I have enjoyed your posts here and elsewhere on these boards. My two favorite positions for soccer players are the target striker and the defensive midfielder. They do a lot of dirty work and unselfish stuff that goes unnoticed and unappreciated. Often they create space, win the ball and link up. They are battlers with the warrior spirit, typically. I have admired Sapong for some time, I think he probably has a higher ceiling than Gordon. Right now Gordon is bigger, stronger, a better header and passer and has practiced his skillset as a professional for five more years. I like 'em both really, but right now, I'm going to give Gordon the nod.
This is going to sound blasphemous in the age of Barcelona and Spain tikka takka, but Gordon reminds me of the old US teams that were never ever going to get out run, out worked or beaten mentally by the other team. We weren't always the most talented but our guys would run through walls to win a game. Considering some of our recent efforts in the youth ranks and senior team, I kind of miss that.
Absolutely. Those were teams to be proud of. They did too much for the sport here to watch some of these guys today taking for granted what was done to legitimize the sport here enough for them to have a broader base from which to pursue their careers. There are only a hand full of guys around today who I would stick in the category of those guys...Howard, Bradley, Bocanegra, Gomez, etc.
Assuming that part of the reason we want Gordon is for his ability to hold the ball up as a traditional 9, isn't passing ability a crucial component? My own view is that there is nothing wrong or incongruous with trying to play a more possession brand soccer while at the same time ensuring that we're capable of playing a more old school long ball style as well. While we are no longer dependent primarily on set pieces to score, as was once the case, it seems sensible to still have that arrow in the quiver. In an ideal world, my roster of forwards would include a Jozy type, a Wondo type, a Gordon and a Gomez type. Inzaghi, Gilardino, Toni and Iaquinta were/are all very different types of strikers and its nice to have the variety.
There's a reason for that. ~30% of all goals scored in the world are the result of a set piece. Posters would get all bent out of shape last cycle when training reports revealed Bradley was spending a lot of time on set pieces...and then Boca would win the game the next day on a corner. It's an extremely important part of the game that can sometimes be overlooked.
There was a long discussion about this when the USSF started making changes in youth development. The discussion essentially boiled down to: Yes, absolutely we need to be finding and training more skilled players. However, we don't want to lose that "I'd walk over my dead mother to win this game" mentality. Finding players that are highly skilled, AND will run through brick walls, AND getting them the right training isn't easy. Obviously.
This. And unless you're Spain, having an old-school No. 9 actually helps you play a more stylish, possession-oriented game. I don't think "OMG, we're gonna go root 1!!!" necessarily follows Gordon's inclusion - even if Klinsmann is suggesting as much. Point being, sometimes when the midfield runs out of ideas they'll need an outlet. If that outlet is a center forward who can check to the ball, hold it, then complete a possession-positive pass... isn't that the definition of effective, stylish attacking play?
Just my two bits, but the mentality part comes from leadership, on the field and off, as much as individual character.
I totally agree and that's why I can't stand watching our guys sometimes just loaf around and not run their asses off to try and close out a pass, catch up to an attacker, etc. Say what you want about someone like Gomez or Gordon's talent, but those two guys will run through a fire to try and score a goal.
That's certainly why Gordon had been picked over lenhart IMO. The passing. He's good in tight quarters and had been a big part of windows success. I think bob Bradley would have loved Lenny if he was still in charge, he's a ruthless battering ram, Gordon is a good tweeter if power and skill
US had six shots on the night. Gordon set up two of them, including a goal. http://www.mlssoccer.com/blog/post/...ree-things-we-learned-terrible-trip-caribbean
Regardless of the competition, not bad for a player who earned his first cap as he entered as a 73rd minute substitute.
[OT Political commentary edited out.] I agree about Cherundolo. He's an old-shool USMNT guy. Same goes for Donovan. After today, we can add Gordon to the list of players who fight for the crest. He would finish his runs strong, even if he knew he wouldn't get the ball, he crashed headers, looked for teammates, etc. That was a great debut for the guy and a definite confidence builder.
Remember when we had neg-rep around here? Very pleased to read about Gordon's success tonight. From the sound of it (I didn't get to watch the game ), apart from EJ's brace, Gordon had a better night than just about anyone. Good for him.
Love how MLS players had a hand in all the goals. EJ had two goals and Zusi and Gordon had the assists. I loved the Gordon call up. He's clutch late and is great in the air.
As an Earthquakes fan, I absolutely love Gordon. I kind of scratched my head when Klinnsman picked Gordo over Wondo, but I definitely get it. Coach wanted a guy who would crack heads and take names. And Gordon's game has really improved this year.
The game changed when Gordon came on... he was winning headers, holding up play, chasing everything down and creating the game winning opportunity in extra-time. On a field that size he should have started since the direct route was the only route and apparently no one else on the team can play with their back to the goal.