Eddie Pope: A lock for germany?

[pokemoncards]

http://www.mlsnet.com/MLS/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20051201&content_id=48969&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp

"We don't have too many players who are going to replace Kasey Keller (Borussia Mönchengladbach/Germany), too many guys that are going to replace Eddie Pope (Real Salt Lake), Claudio Reyna, etc. However, I have to keep an open mind. If I didn't have an open mind, DaMarcus Beasley (PSV Eindhoven/Holland) would not have been in our team in 2002 because DaMarcus was not part of qualifying for the 2002 World Cup, but we saw enough of him in the spring of 2002 to keep him in our roster for Korea."

[socks]

i don't know. eddie is looking a little like buddy in toy story II

[HartwickFan]

Well, I can live with Bruce naming Pope to the final roster, just as long as he doesn't plan on starting him, and limits his role to coming on as a late-game sub to help protect a lead (maybe sub him in for a forward, and use him as a third center-back?). If Bruce plans on starting Pope, or even giving him significant playing time, I really fear that he will become the Agoos of the '06 WC.

[Chicago1871]

Reluctantly, I'm against this. Pope was a great player and is a lock for the USSF Hall, but I think he's past his prime. He may find a spot as a backup, but even then I'd like to see what he still has left for the international level in a few friendlies this Spring.

[YankHibee]

Pope might be there, but I certainly hope he is not a lock--assuming most of our defenders are healthy.

[Dev707]

He's looking like Agoos "THE SEQUEL"

[Jagermeister]

Bruce does like his trusted vets.

No denying that.

[LeeS]

Reluctantly, I'm against this. Pope was a great player and is a lock for the USSF Hall, but I think he's past his prime. He may find a spot as a backup, but even then I'd like to see what he still has left for the international level in a few friendlies this Spring.

I am with you on this... Pope has been great (and underrated IMO) in the past, but thats where we need to leave him for now. I am afraid if Eddie gets any sort of playing time in WC06, we are in a heap of trouble.

Lee

[SgtSchultz]

Did Eddie play for DCU at one time?


Sarcasm is necessary to answer this question.

[Shackleton]

I think there's room on the roster for one veteran defender. To me, either Pope or Berhalter goes, but not both.

[Ghost]

A lock? Right now, at least four center backs already have passed him. I think I would take Chad marshall and maybe Conrad over him, at least on ability alone. THere may be a few others, even.

[pokemoncards]

you read the quote right?

[rollo]

I have not seen Pope much this past year. From those who have, how has he been performing and has he been injury-free long enough to recover form?
Thanks,
R

[thigpig]

I was confused by this statement from Arena as well. Last May when they announced the roster for the England friendly I thought to myself "POPE?!" I mean he WAS a good player but he had not played in a while for the national team. Pre-game I was very worried and sure enough not too long into the game Pope makes a horrible play and lets England score. 2nd goal was also Popes fault and that was England's B team. I really hope Pope isn't even on the roster. He proved this year he's over the hill. I would be suprised if Bruce sticks with him.

[YankHibee]

I think Arena's statement was really more of a tribute to Pope than a suggestion that he should still be on the squad.

[QuakeAttack]

He was crap last year. No other way to rationalize it...

In fact, he has been on a steady decline the last couple of years. At least Agoos had a awesome 2001 season in MLS and was great in qualification.

He needs to have a good camp, play well in a couple of friendly's, and start off well in MLS 2006 season. Frankly, I don't think Pope's heart has been in it the last couple of years. I don't have any evidence, but just my gut feel.

[sidefootsitter]

Eddie's a fringe guy now. If Bruce thought he was that indispensible, he would have played him the entire WCQ campaign.

As it stands now however, all the fringe guys have to battle it out. There are around 25-30 MLS'ers competing for ~ 8 spots. The next six months will decide.

[astabooty]

hope not

[UChicagoSoccer]

Eddie's a fringe guy now. If Bruce thought he was that indispensible, he would have played him the entire WCQ campaign.


Did you read the quote? This isn't about how you feel...
It's about Pope being put in the same category as Keller and Reyna.
Let me guess, you're one of those that thinks Reyna is fringe too?

[doppelganger]

Pope is a big, strong man...and there will be lots of luggage for the trip to Hamburg....that stuff does not carry itself....