It looks like Eddie Pope will not be fit for the Confederations Cup (see mlsnet for more info). I would guess that BA will take Gibbs or Garcia in his place. In a 3-5-2, I'd go with Califf-Berhalter-Bocanegra. In a 4-4-2, I'd go with Dolo-Berhalter-Bocanegra-Vanney. Discuss...
This also means Garcia will be in camp, assuming Arena replaces a defender with a defender. Granted I'm biased, but I really do think Garcia is better than Califf. I wouldnt be surprised to see Garcia force his way up the depth chart for this and the Gold Cup. Too bad for Pope, can that guy catch a break?
I'd expect Arena to take Gibbs, as I believe Kicker reported yesterday or so that he was gonna be in Richmond for the NZ game according to the YA boards, so maybe Arena contacted Gibbs telling him if Pope's injury was as serious as it seemed, he'd be the guy. Also take into account that Gibbs is in his offseason now while KC could still use Garcia, and also Garcia hasn't been playing all too spectacularly in the games I've seen him this year, I dunno if he's been better when I haven't seen him though. So for all those reasons I expect Gibbs
Save the "simulation" fine, Garcia has played great this year. Last weekend vs. Twellman and the week before vs. Ruiz he shut them both down. He's been playing on the left which is a move from last season and hasnt skipped a beat. But yeah, wouldnt be surprised if Gibbs got the call since hes in his offseason.
bummer, Bocanegra's job just got harder Really too bad for Eddie. I was hoping he could stand out in Europe and perhaps get a club interested. Has anyone seen much of Gibbs?
As much as I hate to see Pope hurt, I think this could be good for the USMNT in the long-run. Eddie does have a tendency to injury, and the US was going to have to look for his replacement before too long anyway. The sooner Gibbs gets experience (or Arena decides he can't fit in) the better. And I'm not just saying this as a fellow Brown graduate who's had a long wait for another Brunonian in the pros since Steve Jordan retired. perc
This will seriously detract from our defensive cohesiveness. Pope has been pure class all season, as good as any central defender anywhere. Too bad for Eddie and Arena. However, he seems to get injured fairly often and we need to develop backup options... Let's see what you got, Gibbs.
This sucks!!! Poor Eddie can't seem to get a break. Every time he's playing at a HIGH peak, it seems something bad (injury) happens to end it. I wish Eddie a speedy recovery!! In the meantime, our back line is going to be changed, but perhaps not so radically. In a 3-5-2, I'd go with Califf, Berhalter & Boca. In a 4-4-2, Hedjuk/Cherundolo, Berhalter, Boca & Vanney. IMHO wehere we'll REALLY miss Eddie is during the Gold Cup. Hopefully, the USMNT will be alright!!!
Pope's bad luck and Gibbs good fortune Guys remember that Bruce has stated the Confed Cup is not the tourney he is really focusing on this summer. We've seen Garcia, I think Bruce has stated he's played well-in particular against Jamaica- and this is just a good opportunity to see how Gibbs stands. Berhalter and Bocanegra will be first choice and Gibbs will be given a chance to compete. This is really bad news for the Metrostars and Pope but not long term for the Nats. Of course I want to see us do well in France but I'd rather win the Gold Cup and develop another experienced young defender.
well...finally all those clamoring for gibbs to get a cap with the national team who have not ever seen him play a game in germany will finally get to see the hype they have generated.
Hype? The kid was starting in BL1 at age 21/22...and had a string of closing down top scorers on BM and other top German clubs (unfortunately, it ends like Berthalter's Cottbus- a collapse after a great streak). Nonetheless, there was no hype necessary. No other US defender was playing as well (importantly: at THAT HIGH A LEVEL) at the time. If that is not worthy of mention, I don't know what is....hell, McBride scores 2-3 goals at his Premiership start, and YA was having orgasims....I guess those 300 posts a week were hype too..
have you seen him play before? i am looking forward to seeing him play for only the 3rd time, the other two times on FSW. i just find it funny that people post about him being a savior at left back when they have heard match reports and never seen the guy play a match anywhere, BL1 or not it helps to see a player play before you grant him the "next great thing" don't ya think?
You're talking about the Gibbs that plays for St. Pauli ... aren't you? The Pauli that just got relegated out of 2.Bundelsliga, right? Here's hoping Gibbs does well.
Oh, so you blaming St. Pauli's entire collapse on Gibbs.....so I guess Berthalter is to blame for Cottbus' entire collapse? Get some perspective man.... (If you look back, St. Pauli could have saved their BL season by a timely goal in a couple games, or one less PK or stop, etc.). They had several games in the 2nd half of their season where they played with/outplayed opposition, only to lose. As often the case, staying or relegating often a question of a few plays... We do all hope he does well...Nats need a good backup to Pope, need to groom the next generation...