USA vs Czech Republic

[spikeman]

Dont be surprised if gooch is'nt on the 23...

Actually I would. The way Bradley was talking about him in the interview at the end of the game, it seems like he will make it. He's too valuable to leave out of the squad.

 

[Maverick]

I would be absolutely shocked if Gooch didn't make the 23

 

[jdeezy]

That defensive unit worries me! I know Spector wasn't out there but Gooch is a concern and there isn't much depth in my opinion.

Don't forget Demerit.

I'm concerned too. But spector seems to play better for country. And as a tactically sound, smart, but not super athletic player I think he relies on the strength, shape, discipline & overall play of the midfield more so than others. And one thing about our 1st team is we will play tough, have been pretty organized, & will not get pushed around physically. So Spector should be fine. Cherundolo does not worry me at all. Boca can play cb or lb. Spector can play anywhere along backline. Edu can play cb. Gooch if back even to 85% form will be HUGE boost. And Howard will do a MUCH better job commanding the line than Guzan did tonight.

So while there are concerns, hopefully w/ a little luck & some additional preparation time, we can pull together by June 12.

 

[jdeezy]

I would be absolutely shocked if Gooch didn't make the 23

I can't see him not making it. Unless there's something more dire being witnessed behind the scenes at training. And then I'd say, "if he's not fit to play why did bob play him 65 min tonight?"

So I just don't see how he doesn't make the plane.

 

[bluebloodinmyveins]

Guzan was awful. Looked well out of place. Your defenders were pretty bad too. I know you rested a lot of players, but that was pretty bad to watch.

 

[chicoazul]

We're just warming up, when we unleash our best players on 12th June it's all good.

 

[SimplyBlue]

The great thing about these friendly games is getting to see how the players work together and then, work out the kinks.

Think positive guys...The best is yet to come!

 

[TX Bill]

I hope people see that score and take us lightly.

 

[Rook]

I just saw the match last night because of work. Not too arsed about the score a couple points though:

Positives:

Was very impressed with our corner taking again. I think we're one of the best in the world at grabbing goals off corners (only Brazil is clearly better). With all our injuries we're going to have to manufacture goals however we can.

Ching and Gomez were very very good. Ching especially, some of his passing was just sick and I liked how we was able to go back into the defensive end and dispossess the attacker. We're going too need that if his job is to protect a lead late. This should put a rest any Casey/Ching debate, Ching is and always be better. Gomez has a future on the USMNT squad.

Holden was very good, and just keeps getting better every match.

We should just bring the USMNT squad out in Houston Dynamo jerseys.

Beasley has been decent. We need the old PSV Beasley back in the side as w/o Davies we are starved for pace.

Negatives:

Defense:

Anyone who saw Gooch's performance and thinks Davies should be on the team is nuts. Don't blame Bradley for leaving him on, he said he was healthy and if you can't go 60 then you can't start.

Defense = shambles. I'm sure if you add up all the defenders you might get a 7 rating.

Bornstien is serviceable against El Salvador and TandT, if fact he brings a bit of extra attack to our side in those matches. Against England though? Given that due to injuries/complete ineptness at that position, there is a slight chance that he might start.

Where was DeMerit? You have to play him just to see if he's match fit and see right?? Did not leaving him undressed at all.

 

[Rook]

Just saw that Buddle was taken over Ching. Not sure if I agree with that.

 

[Wratho]

Guzan was awful. Looked well out of place. Your defenders were pretty bad too. I know you rested a lot of players, but that was pretty bad to watch.

Hell yeah the defense looked freaking aweful. Gooch better improve. Hope it was rust. The other three starters were backups and hopefully Bornstein never sees the field ever. Ching looked good, but he just has not scored. Findley is like a poor man's Davies that is not scoring no idea why he was chosen.

Ching just does not fit what we need off the bench.

 

[TX Bill]

Hell yeah the defense looked freaking aweful. Gooch better improve. Hope it was rust. The other three starters were backups and hopefully Bornstein never sees the field ever. Ching looked good, but he just has not scored. Findley is like a poor man's Davies that is not scoring no idea why he was chosen.

Ching just does not fit what we need off the bench.

As someone so expertly said:

"I can see several different situations in the World Cup that would call for Brian Ching coming off the bench. I can't see one situation that would call for Robbie Findley coming off the bench."

Truer words never spoken.

Bradley got the roster right except with the omission of Ching. With that one, he missed it big time.

 

[Maverick]

IMO Ching isn't a big omission. In fact none of the 7 left off were

 

[Wratho]

Swap Findley with Ching is no big deal, neither one getting on the field. The only thing I can think of is to give a young player ( he is 24 ) the chance to see what happens at a world cup in the hopes he learns and is a viable choice in 4 years.

 

[Bigloco]

Swap Findley with Ching is no big deal, neither one getting on the field. The only thing I can think of is to give a young player ( he is 24 ) the chance to see what happens at a world cup in the hopes he learns and is a viable choice in 4 years.

agree...dont think either would have played save for an injury. I'm thinking the coaches looked at the group and thought the speed of Findley would be a better asset to have...Choosing without taking the group into consideration would be a mistake.