How long before Gbandi gets a Nat call up?

does he even have his us citizenship yet?

if he does then i could, could see him getting called up for the gold cup training squad but if not this summer then certainly during the beginning stages of qualifying in early 2004. he is a very talented left back who pushes forward like the bruce enjoys at the position and he has exceptional speed...he would be an excellent addition.

 

How about after he does something to change the fact that his team has the worst defense in the league?

 

Gbandi gave away just as many as Suarez.

When talking about Gbandi getting a cap for the U.S, you've go to keep his competition in mind: Todd Dunivant.

The OTHER left back from Saturday night.

Also with an assist on the night (SJ's first goal).

And he's only 22.

 

Hey, this guy is playing better than anyone else on our team right now. He may be exposed for some flaw or other, or get injured, but right now I'd put more stock in him than any player on our roster (ok, maybe DJ if you're talking long-term prospects).

After the CC and Gold Cup, hopefully he'll get a shot. The guy came highly touted and he's proving it so far. If he has a good 2nd half to the season he's earned a look, esp. with our struggles at that position on the NT.

 

Yes.

 

It's between Gbandi and Dunivant for left back on the nats IMHO. Both played really well, and can get forward. Both are going to need time to adjust to the national team level also. Dunivant had a helluva cross and run on Saturday.

We need left backs so bad on the national team that both of these guys have to be in the mix for the Gold Cup. They'll both be in the mix as overage players for the Olympics also IMHO.

 

You know it's wierd. I could swear I saw a post like this during Ryan Suarez's first season. It took Ryan 3 years (and even Burn fans are thinking that Ryan should be benched for a game to "straighten his head out").

I like Chris and Todd Dunivant, but I'd like to see how they look next year. Lots of Burn players looked awesome the first season, only to disappoint later on (see Vaca, Joselito).

 

I Second this Emotion

 

Gbandi made an amazing play on Kreis' goal. Unbelievable acceleration. We should be happy to have young up and coming talents such as Gbandi and Dunivant. Most countries don't have left backs with the type of skill that these two display. I can't wait to see them suit up in US Nat shirts.

 

I'm not a Burn fan so excuse the ignorance. I was wondering if anyone can tell me where Gbandi was from originally?

 

Liberia. But I'm not sure how long he stayed there.

Then his family moved to the U.S. (Houston?). Then he went off to play his college ball at UConn.



In a somewhat unrelated note, has anyone else noticed that Gbandi is the only Burn player that still slide tackles at the Dragon? (Suarez used to, not really anymore)

 

Houston.

 

It will be awhile before Gbandi gets a call up. Right now, he is just not good enough to deserve one. But, oh, the potential....

Eventually, he will be able to get past people with skill and speed, improve already formidiable crossing skills, and be absolutly solid in defense. Then we will see him in the National Colors. Perhaps DJ will be behind him, and some of those crosses will turn into assists. Freddy won't miss many.

 

If you could name someone else who is a Left Back that is better than Gbandi, thats American I would love to hear it.
Bocanegra doesnt count

 

Broome

 

Thanks for the info.

 

This is how good I think Chris Gbadi is:

Had he turned pro after his junior season in 2000 and had he gotten his citizenship in time, Bruce would have taken him to Korea.

Right now, though, he needs games. He has zero interntional experience and his first pro game came when he was 24. He's way behind the curve in terms of development for a world class player.

The good news is that he is such a stud, such a good athlete and so skilled, that he can make it up. But right now, he's not ready.

Give him a full season in MLS and let's see where we stand. Bruce is supposed to have a pretty substantial camp after the MLS season and if Chris continues to play well, then he should be brought in then.

 

Just look at the improvement so far this year...

Watch his first game, then watch the game he just played. I just did. The difference is amazing.

 

So true!

He's definitely getting healthy, beyond healthy, even. He used to spare himself when he would trot back to the defensive third, but now he goes full tilt.

One of the few good stories for the Burn this season.

 

Gbandi was on Inside Soccer last week and stated he is still not 100% (he is healthly but is notback to "form"). In fact he said his game is currently at about 80%