So the All Star Game has come and gone. Who on the MLS side played themselves into contention for a USMNT camp call-up and a shot at time in an upcoming friendly (whenever that might be)? Discuss.
no one. Not in this game. The weather conditions and the desire to avoid injury inherent in such a game combined to prevent anyone from standing out.
They players certainly seemed to want to play a competitive match but the weather and the pitch killed that. Also, I didn't particularly need to see all of the former Nats in the Nats team but I understand that it was their farewell game and we have to/should honor them. A Tab, Harkes or Waldo would have been easier to watch than a Burns or whoever. Nevertheless, Pablo and Ralston stood out to me.
Still, I thought Maisonneuve was quite impressive. I know he is around 29 years old and has had injuries, but he could definately be useful in qualifying.
You're right. Klein looked good. Is Dema Kovalenko awaiting citizenship? After his performance yesterday, I think he played himself out of a shot at the Nats. I thought Pablo played like a thug.
Still USA Play Worthy Kreiss, Ralston,Klein, Maiseneuve, Deering did very nice work... Meanwhile, check out the Ajax website, O'Brien played an outstanding game v. Man U, and plays Barcelona and Parma next few days...
It was a meaningless exhibition, therefore it can not be read in to as a professional match or opportunity.
I generally agree, but Klein absolutely manhandled Beasley not once, not twice, but three times. The guy is a real nice combination of size and skill and he showed a bit of that yesterday. He certainly deserves a serious look.
My beagle could "absolutely manhandle" DMB, especially in an all-star game when he doesn't know it's coming.
I think the slide tackle played him off the team. NOt b/cit was DMB, but because he obviously doesn't have a great deal of presence of mind. If he did that in a big qualifieer, he'd get a red card. If you were Bruce, would you let your career ride on a player like that,especially when you have at least equal options. Klein looked good. I thought Suarez looked fairly good b/f the injury. IT was Maiz's best game in a Nats kit in a long time.
Mais looked great, consistently dangerous. Also, I know we've got a glut at keeper, but I thought Joe Cannon helped himself, whereas Juergen Sommer showed why he hasn't had a callup in several years.
Well then he should say, that stupid slide tackle in an ALL STAR took him out of contention not his play...he wrote "After his performance." He never said anything about the slide tackle and you're making an assumption on his behalf...of course it was stupid...but did Hejduk's reckless challenge in Costa Rica near the penalty area play him off the squad? Mastroeni also pulled down a few players, unnecessarily...sure it is far less severe, but it's still ridiculous to do. Sure one is an All-Star game, no excuse for that kind of play, and the other was a WC Qualifier...Dema is a complete hot-head, even though he has simmered down a little over the years, if Bruce doesnt know this by now, he doesnt really pay attention.
Was Hejduk's challenge against a member of his club team as well as the National team that Dema is interested in playing for? It's not as much the challenge as it is the mind set that he must have been in.
You cant determine this after one measly game. BUT Stock rose: Klien, Kries, Ralston Stock dropped: Paulina Rubio I thought the Men of the Match were Etchevvery and Cobi Jones.
I thought that Mais played well, but he's probably done. Ralston did well. Petke is a joke. I wish Twellman got an opportunity to show what he can do.
Suarez was a very poised and athletic defender with no fear of DMB or Donovan. He really impressed me in the few minutes he had before the injury.
Although you can't take much of anything from this match El Diablo and DMB impressed me the most. It's too bad we couldn't see Twellman score a few goals and play instead of the whining and diving Graziani. Whose stock rose? The field crew.