With qualifying almost a year away almost exactly, what does everyone think the state of our national team is in? Is a year enough time? Qualifying Dates - Near the middle of the article.... http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/story/58798p-55071c.html I know it is a little shorter time than four years ago, do you think BA will have time to whip the newbies into shape, or will we go back to a lot of the vets during qualifying? There can be a quite a few friendlies in 4 months, that we will have to do without, does anyone think that will hurt us? I know we will be playing weaker teams, i.e. Monsteratt, ect. does it matter? My personal opinion is that with the tournaments this summer, we will have adequate experience for the newbies and we will use some veterans to mix with them....I think we have a lot of talent comming up, but BA has to sort out who can play at the international level and who cant... -PB20
why start a poll in a "News and Analysis" forum? Can't we just discuss it. We will certainly be ready for whoever our first round opponent(s) is/are.
My apologies Andy, just wanted to be able to have a quick look to see what everyone is thinking at the present time....not all people respond....just figured it would give them a quick respone rather than posting... -PB20
I think another full season of the ever-improving Major League Soccer under everybody's belt is more important than the schedule beginning earier. Plus, as you pointed out, the tournaments this summer. There's no reason the U.S. should be unprepared. Getting thrown into the fire a little sooner with matches that "count" may benefit the U.S. in the focus department as well.