I was just looking at the roster for the USA vs. Mexico match on Wednesday and again do not see Pablo's name. When they were playing matches of lesser importance and trying out new players, I understood his not being there, but with this match, one that has so much more interest associated with it, (a match non-soccer fans may watch), I am surprised to not see him on the roster. Is he on Bradley's poopoo list for some reason?
There are better options then Pablo at this point. I don't think he's going to be playing in the 2010 World Cup so it is time to give the guys who will experience. Pablo's days with the national team are over, IMO.
I think you are correct. Pablo has been the best the U.S. had to offer at his position for a few years, but Bradley is doing the right thing by looking for the best solution for 2010, not 2006 or 2008. Pablo isn't going anywhere, if a better alternative doesn't prove themselves, he's still available.
I'm not sure they're over, but there's nothing to be gained in calling him up for a non-competative match. I can see Pablo being used in the early rounds of qualifying as a veteran presence to stabalize a defense or when players get injured, so I think he'll still have a couple of Nats apperances left. His time is winding down though.
We talked about this before (about 3 months ago I believe)...and for the most part, while I disagreed, I found it plausible that Pablo would still see some NATs duty. Funny how fast things change. While he has been one of my favorite players for years....I just don't see him putting the shirt back on. The emergence of Bradley & Clark render him past tense.
After last night, if we had a major WCQ against Costa Rica or Mexico in the immediat future I'd say that Pablo's time isn't over. Since we don't I still think he might get a couple of more callups for "veteran leadership" but we have enough time to fix the problems at DM before they become an issue.
I'd agree. I watched the Mexico v. USMNT match from 2/7/07 before this match, and the difference was staggering. We had no teeth or toughness in the middle of the park last night. Plus the service we got out of Clark or Edu was mostly poor as well. Bradly has to be thinking about bringing Pablo back into the fold.
Yeah, the Bradley Clark duo looked out of sorts. Bradley just set or tied a record for an American scoring goals in an European top league--i think 11 or 12. But wow he made some serious blunders--both defensively and offensively--getting schooled off the dribble, and litterally giving teh ball away under relatively no pressure. If we had a qualifier say next week, pablo, if healthy would have to be called into camp. I don't see that Pablo has slowed down much--he is not a top-speed kind of player, rather he is a first couple of steps hard tackler, and I have not seen this aspect of his game weaken.
Pablo was fairly recently US Captain for some matches, and has the competitiveness that the team needs. I suspect he will be called up, but that like some of the older players, Bradley needs to watch their minutes between Rapids games, US Nats games, etc. We cannot wear down the roster. Similar to our tendency to avoid using many cross Atlantic players to keep people fresher, I think he's letting Pablo stay fresh and avoiding an early season 'chippy' game where Pablo might pull a muscle or whatever. Now is a great time to mix in new players, like Adu, for the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. First 2008 MLS Red Card for Pablo: Mid June Next World Cup Red Card: August 2009 RLH
Just a thought...Beckerman got injured or would have played against Mexico. Pablo is old news and will only be brought up for leadership and experience for the younger guys. Beckerman and Bradley will be better than Pablo ever was. As for the discussion between Bradley/Clark...it was too defensive minded and both players were in a sense butting heads. Once Clark left the field opened up a bit more. Also Convey was horrible. Funny how much we miss DB.When Alvarez gets more experience the US is going to have an awesome midfield. There will be no more room for Pablo anywhere with the up and coming talent.