US vs. Guatemala, the midfield (R)

[superdave]

Let's discuss the midfield play here.

[superdave]

Klein had one cheap assist, one nice assist, and a good goal.

But I still don't see him making the 23. But he might be an injury away. His ability to finish is nice.

Olsen's goal was nice, but he ain't going.

Zavagnin's play makes me less nervous about Pablo's health.

Quaranta...ick.

[DoctorD]

I thought Olsen looked good, but he's really only a 20 minute player. Nice through pass by Carroll at the end that Martino blew.

[Sachsen]

Olsen impressed me - thought it was his best Nats game in a long long time. Unfortunately for him, he played a good game as more of an attacking mid instead of d-mid where he has a better chance of making the squad. Zavagnin has still got a foot in front of him in that area. However, if both Pablo AND DOB are out of the WC (not inconceivable) I could possibly see both Z and Olsen going to Germany.

Not only ick on Quaranta but on Martino as well.

Klein had a fantastic game. He and Dempsey are likely elbowing Ralston and Q out of the picture on the right.

[dredgfan]

Not only ick on Quaranta but on Martino as well.

Klein had a fantastic game. He and Dempsey are likely elbowing Ralston and Q out of the picture on the right.

Zavagnin is gaining my trust. i hope you are right about klein pushing Q and Ralston off the final 23. martino should be in MLS Reserves.

[ty webb]

I think Klein and Zavagnin are in good shape right now.

Klein was the MOTM IMHO.

[John L]

Zavagnin kept everything together from the Def end of Midfield, and more importantly made life easier for the Defense - Definitely on The XXIII

Klein looked horrid in the beginning - But as the game rolled on, so did he - Never slacked off - Yet - Still a bubble player

Olsen - Always on the hustle in Midfield - Harrassed the other team, fought for every 30-70 ball, got the ball to open players into space - With injuries to others a possible XXIII - Proved again his versatility

Quaranta, Carroll, etc - Not in enough to make an impact - By that time the story was the Forwards and Set Pieces - And I still think Quaranta is unfairly being played out of position as a Outside Mid when he's more naturally a forward

But then maybe thats Bruce Arena's real test for the Midfield - He really does seem to demand and expect his Midfielders to go where they are needed - AMids tracking back; Outside Mids cutting inside and distributing the ball; DefMids organizing play and coming up into Attack - Some guys have the versatility and vision to carry it off - Others just continue to be lost - This is Olsen's strength and the main reason he may sneak into the XXIII - He won't be good enough for 2 or 3 full 90s - But you could get the best hustling guy out there for 20-30 minutes or even 60-70 as a starter

[superdave]

On 2nd viewing...Olsen and Zavagnin, really, really controlled the midfield. Not to dis Armas, but it was nice to see more positive passing out of the midfield.

[John L]

On 2nd viewing...Olsen and Zavagnin, really, really controlled the midfield. Not to dis Armas, but it was nice to see more positive passing out of the midfield.

This was mainly due to more players showing for the ball more often - And this was due to using three forwards - This put a lot of pressure on the Guatemalan Defense and would allow one or two of the forwards to come back deep and show for the ball - With only two forwards, this wouldn't have happened as much - And Heddie ("No - That's HEDLEY!") was often open on the right flank as well - Even if Zavagnin and Olsen aren't first choices as starters, I don't think we'll be missing Armas very much by now

[swedust]

I was impressed: tremendous linking play. Have never liked Olsen but his grit and versatility force me to acknowledge he's closer to making the final 23 than I thought he'd be six months ago (or before Scotland, whenever that was).