PBP: 2016 CONCACAF-CONMEBOL Rio Olympic Qualifying Playoff Second Leg: USA vs. Colombia 3/29 9:20PM ET

Bring Yedlin in if we beat Guatemala tonight

 

Is this the final roster? If so, do:
Payne replace Acosta.
Paul Arriola replace Polster.

If not, hope I can see Yedlin and Pulisic.

 

We need some players who can execute well on counter attack, since we have a away goal advantage, and Colombia's defense was sometimes shaky. Question is, will they add some players in Euro to their roster?

 

I agree. If we win tonight, we should bring in the best squad against Colombia.

 

I'll add Brooks. After parkers performance tonight, I'd play Brooks as a left back or dmid.

 

Uzbek ref Ravshan Irmatov will be doing this one. He did our game against Germany in Brazil

 

It was released today that Brooks was sent back to Hertha with an injury concern.

 

No Yedlin for right back because he will be in Columbus. Looks like more Acosta. Are we going to play for 0-0 and hope to hang on or do we attack them?

 

We're gonna be attacking.

 

I anticipate Colombia throwing the kitchen sink at us. It's Colombia that needs to start the game with a sense of urgency. They're going into this game knowing they must score a goal.

If we can stand tall and repel Colombia in the first 15 minutes, we can grow into the game. We certainly won't play for 0-0, but we're also not going to be going for an all-out attack. It'll be a measure approach until the first goal of the game.

I still have deep concerns about where the goals are going to come from on this team. The defense looks strong, though.

As many of us have said, we can win this series if its low-scoring.

 

Didn't they already do that?

 

Yes, and we sat there and took it.
I imagine the first 15 minutes in Frisco looking a lot like the last 15 minutes in Colombia.

By the way, the USSF is delusional if they think there's going to be a big crowd in Frisco for this game. I anticipate a relatively empty stadium except for the section with 100s of Colombia fans.
I would love to know what ticket sales is looking like right now.

 

Stub Hub has 0 tickets left. I think only 81 are left.

 

I really don't understand why Payne didn't play one of the outside back spots. Could he be injured? Would much rather see that and Acosta in midfield over Polster who is very good at winning the ball but pretty bad about what he does with it once he wins it.

---------------Horvath-------------
Payne - Miazga - Parker - Miller
---------Acosta - Trap-------------
-Kiesewetter-Hyndman--Arriola
----------------Morris--------------

Need some two way outside mids to help the outside backs and rotate being involved in counters. Add Acosta to Hyndman in CM where they've played together on their home turf. Arriola is a right sided player but feel his hustle and defensive work would be better than Green's and help Miller from being overrun. Kies on the right where he has a partnership with Morris and the speed needed to help out Payne. Trap stays put Acosta ranges and destroys.

 

Only thing I can find is Univision Deportes will show it delayed at 2AM EDT.

 

I am getting all confused with all these Olympic threads. I posted this in the other one:
Colombia has brought in a reinforcement into U23 Camp.
Guillermo Celis who started in the WCQer in Bolivia has been added to the squad.

Good defensive midfielder who can help out their back four and control things. I wanted him to play for the Senior team but the coaches apparently thought this was better.

 

That's a pretty good look. Will Horvath be cleared to play 4 days after a concussion. I'd prefer Steffen to Cropper if he isn't. I'm also not convince Rodrigues should go to the bench. I thought he did a lot of dirty work and without him, I'd be worried about Morris being isolated and ineffective. As great as the result was, I don't think we can sit back like we did down there.

 

I thought Rodriguez was pretty good the team ended up not being able to use two forwards and I think Arriola and Kies would be enough help Morris. When he tires bring in Rodriguez and / or Green.

 

lets hope keis, and alashe stay far away from the pitch, and payne plays rb to free up a acosta, hyndman, trapp midfield.

 

4-3-2-1
---------------Morris---------------
------Mario--------------Paul------
----------Emo------Kellyn---------
----------------Trapp---------------
--Miller--------------------Payne--
----------Parker----Miazga--------
----------------Ethan---------------

 

--Kiesewetter --Morris
-------------Gil
Hyndmann-Trapp - Acosta
Vincent-Parker-Miazga-Payne
-----Cropper



I don't understand our obsession with playing people out of position at fullback and wherever but this seems like a strong lineup and actually has fullbacks who can provide width and attack on the counter.

 

Please no Acosta! He was shredded by Colombia badly in both the U-20s and in the first leg on Friday. Restrepo coached both games and will exploit him no matter what position he plays.

 

4-3-1-2

------Morris------------Arriola------
---------------Hyndman---------
-------Polster---Trapp----Alashe-----------
--Miller---------------------------Payne--
----------Parker----Miazga--------
----------------Horvath------

I think Hyndman gives us at least as much as Gil up field in the attack and a lot more defensive ability and awareness. Imo Alashe is a better destroyer than Acosta...I think they'd have a comparable rate of turnovers...and I like Alashe better dealing with Quintero.

I've got my fingers crossed Horvath can play...I think there is a noticeable difference between him and Cropper.