http://www.ussoccer.com/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=269466&itype=113&iCategoryID=0 Ching the only Earthquake named.... some interesting and intriguing choices/snubs: Feilhaber over Clark?
I was expecting Clark to be there. He didn't play poorly in the limited time he got in his only appearance. Was Bruce unimpressed during the playoffs? If that's the case I'm surprised Ching got the call. He played poorly in the playoffs. Of course, Bruce doesn't have a lot of options. LD's with LA, none of the Revs are available, Eddie Johnson's injured, so that pretty much leaves Ching. I've never seen Feilhaber play, so I can't really argue against it.
Maybe it has nothing to do with Clark. Bruce already has a good idea about Rico's strengths and weaknesses, now he wants to look at somebody else. That said, Rico's style is a little chaotic and maybe Bruce wants more discipline. I wouldn't be surprised if Rico's in the picture for 2010.
I have no trouble with Feilhaber making it ... he's Euro based and they were gonna make up a majority of the roster. but carroll and/or Zavagnin? c'mon! I guess Rico didn't impress during his last camp. I guess the camp in Jan. will be telling if Rico is left off that one, too.
on a somewhat related note, DeRo was called up for Canada's match against Luxemborg (?) .... wonder if Frank will try him in the middle?
I'm just waiting for Robinson to get his call up and I think Mulls deserves some more time, I don't know why BA keeps ignoring him
I agree with you about Rico's playing style: its fun to watch, but I am not sure that it fits within Bruce's concept of how a central midfielder should play. The other factor that may be working againt Rico is his lack of versatility. When he was with the Metro, Bradley tried him (at least for one game) at right back. I remember Rico's play in that game for all the wrong reasons. All things considered, I hope Rico at least gets an invite to the January camp. He deserves at least that opportunity to prove to Arena what he can do.
He was pretty inconsistent this year with the Quakes. He'd have flashes of brilliance and then nothing after that. If Bruce calls him up in January, good for him. Hopefully he can impress him, but I think it's too late for WC 2006.
don't get me wrong about Feilhaber...he and Wynne were the studs of the U20s this time around.... just an odd choice....maybe BA is trying to cap tie as many players as he can...
The Bruce is still looking at the players. I don't believe he has made any final decision yet. There are others who are missing, too.
oh for sure, I wasn't suggesting he should be included in 2006.. but past that, he's got to be in consideration he's without question, one of the hardest working midfielders in the league, and he has the speed and skills to fulfill a good role
Bruce is just spreading the net. If Rico doesn't get called up in January, then I'd say it doesn't look good for the World Cup. Ching hasn't gotten a lot of Nats playing time since coming back from the injuries. This is his opportunity to shine.
I so wish he would have dragged candy ass out of the MLS cup and sat him on the bench in Scotland. That's what I would have done.
Ching will probably get a start on Saturday since McBride's out with a groin injury. This is a very good opportunity for him to impress Bruce. Good luck to him.
Not to mention, Ching scored a clutch goal during WCQ. He just needs to be back in form since the competition for spots are fierce. It's the injury bug that really has set him back. Plus, factor in the new blood (U-20s) and the vets are going to be hard pressed to earn a roster spot. I wouldn't mind seeing Mullan, Clark, Califf, and Robinson get a look but again, they would have to impress.