Seems like after the Argentina game, we really need someone to come out there and really show some game. Carlos Bocanegra has been doing it. Who else will really show for this game?
I hope we get some Euros over to get in the mix,JOB and Cherundolo especially. At some point,we won't be going with all MLS sides. Will Convey get in the side with YWC being canceled? The strikers must get better service.(Looks long and hard at all MNT midfielders).
I think JOB will try and step up, mainly out of sheer frustration from not playing for so long. But since he could be rusty, I don't know how well his attempt to step up will go over. When he is 100%, he certainly is one of the best players we got out there, but I wouldn't put too much pressure on him for Japan.
I don't think JOB will be rusty, by then he'll already have had a month of playing for Ajax to use to his advantage. Chris Klein has looked good so far this year, I expect he'll keep that trend going.
If Tim Howard's in goal, I think there's a good chance he'll step up his level of play. Even though Tim's been one of the brighter spots on the USMNT recently, he's yet to meet the standard of his typical MLS performance, IMHO.
Originally posted by Davids26 "I don't think JOB will be rusty, by then he'll already have had a month of playing for Ajax to use to his advantage." Righto. He played in a 5-0 route on Saturday... he'll be ready.
I think if Convey makes it into camp he can continue the positive trend he started with the Argentina game. I would prefer to see him at an outside mid instead of back or at AM. I think if he could get some minutes at his natural position and not be shouldered with leading the attack he could show very well. I think JOB at the AM position would be good idea. I'd like to see Twellman get a start with some experienced nats around him to see if he is capable of playing on a international level.
I think Landon is due for a better game. He's been performing in MLS preseason, which will hopefully have worked the kinks and the jitters out. However, since Landon is still among the best known U.S. players, something tells me he will draw the man-mark constantly, giving room for other MLS Nats to shine. Klein, especially, because I don't see him looming large on Japan's radar.
Well, Keller will be in goal from my understanding (in that he is returning for this game) so, no Tim Howard Step up. I think the person who will step up the most will be Pablo. I think he will have a very very good game. I think he has been putting in a lot of very good performances post World Cup, but he is due for one which really elevates his game a level. Assuming we go BA 4-4-2, my ideal starting XI D: Pope, Califf in center, Boca on left, and Dolo on right - unless we go with the Chris Klein experiment. MF: Mastro - JOB - Olsen and DMB Convey in for DMB at half since WYC got cancelled F: Donovan and Mathis have had enough run outs, lets try to mix it up a bit and go.............. Donovan and Twellman
negativity for the moderator No, unfortunately, I don't doubt it was unavoidable for you to include the word as many times as you did. Really.
Let's hope Twellman and Cunningham both pick it up. With Mathis out, and with McBride 50-50 of not being there, this may be a great chance for a break out game from either or both of them.
Agree. But that's assuming he even gets a game. btw, hometown boy Keller excluded, I think BA does well to keep the Euro players out of these matches. We've seen the effect of heavy fixture congestion in Europe on top players when they play internationally, and I think he is working hard to avoid that (as well as conflicts). So even when the date is free, no need to bring these players over, especially now. He can use O'Brien, Lewis,the keepers, in the Confed Cup. We already know what they can do.