Now that the real WC qualifiers are about to begin and the boys got smoked in Europe finishing up, SEEMINGLY, strong vs Argentina I have a few observations.
Supposedly Eddie Johnson's main strength is his size and speed but after watching him in a few footraces for a ball into the corner once against the English, twice vs a Spanish defender, and once vs Argentina, I am wondering WHAT SPEED? Either EJ isn't as fast as we thought he was or the best players in the world are equally fast. I don't know...it doesn't matter... His skill on the ball is so poor, he has ZERO talent with his back to the net, and frankly I don't see a very good work ethic. If he is smart, while he has Bradley and Fulham bamboozled, he will go to work. Get serious about learning his craft and working his behind off, I hope we never have to watch him stink up the MNT ever again.
I have been particular hard on Donavon over the years and wasn't afraid to say it to anyone who would listen how I felt about his lack of courage and character. So this year, having seen EVERY game in 2008, I'm going to back off and give him so props. Landon, you have matured, gotten bigger and stronger in what looks like to be the natural process of maturation, and more importantly you haven't backed away from any challenges.
But wait, LD, what is up with this "groin" problem? How can you miss two STELLAR opportunities to spotlight your talents versus two SUPERB teams and a game with the Galaxy and then play 90 against the Argentines? Ladycakes, there is something fishy going on here pal... Are you sure that your groin was just fine and that you simply didn't want to play vs Eng. and Spain? Are you sure that wasn't just a ploy to allow Bradley some freedom to experiment? In EITHER case, ladycakes, I'm pissed about it. Let Bradley do the experimentation vs Barbados.
Why hasn't Danny Califf been given props? He played a terrific game vs Argentina. He is better than Gooch, for sure...
Finally, Adu may be the best midfielder we have...he is fearless, understands the game, quick, accurate, etc... The only negative is he holds the ball too long. He certainly is exciting to watch when he is on the pitch.
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...
Yesterday the MLS cast of players dominated a rusty Chelsea side. I DON'T care that they were rusty, our boys kicked their asses. I'll take that as a good sign. And, we did it without some of our best players. Yes, the MLS has a long way to go to be a world class league but we are making strides. Several unknowns went head to head with world class players and did NOT back down. I like the result...
I'm impatiently waiting for my wife to be ready to leave for our journey to the LA Coliseum and the two games there. The game pits (for a Galaxy fan) the dreaded Chivas USA vs New England Revolution and Clint Dempsey who I feel is the US's best player. I love that guy.
Question??? Do I go in my Galaxy jersey and represent? Or do I wear my Chivas de Guadalara jersey UNDER my New England Revolution tshirt?
Second game, FC Barcelona vs Chivas de Guadalajara. I am SO STOKED! Ronaldinho playing right in front of me. How awesome is that? Still, I'm in my Chivas jersey for that one... Unless I get the challenge to wear and represent my LA Galaxy by one of you... What would you do?
France versus Italy. Two teams that I couldn't care less about win or lose. The French and their superiority complex and Italy with their game fixing in Serie A. Surrender or side with a tyrant. French stick vs pasta. Blue vs Bleu. (Odin's Italian beauties only complicates the matter)
Considering that EVERY team that I rooted for throughout the World Cup lost... US, Mexico, Poland, Costa Rica, Trinidad, and most recently, Brazil, Germany, and Portugal I'm willing to root for the team you want to lose...
Starting bid is $5.00 US. I accept Paypal (too much EBAY). I close the bidding 5 minutes prior to the Championship game. Good Luck
Last night's Galaxy game was another example of how far from being a world caliber league the MLS is. After watching some 50 World Cup games, my neighbor and friend in our Galaxy seats agreed that we were watching the equivalent of a Division III College game.
The good news, I think, is that LD had to fight through two defenders to get his toe on a ball just hard enough to slide it past Tony Meola in net. It was a decent goal by anyone's standards but certainly no "golaso" on any Mexican broadcaster's lips by ANY stretch of the imagination.
Herein lies my problem. I want LD to toughen up and play like a STUD on the highest level. These two RedBull defenders were too pourous. They weren't strong enough with their upper bodies to slow LD's obvious quickness advantage. LD did what I want him to do, fight for the ball and win it for a goal. HOWEVER; just like my little brother was with me when we were kids, he was a tough sob with me but a wuss when he was with others. LD is in a comfort zone with the MLS. He KNOWS that he is a superior player and realizes the referees will protect him. That can't continue. Those two defenders should have beat the hell out of him as he earned the ball and goal. I challenge you, MLS, to turn Donovan into a MAN or chase him away from the game. I challenge you, MLS referees, to allow men to play a man's game and those less than MAN types to go away for good. I challenge you on this for the good of American soccer.
Finally, Donovan, man up. You need to get a mean streak in your game. You need to PUNISH those guys on the pitch with you if they don't live up to what YOU KNOW to be a higher level. If you are as good as I think you could be, you (or someone on the team) should be scoring three or four goals a game and be PSSED if you aren't. Pssed at yourself and at your teammates. Take the league on your shoulders and FORCE your will upon it. Elevate it to greater heights. Between you and Dempsey, who already demands these things, the MLS could become a force in world soccer. Stop being the nice little guy from Redlands and become a prick who is an A**hole on the field and demanding in the media. Until then, I'll be content to go watch the University of Redlands play just as much as I do the Galaxy.
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