Conrad not getting much respect

[soccerplayer11]

Jimmy Conrad has more caps in the last year than any other US defender. Last year he was MLS defensive player of the year and he has performed well for the US. I do agree that the Germany game was a bit shakey, but he played that game with two hernias. He had double hernia surgery after that game and has returned to action less than two weeks later. So how did he fair in his return? He scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over DC United. Keep in mind that that was the first goal given up this season by DC United (3 games) and that there were 8 potential World Cup roster players on the field. He played a full 90 in this game and almost had a second goal that Reis made a great save on. Scoring and shutting down the DC offense!!! I know there are a lot of Boca fans out there, but I have seen players get behind him on numerous occations. Not only for Fulham but for the US against Poland. Remember the foul he commited after getting beat from 20 out. Conrad doesn't allow players behind him nor does he give up these fouls in such dangerous areas. I truly feel Berhalter played his way off in the Germany game. So it will be interesting to see who Bruce takes. I see it like this:
GK(3): Keller, (Howard), (Hahnemann)
DEF(7): Cherundolo, (Hejduk), Onyewu (Pope), Gibbs (Conrad), Lewis
MID(8): Dempsey (Noonan), O Brien, Mastroeni, Reyna (Olsen), Convey (Beasley)
FOR(4): Donovan (Johnson), Mc Bride (Wolff)

Yes that is only 22. Bocanegra could be the 23rd but I highly doubt it. We have good coverage in our backfield at each position with this crew. On the left Convey could easily play there or even Gibbs as he did against Germany. Some might like Ching but I really don't think he has delivered and I think he is an alternate. Maybe he brings Adu for experience but Bruce is about winning now and I don't believe that will be his choice either. Others DESERVING to be mentioned here (because they work hard day in and day out representing the USA) include: Albright (won't be shocked if he goes over Frankie), Berhalter, Klein, Ralston, Rolfe, Spector, and Zavagnin. I could make a case for each one of these guys and why they deserve to make the roster but I feel they will fall just short. I think Bruce takes Twellman in the 23rd spot. He has come alive in 2006 and has a nose for the net.

[JugglinNCWest7]

Jimmy Conrad has more caps in the last year than any other US defender. Last year he was MLS defensive player of the year and he has performed well for the US. I do agree that the Germany game was a bit shakey, but he played that game with two hernias. He had double hernia surgery after that game and has returned to action less than two weeks later. So how did he fair in his return? He scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over DC United. Keep in mind that that was the first goal given up this season by DC United (3 games) and that there were 8 potential World Cup roster players on the field. He played a full 90 in this game and almost had a second goal that Reis made a great save on. Scoring and shutting down the DC offense!!! I know there are a lot of Boca fans out there, but I have seen players get behind him on numerous occations. Not only for Fulham but for the US against Poland. Remember the foul he commited after getting beat from 20 out. Conrad doesn't allow players behind him nor does he give up these fouls in such dangerous areas. I truly feel Berhalter played his way off in the Germany game. So it will be interesting to see who Bruce takes. I see it like this:
GK(3): Keller, (Howard), (Hahnemann)
DEF(7): Cherundolo, (Hejduk), Onyewu (Pope), Gibbs (Conrad), Lewis
MID(8): Dempsey (Noonan), O Brien, Mastroeni, Reyna (Olsen), Convey (Beasley)
FOR(4): Donovan (Johnson), Mc Bride (Wolff)

Yes that is only 22. Bocanegra could be the 23rd but I highly doubt it. We have good coverage in our backfield at each position with this crew. On the left Convey could easily play there or even Gibbs as he did against Germany. Some might like Ching but I really don't think he has delivered and I think he is an alternate. Maybe he brings Adu for experience but Bruce is about winning now and I don't believe that will be his choice either. Others DESERVING to be mentioned here (because they work hard day in and day out representing the USA) include: Albright (won't be shocked if he goes over Frankie), Berhalter, Klein, Ralston, Rolfe, Spector, and Zavagnin. I could make a case for each one of these guys and why they deserve to make the roster but I feel they will fall just short. I think Bruce takes Twellman in the 23rd spot. He has come alive in 2006 and has a nose for the net.

Conrad should get the 8th defensive spot. Spector is a bit shakier back there than Conrad... 3 of the 4 goals against Germany were solely Berhalter's fault - he passed or gave it up right to the German player who ran in and scored... and yet for some reason people want to blame Conrad (who was actually back trying to cover up Berhalter's mistakes). Some great points you bring up. The only thing I disagree with is Boca. Boca is basically a lock as he will start if Gibbs isn't healthy and can play out on the left if Lewis is too shaky.

[UxSxAxfooty]

No way Bocanegra doesn't make it.

[emp2b3]

Just to clarify KC played the Revs last night, not DC United. There is an article in the KC Star today about Pablo's story in 2002 with some of Conrad's thoughts as a bubble player this time around. (Registration required, but I believe you can read one article w/o logging in). http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/14352470.htm

[PaulGascoigne]

Funny, but I saw the first post and decided to come on to say that there's no way Conrad goes over Boca. But, hmm...the other 2 folks already said it. There you have it, if CB is healthy, he goes. He's just too versatile.

There does seem to be disagreement, once you get below Gooch in the middle, Lewis on the right, and Stevie C on the left. Many wouldn't have a problem with saying Boca shouldn't start. But no, he'll make it.

[peledre]

You would honestly take Conrad over Bocanegra and Spector? Unbelievable.

[kebzach]

You would honestly take Conrad over Bocanegra and Spector? Unbelievable.

Unbelievable isn't even the right word. Idiotic is more like it.

[JugglinNCWest7]

Unbelievable isn't even the right word. Idiotic is more like it.

Boca is a lock as he is the 4th/5th best defender on the team. Conrad was better than Berhalter in Germany and plays very well with Gooch so Conrad over Berhalter. No matter what people say, Albright cannot play defense. He was getting burned by average players in the Jamaica game... how do you think he'll do again some of the best wingers in the world (if he gets in) eg. Nedved, et al. It doesn't matter how good offensively he is, I'd take Convey, Lewis, Dolo, and Hejduk over Albright any day of the week and twice Sunday. In other words Conrad over Albright by a mile. The only guy left in question is Spector. While he's been playing great in the Prem and starting every game for recently, he was a little shaky at the beginning of the season and is still very young. It might be worth taking him just to give him the experience of being there and for his versatility... but I'd almost rather have Conrad. It's a tough choice between those two. As much as I like Spector, I'd say Conrad by a hair right now. Spector will be our 2nd best defender in 4 yrs (Behind Gooch :D ). Let him keep starting in the EPL and getting better and gaining experience and then let him dominate in WC'10

[Mr. Bandwagon]

You would honestly take Conrad over Bocanegra and Spector? Unbelievable.
I would. Boca's a better offensive threat than Conrad, but his defense is not consistent and he's been embarassed numerous times this year playing for Fulham. Jimmy on the other hand has been near perfect this year and has outplayed Carlos overall.

Unbelievable isn't even the right word. Idiotic is more like it.

Is it "idiotic" to take the defender who is playing better? :)

[peledre]

I would. Boca's a better offensive threat than Conrad, but his defense is not consistent and he's been embarassed numerous times this year playing for Fulham. Jimmy on the other hand has been near perfect this year and has outplayed Carlos overall.



Is it "idiotic" to take the defender who is playing better? :)
Apples and Oranges, the MLS season is 3 weeks old and Bocanegra is going against EPL level competition. Boca was the top defender in MLS when he was here.

[Metrogo]

The only guy left in question is Spector. While he's been playing great in the Prem and starting every game for recently, he was a little shaky at the beginning of the season and is still very young. It might be worth taking him just to give him the experience of being there and for his versatility... but I'd almost rather have Conrad. It's a tough choice between those two. As much as I like Spector, I'd say Conrad by a hair right now. Spector will be our 2nd best defender in 4 yrs (Behind Gooch :D ). Let him keep starting in the EPL and getting better and gaining experience and then let him dominate in WC'10

I'm not sure he's playing as great as you say, but if he was playing great for a mid table premiership team for a coach who was often mentioned as an england coach contender, there's even a question about whether he would start over Conrad? That's insane.

[Mr. Bandwagon]

Apples and Oranges, the MLS season is 3 weeks old and Bocanegra is going against EPL level competition. Boca was the top defender in MLS when he was here.
???

So he must be one of our best defenders because he was pretty good 3 years ago?

Have you watched him this year for Fulham? Cause he's been guilty of some "high school" defending from what I've seen. For example, twice while I was watching he has cringed away from balls that were struck by the person he was defending and let them go into the net when he could have easily deflected them and saved two goals. What's up with that?

And do you happen to know who MLS' best defender is? In 2005 it was Conrad. In 2004, Conrad was one of three nominees for best defender. Conrad also started the first 4 USMNT games played in the U.S. this year, and was exceptional, while Bocanegra's half against Poland was very average and did not help his case as I saw it.

Personally, I would go with the defender who is currently at the top of his game, not the one who is inconsistent and guilty of some shocking lapses in play/attitude.

And just becasue someone plays in a better league doesn't make them a better player, folks. Last time I checked Fulham were hardly having a good season. Have they won on the road yet? Even once? Are they in the top half of the table or the bottom half of the table?

[dmike]

Obviously didn't watch the debacle called USA vs Germany

[JugglinNCWest7]

I'm not sure he's playing as great as you say, but if he was playing great for a mid table premiership team for a coach who was often mentioned as an england coach contender, there's even a question about whether he would start over Conrad? That's insane.

Spector has had one month of good form for Charlton and hasn't really shown that well for the NT.

Conrad has had 2 to 2.5 years of good form in the MLS and for the NT minus a couple of games (eg paired with Berhalter against Germany).

Spector is versatile as he can play all the way across the back.

Conrad can only play CB and plays at his best with Gooch.

Spector is young and inexperienced for the NT. He's still developing and still makes a lot of mistakes but makes some great plays. Also pretty good offensively.

Conrad is consistently solid defensively, making mistakes every once in a while.

Conrad may have a slight edge in his speed but Spector probably has a slight edge in his quickness ... and yes there is a difference.

You make the call... Who would you rather have on the NT? Pretty tough choice huh?

[JugglinNCWest7]

???

So he must be one of our best defenders because he was pretty good 3 years ago?

Have you watched him this year for Fulham? Cause he's been guilty of some "high school" defending from what I've seen. For example, twice while I was watching he has cringed away from balls that were struck by the person he was defending and let them go into the net when he could have easily deflected them and saved two goals. What's up with that?

And do you happen to know who MLS' best defender is? In 2005 it was Conrad. In 2004, Conrad was one of three nominees for best defender. Conrad also started the first 4 USMNT games played in the U.S. this year, and was exceptional, while Bocanegra's half against Poland was very average and did not help his case as I saw it.

Personally, I would go with the defender who is currently at the top of his game, not the one who is inconsistent and guilty of some shocking lapses in play/attitude.

And just becasue someone plays in a better league doesn't make them a better player, folks. Last time I checked Fulham were hardly having a good season. Have they won on the road yet? Even once? Are they in the top half of the table or the bottom half of the table?

Do you even watch the Prem at all? More than 1 game a week or from what it sounds/looks like... 1 game every few months? Boca is by far Fulham's best defender... well scratch that. He is a good bit better than Goma... and when Goma is in there with Boca, no one scores. When you match the three other CBs up with Boca and with themselves, the three Boca combinations are in the top four in goals against avg... ie nobody scores when he's in the game.

IMO opinion Boca starts this summer hands down if Gibbs is aching. Conrad is very good... and if you read my posts above you'll see my opinion on him. I agree that he is a very solid player... but nowhere close to being better than Boca. Close to Spector. And it should be between those two for a spot on the team this summer.

[JugglinNCWest7]

Obviously didn't watch the debacle called USA vs Germany

Lemme guess... your favorite player is Gregg Berhalter?

[Mr. Bandwagon]

Do you even watch the Prem at all? More than 1 game a week or from what it sounds/looks like... 1 game every few months? Boca is by far Fulham's best defender... well scratch that. He is a good bit better than Goma... and when Goma is in there with Boca, no one scores. When you match the three other CBs up with Boca and with themselves, the three Boca combinations are in the top four in goals against avg... ie nobody scores when he's in the game.

IMO opinion Boca starts this summer hands down if Gibbs is aching. Conrad is very good... and if you read my posts above you'll see my opinion on him. I agree that he is a very solid player... but nowhere close to being better than Boca. Close to Spector. And it should be between those two for a spot on the team this summer.
I used to like Bocangra a lot more, but I've seen his form and it's not as good as Jimmy's. I guess we just disagree.

[soccerplayer11]

So Bruce may take the 8 defenders he has talked about. Consider 2002 when we took 7 and only had 3 healthy at the Germany game. People should also realize that 4 years of aging is quite a bit at the international level. I think everyone agrees that Gibbs, Gooch, Pope, Steve, and Lewis are in. That is 5. So last spots to 3 of these 4: Carlos, Frankie, Jimmy, Spector. Maybe Frankie gets booted. BTW Conrad did play right back against Japan and does have experience there as a reserve.

[peledre]

Frankie can't play himself off this team. With his level of fitness, locker room leadership, and experience, he's a lock.

My 8 defenders:
1. Gooch
2. Gibbs
3. Cherundolo
4. Lewis
5. Pope
6. Bocanegra
7. Spector
8. Hejduk

[USA4Life]

Conrad can play. I like his size. Like Rolfe, Arena has missed the boat with this guy. These two should have been developed more and given more minutes a while ago.

Conrad and Rolfe will be the two guys that will be significant players for 2010.