Word. I was wondering if Bruce Murray is still fit. he was one hell of a striker. (PS You must excuse the DC folk around here as the whole "Gazza Syndrome" is now obviously deluding themselves about the National Team.)
In response to your well posed question, I think that Lalas is clearly still the best aerial player the USA has. There is no doubt that he demonstrated this on Saturday. Out of the 4 corner kicks that took place while he was in, he got his head on 3. Anyone that has scored game winners against the likes of AC Milan and Inter should still have game at 31 or 32! How would you fit Alexi in to a US lineup is probably the more difficult question. I would use him off the bench in situations where the team is trailing. Playing him more up front for the ball winning ability than for his defense. In fact, Sigi did this with Alexi last year! Still, it's incredible how assh*les on these boards will try to tell you that Lalas is a has been! Props to you for noticing that this guy still has plenty of size, talent and desire.
Question - What is the only thing in the history of the world to fall harder and faster than Enron's stock price? Answer - GoDCs credibility after this post. Please pass the crack.
I don't know, do you think Mike Burns gets another look? He had a great game and protected the near post...
Re: Re: Did Lalas Do Enough to Get Called Back? Hell, I'd take Ted Eck over Petke. I might even take Jolley. Sachin
Alexi Lalas can play. Yes he lacks the speed, but that was never his strong point. In an emergency (i.e. with Pope, Sanneh, Berhalter, Llamosa out with injuries), Lalas could be called.
GoDC - I apologize for thinking that your suggestion that Lalas could play again in the back for the nats was one of the stupidest things I have heard. this post blows away your idea.
lalas is old, and he will be older when it comes around to qualifying and the next world cup. He is on an edge where maybe, just maybe he could play now, but in four years he will probably be coaching college soccer.
no matter how well he played, it was an exhibition. If he dominates in MLS he deserves a call up, but not just in one game. His age doesn't matter. If he can still play at that level he can still play.
I always liked Eric Dade. What ever happened to him? He's still got a few good seconds left in the tank, I'm sure. I think he never got the look he deserved on the back line. More proof of Steve Sampson's incompetence.
He got traded to KC. So he retired and stayed in the Dallas area. I even heard a rumor that he was helping the team out in some way. A load of crap if you ask a lot of KC fans.
No. However, he is having a good season for LA. He seems to have a little more desire than last year... My predicition: He will be at WC '2006...in the booth.