Re: U-17 : US vs Poland Psstt.......they can't tell you because you didn't put an [R] in the title. *silly grin*
Re: Re: U-17 : US vs Poland And because the game hasn't been played yet. http://www.ussoccer.com/news/fullstory.sps?inewsid=36736
webcast? is there gonna be one for this game? if the time zone translator did the math correct the game starts at 5am CDT/6am EDT.
I think the US team will handle the Poles easily as long as they don't mess up like the Koreans did or the Polish goalie doesn't get into the Yashin-mode again. https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=52779
US 5:0 Poland great news for you Adu fans: he scored 2 (the game wasn't broadcasted I think so unfortunately I missed the goals)
I've got the US Soccer release posted here: http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/NationalTeams/20030604065256/view
Hmmm... One shot on goal for our U-17s in the first half, and that was AFTER Memo was subbed out in the 28th minute? Is Memo hurt, was he just tired -- or was he simply not playing at a high enough level? Interesting, we may see Ellinger move Adu back to midfield, playing Gaven and Watson up top, which may leave Memo on the bench. Time will tell, and the intrigue is growing... From U.S. Soccer, the Match Summary: 1st 2nd Final United States 1 4 5 Poland 0 0 0 USA – Steven Curfman 37th minute USA – Freddy Adu 46th USA – Jamie Watson (Freddy Adu) 55th USA – Freddy Adu (Steven Curfman) 65th USA – Jamie Watson (Freddy Adu) 82nd Lineups: USA – 1-Phil Marfuggi; 14-Julian Valentin, 5-Brandon Owens (20-Jose Gomez, 84), 12-Steve Curfman; 4-Eddie Gaven, 8-John DiRaimondo, 15-Corey Ashe (2-Kyle Helton, 77), 7-Brian Grazier (23-Jacob Peterson, 46), 17-Danny Szetela; 11-Freddy Adu (16-Tim Ward, 84), 10-Guillermo Gonzalez (13-Jamie Watson, 28) Subs not used: 18-Stephen Sandbo, 19-Jay Denny
Memo is far too talented to be on the bench but it's good Ellinger had the opportunity in this tournament (against quality competition) to test a new strategy to give Adu more space. Awesome win for the team and an excellent way to finish the tournament. Adu for Confeds Cup!!!!
Just talked to someone there who said the one goal at the beginning of the second half from Freddy was the best he's seen him score. Sounds like he really lit it up. High marks for Curfman and Danny Szetela as well.
What did i tell you guys?? All Jamie watson needs is some Playing time. comes in at the 28th minute and lights it up. 2 goals. Amen Brother
Maybe Memo was tired from the other two games. Maybe he took a little knock and had to come out. One game where they perform well after he goes out is not the time to say Ellinger needs to make some changes.
Korea Rematch A little off topic, but... The results from this tourney are certainly interesting. We were beaten badly by Korea, tied Argentina, then blew out Poland. I would love to see a rematch with Korea to see if we could do better a second time. I know you can't truly say things like, we tied Argentina and Korea lost to them so we're better, but it does give me hope that if we meet them again we have a good chance. Do we know who we play at the championships yet? What are the chances we will see Korea and Argentina again? I can't wait to actually see this team play. Scumby
Re: Korea Rematch I wouldn't read too much into the 3-0 result against Korea. We played 48 hours after arriving in Korea, after approx. 24 hours of travel time -- and Korea plays a pressing, double-teaming game at all levels (U-17 through MNT). A highly fit team such as Korea, which is basically in a "full court press," is going to run circles around a team that is basically tired and jet-lagged; it still took them until the second half to score, and they got their last two after the 80th minute. Wait until Finland; you take the U.S. U-17s lightly at your own peril. And don't listen to the naysayers... this team is special, and not just because of Adu. My $ 0.02 on the subject...
Plus, their were undoubtebly 1,000,000 passionate Korean fans at the match. Not sure the baby nats are ready for that. Also important to mention, U-17s teams from all countries tend to be wildly inconsistent. Donovan and co. defeated Argentina in Argentina, but lost the U-17 finals to the home Kiwis. (anyone know how many Kiwis from that team graduated to the pro ranks?)
Why is it so hard for everyone to believe that one or two of the 17's may not pan out to be worthy of the National Team? I mean, yeah, Memo was awesome as a 14 year old, but is simply being caught by others. Why is that so hard for people to believe that a youth star may level off in effectiveness by age 17? I don't know, but maybe some of the 16's are on a more rapid improvement curve? Also, stop making excuses for the 3-0 loss. Excuses never improved anything, especially in youth. More important, find out why the Koreans wiped the field with you and correct it. Ellinger may already have done this by pulling memo and making an adjustment in lineup/tactics.