Nutmeg
15 Jul 2004, 04:37 PM
My intention in starting this thread is to catch up on where things are at with the US playing pool. I see this as an on-going project where we can centralize information about the US pool. Hopefully it makes it a little easier to keep up with the goings-on of the situations of players who Arena is counting on for World Cup Qualification. Here's a very brief summary on where the leading contenders in the pool stands as of today:
Goalkeepers
Brad Friedel: Quiet offseason for Brad. Rock solid #1 for Blackburn Rovers. Played his last game for the US in Plock, Poland, shutting out the Poles and helping the US achieve their 1st win on European soil under Arena.
Kasey Keller: A little trickier for Kasey on the club front. Tottenham's defense has been miserable, and in the offseason, the Spurs did some GK shopping, buying Paul Robinson. Robinson, previously at Leeds, is contending for England's starting job. Also briefly rumoured was a Keller to Portsmouth deal. Keller now finds himself competing to keep his #1 club position. Played both games in the Grenada series. Neck and neck w/ Friedel for US #1.
Tim Howard: Goalkeeper of the year in the Premiership. Incumbent #1 at Manchester United, #3 in US pool, especially after Poland game.
Central Defenders
Eddie Pope: Will play every minute the US needs of him if healthy in WCQ.
Carlos Bocanegra: Chris Coleman, Fulham coach, has gone on record saying that he sees Carlos as a long-term central defender, not the left fullback position he played in last year. His mistake against Poland, compounded by Howard's inability to stop a cross, cost the US. But Carlos still has to be considered a fairly secure option alongside Pope in central defense. May also get platooned at left back.
Pablo Mastroeni: Played by embattled Rapids coach Hankinson as a central defender, Pablo's role with the US is forever in flux. In the post-game interview after Poland, Arena singled out Mastroeni as one player he was happy to see return to a role that Claudio hadn't played in a while - DMid. Mastroeni has found his way onto the US field in every single game since the Haitian debacle. Arena obviously has plans to continue using him going forward.
Corey Gibbs: A revelation for the Burn this year. Arena said he may end up being the US' best defender ever. Gibbs played well in Grenada in his last US appearance. His dominance of Ruud Van Nistelroy might be the best US defensive performance of the year.
Gregg Berhalter: Oft-forgotten, Berhalter played very well in 2 Bundesliga for Cottbus. His face was badly broken by an elbow in a must-win game for promotion, and Cottbus lost. Still in rehab through August, but Berhalter played well against Poland in Plock, and of course was excellent in the World Cup. Will see minutes this cycle.
Tony Sanneh: No contract yet. Rumored to be going to Crew. Had a decent game in last outing for US against Honduras. Likely will only be used if other options aren't available.
Right Backs
Steve Cherundolo: Hannover scene is shaking up with the arrival of a new coach, and Dolo's place as the starting right back, while still his to lose, isn't as secure as it's been in the past. His cross opened up US scoring in Qualification against Grenada, and he looks like the starting right back in most situations.
Frankie Hejduk: Coming off injury, Frankie continues as a right midfielder for the Crew. Played decently in Grenada. One of those guys who shines when the lights are brightest, he will push Dolo hard for the starting right back spot.
Chris Albright: Regular time at right back with the Galaxy is what Albright needs. Leading MLS in assists, his crossing this year has been superb. He readily admits he is still learning the defensive side of his new position.
Left Backs
Greg Vanney: Very unclear what his role will be with club side Bastia when he gets back to France. May not have a role at all with Bastia's new head coach. Played well in 1st match against Grenada. Club situation may determine how much time Vanney gets with US going forward.
Bobby Convey: Tottenham transfer rumors are up again. Convey continues as an automatic starter in Nowak's "all-for-one" DCU midfield. Finishing for club and country has been wretched. When more of an offensive spark is required from US left back, Convey will get the nod.
Holding and/or Defensive Midfielders
Claudio Reyna: After a season of injury at Manchester City, it looks like Claudio has returned to health. He's had a quiet offseason, which is probably a good thing. Claudio will be a likely starter as a holding midfielder for the Blues this season. He's a virtual lock for Arena when healthy - but most often as the attacking midfielder partnered in the middle with a more defensively oriented player behind him.
John O'brien: Another player who struggled with injuries all of last season. O'brien at some point was so frustrated he openly talked about giving up soccer. The big news for JOB was that Ajax picked up his contract for one more season - probably the most important season in his young professional career. If he can't stay healthy, his time in Holland may be done. When he's been healthy at Ajax, he's been a lock to start at left back. Arena has gone on record multiple times, however, saying that he thinks O'brien can most help the USA in the middle of the field. O'brien has been in full training during Ajax's preseason, but missed a recent game as a precautionary measure because of minor injuries. A tenuous situation - at best.
Chris Armas: Missed the Poland game due to swelling in the same knee, I believe, that suffered the ACL tear. Still a virtual lock in Arena's roster when Reyna or O'brien aren't available.
Kerry Zavagnin: Not many people have seen a lot of the KC Wizards this year, but they are probably playing the best soccer in MLS right now. Zavagnin has been the presence in KC's midfield since Preki went down in the preseason. He has been a recent fixture in US camps, and came in to replace Claudio Reyna and kill the game in the 80th minute against Grenada. He played a decent game against Poland, and may be close to surpassing Armas as Arena's preferred MLS holding midfielder.
Richard Mulrooney: Having a down year under first-year head coach Kinnear. San Jose's been shredded by injuries and callups, and Mulrooney has been affected by the revolving door all over the San Jose field. Last game for the US came as a sub after the US had gone down 1-0 to Haiti. Mulrooney, for whatever reasons, has apparently dropped on the depth chart one spot below Zavagnin.
Attacking and/or Wide Midfielders
Landon Donovan: Latest club rumors are that MLS may buy his contract outright from Leverkusen, whatever the costs. Donovan, like Pope, will play every minute the US needs of him as long as he's healthy.
DaMarcus Beasley: Probably the most confusing club situation in the entire US pool. Now looks destined for PSV, who want him to replace Robben. Guus Hiddink loves his speed and thinks he can mold DMB into a world star. PSV wasn't impressed with his game against Poland, but they've seen enough of him to know they're willing to spend what it takes to get him.
Clint Mathis: May take on a withdrawn forward role under new Hannover coach Lienen. Unclear how that might affect his place with the US team, which has always been a tossup between midfield and forward. In his two most recent games, coincidentally both against Poland, Mathis has played midfielder, once partnered with Reyna in central midfield - Reyna as the holding midfielder and Mathis more the attacking midfielder - in the US' victory in Poland, and most recently as a late sub to help the US get a tie in Chicago.
Eddie Lewis: Quiet offseason at 1st division Preston North End for Lewis. Came on as a late sub for Armas against Grenada in Columbus.
Chris Klein: Playing extremely well this season in Kansas City, currently leading the league in assists. In a very honest interview, Klein says that he's on the outside looking in with the US team. "There’s a group of about 10-15 guys who are going to be there all the time, and I understand that I’m not one of those guys." In other words, if the situation is right, Klein may be called in, and he'll have to prove himself in every camp he attends. His last game for the US came in Plock, where he played pretty well.
Eddie Gaven: Having a breakout year with the Metros. In the Poland post-game interviews, Bruce Arena made it very clear that he feels Gaven is one of the players that he thinks can help the US.
Brian Mullan: Recently returned to form after a long recovery from an offseason injury, called in by Arena once Mullan found his stride. Late sub against Poland, had little impact in his first US cap. Like Gaven (and Ching), Arena singled out Mullan as a player he thought would help the US team going forward.
Forwards
Brian McBride: Looks to be set as a 1st choice starter for Fulham as the Premiership gets underway. One of Arena's core group of players who will see a lot of time in WCQ.
Conor Casey: Big offseason news is his transfer to recently promoted-to-Bundesliga Mainz. Injury sustained against Grenada in Columbus looks like it will take a 6-week recovery time, which should give Conor enough time to be ready for the start of Mainz's league debut. Arena has been high on Casey since Conor's performance in Poland.
Josh Wolff: Has maintained health this year, good news for the Wizards and US. When Arena is looking for a fast forward who makes the runs off the ball, Wolff is his first choice.
Jovan Kirovski: Regular starter with the LA Galaxy helping his club to the league's best record. Playing in a withdrawn forward role behind Ruiz with his club, still doesn't have a clear role with the US team. Came on for Casey against Grenada in Columbus, and made one key off-ball run to open up DMB.
Brian Ching: An important year for Ching. Along with Davy Arnaud, he's the top American goalscorer this season in MLS. Subbed in for McBride in his first cap in over a year with the US and only his 2nd cap ever, Ching played well enough to be a contender for a roster spot in WCQ matches.
Taylor Twellman: Just getting back from injury, TnT played well against the Fire en route to his 2nd and 3rd goals of this MLS season. Partnered with Casey as a late game sub against Mexico, and was a key impact player in helping the US get the game-winning goal.
**********************
If anyone else has any news - not rumors or speculation running wild on Big Soccer - regarding these players, please feel free to post it here on these threads. As I see articles and discussion around, I'll try to provide links to those within this thread as well.
Goalkeepers
Brad Friedel: Quiet offseason for Brad. Rock solid #1 for Blackburn Rovers. Played his last game for the US in Plock, Poland, shutting out the Poles and helping the US achieve their 1st win on European soil under Arena.
Kasey Keller: A little trickier for Kasey on the club front. Tottenham's defense has been miserable, and in the offseason, the Spurs did some GK shopping, buying Paul Robinson. Robinson, previously at Leeds, is contending for England's starting job. Also briefly rumoured was a Keller to Portsmouth deal. Keller now finds himself competing to keep his #1 club position. Played both games in the Grenada series. Neck and neck w/ Friedel for US #1.
Tim Howard: Goalkeeper of the year in the Premiership. Incumbent #1 at Manchester United, #3 in US pool, especially after Poland game.
Central Defenders
Eddie Pope: Will play every minute the US needs of him if healthy in WCQ.
Carlos Bocanegra: Chris Coleman, Fulham coach, has gone on record saying that he sees Carlos as a long-term central defender, not the left fullback position he played in last year. His mistake against Poland, compounded by Howard's inability to stop a cross, cost the US. But Carlos still has to be considered a fairly secure option alongside Pope in central defense. May also get platooned at left back.
Pablo Mastroeni: Played by embattled Rapids coach Hankinson as a central defender, Pablo's role with the US is forever in flux. In the post-game interview after Poland, Arena singled out Mastroeni as one player he was happy to see return to a role that Claudio hadn't played in a while - DMid. Mastroeni has found his way onto the US field in every single game since the Haitian debacle. Arena obviously has plans to continue using him going forward.
Corey Gibbs: A revelation for the Burn this year. Arena said he may end up being the US' best defender ever. Gibbs played well in Grenada in his last US appearance. His dominance of Ruud Van Nistelroy might be the best US defensive performance of the year.
Gregg Berhalter: Oft-forgotten, Berhalter played very well in 2 Bundesliga for Cottbus. His face was badly broken by an elbow in a must-win game for promotion, and Cottbus lost. Still in rehab through August, but Berhalter played well against Poland in Plock, and of course was excellent in the World Cup. Will see minutes this cycle.
Tony Sanneh: No contract yet. Rumored to be going to Crew. Had a decent game in last outing for US against Honduras. Likely will only be used if other options aren't available.
Right Backs
Steve Cherundolo: Hannover scene is shaking up with the arrival of a new coach, and Dolo's place as the starting right back, while still his to lose, isn't as secure as it's been in the past. His cross opened up US scoring in Qualification against Grenada, and he looks like the starting right back in most situations.
Frankie Hejduk: Coming off injury, Frankie continues as a right midfielder for the Crew. Played decently in Grenada. One of those guys who shines when the lights are brightest, he will push Dolo hard for the starting right back spot.
Chris Albright: Regular time at right back with the Galaxy is what Albright needs. Leading MLS in assists, his crossing this year has been superb. He readily admits he is still learning the defensive side of his new position.
Left Backs
Greg Vanney: Very unclear what his role will be with club side Bastia when he gets back to France. May not have a role at all with Bastia's new head coach. Played well in 1st match against Grenada. Club situation may determine how much time Vanney gets with US going forward.
Bobby Convey: Tottenham transfer rumors are up again. Convey continues as an automatic starter in Nowak's "all-for-one" DCU midfield. Finishing for club and country has been wretched. When more of an offensive spark is required from US left back, Convey will get the nod.
Holding and/or Defensive Midfielders
Claudio Reyna: After a season of injury at Manchester City, it looks like Claudio has returned to health. He's had a quiet offseason, which is probably a good thing. Claudio will be a likely starter as a holding midfielder for the Blues this season. He's a virtual lock for Arena when healthy - but most often as the attacking midfielder partnered in the middle with a more defensively oriented player behind him.
John O'brien: Another player who struggled with injuries all of last season. O'brien at some point was so frustrated he openly talked about giving up soccer. The big news for JOB was that Ajax picked up his contract for one more season - probably the most important season in his young professional career. If he can't stay healthy, his time in Holland may be done. When he's been healthy at Ajax, he's been a lock to start at left back. Arena has gone on record multiple times, however, saying that he thinks O'brien can most help the USA in the middle of the field. O'brien has been in full training during Ajax's preseason, but missed a recent game as a precautionary measure because of minor injuries. A tenuous situation - at best.
Chris Armas: Missed the Poland game due to swelling in the same knee, I believe, that suffered the ACL tear. Still a virtual lock in Arena's roster when Reyna or O'brien aren't available.
Kerry Zavagnin: Not many people have seen a lot of the KC Wizards this year, but they are probably playing the best soccer in MLS right now. Zavagnin has been the presence in KC's midfield since Preki went down in the preseason. He has been a recent fixture in US camps, and came in to replace Claudio Reyna and kill the game in the 80th minute against Grenada. He played a decent game against Poland, and may be close to surpassing Armas as Arena's preferred MLS holding midfielder.
Richard Mulrooney: Having a down year under first-year head coach Kinnear. San Jose's been shredded by injuries and callups, and Mulrooney has been affected by the revolving door all over the San Jose field. Last game for the US came as a sub after the US had gone down 1-0 to Haiti. Mulrooney, for whatever reasons, has apparently dropped on the depth chart one spot below Zavagnin.
Attacking and/or Wide Midfielders
Landon Donovan: Latest club rumors are that MLS may buy his contract outright from Leverkusen, whatever the costs. Donovan, like Pope, will play every minute the US needs of him as long as he's healthy.
DaMarcus Beasley: Probably the most confusing club situation in the entire US pool. Now looks destined for PSV, who want him to replace Robben. Guus Hiddink loves his speed and thinks he can mold DMB into a world star. PSV wasn't impressed with his game against Poland, but they've seen enough of him to know they're willing to spend what it takes to get him.
Clint Mathis: May take on a withdrawn forward role under new Hannover coach Lienen. Unclear how that might affect his place with the US team, which has always been a tossup between midfield and forward. In his two most recent games, coincidentally both against Poland, Mathis has played midfielder, once partnered with Reyna in central midfield - Reyna as the holding midfielder and Mathis more the attacking midfielder - in the US' victory in Poland, and most recently as a late sub to help the US get a tie in Chicago.
Eddie Lewis: Quiet offseason at 1st division Preston North End for Lewis. Came on as a late sub for Armas against Grenada in Columbus.
Chris Klein: Playing extremely well this season in Kansas City, currently leading the league in assists. In a very honest interview, Klein says that he's on the outside looking in with the US team. "There’s a group of about 10-15 guys who are going to be there all the time, and I understand that I’m not one of those guys." In other words, if the situation is right, Klein may be called in, and he'll have to prove himself in every camp he attends. His last game for the US came in Plock, where he played pretty well.
Eddie Gaven: Having a breakout year with the Metros. In the Poland post-game interviews, Bruce Arena made it very clear that he feels Gaven is one of the players that he thinks can help the US.
Brian Mullan: Recently returned to form after a long recovery from an offseason injury, called in by Arena once Mullan found his stride. Late sub against Poland, had little impact in his first US cap. Like Gaven (and Ching), Arena singled out Mullan as a player he thought would help the US team going forward.
Forwards
Brian McBride: Looks to be set as a 1st choice starter for Fulham as the Premiership gets underway. One of Arena's core group of players who will see a lot of time in WCQ.
Conor Casey: Big offseason news is his transfer to recently promoted-to-Bundesliga Mainz. Injury sustained against Grenada in Columbus looks like it will take a 6-week recovery time, which should give Conor enough time to be ready for the start of Mainz's league debut. Arena has been high on Casey since Conor's performance in Poland.
Josh Wolff: Has maintained health this year, good news for the Wizards and US. When Arena is looking for a fast forward who makes the runs off the ball, Wolff is his first choice.
Jovan Kirovski: Regular starter with the LA Galaxy helping his club to the league's best record. Playing in a withdrawn forward role behind Ruiz with his club, still doesn't have a clear role with the US team. Came on for Casey against Grenada in Columbus, and made one key off-ball run to open up DMB.
Brian Ching: An important year for Ching. Along with Davy Arnaud, he's the top American goalscorer this season in MLS. Subbed in for McBride in his first cap in over a year with the US and only his 2nd cap ever, Ching played well enough to be a contender for a roster spot in WCQ matches.
Taylor Twellman: Just getting back from injury, TnT played well against the Fire en route to his 2nd and 3rd goals of this MLS season. Partnered with Casey as a late game sub against Mexico, and was a key impact player in helping the US get the game-winning goal.
**********************
If anyone else has any news - not rumors or speculation running wild on Big Soccer - regarding these players, please feel free to post it here on these threads. As I see articles and discussion around, I'll try to provide links to those within this thread as well.