4 points from these two games and we'd have advancement virtually in the bag. So I think most of us should take it. A draw in Jamaica is the most likely outcome. I think every time the US has played Jamaica in a WCQ at the Office...........the result has been a draw. The game is certainly winnable, though.
The loss of Bradley hurts, but we have enough guys to cover the slots. I love Bradley, but his VORP (value over replacement) isnt' as great as others in the team. Against Jamaica some combination of Edu/Jones/Torres/Beckerman/etc. will be fine. I'm much more worried about the back 4.......................
so, my Concern.... what Formation and Starting 11 will/can we see WITHOUT Dempsey and Donovan IS a CONCERN now add Bradley to that list DAM. now we really need to see who is invited to camp
My first concern would be Landon Donovan's hamstring. My second concern would be that Clint Dempsey has not kicked a ball in anger since scoring in Guatemala. Third, who is Geoff Cameron's CB partner? (Bocanegra hasn't played against anybody above the Scottish 4th tier since Guatemala.) As well as all the rest that you'd mentioned.
Wow, where do I begin? Bocanegra, Dempsey, & Edu I would think are not going to be called so that they can sort their club sitautions. Donovan has a hamstring injury. Bradley has an injury. Castillo injured. Danny Williams & Eric Lichaj are currently not starting for their respective clubs in league play. Our most relied upon centre back is currently playing in the midfield for his club (Cameron). But there are still positives & we still should be fine tbh..
Positives I can think of: * Since we are in 1st at the moment, the US can easily afford to drop 2 of the next 6 points. * Jozy is in great form. * Fabian Johnson is in good form. * Gomez is in good form. * Howard is in good form. ... That's the best I've got at the moment.
These are not friendlies. These are the two most important games in JK's era to date. I would be SHOCKED if JK doesn't call in his best team, regardless of club situation, for these two games. Especially if LD and Bradley are ouchy.
There is no difference in a friendly & WCQ when a player needs to sort something out with his club. Its vital for the players future. Edu doesnt even have int clearance yet so who knows when he'll be able to play for Stoke & he hasnt played club football like Dempsey in forever. As for Bocanegra if he stays with Rangers he has no business being called up anymore & if he signs with someone else I personally would want him to adjust & get back on form with his new move. Not only do they need to sort things out but they will be of little use with the lack of important football theyve played lately.
Good points, each . . I got some more: 1. We have a deeper roster than Jamaica with more overall quality. 2. We match up well with Jamaica's strengths, speed and athleticism (latino teams, even Mexico do not) 3. Our coaching staff should be superior to theirs (serious here) 4. Historically, we have had little trouble with Jamaica. 5. Mental toughness and discipline, we should have an edge.
I would add Cameron to the list of positives. And good old reliable Cherundolo is doing his usual thing with Hannover.
Yeah, but FloridaFC2MLS, who I was responding to in my post, included Cameron on a list of concerns, considering that he is a CB we really need who isn't playing CB for his new club.
Cherundolo, as has been the case for seeminly the last 6 years...........is the most undervalued player in the USMNT pool. He may not make it to 2014, but he's still playing well....................and isn't dead yet. The Scottish press is being szhizo. Some are saying that Rangers REAAAAAAAALLY want Bocanegra to stay. [just about every other reliable defender has left.] http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...ope-to-keep-american-carlos-bocanegra?cc=5901 Other Scottish press is saying they expect Boca to be sold in the next 48 hours. In fact there are rumors afoot that he's back in the US right now getting a move to the Chicago Fire in order!!!! I suspect this will be the last camp/set of games for which we have to talk about Boca being in the Scottish 4th division.
Yet, I've never really liked how he matches up with these big Caribbean teams. Trying to think a someone else to call in besides Chandler.
Ever hear of MLS Allocation, Boca is the poster child for this program. I would think if he was coming that NE would of passed on Toja.
Yes, and those might be what saves our bacon. I counterbalance those with the following serious concerns heading into this camp: *Donovan is injured. *Dempsey isn't playing. *Mike Bradley apparently has some nagging muscle strain issue. *Captain Bocanegra's playing the least competitive soccer of any senior national team player we've had in many years.
From what I've been reading, Donovan's injury sounds less severe than Bradley's. RE: LD - http://www.mlssoccer.com/ccl/2012/n...xy-could-be-without-dp-trio-puerto-rico-clash RE: Bradley - http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...orts-bradley-injured-likely-out-wc-qualifiers EDIT: Or maybe I should say that Donovan is closer to being back on the field than Bradley, as neither injury sounds bad.
Just what I think: with games of this importance I don't think Dempsey will be left off the squad. I know that goes against what Klinsmann has said before with playing time and all, but I think he'll be at least brought in. Playing? That's another story. As for Donovan I don't know how Klinsmann will react to the news. Maybe he'll be brought in in the hopes he is better in time, maybe not. I'm not sure about Boca, but maybe he will be called in just to have a familiar face in the defense. Either way it's a big blow, but not a huge one. USA has always struggled to win in Jamaica, but we've pulled off some good things and I think we can at least get the tie.
Chandler at left back pushing Fab Johnson to midfield is a play here with the injuries. Will be interesting to see if he's on the plane to Kingston.