When the World Cup ended last summer I was in a deep funk as our boys stank up the German pitch, got a raw deal against the Italians, and underachieved against Ghana.  I was convinced that Arena was a good coach and that he should remain as coach.  While I wanted Klinnsman to be hired I can't begin to state how pleased I am that not only was Arena not retained and Klinsman not hired, but that Bob Bradley is the coach.  He has demonstrated an understanding of the American player, recognized the talents of certain guys and how they mesh with other certain players, and shown a willingness to make the tough substitution with positive results.

The truth is there are so many naysayers in this forum... folks who simply don't believe in this team and the talent pool that make up US Soccer but I say to them that when they stop hating on these players and allow them the opportunity to do their thing with an open mind, all you Euros, Sudamericanos, and Mexicanos will see a solid team playing very well with a very good idea of what to do with Coach Bradley's vision.  Give these boys a chance to show you how good they are, how far US Soccer has come, and have an open mind about the youth playing in Venezuela to see what I predict will be a solid finish in second place.

I like the young version heading off to Venezuela.  I like that these kids will go there to compete against, arguably, some of the best teams in the world.  Game one against Argentina could be a serious wake up call for the baby blue and white striped Argentine's.  When my wife and I flew to Miami in 2003 to see our boys compete with them in the Orange Bowl, I kept telling her again and again that we can compete with them.  They were good but they did NOT completely outclass us.  Knowing the arrogance of Argentine futbol, I think they will be looking past our kids and we're going to up and bite them in the rearend.

We smoked Columbia in 2006 at my alma mater, Cal State Fullerton, 4-0, a result that I believe was a true representation of where we are and probably how we will finish in two weeks against them.  Even though my tax accountant is a Columbiano, sorry Julio, your boys are done...

Paraguay is an enigma.  Their result against Mexico in May wasn't impressive to me.  I like their color scheme (Red, White, and Blue) but I don't see them doing to much damage against us. 

Here is my rationale for the bold prediction that I make.  Tie Argentina, win vs Columbia and Paraguay.  FInish second to Argentina.

Defensively we are solid.  Kasey Keller is the US's alltime best goalie.  "nuf said.  Bornstein proved his worth the past two weeks.  Solid, tough, moves forward effectively and hustles back.  Conrad is just good.  He is smart, experienced, and will be the anchor of the back line.  I also like Califf, DeMerit, and Pearce to get a lot of pt.

In the mid, I love Fielhaber.  He was nails the past two weeks and that blast yesterday was BEAUTIFUL.  I like the way he distributes the ball and controls the middle.  I like how fiesty Olsen is and he is tough as nails.  I like Mapp on the left and Clark to help control the defensive mid.  Our Midfield used to be our achilles heel but I believe they are in the second tier of world class midfielders.  Not the best but RAPIDLY improving.

Up front, I am NOT convinced that Johnson is a world class player.  He is worthless past the second touch on the ball, makes poor distributions when he controls with his back to the net, and can't figure out how to stay onsides.  He frustrates the heck out of me.  Keep him on the bench and play Twellman.  What a competitor... I love his approach "Balls to the wall" at all times.  Having watched Hercules for two years as a Galaxy season seat holder, I know what Gomez can do when he is focused.  He can be a monster but he really lacks concentration to often.  I don't know anything about the other guy, Davies so I say go with him. 

I like that team, reader.  I think we head south and have very positive results.  I only ask the haters to watch this team with an open mind.  Anytime you play with youth, you run the risk of youthful indescretions but how else are they going to learn?  I'm going to watch every minute of every game and love every second of it, win or lose.  If I had enough dough, I be there in person...

What do you think?