Losing Gibbs is gigantic, and here is why: If we were to play a 3-5-2, I can really only see Pope and Gibbs, and then possibly Gooch as solid 3-5-2 players. I don't see Boca, Conrad, Berhalter, Lewis, Albright, or Dolo being able to play a 3-5-2. The loss of Gibbs pretty much assures the fact that we cannot play 3 in the back. As far as I am concerned, losing that option really hurts us. We'll be fine defensively playing a 4-4-2, but not having the option to go to a 3-5-2 sucks big time.
Cory has got to be devastated. Seems he, too, is often rehabbing an injury, if memory serves me correctly. This is too bad.
Sad to hear for Cory. Although I didn't think he was all that effective going forward against Morocco, I think he will be missed on this squad. That said, I'm hoping Berhalter doesn't see as much time as I think Gibbs would have; he worries me some. I'm not sure who I would have rather had join the team: Berhalter or Dunivant, though I think I'm leaning towards Dunivant.
Like I said....it was just something that quickly came to mind after reading these articles on JD. I agree Berhalter's experience and superb play against Germany earns him the spot.
You're the one who mentioned DeMerit and Bradley as replacements, not me. If that's how your mind works, it's pretty scary.
Relax. Bradley isn't going to the World Cup. Bringing in young available players to a camp is very common, as is letting them suit up as a thank you. Your reading way too much into that. Bradley will get more looks, as he deserves them. DeMerit is likely to as well. Chill. Gibbs is lost. That sucks, but I could think of worse losses at this point. Gotta feel for the guy, and it does limit our options, definately.
We're ********ed I'll start praying for Bruce not to start him please. This ********ing sucks Im ********ing pissed I was delighted when I found out that Beerholder didnt make it. But now poor Gibbs he must be crushed I feel for you bother. Did I metion we're ********ed this day just got worst. This is one of the most injury prone squads at the WC.
When did I mention Bradley as a replacement? Someone made mention to the fact that I was stupid for thinking about adding an uncapped player to the roster...I just said why not, they added Bradley to the practice roster? Ease up...you people take things way to seriously here.
Not great news but some of you are over-reacting. I was for Gibbs starting next to Gooch, but it was clear all along that BA favored Pope. Gibbs did not look good at left back on Tuesday so I posted that Lewis was a lock to start there at this point. Gibbs was coming off the bench so as long as Pope stays healthy its not too big a loss. And Boca or Berhalter isn't that big a step down from Gibbs. Frankly, other than Gooch any one of our backs is replaceable. I do feel bad for him though. I was surprised Berhalter didn't make the roster despite the performance versus Germany until I read or heard something about team chemistry and he wasn't a great guy to have around. This is the biggest concern I have regarding the news. That said, recall it was a BS handball that kept Berhalter from evening the score versus Germany in 2002. Take that away and he's a hero. Probably getting as much BS love as Dempsey and Mathis
Bocanegra can't play as part of a 3-man backline? Are you high? Check your facts guy........ Playing in the Bob Bradley/Chicago Fire traditional 3-5-2, Carlos Bocanegra won MLS Rookie of the Year in 2000. In 2002 and 2003, Carlos Bocanegra, for the first time in MLS history, won back-to-back MLS Defender of the Year Awards....all from playing in a 3-5-2. I think Carlos is probably comfortable in a 3-man backline.......
i definately don't wanna see gibbs gone, but i would've taken berhalter over conrad. This isn't terrible but certainly not good.
Just seems like we really need someone who has experience at left back, is Beerholder our only option at this point? Does this mean it's Lewis and Boca? For all the talk about our conditioning, do we go too hard? seems like we've had a few pre WC injuries. 2002 and this year? how do these injuries compare to other countries preparing for the WC?
I thought the same thing when the roster was released. IMO Conrad is a solid player and dare I say funny (he'll amuse the boys on the flight to Germany) but I was suprised to see Conrad over Berhalter. Man, I would've liked to see Dunivant in there if for nothing else than to see McBride head one in off a throw in.
I agree that Boca is a good option while playing with 3, and he has experience playing against top- level strikers. I'm sorry to see Cory get injured, but Boca will step up.
This is depressing news. Gibbs was important and a sure starter. I would rather have Spector than Berhalter who is the new Agoos.
Oh, and I'm the stupid one? I may be a newb but at least I know enough to see that Spector is injured! Ha, redemption....
Having watched a lot of Bocanegra and DeMerit and a little of Conrad this season I know who I'd want in my eleven and he doesn't play for Fulham or the Wizards - Goalscorer and Man of the Match at the Championship playoff final means something. Berhalter, well he's 50-50 isn't he? Experienced yes, reliable, er...
I read the headline and my first reaction was that it was a joke. After realizing that it wasn't, my second reaction was to feel sick. This is really terrible news....I really thought a Gooch/Gibbs pairing in central defense would be outstanding. I think Eddie Pope was perhaps our best player overall in 02, but I'm really worried that he has lost a step (or two) and will be exposed in Germany. Right now I'm sort of hoping Boca gets most of the playing time with Gooch in the middle.
This really does suck. Even though he wasn't a natural left back, I think he's a stup up in that position from the other alternatives, Boca and Albright, assuming of course that Lewis is the starter.