From the very reliable 3rddegree.net, which covers the Burn: Brad Davis has been fighting off a groin problem. Clarke says he has been told by docs to shut it down for 4 to 6 weeks, so he is officially done for the season. He ill NOT need to have surgery in the off season, but he will not be playing or even training for that time frame. Davis in fact has been given the week off and has gone home, but will be back to begin rehabbing the groin next week. And... Eddie Johnson and Jordan Stone will leave Sunday (after the Rev game) for the US U-20 camp, but will return on Friday before the metro game in time to travel to New York with the team. Eddie has also been called to the U-23 team's next camp. http://www.3rddegree.net/practice/index.htm These are interesting developments. If Davis is shutdown for the next couple of months, that mean's he's out for the home-and-away qualifer between the St. Kitts - Dominica winner. With those games likely in the middle of the MLS playoffs, it will be interesting to see who Mooch calls up but having players from the Burn unavailable doesn't help! As for Johnson, first off, it's great to see that A) he's recovered his form and that B) his form has resulted in this call-up. That said, it's going to be a tight with the 20s. I have to check the exact dates of the qualifiers and compare them to when the 20s leave for the UAE but their could be some conflict.
I have thought Johnson should get a look on the 23's for a while now. His talent is just too good not to take a risk with. My guess is that since he has been moved wide right in Dallas, and since the U23 squad has almost no options at right midfield, Mooch is going to take a look at him there and see if he's a player worth investing in. Other forwards have moved further back in the field as they move up the development ladder, and have seen success doing so. Because of his speed, skill, and athleticism, EJ could be that type of player. It all comes down to his willingness to put in the work and learn to defend. Or, Mooch could simply use him as a forward.
What's the injury news on Justin Mapp? With the way he's played for the Fire this year, he would seem to be the most logical replacement for whatever Davis' role was (Beasley backup at LM, A-mid option, etc.).
I just read in a Florida newspaper that the U23s are going to be playing a friendly against Haiti's U23s at Lockhart stadium on the 15th of October. Donovan, Beasley and Convey are going to be there.
All U23 players on the Metros and Fire will be extremely busy playing the Open Cup Final. Gray Mapp Beasley Clark (maybe) Magee (maybe)
Wow, is it on that Wednesday? I'm just reporting on what the Floriday paper said. Maybe that guy's all confused.
I'm sure the starting XI will still be loaded. Who do you think would start... Donovan Convey Buddle Stone Beckerman Borchers Countess Anyone else?
Thanks for the link, Nutmeg. Nice to see Borchers breakout year get rewarded. All we ever wanted was for you to get the chance - now it's up to you, kid. Carpe diem. I don't see Schmidt actually making much of a dent on the forward depth chart but I have no qualms with Mooch taking a look at him. Here's a guess at 21 players he called in. I have no idea if it will be more or less or exactly 21 players called in but 21 just a guess. Injuries and the Open Cup final definitely limit the options. FORWARDS Edson Buddle Landon Donovan Alecko Eskandarian Eddie Johnson Casey Schmidt MIDS Kyle Beckerman Bobby Convey Adolfo Gregorio Kyle Martino Jordan Stone David Testo Seth Trembly BACKS Nelson Akwari Nat Borchers Ricky Lewis Oguchi Onyewu Chris Wingert Alex Yi KEEPERS DJ Countess Josh Saunders Doug Warren
Sandon what would you say a starting XI would look like? here's my guess GK-DJ Countess LB, RB - ??? CD - Borchers, Gooch LM - Convey CM - Martino CM - Beckerman RM - Donovan FW - Buddle FW - Johnson I've alway said that I didn't like Donovan on the right but in this case I see no way around it.
Usually Lewis plays left back. He can play on the right as well though. Countess Onyewu-Borchers-Gray-Whitbread/Lewis Donovan-Clark-Martino-Beasley EJ-Buddle That is quite a team. On the bench you still have guys like Davis, Mapp, possibly Adu, Beckerman, Magee, etc.
For this friendly, which is the roster/lineup we're talking about, a lot of the players you mentioned won't be available for the Haiti game. All the Fire (Gray, Beasley, Mapp, Jaqua, Pause) and MetroStar (Clark, Magee, Arena, LeBlanc, Regan) won't be available for the Haiti friednly because it's the same day as the US Open Cup. Also, Davis won't be available, per what is mentioned in the FIRST POST of this thread. For qualifying and, hopefully!, the Olympics, the players you mentioned are very much factors.
Here is the confirmation from Ussoccer.com http://www.ussoccer.com/events/report.sps?iEventID=11529&categoryid=85 U.S. U-23 Men's National Team vs. Haiti Date: 10/15/03 7:30 PM End date: 10/15/03 9:30 PM Series: International Friendly Location: Lockhart Stadium (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.)
I actually meant to put Convey's name for Davis. It's a shame about Brad. He has been one of the few bight spots for Dallas. How much can guys like Quaranta, Pause, and Alvarez help this team? All three have played a fair amount this year. Pause has probably helped his team the the most. It's hard to deny the talent that Alvarez and Quaranta bring to the table though.