The Defense

[MarioKempes]

The competition is heating up in defense. Injuries to Gibbs and Albright add a little ambiguity, but things will clarify themselves over time.

Locks: Cherundolo at outside right back, Gooch at central defense (generally right), Bocanegra at central defense (generally left).

Probable: Gibbs (after recovering from injury), Pearce (after showing well in this camp)

Possible: Spector (on the bench at Charlton) as backup outside left, Albright (injured in training) as backup outside right, Hejduk as backup outside right, Pope, Berhalter, Conrad

That's 11 names for 8-9 positions. At least 2 will stay home. You generally want one backup for each position.

starter: ----Dolo------Gooch-----Gibbs-------Pearce
backup:----Albright----Pope-----Boca--------Spector

Perhaps one more defender, one of Berhalter/Conrad/Hejduk, perhaps not.

Of course Gibbs is the big question mark, as he hasn't played since May, but a recent interview I saw suggested that he was healthy and ready to get back in the groove. I'm not sure how hard it will be for him to play himself back into Feyenoord's lineup.

I think Conrad has a chance to pass Pope on the depth chart. Perhaps there's still a chance for MLS' best defender.

As much as I'd like to pencil in HeyDude for his heart, workrate, and athleticism, I remind you of one of his past performances: http://www.soccertimes.com/letters/2004/feb26.htm

[TrueCrew]

I think you've got in wrong horribly at LB. Pearce has never played one game there and only has 15 minutes at LM for the Nats, he is far from a lock. Eddie Lewis is likely the starting LB now.

Locks: Dolo--Gooch--Gibbs--Lewis.
Backups: Hejduk/Albright--Berhalter/Pope--Bocanegra--Spector/Pearce.

Right now I'd say 8 go: Bocanegra, Hejduk, Berhalter, and Spector.

I think the starting 4 are pretty much set, with the backup competition open to those listed above: with Conrad and Dunivant with extremely outside shots. Too bad for Marshall being injured.

[CbR]

im glad you had to dig up something from a game played 2 years ago in amsterdam to give a proper evaluation of Hejduk. Why not post a link about Gooch in Azteca? What has Spector actually done so far? He's not ripping it up in Charlton

[FirstStar]

I think you've got in wrong horribly at LB. Pearce has never played one game there and only has 15 minutes at LM for the Nats, he is far from a lock. Eddie Lewis is likely the starting LB now.

Locks: Dolo--Gooch--Gibbs--Lewis.
Backups: Hejduk/Albright--Berhalter/Pope--Bocanegra--Spector/Pearce.

Right now I'd say 8 go: Bocanegra, Hejduk, Berhalter, and Spector.

I think the starting 4 are pretty much set, with the backup competition open to those listed above: with Conrad and Dunivant with extremely outside shots. Too bad for Marshall being injured.

I'd more likely think that 9 go. Bruce will remember the state of our backline in 2002 and want more depth there than anywhere else.

First: Eddie can be counted as a back-up to the midfield, making it more like 8.5 defenders and an extra half mid. In a pinch, the same can be true for Bobby Convey, but I don't think he'll see a minute of LB time for the US.

Second: Spector's ability to play all four positions (as he has done for Charlton this year) is a significant advantage for him and makes him the ideal #9 (a second back-up to every spot).

Third: Frankie's versitility, fitness and understanding of Bruce's system are all significant advantages for him.

Fourth: Heath Pearce has one significant advantage: He's left-footed and actually starting as a LB for his club. He has one significant disadvantage: lack of international experience. His lack of experience is problematic because (1) we are bringing many other young defenders and (2) the backline is where experience counts to most. I think Heath's got a long mountain to climb to make the squad.

So, here's my list in order:

1. Gooch (CB)
2. 'Dolo (RB)
3. Lewis (LB)
4. Gibbs (CB)
4. Bocanegra (CB)
4. Berhalter (CB)
7. Hejduk
8. Albright
9. Spector

The sad three-way tie at #4 is a result of Gibbs' injury and uncertain playing time the second half at Feyenoord (there's rumors that he's for sale) combined with Boca's recent slump (perhaps injury related) and Beerholder's recent slump (no hints of injury there). I think they all go (if healthy) and I've put them in their expected order. Boca's experience at LB is important, even if he's not all that impressive at that position.

I think Heath is on the outside looking in due to his inexperience and the other back-up options we have at LB (Hejduk, Boca, Spector). Bruce will look to Albright as more of a safety blanket since he's more familiar with Bruce's system. I think Pope is out unless he can fight Berhalter off the squad.

[Adam Zebrowski]

8 defenders
8 mids
4 forwards
3 keepers...

I agree the starting defense...

cherundolo onyewu gibbs lewis

bocanegra as 3rd central defender

pope and berhalter fighting it out for the 4th...

two outside backs, and being able to play BOTH right and left might give a edge...

hejduk, albright, pearce , spector would be my pecking order...

pearce needs a strong showing to take a slot..

bot hejduk and albright being able to play on both sides helps them...

same with spector whI seefar more a darkhorse, needing injuires to happen to make the final 23

[Autogolazo]

I'd think the choice is Hejduk OR Albright, but not both.

[cpwilson80]

A general question, not limited to the replies in the thread: how can Pearce be ahead of Spector in any depth chart at this point?

I'm going out on a limb and saying that nobody is monitoring any Scandinavian leagues closely. So, we've seen Pearce play a whopping 10 minutes of play, out of position, in an international friendly against a second-tier European team after massive substitutions. And he's fast, and is a left-footed left back.

This compared to a guy who plays regularly in one of the top leagues in the world.

Now, Pearce may very well be a great discovery who fits in well with the team and makes the squad. I'm certainly not rooting against any of our players. To suggest that he's above Spector at this point, though, is ridiculous.

Are people still hung up on Spector's injured performance in the Youth World Cup? Or is this classic BigSoccer fandom of unknown potential?

The backs that are definitely on the roster: Onyewu, Gibbs, Cherundolo, Lewis, Bocanegra, Berhalter

It's too soon to tell with everybody else.

[sidefootsitter]

From his grades, Pearce has been doing pretty well at FCN. The club's top player, a 24-year old striker named Mads Junker was just sold to Vitesse for ~ $2.4M and Heath himself has been a target of transfer rumors also.

FWIW, I'd pick 9 defenders, 5 forwards, 3 GKs and 6 mids, with Donovan a nominal mid and Lewis a nominal defender.

[MikeLastort2]

From his grades, Pearce has been doing pretty well at FCN. The club's top player, a 24-year old striker named Mads Junker was just sold to Vitesse for ~ $2.4M and Heath himself has been a target of transfer rumors also.

Let's see, Pearce is playing in the Danish league and is "doing pretty well." One of his teammates was sold to a mid-table Dutch team. Somehow that means Pearce should go to the World Cup next summer.

Is this fawning?

:D

[FirstStar]

Are people still hung up on Spector's injured performance in the Youth World Cup? Or is this classic BigSoccer fandom of unknown potential?



Mostly. That said, he's played well enough to get himself an invite to the camp. He's also very fortunate to play in a league with a long enough winter break to allow him to attend the camp.

I don't think he's on Bruce's roster right now, but as a left-footed left-back playing that position for a club that probably compares with a very good MLS side, he clearly deserves a look. IMO, he's got a lot of work to do to get himself on the roster, but at least he's getting a chance.

[nydeacon1980]

I think you've got in wrong horribly at LB. Pearce has never played one game there and only has 15 minutes at LM for the Nats, he is far from a lock. Eddie Lewis is likely the starting LB now.

Locks: Dolo--Gooch--Gibbs--Lewis.
Backups: Hejduk/Albright--Berhalter/Pope--Bocanegra--Spector/Pearce.

Right now I'd say 8 go: Bocanegra, Hejduk, Berhalter, and Spector.

I think the starting 4 are pretty much set, with the backup competition open to those listed above: with Conrad and Dunivant with extremely outside shots. Too bad for Marshall being injured.

I agree with this except Spector will not go...Pearce has more experince and is faster than Spector

Dont forget Pierce was a NATS U-20 and a star at Portland which is more experiece than the bench in England

[H]

I'd more likely think that 9 go. Bruce will remember the state of our backline in 2002 and want more depth there than anywhere else.



Defense isn't the only spot where cards and injuries can accumulate. In 1994 it was midfield--Reyna and Ramos were injured and Harkes was out on cards. In 1998, there was a shortage of healthy forwards due to Sampson's decision to put the old and the lame (Wegerle and Wynalda) on the roster. So we need to be deep in as many positions as possible because it is not possible to predict where injuries and cards will accumulate.

[swedust]

I'm hoping for 8 defenders + Lewis. Agree that Spector's versatility in the back is more valuable than, say, Dempsey's at other spots.

Gooch
Gibbs
Boca
Berhalter
Albright
Spector/Hejduk (won't both go unless Pope falters significantly/injured)
Pearce
Conrad/Pope (both go if Gibbs out)
+
Lewis

[MarioKempes]

im glad you had to dig up something from a game played 2 years ago in amsterdam to give a proper evaluation of Hejduk. Why not post a link about Gooch in Azteca? What has Spector actually done so far? He's not ripping it up in Charlton

Was that really my intention? To give a proper evaluation of Hejduk? Come on, you're not that disingenuous are you? Do you really think there's a single poster on this forum that hasn't seen years and years of Frankie? We know what he can do. There's no secret here.

Spector has been inconsistent, which is why he isn't a lock. Left outside back is probably our most "up for grabs" position on the field. That's why even a decent, but inconsistent youngster might go as a backup.

[MarioKempes]

I think you've got in wrong horribly at LB.

Yes, of course you do.


Pearce has never played one game there and only has 15 minutes at LM for the Nats, he is far from a lock.


Yes, which is why I have him listed as probable. Pearce has played a year at left back in Denmark and is getting high marks. He will likely transfer to a better club after this World Cup.


Eddie Lewis is likely the starting LB now.


Perhaps, but as you know Lewis plays as a left-sided midfielder for Leeds -- yes, the same Leeds who currently sits in 3rd place in the Championship and is on-track for promotion -- and is a key contributer with his goal-scoring and crosses from the left.

[BigKris]

1. Not sold on Spector at this stage - too inexperienced and not getting enough playing time. At this stage in his development, I see his playing multiple positions not as a strength but as a weakness - he hasn't settled in and learned a role yet.
2. While I freely admit that I have not seen him for more than ten minutes and therefore cannot offer an evaluation, I'd be willing to bet that by the time the camp and friendlies are done with, Pearce will be on the squad.
3. In the middle, I think Berhalter is in (he's an organizer) and Pope is out (he's old).
4. On the right, reports from camp are that Albright is hurt and Hejduk is in the best shape of his life - look for Frankie to grab the backup slot at RB.

My list looks like this:
Starters: Dolo, Gooch, Gibbs, Lewis
Also going: Hejduk, Berhalter, Boca, Pearce

If you use the "8.5" logic to bring an extra defender, that's probably a route to get Spector on the squad.

[dfb547490]

1. Gooch
2. Cherundolo
3. Lewis
4. Gibbs
5. Boca
6. Berhalter or Pope
7. Albright (Spector, Pearce)
8. Hejduk (Spector, Pearce)


Basically I think that as long as people are healthy, the back-line is pretty much set aside from the Berhalter-Pope battle. Marshall and Conrad have a tiny chance to challenge for that spot, but I think Marshall's chances have ended with his injury and Conrad probably doesn't have enough chances against quality opponents remaining to force his way into the squad unless there are some injuries. Likewise, Spector and/or Pearce could challenge Hejduk and/or Albright, but it's iffy. Spector needs to get into the starting 11 at Chalrton immediately to have any chance, and Pearce isn't going unless he wins the starting LB job outright.

[swilso01]

I am a little suprised at the lack of love given to Hedgeduck. Although some have him going to Germany, most of you have him on the bubble. Now, I know we are talking about Frankie Hedgeduck, but noone ever seems to name any reasons as to why this guy should not be on the team. I do not ask this in a confrontational way, but genuinely want answers...

When was the last time you can remember that Hedgeduck really had an awful game?

What has he done to NOT be on the squad for Germany?

What have Albright and Spector done that puts them above Hejduk?

I would agree that Albright has more of an upside, but I have seen Frankie bring his A-game in critical situations time and time again. If the choice is between Frankie and Albright/Spector, I would be really surprised if Frankie stays home.

[MikeLastort2]

What have Albright and Spector done that puts them above Hejduk?

Nothing.

[Reccossu]

Only injury will keep Heydude off the roster, which in my view is as it should be.

I don't know about recent form for Cottbus, but unless something bizarre has happened there, only injury will keep Berhalter off the roster. I was no Ber "critical foul waiting to happen" halter fan, but he has played much better the last year and so I think he's going .

Hope it's not necessary, but since Boca can play the left, he's going -- yes as a CB, but this flexibility puts him ahead of Pope IMO.

Gooch is a given. Gibbs is a given if healthy. Cherundolo is a given.

I have my doubts about Lewis at LB, at least as a starting line-up. To be clear, these are not really doubts about Lewis, but about BA's commitment to this arrangment. My guess is he is more likely to have DMB switch to the right if he wants both of them on the field that badly. Trying to play all three of Convey, DMB and Lewis may make me wrong, but BA is more likely to stick to his system in my view.

For the two remaining D spots (I think 8 is right not counting Lewis) Albright, Pope and Pearce seem most likely candidates. Albright can play both sides if necessary, plus wing midfield in a pinch and has experience in BA's system. Pearce can force himself on with an impressive camp/friendlies and can play wid mid as well in a pinch. Pope is getting old, only plays CB, would be the 5th CB on the roster and Pablo can fill in in an emergency.

So I'd say: Gooch, Cher, Gibbs, Heydude, Berhalter, Boca, Albright, Pearce with Pope waiting to step in for an injury or Pearce failing to show he's got the goods by March.