What's next for the Nats? What is the next big thing that we focus on? The World Cup has been THE focus for so long, that I can't even remember what else is out there. Honestly, if it were me, I would want a LONG break after that crushing loss. I just don't see how these guys bounce back from these disappointments. It seems like it would be so hard. It's hard enough as a fan. I guess Donovan goes back to the boring old world of the MLS, and other players head to camps (yikes, no break!). But what about the team? What are the next goals, etc?
It just seems to mundane: A Brazil friendly, playing the boring old CONCACAF countries, and then a long time until qualifications. This is the worst time to love international soccer (at least, post July 11th). Nothing seems exciting after the World Cup. It's like smoking a joint after shooting heroin. Dull.
There is always plenty to focus on. Just like the previous WCs, there is always a hangover thats tinged with both disappointment and uncertainty. The biggest thing to look forward to is the re-(or non) negotiation of Bob's contract coming up in December, which will have plenty of rumor spinning around it. Other than that, next up is Gold Cup, which is excellent because its more Concacaf Rivalry, and it actually matters this time unlike in 2009.
I'm so depressed, though. This was our big chance. If you're Altidore, with 3 more World Cups to go, then it's not the end of the world. But for many of the players in the 27-and-up age category, this might have been the last big hoorah in their careers. Most of them will never play in the Champion's League, will never win a major league tournament, will never play in another World Cup game. All they have to look forward to is the daily grind of mid-level football, aching muscles, then retirement. It seems rather gloomy to me. As for World Cups: Dolo, Boca, Demerit, Hahnemann, DMB, Goodson, Buddle, and Gomez are done. Dempsey, Donovan, and Gooch are maybes, depending on what happens. It's kind of sad that this was the end for so many of our players. Everything else is shit compared to the World Cup.
The run up to this Gold Cup could be very interesting. Some storylines to look at. 1. Jermaine Jones debut. Will he help? Castillo? 2. Reintegration of Davies 3. Defense turnover (Boca on his way out- Opara on his way in) 4. What role will Feilhaber, Torres, Holden, & edu play in the midfield 5. Gasp...What happens with Freddy Adu. 6. What people come out and surprise during the cycle. these are just a few things to look forward to.
Let's create a new pan american copa america, with the highest performing teams from both confederations going to the confed cup. Then we'll have something to look forward to between WC, and not the crap gold cup which garners no media attention or interest. Something must be done if we want to grow our sport. It can no longer be a 4 year sport in this country.
You mean play against CONMEBOL? We'd be the whipping boys, but it would force us to step up, and it would create more interest form the public.
Okay, but if you're Donovan, life must seem really boring. Except for that love child thing. As for Jones, something tells me he's done. He wanted to play in the World Cup, and that's it. I don't think he has any interest in playing El Salvador in minor cup action.
The biggest question I have is who is going to step into the void left by so many of our older guys. Dempsey Donovan Bocanegra etc. We have a good core in Bradley, Edu, Altidore, Feilhaber, etc. who won't yet be 30 by the next World Cup. Who is going to step it up over the next few years for the Nats? As for comments we need to move beyond a once every four year sport in this country, then you need to pick yourself an MLS club to support and just watch it continue to trickle along with its growth. Because that league has been incredibly important to the national team. Something like 18 or 19 of our current team either play in MLS now or got theire start in MLS. And there's no way a lot of our guys would have ever made their way to Europe without the league.
You know, I keep hearing this all the time on Bigsoccer. And EVERY TIME, it's awesome how no one looks at this from a South American point of view. It's really just time to face facts. Unless CONMEBOL wants a combined federation, that idea needs to be firmly put to rest. FIRMLY, put to rest. Let's just focus on a new, preferably non-American coach. Improved youth development, and improved MLS competition in the CONCACAF Champions league.
Don't worry so much man. Time will tell all. There will be more Dempseys and Donovans in the future. I'm expecting something greater though.
There might be more Dempseys, but no more Donovans are on the horizon. Don't forget where he was at age 20. If we had 11 Donovans, we'd be Germany or Spain.
I think he is referring to the country as a whole, and I agree with him. One of the big stories out of this WC is how it seems like the whole country got behind the US team, which has NEVER happened before (well, maybe in 94). The growth in the support of the US mens team is tangible, yet the way its going, this country will only turn into soccer once every 4 years. We need to take this momentum and hype somehow and turn it into constant support for US soccer EVERY time they get together. Much much easier said than done, but I think thats what he's referring to.
We are stacked in the midfield, but about that defense and those forwards. That to me is the big question for this cycle.
At least for the backline I think we are currently producing some interesting talent. three names come to mind. Ike Opara, Omar Gonzalez, and Tim Ream. While Gooch still there and we have to see about Borenstein and how he continies to develope. As for forwards unless someone breaks out in the next 4 years which is possible I think we are looking at Jozey and Davies. Our midfield will still containt Bradley Donovan and Dempsey, Felheiber is still their, Can Sasha recapture that creative flair we have seen glimpses of and become a more creative midfielder who can be very valuable to the Nats. I think the bid change will be in the back line
We've no Copa America & Confederations Cup, we continue with these crappy preparations for World Cup.
Like the Copa America did anything for us last time? Until we are able, based on scheduling with MLS/Gold Cup to take it seriously it's just a non-starter for us. If we win the Gold Cup next year we get the Confederations Cup. That's why it is semi-important in 2011.
Can we be honest? We are ranked 14 by FIFA and we just went out at worst in 15th place. We did exactly what we should have. It sucks to say but that's where we are.