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U.S. Men's National Soccer (Official Thread)

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TooTallMenardo;1983741; said:
Iker Casilas and Julio Cesar beg to differ.
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Arguably, but let's be realistic. Put Howard on either the Spanish or Brazilian squads and he immediately becomes the world's best because of their prestige. Howard is probably underrated because he plays for the Americans. That's not taking anything away from Casillas or Cesar, but Howard needs to get his due based on talents, not just his nationality.
 
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jmorbitz;1983747; said:
Arguably, but let's be realistic. Put Howard on either the Spanish or Brazilian squads and he immediately becomes the world's best because of their prestige. Howard is probably underrated because he plays for the Americans. That's not taking anything away from Casillas or Cesar, but Howard needs to get his due based on talents, not just his nationality.
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I can agree to that. Those are literally the only two keepers that I honestly see being better than Howard. Petr Cech is about even with Howard. Both are great keepers.
 
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TooTallMenardo;1983751; said:
I can agree to that. Those are literally the only two keepers that I honestly see being better than Howard. Petr Cech is about even with Howard. Both are great keepers.
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Agreed on all points, all keepers listed are in the top flight.

Halftime subs:

Agudelo and Beckerman on
Rogers and Altidore off
 
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Scoring opens with a volley strike about 20-22 yards out from Lombaerts. Shot was through traffic and Howard got an arm on it, but the strike was solid, well placed and wasn't going to be stopped. U.S. has played well in the first 10 minutes of the second half, but Belgium capitalized.
 
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Larentowicz on for Torres in the 77th. I've been impressed with Torres. I think he's played solidly, making timely runs and has a decent touch on the ball. I haven't seen anything outstanding by him in the last three matches, but I think he's a solid player in the midfield. He's done well.
 
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Belgium 1 - 0 U.S. final. Solid 2nd half performance by the U.S. especially after a late Friday night game on the west coast and traveling to Europe. Belgium capitalized on one of their few 2nd half chances. Beckerman was very solid as a sub, Agudelo made some runs, Shea was solid on the wing. There is promise in this lineup for the future, the experience was good, but you hate to be on the short end of these results. The play has been solid but this side has lacked the instinct for goal. Klinsmann 0-2-1 right now, USMNT won't play again until Oct. 8, another month for him to work with the players.
 
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Overall, I'm fairly happy with what I've seen out of the style changes that have been made. Having Holden, Donovan, Dempsey, and Torres as interchangeable parts behind Altidore will improve our attacking, IMO. I think that I like Edu and Beckerman together in the defensive midfield with Bradley, and Jones providing depth, better than Bradley and Jones starting. We still need better play at CB, although, the seemingly permanent move for Bocanegra seems to have helped. Bocanegra just needs a consistent partner, in the short term, and someone to step up and replace his old ass (35 by 2014). It looks like we have really good quality depth at RB, with experience, in Cherundolo (also 35 by 2014), and Chandler and Lichaj being nice looking up and coming players. It's too bad that Fabian Johnson couldn't get cleared by FIFA before these friendlies, because I'd really like to see if he can be the answer at LB, or whether we'll be using Chandler/Lichaj out of position.
 
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A couple Stuart Holden updates from the Bolton Wanderers' official site. Klinsmann apparently hopped a plane to England after the friendly to see Holden play with BW's reserves as he tries to work his way back from injury. The first link includes a video interview.

I think Klinsmann knows as well as everybody else that Holden's abilities will be a huge key to whether or not the team finds success under the new system.

http://www.bwfc.co.uk/page/General/0,,1004~2444193,00.html

FREEVIEW: Holden Stepping It Up
Posted on: Thu 08 Sep 2011

Wanderers' Player of Year Stuart Holden continued to his recovery from a knee injury with another successful run out for the reserve team on Wednesday evening, completing 65 minutes in a 1-1 draw with Rochdale.

With Owen Coyle watching on alongside USA national team boss Jurgen Klinsmann at a rain-soddened County Ground, Holden donned the captain's armband and turned in a gritty performance in difficult conditions.

And the 26-year-old told the club's website that it was another step in the right direction, having previously completed 78 minutes for the second string the previous week away at Fulham.
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http://www.bwfc.co.uk/page/General/0,,1004~2444203,00.html

USA Boss Klinsmann On Holden
Posted on: Thu 08 Sep 2011

United States Head Coach J?rgen Klinsmann was an interested spectator at the County Ground on Wednesday evening, casting his eye on the progress of midfield dynamo Stuart Holden.

"He's getting closer and closer, but I'm not looking to get him in United States squad as soon as possible. He's certainly in my plans, but I'm sure I'm one of many who don't want to rush him back.

"We'll follow what Bolton want, because they know him best. I'll be in contact with Owen and I'm sure we'll have plenty of dialogue over the coming months.
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"We're trying to get the national team to play more games here in Europe. I'm here in England for a couple more days now, catching up with a few more international players and building relationships with the clubs.

"At the end of the day a national team is benefitting from the work that is being done at the clubs. If a club manager is doing a great job, then it's great for a national team manager."
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