The Sunday, October 12th home game against Colorado is almost certainly a must-win game if we are going to get into the playoffs. Unfortunately, Saturday, October 11th, and Wednesday, October 15th are FIFA official match dates. This means we will lose: Donovan, Beckham, Jazic, and Lewis. Maybe Bradley will give us some help and call up Pablo Mastroeni, but other than that, Colorado will pretty much have their full (though hardly imposing) line-up. I wonder if there's any chance that former USMNT manager Arena can barter with Bob to get Donovan and/or Lewis held out of the October 11th game and then have them show up for the October 15th game. That seems doubtful, but given the fact that the USA have qualification to the hexagonal all but assured at this point, it wouldn't be beyond the realm of possibility. We could also get lucky and have Becks fall out of favor with Capello, though there is no hint of that so far as Becks saw substitute (garbage) time vs. Croatia.
I think Bradley will let Lewis and Donovan stay with us. Just a hunch. He wants a good relationship with the MLS clubs, we've basically qualified, he wants to try some of the younger, unproven guys, etc. Beckham has said repeatedly that playing for England is his first priority, and I don't see why he wouldn't get the call up. So we'll probably be without him.
This international call up has to be better next year.MLS scheduler should schedule our MLS games without conflicting with FIFA games. I'm getting sick of these call ups.I want to see that we get into the playoffs.Regardless.
Maybe not better. Isn't the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament next year? And when is that pre-World Cup thing supposed to take place in South Africa?
Right now, of those 4 players, Beckham is the one I would least miss in that match. Yes, I said it. And I meant it.
Kind of sad isn't it? Moving Klein up there and putting someone like Valentin/Franchino in on the right/left would make our line-up work I think.
I'd miss Becks... he still has better vision than anyone else on the pitch. Id miss him more than Pires. Wait, thats not saying much. More than Buddle, yah.
If we lose two prior to Colorado and we're out of contention for the playoffs. I dont care if all our internationals go. But if we're on a streak and need that game I will be seriously pissed if our internationals go including Becks and Lando. For jeebus sake, we're taking on mighty Cuba and Guatemala at home. Becks, sorry Bro, a Mr .Walcot and Mr. Bentley seem to be ahead of you at this time and your club team desparately needs you. Come on. Let's go G's.
The Gold Cup is in 2009 as is the Confederations cup The CC is in June, so the Gold cup is probably going to be after it but during July. it's usually held during those months.
If Bob is willing to let Donovan and Lewis stick around for the Rapids game and conversely INCLUDE Altidore and Adu into the f**king lineup for once, it would be a win-win, both for the Galaxy and for the US Men's. However, if Bob should call both up (*knock on wood*), then yeah...we face a predicament. So who would we use in their place? Donovan -> Jordan or Gordon (I would prefer Jordan given his youth and his drive to prove himself, but I see Gordo getting the start considering his last goal...though considering the lack of service from both Lewis and Becks, he could easily turn into a lifeless shirt). Jazic -> Randolph. Easiest swap to make, though I haven't at times liked what I've seen out of Mike this season. Hopefully he will have gotten better. Lewis -> Uh.... Beckham -> Uh....
it would probably be this lineup... ------------------Gordon------Buddle------------ ----Randolph/Tudela------------------Jordan-------- -----------------Vanney----Pete/Mcd----------------- ------Franchino-----Franklin------Troy-------Klein------- I noticed Arena switched out Jazic for Franchino in the DC match. Frap was playing on the wing for the little minutes he played.
Franchino at LB would be a mistake. I know Bruce put him in during the last game at that position, but he doesnt have enough experience with the back line. I'd almost like to see Vanney at LB, and McDondlad at DMid along with Pete. This would at least allow us some speed on the two wings...
Becks will likely dress however I doubt he'll see anything more than the playtime from the last match. And given that Becks will be dressing, I'm excited to see what Jordan can do on his second start. While I would hope that Bradley will allow Landy and Lewis to stay home I'd be hard pressed to put money on it. Rumors of a the changes MLS will be going through may lessen Bradley's need to improve relations with the clubs. And no, you don't put Franchino in LB, I was awestruck initially by his agressiveness and his pit bull like attitude. However he should not start consecutive weeks. Seems like he started expecting a start under Gulit. Hopefully Arena is able to hold against Colorado with the 2nd 11. Again, I was impressed with their last showing, those kids showed heart.. And yes I want to have Jordan's baby.. Even well... even if i'm ill equiped.