Alright, I'll end this discussion on these boards with this post ... (I promise Doc). Well if they were missing a few starters out due to injury ... wouldn't that mean they weren't playing their A team? Also, as much as I love Ralston's play ... neither he nor Pope will be starters on the US A team come Cup time. As much as I'd like to see it, I actually think Ralston will be very close to the edge of even making the US team and could just be playing for the Revs during the Cup (hey ... Rev content!). Oh I'm sorry ... if the US wins (or there are upsets) ... it's a fluke. Apparently the things I saw live in Korea didn't really happen because they were a fluke. How will you define success? Quarters? Past the First round? Finals?
We just happened to have lost 2-1, while having nearly twice the shots, not a blow-out by any means. Now lets see our starting line-up:18-Kasey Keller (Capt.); 2-Steve Cherundolo, 23-Eddie Pope, 12-Cory Gibbs, 21-Greg Vanney; 14-Steve Ralston, 2 5-Kerry Zavagnin, 2-Clint Dempsey; 10-Landon Donovan; 16-Josh Wolff, 20-Brian McBride Once again lets get rid of those who aren't regular starters 18-Kasey Keller (Capt.); 2-Steve Cherundolo, 12-Cory Gibbs, 10-Landon Donovan; 20-Brian McBride Hm, that leaves 5, and even Gibbs is a stretch, as he hasn't proven to be a regular starter yet. Did you see his end of season form? When he starts he scores and he seems to have earned a starting spot at Fulham. How can you make this arguement?? Now back on topic....
...which was fine and all, but does not change the fact that he is spending the summer healing a shoulder injury, and that is why Keller is getting the nod ahead of him. It's not unlike the complaints about Twellman not getting the nod for the Gold Cup: They'd make much more sense if we didn't know he's been hurt.
Who are you kidding? If you are wrong a year from now you'll kill your current BigSoccer handle and create a new one.