With Reyna playing deep (in front of the back four) and Mathis just higher to supply the strikers. You know, the one we used when we got the victory away in Poland. I know that Mathis is injured now. But what are the chances that Bruce uses it in the next qualifier if they are both fit?
I like our current setup if we are at full strength with O'Brien in place of Armas, Donovan playing outside right and Mcbride/Ching paired with Mathis/Wolff, but O'Brien's availability is the problem with that lineup.
It is time for Mastoreni to step in the defensive midfield spot. Armas just doesn't have the game for the US anymore. He is still a solid player but Pablo brings more to the table.
Mastroeni has played there often. He would've been on the team today, and possibly started, except he's injured.
Is there really a way to get all of the following players onto the field: Convey Mathis Reyna O'Brien Donovan DMB/Lewis (take your pick) Mastroeni/Armas (take your pick) BMB/Ching/Casey (take your pick) And since there isn't... who sits?
What? How's this? --------LD--Ching ----------Mathis -Convey------------DMB ----O'Brien-----Reyna Boca---Pope---Mastroeni --------Keeper LOL .... is that a 5-2-3 or a 5-0-5!?!
You're honestly putting a pick on DMB and Lewis? Are you insane. Have you not watched DMB's past 10 nat's performances? Lewis, I love him, but he's no DMB, but I love watching Eddie come in at minute 60. he's my go to sub.
I know Ching had a sweet goal tonight, but honestly, let's not jump off the boat right now calling him the great savior of the US attacking force, I still believe he is maybe 5 or 6 on the depth chart at best (LD, Mathis, Wolff, Twellman , McBride) I definitely believe reyna needs to be farther up, as the only true playmaker we have (Martino is the only other I can think of, and hes still far away)mathis and donovan are more finishers than playmakers... I also like Gibbs' and dolo's potential to be mainstays in the back 4.. hopfelly Pope and Sanneh can regain their form of 2002 so we don't need to worry about going with a 3-5-2.
4-5-1 / 4-3-3 -----------------McBride----------------- -------Beasley------------Donovan------ -----------Convey-----Mathis------------ ------------------Reyna------------------ Convey---Bocanegra--Pope--Cherundolo
I admit that if you do a player-by-player comparison, Ching won't end up on top of the USMNT talent chart. However, judging by your "teams" you need to watch a bit more MLS. If you'd seen the way Ching and LD have teamed up over the past two seasons you might find yourself including the intangibles of a good partnership in your evaluation of Ching.