Reyna doubtful for next round of qualifiers.

[bshredder]

http://www.mcfc.co.uk/article.asp?article=227753&Title=Reyna+out

Some here don't like him.. but same can be said about any player.

I think this is a big loss. What do you think the midfield will be without him?

[Chowderhead]

It's time for someone to step up, that's all. Armas will be torched if he plays.

Let's see what the Thomas Jefferson-inspired genius from Brooklyn comes up with. I'm beyond the point where I get stressed over this.

[sch2383]

The only think I worry about is another US player who has good enough Spanish to argue with the ref, assuming we have one from a Latin American country. We will miss his leadership out there, but this could force somebody to step up and take the mantel of leadership. Anyway, I assume Pope or McBride will wear the armband his Reyna's absence, with Bocanegra having an outside shot.

[Tea Men Tom]

What's wrong with him? "Aggravated the injury" sounds like it was written by the PR intern on orders from Keegan.

[ttrevett]

I think that if he played to his strengths and capabilities, it is a loss. However, we can play well without him (see US v Portugal). I'd like to see a midfield of:

Beas Mathis Gavin LD

Zavagnin

With our current lack of producing strikers at the national level, I think playing a lone striker with LD and Beas making attacking runs up the flanks and Mathis playing a withdrawn striker (Scholes at ManU) I think we have better scoring possibilities.

[stinky]

losing a player like reyna may be just what the team needs to get off its lethargic arse and step up and take the game to the teams in our group.

[Chowderhead]

We all know that as sure as grass is green Armas will be selected to fill in.

[Joel Goodson]

We all know that as sure as grass is green Armas will be selected to fill in.
I thought Armas is out after his knee was scoped?

Too bad JOB isn't fit because I would definitely insert him in a midfield spot if both Reyna and Armas are out.

[Sandon Mibut]

Kyle Martino.

Now is the time. He's always had the skill, he just needed to show consistency and toughness to handle physical play. He's doing both now. He's on form and a big reason why the Crew are the best team in MLS right now.

[bshredder]

What I would do.

--------------Friedel----------

---Cherundolo--Gibbs--Pope--Boca

--------Masteroni----Lewis------
-----Mathis-----------Beasley

--------Donovan----McBride---


Subs: Wolff, Ching, Cobi, Hejduk, Zavagnin, Gaven, Gooch, Dempsey


I may even try to work in Gooch cause I am a fan (possibly for Pope or Gibbs).

In relation to Reyna's injury, I think Lewis can fill part of the void. Don't underestimate how well he is playing for Preston North End the start of this season. He's on a roll.

It may also give way to Gaven making his first qualifying appearance (most likely as a sub).

[Chowderhead]

I thought Armas is out after his knee was scoped?

Too bad JOB isn't fit because I would definitely insert him in a midfield spot if both Reyna and Armas are out.

You know what? That's right. This sugar low is making me look like even more of an idiot.

But that's good news. I'm glad Armas is out.

[fidlerre]

We played a pretty good Mexico team without Reyna in Texas...

And despite only winning on a late goal we smoked them the whole game in the midfield.

Best game I have seen the national team play since WC2002.

I think we'll be fine.

[Chowderhead]

Kyle Martino.

Now is the time. He's always had the skill, he just needed to show consistency and toughness to handle physical play. He's doing both now. He's on form and a big reason why the Crew are the best team in MLS right now.

I agree with you. But you have a better chance of winning Powerball for six straight weeks or waking up in bed with Jennifer Capriati and Serena Williams than you do of seeing Martino start in any of those games.

[sandman012]

Kyle Martino.

Now is the time. He's always had the skill, he just needed to show consistency and toughness to handle physical play. He's doing both now. He's on form and a big reason why the Crew are the best team in MLS right now.

:eek:

[BuffloSoldier]

Well, keep in mind Armas came off the bench for Chicago on Wednesday and might be fit enough to be included next month.

But two games in four days? Might be asking a lot. My guess: he plays at El Salvador, but doesn't start against Panama.

Kerry and/or Pablo, come on down.

[Conner]

It is a bunmmer, but at least this will give others experience (donovan, mathis) in pressure games in the center of the field. Since reyna will be an old man by the time of the world cup (assuming we qualify...), this may be a long-term benefit for the nats.

We really don't know how we play in big games without reyna. The only real test lately that I can remember is the 'friendly' vs mexico which we looked good. basing our performace without CR against Portugal in WC2002 isn't that valid since that was ages ago....

other than that we usually look pretty poor without him, but again what other BIG games have we played without reyna (confed cup, maybe)?

[subbuteo]

The only think I worry about is another US player who has good enough Spanish to argue with the ref, assuming we have one from a Latin American country. We will miss his leadership out there, but this could force somebody to step up and take the mantel of leadership. Anyway, I assume Pope or McBride will wear the armband his Reyna's absence, with Bocanegra having an outside shot.
Donovan can do the Spanish speak

[cleansheetbsc]

[QUOTE=bshredder]What I would do.

--------------Friedel----------

---Cherundolo--Gibbs--Pope--Boca

--------Masteroni----Lewis------
-----Mathis-----------Beasley

--------Donovan----McBride---


Subs: Wolff, Ching, Cobi, Hejduk, Zavagnin, Gaven, Gooch, Dempsey


[QUOTE]

I like that 11. Bench is nowhere near what it will be. You absolutely will not see the USMNT Lites (Great talent / Less Experience) going to ES to fetch 3 points (ie Gaven, Martino, Dempsey).

Landon can fight en espanol if Reyna is not there. Also if Claudio is out, you can bet Pope will be out there as well.

Armas got in some game time as a sub in the Cup the other night. Bruce will give him every opportunity to make the final 18.

[bshredder]

It is a bunmmer, but at least this will give others experience (donovan, mathis) in pressure games in the center of the field. Since reyna will be an old man by the time of the world cup (assuming we qualify...), this may be a long-term benefit for the nats.

We really don't know how we play in big games without reyna. The only real test lately that I can remember is the 'friendly' vs mexico which we looked good. basing our performace without CR against Portugal in WC2002 isn't that valid since that was ages ago....

other than that we usually look pretty poor without him, but again what other BIG games have we played without reyna (confed cup, maybe)?

We've played in tons of big games without Reyna.

This isn't the US team of 8-10 years ago where if one key player was injured we were done. We'll be fine.

That being said, I hope Renya recovers well and gets back soon. He's always been one of my favorites (the fact that he's from NJ helps!).

[bshredder]

Donovan can do the Spanish speak
so can Pablo!