He had caps 7 years ago. He played in the Copa America. We knew what he was capable of. He then spent time in a league where he would not get caps. He has had 2.5 great seasons. He has put himself in a position where you have to question why he is not getting a chance. As for Wondo, I would take a striker who is in form and actually scores goals for more than half a season than one who just has talent. If talent alone won games, Mexico would be whooping us every game.
Oct 5 vs Colorado and October 10 vs Vancouver I realize that the 5th isn't part of the FIFA window but it's right before it so just something to keep in mind.
Wondo's technique and athleticism were always going to be a concern w/re to his ability to excel at International level. There is an not insubstantial history of top MLS strikers of whom this could likewise be said. Nguyen was a highly technical player who needed to improve physically and tactically in order to excel as a pro. Again there is an not insubstantial history of MLS attackers of whom this could this could be said. Galaxy, Dallas, DCU, RSL, NY, Crew, and Union don't have games on the 8th, 10th, or the 11th. ----------------Altidore ------Donovan----Corona------EJ -------------Rasta-----Cameron ---Garza-------------------------Williams -------------Edu--------Orozco ------------------Rimando Cameron is from the area. Altidore can use the games. Extended Bench: Zardes, Silva, Castillo, Wenger, Meram, Kitchen, Okugo, McCarty, Trapp. Rogers, Hedges, Schuler, Hamid
The problem is that we don't have a whole bunch of alternatives. And, right now, Nguyen is at the top of MLS. Which is our standard and base, considering we have few players in better leagues, and even fewer playing regularly in those and not injured. If AJ and Boyd were healthy, Agudelo had a club, Shea had panned out, etc. we wouldn't be talking about Lee, probably. But all those guys are either injured or flopping. So it's time to talk alternatives.
My theory is why even put yourself in that position where you might have to go through the same thing that the USMNT went through with Wondo. There were plenty of fans that said he wasn't good enough for the highest level, and ultimately his goals against mediocre competition won out and it ended up playing a big part in costing us a spot in the QF's of the WC. Klinsmann should just go with his brain. While Nguyen might deserve a call up, Klinsmann should have learned from mistake of having Wondo on the WC roster.
There is no basis to claim Nguyen can't excel at international level. He is one of the most dominant players in the US' domestic league. All one can do is give him a chance. Wondo deserved his opportunity though I preferred a different striker to go to the Cup.
Is JK good at learning from his mistakes? I think the jury still out but I want to know what you guys think about this...He has given some players more than enough changes to come through and yet they fail.
Ecuador is one of the least tactical teams in CONMEBOL, down there with Venezuela and Bolivia, and able to qualify mainly because they play their home games in the Atahualpa (over 9,000 ft. above sea level). They are still a strong team, like all the South Americans, Bolivia excepted. They rely on fast wing play, and their players are strong and fast. Their results in the last 12-month period: Ecuador @ Colombia (Qualifier), 0-1 Ecuador @ Bolivia (Qualifier), 1-1 Ecuador vs. Uruguay (Qualifier), 1-0 Ecuador @ Chile (Qualifier), 1-2 Ecuador - Argentina (Friendly in USA), 0-0 Ecuador - Honduras (Friendly in USA), 2-2 Ecuador - Australia (Friendly in England), 4-3 Ecuador @ Netherlands (Friendly), 1-1 Ecuador - Mexico (Friendly in USA), 1-3 Ecuador - England (Friendly in USA), 2-2 Ecuador - Switzerland (World Cup), 1-2 Ecuador - Honduras (World Cup), 2-1 Ecuador - France (World Cup), 0-0 Ecuador - Bolivia (Friendly in the USA), 4-0 They were the highest ranked team in the World Cup not to make it out of group, with 4 pts. and 0 GD (by comparison, USA finished the tournament with 4 pts., -1 GD). They are a dangerous team because they can change rhythm fast, but also can produce professional fouls when under pressure. In a way, I think of them as the Honduras of South America, although they are better than the Catrachos.
He isn't because he's too wrapped up in his own ego to realize his mistakes. This is his biggest fault as a coach. He's still very good at recruiting young dual-nationals into our program, he makes a lot of good decisions on which players to play in certain games and he usually gives the young players the advantage over the older players. I think he's a good coach and I think he should continue as coach, but his ego sets him back from realizing his mistakes.
Because for one, they aren't even the same types of players and for two who cares if they are a late bloomer or not. If they can help then bring them in. Nguyen isn't old to where he will never help, he can still help for the next couple of years. He doesn't have to be a part of our WC squad but he does deserve a look to be a part of the team.
Lee Nguyen is the best center mid in the player pool right now. That includes every player that went to Brazil. If JK does not call him in for the Oct game, then i will lead the charge for JKs head. He cannot ignore a player of Lee's caliber.
whoa....a little bit of an overstatement here. He is a good player right now and doing really well but MLS play doesnt always immediately translate into incredible international play. Not saying he doesnt deserve to be called up but it is a different game.
True. I'm assuming the usual suspects (mainly US- and Mexico-based), and Ecuador bringing the same group they're using now (Wikipedia says they're going to use the same bunch of players in September and October). Keep an eye on their Carlos Gruezo. Kid is only 19, but already starting for Stuttgart. He could become a top DM.
Seems like we have a lot of quality in the back 7. Your candidates look fine and others would be good, too. I think we need to get on with the search for a front four who can create some chances and score the ball. Drop Altidore, EJ - Dono gets a goodbye game but I would sub him out at 50' mark for Nguyen. I would play Powers instead of Corona and start digging deep for wingers like Wenger, Serna , Yedlin, while auditioning guys who could succeed Dempsey as the guy who leads the line. With Howard and Rimando heading towards retirement, it would be nice to see Klinsi cease with the perfunctory SJ call up and start getting serious about back ups for Guzan. Hamid is one, who is the other?
Wondo has scored goals against decent comp. It took him several caps to get up to snuff, though. He missed a good chance this WC. That doesn't change the facts of the goals he did score. I think you need to realize that we can't afford to overlook anyone in our pool.
Lee has experience at higher levels. It's all about his head with Lee. He looks like he is getting smarter about his choices. He is ready for USA team but JK should tell him what he wants from him. Do we want guys who create chances or not?