If you or I were called up to try out for the USMNT would you leave? I would not, especially for a Danish team, Joe's Dutch team I don't know to much about. Trying out for an 2nd or 3rd tier European team is a good idea, but at the sacrifice of your National Team Career? I just don't understand how those two guys who I thought had their heads on straight could make a decision like that. The USMNT slots are hard to come by, I know that they both deserve a shot at them, but why not do everything in your power to keep them. Please don't give me the argument regarding that this camp is not as important, they all are... What do you think?!
Each person has to decide what is important. Going to Europe doesn't have to mean losing your USMNT opportunity, as long as you get playing time in a competitive league. Wade has paid his dues and is getting his USMNT chance, *and* many Euro clubs are looking to cut their bills as the tv contracts aren't bringing in as much money as they did 5 or 6 years ago. Up and coming US talent could be a nice surprise in several euro leagues sometime soon. If Wade doesn't seize a Euro opportunity if one comes his way now, at age 26, when will he get another chance? Sure, it is at the risk of riding too much pine to suit Bruce Arena, but Wade has to balance that against losing the chance of a lifetime to go work professionally in Europe for several years- which could also, in the right club, cement his place with Bruce. I can support Wade's choice no matter what he decides, as long as he's going into a situation where he can play. As far as Joe is concerned, USMNT depth is too much for his talents, I think- Keller and Friedel aren't going anywhere, and Brown looks better to me than Joe, on recent form; not to mention that Howard, Rimando, Thornton are all part of the mix, too. Joe hasn't been the blinding star; so if he gets a shot at regular playing time in Europe, I think he should jump at it, too (assuming he's interested, like Wade is). It could help him, too. Neither of these guys is a kid of 17 going over to play in the Bundesliga, which is the L-Do situation where it seems to me we understandably want to caution our young talents from going over to warm the bench. They're both in mid-career and if Europe comes knocking, and they want to gop there for the life experience as well as to enhance their professional careers, I'd support them all the way. Man, we'll miss them. But I'll be thrilled to replace the FFC shirt I got to honor Eddie Lewis' new club three years ago with whatever shirt Wade ends up wearing. He started HERE and we're proud of him! DougO
Nope. Realistic. Cannon really won't ever have a shot at contributing to the Nats. Barrett will, but his shot at Europe is now.