so.... Guatemala lost, ruiz not going to the olympics. Congratulations to the US boys who did make it though.
Yeah but LD expressed interest in going during the pregame show of US vs Canada. This came as a surprise to me, but thinking it through, he's been forthright about scheming for change and hoping for bid in England. So naturally Donovan will want the publicity.
I thought Donovan was completely tied to L.A. because his wife's career is here. I read his quote about how stoked he'd be if he were ever approached by a Premiereship team, but I haven't seen anything indicating that he's "scheming for change." Admittedly, though, I'm not up to speed -- is Donovan really looking to move???
I remember him coming out on record and saying he's interesting in giving Europe another try. More specifically England. Exactly when is unkown, but you gotta figure it'll be sooner than later.
I think this is probably more about a 2nd chance for LD, and LD's desire to win something for the US. Remember he played against Mexico when they lost in semis and failed to qualify for 2004 Olympics. If things had gone differently, he might not feel a need to try and right that wrong, but somehow I don't think success with the full national team (see 2006 WC), or success with his club team (see everything after '05 MLS cup: 2006-2007 seasons, 2007 Superliga final) would have helped to lessen his desire to prove himself.
The US wants to win this tournament. They will send their best. How many chances does a national team have to win a major trophy? Few, in any player's career. The US will take their best 20 U-23 players plus Donovan, Howard and Beasley as their overage players.
Beasley is not going to the Olympics. He is hurt and will more than likely not be anywhere near ready to go by then.
I for one, love Olympic soccer, and find the idea of a competing tournament with the World Cup, appealing, but the phat cats at FIFA won't let it be what is should be, so I'll settle for a under-whatever+3overage tourney. Couldn't Donovan always deny a callup like Kaka did for CopaAmerica? I just know that in other countries people sit around TV's and radio's to hear the medal count in the Olympics and think that soccer should be able to represent at it full potential. + A USA gold medal in soccer will do wonders for the credibility of our league seeing as how major footballing countries such as Italy and Argentina only have one gold medal, whereas Brazil has none! If it hurts the Galaxy... well then no, but still, I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss this tourney.