I posted on Aug 7, 2005 in regard to the Romo v Mathis issue and I think it still applies today: Originally Posted by fox3c Mathis still didn't have to act like he did, going on a tirade, charging around, kicking the ball into the stands. Act like a professional, let the ref handle it, that's why he's there. You are correct, Sir! In an interview shown today, Mathis stated that he thought his "Physical" fitness was the main reason why he wasn't part of the USMNT player pool. Today he proved that it's more than just his physical fitness that's holding him back, it's his "Mental" fitness, too! Mathis has taken himself out of the game, not the reverse.
Recent update on the "toasted' one. He's still got hopes. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/mls/2005-12-14-mathis-feature_x.htm
Why doesn't BA talk to Mathis, give him a last chance and tell him that he has to do what it takes to be a national team player, give him a kiss on a forehead and tell him, i love you mathis......
Hopefully this works out Its sad to see a player who was playing so well for the US get so high and fall so fast While he training he should change his attitude then he MAY get called up I think he still has it and has a slim chance of making it
Given recent events between Fulham and the Crew, maybe Mathis can revive his Nats career as a midfielder for an EPL team.
Eddie Pope was on RSL, too, but his Nats career is still intact. Mathis had his chance to act like a professional in 2005, and he flunked. He can still come back & reclaim his club career (I'm not holding my breath), but I think his national team career is over. At some point you've just got to move on to the players who actually can focus & improve.
As a former collegiate striker I would like to respond. Strikers by nature have to be a bit selfish to be successful. Balancing that with being a good teammate can be hard, I can't imagine doing it on a world stage where everyone you know is telling you that you're responsible for the team's achievements. Keepers are strange, however.