I'd like to make the argument if I could , that we need a more veteran, talented defensive player in our lineup. Parke, mendes, Dunivant - not exactly names that strike fear into the opposition or inspire a great deal of confidence in me. With all the offensive weapons (Mathis, Altidore, Richards, Angel) you would think we would balance it out with a lot of DEFENSIVE "weapons" to compliment. This aspect is what I believe is going to make or break us this season. It's not that our D now is horrible, far from but nor are we great. We have now conceded 3 goals in 2 consecutive matches. While it's not reason to panic can you imagine if this was a team like Barca or ManU conceding 3 in two games? there would probably be a major shake-up or at least a little re-configuring. Possibly talks of the transfer window and who will be coming in to help. With MLS you don't see that urgency. I'm sure many of you will argue that "RSL jobbed us with that PK call" and "LA was an Open Cup match so we didn't have our strongest side" etc, etc. but the score sheet and more importantly, the stat sheet doesn't lie. What can we do to improve our defense? The only thing I can see is to bring in a more experienced leader at the back. But how can we make that happen? I think that these two games have exposed as for the average defense that we are and that this will continue to occur unless something is done. The shutout streak was great but it was never going to last. It;s how you respond to adversity that counts and now that we have conceded it looks to me like the flood gates are about to crack open just a hint. Get my drift? It's too early to panic, but I am just trying to point out something that I see as a glaring deficiency and probably others do as well. Here's sincerely hoping Bruce Arena corrects the problem and we get back on track on Mom's Day. Later.
I don't think Berhalter is the answer here. He hasn't played very well for 1860 this year in the couple of games I've seen and reports of his play have been very up and down. That said, I don't know who the answer is...
Isn't he their captain? i admit i dont follow the lower Bundesliga division so i dont know, but 1860 really seemed to like him. He has always been a solid and steady defender just below the international level despite his caps for the US. I think the Conrad comparision is pretty spot on.
I was thinking about players we have a realistic chance of getting. Gooch isnt coming back here at his age considering the clubs that have shown interest in Europe. Dolo would be good. But i would rather have a centerback. Berhalter is realistic. The Polish guy is realistic. That said i am satisfied with Parke and Mendes as long as our midfield is playing like they are playing and not hanging them out to dry like Metro 03' did to that defnesive duo.
He is the captain and 1860 brought him in liking him, but apparently he's had more than his share of terrible games with stupid errors. That said, he's also had some good games. He would be an ok pickup, and maybe it's his age contributing to the inconsistency, but it seems we need a consistant center back to come in and anchor the defense. Berhalter doesn't seem to be the guy that can come in and be a rock. I just can't see him being worth it for the price he'll command. To me, the Berhalter of 2-3 years ago would have been comparable to Conrad today. However, Berhalter is about to turn 34 in a few months...Conrad just turned 30. It just seems like his age might be catching up to him. Of course a lot of people were saying the same thing about Reyna and have been proved wrong, but Reyna was also a far superior player (granted at different positions) to Berhalter at his peak. Still, if Gregg was willing to come really cheap, I'd be all for it.
Berhalter may be just the right fit here. I would say that te German 1st division is a notch or two above MLS. If he can regain some step in his form and adapt to the MLS style (or lack thereof) then I don't see why Bruce shouldn't go after him aggressively this July when a SI spot is available.
I don't know, the last time I saw him play, he got SMOKED on a play that eventually led to a goal. I don't think he's the type of player that we need. We should get a vet. experienced player who isn't over the hill and can cut it in MLS.
seeing a pattern since preseason here.....but a main concern for me is a damn reliable PK taker..... Geez this team shoot pks at a lower % than Shaq hits free throws.... HOw is that possible?!?!
Start of the season 2pk's...Also if your going to win with pks you should not be even playing... Also calm down the boys are back home he'll settle.
Greg has gotten slower, but his strengths are still the same. Good positioning, good organization, good on set pieces, whether with head or foot. His age is showing but I don't think he would be a bad fit for us considering the way we play. Problem? I'm sure he is getting paid a bit more than we can offer. He could help IMO. No track meets and we keep possession on the field he could do a good job IMO.
I am with you. This is way over blown. Wasnt everyone praising our defense last week and earlier? I wouldnt mind upgrading ofcourse, but I dont think its a major deal either way. We have a decent back 4. Great, no. But good enough. Certainly. If we continue to play the team defense we have been playing this season, we are gunna win alot of matches. Team defense is more of the key here, not as much individual players.
True about the positioning and organizational aspects of the game. One other concern to think of is his legs...he was on the World Cup roster even though he didn't play, has played pretty much all the time in 2.Bundesliga, and would come straight into the MLS season. Maybe it's not an issue, but he hasn't really had a nice break in two years. Really all this speculation is pretty pointless though. We have no idea who is available in the summer window.
Whoah! Slow down! What are you playing Go Fish or Soccer. For once can we just leave the wheeling and dealing Donald Trump You're Fired style of coaching alone. We have seen just how poorly the let's reshuffle the deck strategy has done in past years. No, it's not Who but finally What to do. This is the first time in years we have had any coherent teamwork out there. Let Bruce do his thing. It sure looks to me like they have been practicing as a team and putting the benfits of that on the field every game. You need practice, development, time, consitentcy... Are we all so ADD instant gratification driven that if we haven't won the MLS Cup by now we should just gut the whole team? Imagine not winning the cup by the beginning of May! Stand down and enjoy the game. It may not be beautiful just yet , but you know what? ...lately it's not ugly, not at all.
We just set a friggin MLS defensive record and you're panicking because of a 90th minute PK and a 93rd minute goal on the road, followed by a Cup match where we hold the Galaxy scoreless but let in three (including a first on a PK) in extra time??? I think Scousers are glad someone like you wasn't in control after Arsenal's assault at Anfield a few months ago... Over-friggin-reaction. If Jozy would have made a decent shot on the PK, we would be singing the praises of our defense for the shutout at the Depot.
This is the main message I was trying to get across with this topic. And no, I truly do not feel I am over-reacting. If you want to compete on all fronts as all red bull fans do, that means the OPen Cup as well. Obviously now that is yet another trophy opportunity gone in the blink of added time.
Two different leagues and teams altogether mate. I have to disagree here. Both Arsenal and Liverpool are world class teams in the best league in the world. Not an overreaction. I'm saying to be prepared to adjust to the situation. In the case where Arsenal trumped Liverpool in both cups, the Reds made adjustments and obviously are doing fine as they are in the CL final but that I guess is another post for another board. The Red Bulls are an MLS team that has to be able to cope with situations that are (unfortunately) unique to our league.
wow. The teams finally gives up goals and have lapses and suddenly they need to upgrade. C'mon now. Relax. All teams go through these bumps in the road. It's all about giving the team some time to adjust on their own and see if they CAN
I don't know if it's really a "sudden need to upgrade." Even before the team had given up a goal and looked unbeatable, I would have welcomed an experienced international center back to help solidify the defense here, especially since once VDB gets his green card we have an open SI slot. Why not use it on a guy that can really make the defense tough to beat?