[Karl K]

Robbie Findley has been mentioned offered as a possible replacement for Charlie Davies in the USMNT. The reason, of course, is that he is a player similar to Davies -- a player who is a striker as opposed to a center forward, and player who relies on speed for escapability.

So tonight, I watched the Real Salt Lake vs. Colorado game -- a game with significant playoff implications for both teams -- and therefore sure to be a game with some intensity and bite.

As it surely was.

All in all, Findley's performance had some impressive components. He scored two of the three RSL goals in the win. The first goal, a header from a scramble in the box, showed good poaching instincts. The second goal -- a classic route 1 goal from a long ball from Andy Williams-- showcased a deft touch by Findley to loop the ball over the onrushing Burpo (a hideously bad bit of goalkeeping) with a nice one time low far post finish as the ball came down.

With both goals in the first half, and RSL up 2-0 at the break, Findley effectively sealed the Rapids doom in this game.

There were some other impressive moments -- a nice run toward goal early in the opening minutes to get on an incisive through ball from Will Johnson, some good combinations with teammates, and a couple of good runs before he was subbed out with around 30 minutes to go. Not quite sure the reason for the sub -- perhaps to get a fresh legged Mosiviyian rather than any failings or fitness issues for Findley.

That being said, there were other things that seemed to be missing from his game. Robbie seems to disappear from the game for stretches, and his work rate doesn't seem all that high. He doesn't make himself as available on the checking run as you might expect, even for a striker. He seems like a player who needs to get matched up 1 v 1 on a defender and then get a longish flighted ball or through pass he can run onto where he can, of course, be deadly. But he doesn't seem to be consistently threatening or dynamic while holding the ball, or a great holder of the ball in general.

Bretos said he is among the fastest players in MLS, but it was hard to see that blazing speed, frankly, in this game. In contrast, Charlie Davies ALWAYS exuded a ton of speed -- he just seemed a step ahead of everybody on the field.

Just one game, albeit quite an important one. Bottom line? He might be useful, but he didn't seem to be a player who by his performance said, "You gotta take me!!"

[Nutmeg]

I like the premise of the thread. The loss of Davies means we could use other options at forward. Kudos to Karl for starting a discussion of soccer, which this forum needs more of.

I disagree with one piece of the critical analysis, however. Here is why: there is a preconceived notion buried deep within the psyche of US Soccer - every forward has to play a certain way, with Brian McBride being the ideal. And when a forward doesn't play like Brian McBride, he is criticized as not having the proper work rate, making the right runs, etc.

I have two issues with this:

1) Too many US fans grossly underrate goal scoring. Findley scores two key goals - one of them a sombrero on a keeper and a sweet finish as he's being taken down, and the end analysis is "he didn't seem to be a player who by his performance said, 'You gotta take me!!'" Really? Well, I see a player finding his stride, doing exactly what is asked of him (more on that in point 2), and doing it with a goal scorer's instinct. You either have that, or you do not. Findley shows signs of having it.

2) Findley's role - especially as RSL gained the lead (thanks to Findley) isn't to check back and play the connector. On RSL, that responsibility is Espindola's. The tactical adjustment made by Kreis (and it was the right one) is to move Findley up top, dare Colorado to attack, and burn them on the counter with Findley's speed. The adjustment work, and in the 33rd minute, Findley's speed killed Colorado's season.

Where I do agree with Karl to an extent is Findley's speed. He is blazing fast off the ball. He isn't fast with it, and he can get dispossessed pretty easily.

Will he factor with the US Team? He's a very long shot. He'd have to continue to rack up goals in MLS and then do something meteoric with the US Team. I think his chances are less than 25%. I attribute that more to him coming to the party too late than I would to any particular shortcoming in his game, although again his on the ball speed is pedestrian. His instincts and read to get himself in scoring positions are very good by MLS standards.

[usry723]

Findley was great tonight. A speedy guy that the USMNT desperately needs. Also from the same game, Casey continues to suck.

[coach215]

I think we need to take a look at Findley in some friendlies in the next few months. If I can suggest another name, what about Josh Wolff? MVP of his team more goals than Findley this year, experience in the WC. After that, it's a question of which midfielder you you would try up front-- Beasley, Donovan, or Dempsey.

[Shaster]

I like his replacement more.

[IndividualEleven]

I agree with the point that creating goals is highly under-rated in American Soccer. The reason why I rate Dempsey ahead of Donovan is because the former creates so many goals against the very best International sides. Likewise Kenny Cooper scores more goals per minute than the other fringe forwards like Ching or Casey.

Back to Findley. My main issue with the player is his average technique and his lack of explosiveness with the ball at his feet. Davies doesn't have great technique but he is fast with the ball at his feet.

It's difficult for a forward to be effective against top sides if the technique is lacking. Players like Ching and Casey can look dominate against MLS teams or Concacaf sides but against top international outfits be made to look like the sub-pedestrian strikers they are.

What does Findley bring to the table that EJ and Cunningham won't? At least EJ has had the benefit of a proper footballing education at Cardiff and Fulham. Hopefully a loan in the new year sees him with more minutes.

The MLS striker I'd most prefer to see get a run is Edson Buddle. He possesses the size, speed, and technique that could make an impression against a top side. He wouldn't pass Boballoo's 'good person' test, but they can't all be Eagle Scouts.

[Bruce S]

Originally Posted by IndividualEleven

What does Findley bring to the table that EJ and Cunningham won't? At least EJ has had the benefit of a proper footballing education at Cardiff and Fulham.

yes, I am willing to give the Euros 100% of the credit for EJ's development and soccer skills.

[HouseHead78]

You must spread reputation around before giving it to Karl K again.

Good post and good topic.

I like Findley as an MLS player. He's got some speed and enough skill to get by. Good player. I don't think he's MNT material, personally, but I could be convinced otherwise.

[IndividualEleven]

To echo another poster, I'll add that goal creation is nigh paramount for a forward but there's is also the ability to contribute to the general attacking and defensive play----through covering ground, winning balls, showing for the ball, holding up the ball. I'm not sure Findley really excels at this aspect even at MLS level. Casey and Ching do extremely well at this at league level but not at the top level. EJ might be improved at this aspect with his European experience. Buddle looks at this part of the game as well.

[Scott e Dio93]

I could see Finley coming off the bench for Denmark.

I would him start with Altidore and Adu for Slovakia game.

Please Bradley...no Ching and Casey!