Since I am bored, here is a line up for the Confed Cup this summer, assuming we are playing a 3-5-2 and everybody is fit. --------Donavon-----McBride DMB---------JOB---------Stewart/Olsen/Klien -----Masteroni/Armas-----Reyna Bocanegra-----Pope------Dolo/Hejduk -------------Keller----------------- I figure we have to play a 3-5-2 or something similar. If JOB and Reyna are healthy (a big IF), there are 2 midfield spots. We need DMB on the field as well as Masteroni or Armas (to give the others a chance to go forward). But I think Reyna lacks the speed to play on the outside and I believe JOB is better in the center of the field. So the big question (as always) is right mid, and I think that Stewart is our best choice there (right now), but that really depends on Olsen regaining his speed a quickness. Also I figure we could use Friedel for the Gold Cup, trying to mend fences with Keller in the Gold Cup. That is 15 people up there so you figure the rest of the roster would look like this: Howard, Garcia, Buddle, Mathis, Lewis, Berhalter (sp?), Sanneh. I am sure there are people that I have left out and some that I put on that are not deserving, so let me know...
That's a good lineup, but will Bruce Arena use all his big guns in the Confederations Cup? I can't imagine he'd play Landon and McBride in both the Confederations and Gold cups. My guess is that the Confederations Cup lineup will look similar to the one above, but the Gold Cup will have some of the Europeans and some of the guys who didn't play much or at all in France. I can't imagine San Jose or MLS being too happy about the prospect of losing Landon for two months.
Now, on the Confederations Cup lineup, I'd like to see Bobby Convey get some playing time, whether in the Confederations Cup or in the Gold Cup. I want to see what he can do at the international level. Also, I probably would pass on Ben Olsen. I'd rather him play a full season in MLS. Then, if he proves himself, he would be available for the team in WC qualifiers next year.
I think they key for Olsen getting back to the Nats is Earnie Stewart. Since they are both with DC now, Earnie can give Bruce updates on how Olsen is doing in regards to regaining his speed, quickness, etc. Olsen's recovery is key to the future of the USMNT because he would fill our biggest hole (in the long run), and fill it welll.
a good chance of all Euros being available since their season will be over. Eddie Lewis is playing well in England and should get some time on the left. Maybe Casey in the forward corps since the MLS teams need their guys.
MLS needs their star players playing in MLS during the summer. Hell, I have season tickets and want to see good games. I really think it is crazy that we are playing in two big tournaments. I think the Gold Cup should be the priority even though the competition is not as strong. Games will be played in the US and is better preparation for qualifying. The confederations Cup is better preparation for the WC. It certainly seems like the US men are just playing too many games. I don't see how this is healthy for the players.
I've read that he'll use all his top guns in the field. I don't have the source but I remember I read an article about it. I'm expecting all top players on the field...come on it's the confederations cup...
Eh, I go: Donovan--McBride Beasley-JOB-Klein/Stewart Mastroeni Barrett/Convey-Boca-Pope-Hedjuk/Dolo Freidel No reason to mend fences with Keller, he needs to except that Friedel has just won the position with his play for club and country. Armas is still coming back from injury, and hasnt been in the mix for a while. Reyna is coming back from injury. Convey has been the left back of choice lately, but I think mainly because Barrett is settling in with a new club so Arena is letting him be. Hard to say if he would call him again. Hedjuk/Dolo is hard to call too. The rest seem to be pretty much self evident.
this is the best US line up : -------------Keller/Friedel/Howard Dollo/Hedjuk --- Pop --Boca/Greg---Berret/Convey ----------------Reyna Donovan----O'Brien/Martino----DMB/Lewis --------------Mathis/Wolff----Mc Bride
First, I hope that we take the Confeds Cup very serious. It's off topic, but you should read what I have posted about the odds of the USA being a top seed in Germany 06 and then the importaints of this event comes home. We dont need to win but we do need to make it out of the group. (the Gold Cup however is a must win) I also fell that we will have an advantage in mid summer events due to the timing of the MLS season compared to Europe. Our guys will be in midseason form and not worn down. The guys who play in Europe on the other hand will be. In years to come we will be glad that our guys get October, November, December, January, Febuary, and March off. Unlike the rest of the world that truly plays year round. Having said that, I think Bruce will use as many Euro based players as he can. He may not get them again untill WCQ next spring. As for MLS, they will not like missing their top players for two major events. But they must know that a successful national team is very good for them. ------Mathis-------McB---------- Lewis-------JOB--------LD------ -------------Mastro-------------- Berret----Varney-----Pope----Dollo ----------Friedller--------------- I goal, I think we'll see Friedel and Keller split the two events this summer. Which one place in which will depend on how they finish in the EPL. If Blackburn or Spurs start early in InterToto or UEFA Cup then Bruce will pick them for the first tourny and let them go back to the club for Europe play.
They just had the InterToto draw, and there were no English teams listed. UEFA cup comes later. I would expect both Kellar and Friedel to be there, and that Bruce will call whomever will give him the team he wants. No complaints from the MLS players. (coaches, maybe, but we won't hear them.)
BA will make up with Keller for his last disapointment WC, thats more like it, so that he will restore his relationship with Keller, and thanks God that Friedel understand the situation.