After reading these threads for a couple of years now, I have come to a possible realization that I am a different kind, albeit completely passionate, USMNT soccer fan. For example, I admit: I liked Roy Lassiter. I liked Steve Sampson. I think Bob Gansler did a horrible job at the 1990 WC, both in putting the team together, and in Italy itself. I think Brent Goulet and Hugo Perez should have been on the 1990 team. I liked what Lalas, Harkes, Wynalda, and Ramos did at the 1994 WC. I hated what they did (and whined about) at the 1998 WC. I want the US to win every game they play, home and away, and I'm always disappointed when they don't do better. For example, I believe the US, here and now in 2005 and the future should always trounce the T&Ts, and Jamaicas and Haitis and Guatemalas and Panamas of the world. I do not hate Mexico. I like Paul Gardner. I like Bruce Arena. When he steps down, I would like to see a talented Brazilian coach be appointed USMNT coach. I thought Bora should have been retained after 1994. I liked Alan Rothenberg. I think the US should play in every Copa America when given the opportunity. I think the USMNT should play Mexico as often as possible in Los Angeles to better prepare themselves for playing in Azteca. I believe more US fans should show up for games in Los Angeles, DC, or wherever the team is playing. I don't think US fans should complain when more Mexican (or Honduran, or Costa Rican, etc.) fans show up at the stadium. I am a US soccer fan who has never really warmed up to Kasey Keller. I seem to remember reading an article (in Soccer America?) after he was left off the 1994 team where he said something like he hoped the US would lose every game, or words to that effect. Maybe I'm wrong about this one. I liked Lothar Osiander, but I think he was wrong to leave Steve Snow out of the first game in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. I don't think Glenn Myernick belongs coaching at any level of the US national teams. (Peter Principle at work?) I do not think Clive Charles, rest his soul, did a very good job {yes, I know the US came in 4th} at the 2000 Olympics. I think the CONCAFCAF Gold Cup is an important competition. Even as a US fan, I selfishly would like to see it played out in other countries, outside of the US, so the US would continue to learn how to win in Central America. I completely support the Women's NT. The US soccer teams, youth-mens-womens seems to be the main, maybe the only, thing that I can support the United States about, given its history-politics-expressed state of mind.
Interesting rundown of your positions. I agree with some of them and disagree with others, but I don't see any of them as being unique. There are always going to be minority opinions on any issue relating to the national team. Indeed, if everybody had the same opinion, what would be the point of coming to this website?
Several, starting in 1989. Another thing I should have added: I love the '94 addidas "deninm" look jersey. When I first saw it, I thought it really looked heavy, but it was very light and enjoyable to play in.
agree at one time, in wc 1998 disagree disagree, good first step agree on Perez - can't remember why he was left off, he was heart and soul in the early years. Wholly agree with you! agree Die a slow death - hate, hate, hate disagree agree maybe - depends disagree, but thought that we needed Bora for 1994 yes/no Depends disagree absolutely agree wrong about this one - I like KK don't like Osiander;agree about Snow disagree - he can pick up the balls and equipment, everyone can do something competently I still have hard feelings about this one - Donovan on the bench GRRRRR disagree agree Absolutely. sorry-disagree about the last part
I'm sorry,the correct answer is "Burn those frickin' things!!!" Thanks for playing... SECURITY!!!GET THIS GUY OUTTA HERE!!! Seriously,some good talking points there for the adults.
Mglnbea, I agree with most of your points, especially about playing in Copa America. I know the argument is that it would take players away from MLS during the middle of the season(couldn't we in the worst case do without MLS players?) but its really disapointing to watch Costa Rica play and realize that should be our spot. I disagree with wanting to play Mexico as often as possible. If we played them too often, after a while it wouldn't be as special. An regularly scheduled annual game in non-WCQ years would be ok.
Agree with many especially the Bob Gansler and Hugo Perez. Disagree about Bora, I think we just outgrew him. Besides he has never been in one place very long.
I like Bruce too, and I definitely agree that it would be foolish to insist that the next coach has to be American, but I don't know that he has to be Brazilian either. I think Argentina and Mexico should also be looked at. I would definitely prefer a Latin American to a European.
Although I certainly can understand why so many don't like Gardner (he's kind of a one-note wonder), I like him too. I think he has a good vision for how soccer should be played--attacking, creative, fluid, unencumbered by excessive coaching and tactics--so I forgive him his rhetorical overkill.
Great point..... Supporting the national team is about the only way I feel patriotic these days. It's relief to know that they have nothing to do with the neocon politics, war, etc. the US now represents to most of the world.
You remember when Ramirez kicked Lalas squarely in the nutsack, right? That sealed the deal for me. Luis Hernandez didn't hurt either.
I remember that. It was a cheap shot, chickensheeet, move. There are a couple of players from Mexico that I have no use for (probably Garcia Aspe heads that list!). But I do not hate Mexico because of the actions of a few thugs. I don't know if you did, but maybe you never saw, in person--not just on television, Wynalda or Harkes or Balboa or Lalas or Ramos play a national team game. Off the ball, and sometimes on it, they weren't exactly Little Lord Faultenroys!
Gansler did as well as anyone could have, with a roster of mostly college players. Time has proven he's better than average. Keller will never get the respect he deserves, I suppose. Continue.
Perez had a badly broken leg that healed in time for him to play in 1990, but Gansler left him off. He and Goulet were European pros, Vermes was one as well, and I think Gansler was think of chemistry and Perez not being 100%. I have no idea why Goulet was left off. Either way it was a silly move. The thrashing against the Czechs really overshadows the narrow loss in Rome and the ineffective performance against Austria. That was men against boys.
Not saying our guys were saints, but I'm pretty sure I never saw them kick another man in the junk on the playing field Actually, the one foul that really bothered me was Jones' at Honduras in the 2001 WCQ. Yes, he got hacked, but the reaction was nuts when you're clinging to a tie on the road in the second half (fortunately, Mathis later saved the day.)