This place is depressing

[appoo]

Could we talk about something OTHER than the labor dispute? personally I don't think its even worth talking about because there is nothing there to talk about. Either they hammer out a deal and we play with the regulars, or they don't and we play with replacements.

How about a strategy thread for the upcoming away qualies? do we go veteran (Klein, Armas, Lewis, McBride, Hejduk) with our starting line up? do we go young? (Johnson, Cherundolo, Gooch, Dempsey)? or do we some kind of combination? in the Azteca which would you want? I think I'd lean towards a more veteran lineup because that would help us gain an incredibly valuable point.

What should arena do if the New Year brings more 1st team minutes for the following Yank Abroads - Spector, Howard, Whitbred, Convey and O'Brien. will this force Arena's hand?

What should Arena do if DMB and Donovan both recieve extended pine time for their clubs? (not inconvievable) does he still call in and trust out-of-form-stars?

Finally, which youngster do you think will have the best 2005? (National and Club level) - or : how would you project each year to go for the following players

Landon Donovan
DaMarcus Beasley
Bobby Convey
Jonathon Spector
Eddie Gaven
Eddie Johnson
Freddy Adu
Alecko Eskandarian
Chad Marshall
Tim Howard
DJ Countess
Memo Gonzalaz
Knox Cameron
Jamie Watson
Craig Capano
Mike Magee
Zak Whitbred
Daniel Karbassiyoon



lot's to talk about here folks. hell I'd probably rather get into a Convey arguement with certain folks than read about the current topics on this board.

[Roehl Sybing]

How about a strategy thread for the upcoming away qualies? do we go veteran (Klein, Armas, Lewis, McBride, Hejduk) with our starting line up? do we go young? (Johnson, Cherundolo, Gooch, Dempsey)? or do we some kind of combination? in the Azteca which would you want?
As long as the US squad is domestic in majority, I'll sleep better.

I'm gonna go watch the labor dispute threads for my own amusement now. :)

[Jose L. Couso]

Can I go to Mexico as a replacement and throw bags of a certain liquid at their players?

[I. Tristeza]

I finally figured it out.... appooOnU is Rob Stone.

[SABuffalo786]

Alright, for some optimistic dreaming:


Canada's having a camp in Florida from Janurary 13-22. Perhaps if the deal is made by the end of the month we can arrange a last minute tune up friendly and smack the Canucks around a bit at Lockhart again? It'd be a perfect base for the camp for the Hex opener.


It'd be two years to the week, day if it happens on the 18th, since we played them at the same place and won 4-0.


Why not make it a bi-yearly event, eh?


Snowbird Cup. :D

[NBlue]

CONVEY SUCKS

















(just trying to help out).

[swedust]

Agree that mulling over labor disputes is abyssmal conversation.

On strategies for player selection: whether you look at the faux-4-4-2 line-up before the WC2002 Mexico game, or even the more recent qualifier where Bruce witheld even the players in camp roster, I believe it's clear that BA puts some stock in playing with the minds of opposing coaches. For all we on the outside know, he may even like the way such secrecy plays with the minds of his own player pool. But I think it's apparent BA has a psychological warfare side to him.

So while I don't know any of the other teams (besides Mex and Pan) well enough to suggest match-up strategies (when to go fast, when to go big, etc.), I do think there are some mind-games to be played. Some possible variations:

v. Hard-nosed teams -- Mex (away) Guat (home & away) Pan (away)

Go with all the big foul drawing players and loudest complainers (where has Ben Olsen been, anyway? And here's TT's chance) then make all your subs the stealthy, killer types after passions are running high and players have cards (EJ, Gaven, Esky...?)

v. Underdog teams -- Pan, T&T, Guat

Rather than the patently obvious "come out attacking against weaker opponents," how about instead filling the field with rough tacklers (TT again for striker!) and going at them that way. Think 1980s Bulgaria. Then make two subs at the half and do what you would have done at the outset: run and shoot (Gibbs, Hejduk, West..?).

v. Tactical teams -- Mex, CR*, T&T (away)

*at least they used to be. I've heard less-than-glowing reviews of this year's edition from their supporters

It seems we always try to unravel such opponents w/athleticism, or through a "conservative" approach. Far too predictable. Here's the chance to have fun w/line-up changes. List a 4-4-2 that includes Spector and Albright in the back, then a midfield of Maestro, LD, DMB, K-Z, with EJ and Dempsey up top.

Then the whistle blows, and BOOM you're in a 3-4-3, with Dempsey dropping all the way to the back line, Spector and LD going up top, with Albright moving to the RMid. Like so:

>>LISTED STARTERS:

Albright -- Boca -- Pope -- Spector

LD -- K-Z -- Maestro -- DMB

------ EJ -- Dempsey --------


>>BECOMES:

------ Dempsey -- Pope -- Boca ---

Albright -- KZ -- Maestro --- DMB

---- LD -- EJ -- Spector ------



Crazy like a fox, I tell you!





Beats arguing about labor contracts, anyway.

[Clint Eastwood]

Landon Donovan
DaMarcus Beasley
Bobby Convey
Jonathon Spector
Eddie Gaven
Eddie Johnson
Freddy Adu
Alecko Eskandarian
Chad Marshall
Tim Howard
DJ Countess
Memo Gonzalaz
Knox Cameron
Jamie Watson
Craig Capano
Mike Magee
Zak Whitbred
Daniel Karbassiyoon


An interesting list. I'm especially interested in Zak Whitbred and his movement up the pecking order at Liverpool. Don't forget Simek, by the way.

Of these players I think Chad Marshall is going to establish himself as the best central defender in MLS (now that my favorite kiwi has packed his bags). I'm also going to keep my eye on Marshall's teammates Danny Szetela and Chris Wingert. What kind of jump will these players make in their second years? Will Danny Szetela show signs of being a star in this league, as many have projected?

[Ringo]

not like any of this hasn't been beaten into the ground either. talking 'bout whether or not we should play McBride or HeyDude isn't exactly fresh.

and besides, convey arguements aren't any fun without Flan in here hyperventilating.

[Scotty]

Cap Ricketts!

[jaradvary]

I finally figured it out.... appooOnU is Rob Stone.

Brilliant! Apoo is earnest and likable and a bit eccentric. Unfortunately, Rob Stone isn't Bobby Convey's brother.

:D

[Parmigiano]

Landon Donovan
DaMarcus Beasley
Bobby Convey
Jonathon Spector
Eddie Gaven
Eddie Johnson
Freddy Adu
Alecko Eskandarian
Chad Marshall
Tim Howard
DJ Countess
Memo Gonzalaz
Knox Cameron
Jamie Watson
Craig Capano
Mike Magee
Zak Whitbred
Daniel Karbassiyoon


An interesting list.

Whatever happened to Edson Buddle? Once upon a time, he was the man around these boards. What happened? Can he come back to win your hearts?

[Mikeymike15]

Appoos right....I'm bored so i'm going to go back and play more countless and mind numbing hours of Lemmings

http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157796

[st ryma 7]

[


Finally, which youngster do you think will have the best 2005? (National and Club level) - or : how would you project each year to go for the following players

Landon Donovan
DaMarcus Beasley
Bobby Convey
Jonathon Spector
Eddie Gaven
Eddie Johnson
Freddy Adu
Alecko Eskandarian
Chad Marshall
Tim Howard
DJ Countess
Memo Gonzalaz
Knox Cameron
Jamie Watson
Craig Capano
Mike Magee
Zak Whitbred
Daniel Karbassiyoon



lot's to talk about here folks. hell I'd probably rather get into a Convey arguement with certain folks than read about the current topics on this board.[/QUOTE]


If i could pick four of these guys to have a year better than they have had previously, it would be Spector, Magee, Capano, and one not listed, Justin Mapp. They are all very young athletes, who are just now falling into their respective places. Capano will have an excelent year with the fire in the midfeild, teaming up with Mapp, who will also have a great year for the fire, and start getting called up by Bruce for the big show. Spector will continue to make progress and find first team minutes over in the premiership, but will also continue to progress on a MNT level as well. Magee will, if he finally decides to, have an outstanding year in the MLS. He along with Mapp will finally get capped and go on to a long career with the MNT.


There are a few people on this list, however, that i dont think will have years that live up to previous ones. For starters, Esky, hes a good player but most of that comes from being a very hard worker, not an exceptionally talented player. Another reason he had such a good year in the MLS is primarily bc the team he was on. If he were on the Rapids, you would have never heard of the kid bc he wouldnt be getting a tap-in goal off a Jaime Moreno pass every other game. (im not saying he didnt score a few sick goals, bc he did, but his success came from the players around him.) Adu will start to die off as a Phenom and start to jsut become another player in the league. There wont be so much hype for his sophmore year here.

[Adam Zebrowski]

actually, the adu matter will revolve around what he does in u-20 concacaf qualifying starting in a couple weeks....

if we use the lebron analogy, where lebron and freddy played reasonably well their initial years, and see the LEAP in Lebrons level of play so far his 2nd year, and apply that same principle to Freddy, then we should expect Freddy to emerge as a significant player...

...and his u-20 performance would be the first indicator of it...

so we have something soon to watch closely!!

[st ryma 7]

actually, the adu matter will revolve around what he does in u-20 concacaf qualifying starting in a couple weeks....

if we use the lebron analogy, where lebron and freddy played reasonably well their initial years, and see the LEAP in Lebrons level of play so far his 2nd year, and apply that same principle to Freddy, then we should expect Freddy to emerge as a significant player...

...and his u-20 performance would be the first indicator of it...

so we have something soon to watch closely!!
I agree with where you are coming from, i think that Freddys growth will jsut take a little bit more time compared to King James. Freddy is a magnificent little player, but from where he is at now, progression, atleast in the MLS, will come a little bit slower.

I think he will do well in the U20's world champs, but i wouldnt say that is an indicator, i would say that he is expected to do well, and if he does it will pretty much be over looked, but if he doesnt do well, that is when people will start to talk.
there is no doubt in my mind that before he leaves the MLS, he will have become an impact player, its just i wouldnt expect great things this year.

[I. Tristeza]

there is no doubt in my mind that before he leaves the MLS, he will have become an impact player, its just i wouldnt expect great things this year.

(1) I agree here, Freddy is going to be very good very soon, but this coming year may still be asking a bit too much. But how much fun will it be watching a talent like that develop? I personally think he'll be on the 2006 squad and will see PT off the bench. That is if there is a 2006 squad. Which leads me to.....

(2) This place is depressing. When all this labor talk started, someone posted something about missing the good old days, when we were all firing off dozens of posts about how Ramiro Corrales sucks. If anyone knows who posted that, please rep them for me.

[SABuffalo786]

Had a dream last night that the USA played its Hex opener, but instead of TNT it was Honduras. We lost 4-2 and Edson Buddle and Bobby Convey scored goals.

[Parmigiano]

Had a dream last night that the USA played its Hex opener, but instead of TNT it was Honduras. We lost 4-2 and Edson Buddle and Bobby Convey scored goals.

Well at least Buddle got some time. He's one player who if he stays healthy, could just explode next season, IMO.

And if that happens, I hope he sees the pitch with GAM.

[appoo]

Landon Donovan
DaMarcus Beasley
Bobby Convey
Jonathon Spector
Eddie Gaven
Eddie Johnson
Freddy Adu
Alecko Eskandarian
Chad Marshall
Tim Howard
DJ Countess
Memo Gonzalaz
Knox Cameron
Jamie Watson
Craig Capano
Mike Magee
Zak Whitbred
Daniel Karbassiyoon


An interesting list. I'm especially interested in Zak Whitbred and his movement up the pecking order at Liverpool. Don't forget Simek, by the way.

Of these players I think Chad Marshall is going to establish himself as the best central defender in MLS (now that my favorite kiwi has packed his bags). I'm also going to keep my eye on Marshall's teammates Danny Szetela and Chris Wingert. What kind of jump will these players make in their second years? Will Danny Szetela show signs of being a star in this league, as many have projected?
I thought Szetela showed flashes of being a star towards the end of last season. hopefully, Andruilis won't mess up his development. Wingert I think might be at MLS at best. I get this from some of the Crew matches he's played and the reviews he got from the U23 Qualifying tournament.

didn't forget Mr.Simek, just too many players to list.

also, I said this in April 04, and I'll say it in April 05. Watch out for Memo Gonzalaz. I know he's beein riding the pine but he simply has too much talent. When he had his head on straight for the U17 he was unbelievable, and I think the main thing holding him is workrate. Perhaps Sampson can coach him up and then give him some minutes in the midfield. I was really hoping that Chivas would pick him up actually.