston). But Sam's Army always stands at one end....and I'd rather be more in the middle to get a better view of the game (since it's very rarely that I get to see one live.) I've decided, though, that should I ever be blessed to go to a WCQ game...I'm sitting -- I mean, standing in Sam's Army. (Plus, I like wearing my US Donovan jersey, and it's white, not red.)

Fair enough - well, at least come by the tailgate, okay?

[socrne1]

I think we will see an all MLS roster, although I would like to see Tim Howard come back for the goalie spot, at least if he is still not getting playing time at ManU.
Call ups I would like to see:
Def - Gibbs, Pope, Boca(hopefully), Garcia, Curtin, Mastreoni
Mid - Ugh this one is tough especially on the right. Beas, Convey, Martino, Armas/Mastreoni, Klein
For - Wolff, Donovan, Buddle, Twellman

[E Diddy]

Believe me, that was a dilemma. This is my second nats game (I was in Houston). But Sam's Army always stands at one end....and I'd rather be more in the middle to get a better view of the game (since it's very rarely that I get to see one live.) I've decided, though, that should I ever be blessed to go to a WCQ game...I'm sitting -- I mean, standing in Sam's Army. (Plus, I like wearing my US Donovan jersey, and it's white, not red.)

My situation is similar. This is only my 2nd Nats game too. I've never had tickets this good, and I'm still taking it all in.

[Wallydrag]

Me too. This is my first Nats game ever and my bro-in-laws first soccer game ever. He still doesn't know if he even likes soccer or not (he's coming as a favor to me to give it a chance) and I'm not going to ask him to stand up the entire time.

Besides, we go to OU/Tex every year and sitting where Sam's Army is we've done. Have badass seats at middle field we haven't :)

[StillKickin]

Me too. This is my first Nats game ever and my bro-in-laws first soccer game ever. He still doesn't know if he even likes soccer or not (he's coming as a favor to me to give it a chance) and I'm not going to ask him to stand up the entire time.

Besides, we go to OU/Tex every year and sitting where Sam's Army is we've done. Have badass seats at middle field we haven't :)
Your brother-in-law will be hooked after this, especially if the atmosphere is as good as it was in Houston. But he's still probably going to have to stand up the entire time. :) It's just really too exciting to sit down.

[j&bontherock]

....... an official FIFA friendly date.......[/url]


Does it mean that every national team is necessary to have a friendly match and will generate points for the FIFA rank ??

[Drum'r Boy]

Me too. This is my first Nats game ever and my bro-in-laws first soccer game ever. He still doesn't know if he even likes soccer or not (he's coming as a favor to me to give it a chance) and I'm not going to ask him to stand up the entire time.

Besides, we go to OU/Tex every year and sitting where Sam's Army is we've done. Have badass seats at middle field we haven't :)

Well, first off, again - all are invited to the tailgate.

Second, we don't really "sit" in Sam's Army - and while the view isn't as great, you won't have to worry about someone telling you to shut up and sit down, either. I would ask all of you, at some point, to give active participation a shot. It really changes your perspective on things.

And going back to the view - the game will be on the tele - just roll tape (it is what I do). That way you can be an active part of the atmosphere, then get the "great view" later - as well as usually getting a shot of you on the tele once in a while. :-)

[galaxyfan03]

Here's who I'd like to see called in:

Goalkeepers: Johny Walker (NY/NJ), Kevin Hartman (LA)

Defenders: Eddie Pope (NY/NJ), Cory Gibbs (Dallas), Jim Curtin (Chicago), Chris Albright (LA), Nick Garcia (KC), & Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado).

Midfielders: Richard Mulrooney (SJ), Kerry Zavagnin (KC), DaMarcus Beasley (Chicago), Steve Ralston (NE), Ben Olsen (DC), Bobby Convey (DC) & Kyle Martino (Columbus).

Forwards: Josh Wolff (KC), Landon Donovan (SJ), & Edson Buddle (Columbus).

Remember that it's an ALL-MLS roster, which makes the choices VERY limited. I'm "open" to the idea of trying Albright at RB, simply because there are NO other choices (no, Hejduk is NOT an option!!). Martino had BETTER start producing or his possiblity of taking the #10 spot on the USMNT will go down in flames (I'm willing to give him a few more chances. Not many more, though!!). Our choices for the third forward, if Buddle can't make it, are Ante Razov (NO!!!!), Jason Kreis (PLEASSSSE!!), Jeff Cunningham (not sure what to say??!) or Jovan Kirovski (maybe??!). Not a stellar list IMHO.

[rksehga]

Here's who I'd like to see called in:

Goalkeepers: Johny Walker (NY/NJ), Kevin Hartman (LA)

Defenders: Eddie Pope (NY/NJ), Cory Gibbs (Dallas), Jim Curtin (Chicago), Chris Albright (LA), Nick Garcia (KC), & Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado).

Midfielders: Richard Mulrooney (SJ), Kerry Zavagnin (KC), DaMarcus Beasley (Chicago), Steve Ralston (NE), Ben Olsen (DC), Bobby Convey (DC) & Kyle Martino (Columbus).

Forwards: Josh Wolff (KC), Landon Donovan (SJ), & Edson Buddle (Columbus).



I think Hartman saw his chances with the USMNT go down the tubes when he let Haiti score. He is soft, he hasn't improved. He has 0 chance of making any impact at the international level in the future. Jonny Walker will be there of course, but it might be Tim Howard in net if Fergie keeps him on the bench.

I think we're definitely gonna see Danny Califf on the back line. This match is pretty important - it's the last tune up before grenada - so we might see some A talent too, especially since it's a FIFA date. If that holds true, I'd definitely like to see connor casey and mathis paired up with josh wolff. Donovan needs to be set back to midfield. He needs to provide some sort of continuity in the midfield before he gets to be a forward again.

[Deuteriumoxide]

I don't see why Tim Howard couldn't make the trip... it's not like he's doing anything important at the moment...

I'm really dreading seeing Captain Negative (Chris Armas) running around with nobody to save him (IE Claudio or JOB).

I don't feel good about this match at all.

[lurking]

Here's who I'd like to see called in:

Midfielders: Steve Ralston (NE), Ben Olsen (DC), Bobby Convey (DC) & Kyle Martino (Columbus).

Steve Ralston to me has passed the peak of his career. Its a shame that he didnt get a real opportunity 2-4 years ago, but this year and last he just isnt the same player.

Ben Olsen has also passed his expiration date due to injury. Hes still a very good MLS player, but I dont think he has the skill to cut it at the international level without his former athleticism.

If looking dangerous was used to break ties, Bobby Convey would be tremendous. As it is he is the most overated player Ive seen at the professional level. I dont like his game, and Id rather not see him get PT over some other guys who havent gotten shots. He'll get a call in Im sure though.

Kyle Martino has club problems to worry about. The Crew are a shambles, and I am not sure how he can translate his game to the national team level.

The names left off the list that I would love to see get called in, but probably wont be called in are Pat Noonan, Mark Lisi and Brian Mullan. Mullan hasnt had a great start to the year, but I like the guy and I think hes been good for a team that has struggled to find themselves. Lisi is just Mr. Assist, the guy finds teamates in dangerous spots. And Noonan I think just has a star quality about him, I dont know what it is but I watch him play and the thought that pops into my head is "THAT is how you play the game".

Two guys I would want in the team soon as well, one everyone can guess, the other might suprise. Eddie Gaven looks to me like a real player too. Just has a real understanding of the game, has good skill, solid athleticism, but more importantly a grasp of the game beyond his years. The other is Jovan Kirovski. Heres a guy who I think died on the vine in europe not because he didnt have talent, but because he had a hard time finding an environment that would let him just play and grow as a player game in and game out. I think MLS is going to give it two him, and I think by midseason we will all have a much better idea of why this guy had so much success in the ManU system.