Deuce

Yeah from DC. I'm a DC fan, but I also think he's objectively a very good player. Could make the transition to Europe quite well, much like Dempsey at Fulham a few years ago. Left winger who can also play as a center striker or withdrawn forward. Not as potentially explosive as Brek Shea, but a tougher and more well-rounded player.

Or, keeping things closer to how they are now, get a real attacking-minded midfielder in there. Bradley can play box-to-box and Williams is good on defense/holding, but none of Bradley/Williams/Jones/Edu/Beckerman are attacking midfielders. Need someone like Feilhaber there. In an ideal world, this is Stu Holden's position. Howard Cameron Bocanegra Cherundolo F. Johnson v << Williams Bradley >> v v Feilhaber v Zusi Dempsey Gomez But again, you're relying almost entirely on the fullbacks for any width, which they may or may not provide.

Having had a couple days to stew, here are some thoughts: 1. Bocanegra, physical limitations aside (I don't think they're insurmountable), needs to start every WCQ match. He is a leader on the field and the one guy who can organize the defense. He's played these games countless times. Gonzalez, as he does represent the future of the U.S. back-line, should continue to be the first-choice CB off the bench, get time in friendlies, etc. 2. Time to build the offense around Dempsey, as this team's biggest weapon. He's best playing just off the striker, as he does for Spurs, and when he's allowed to roam across the field at will. Not sure what Klinsmann is currently expecting of him, but he's looked lost out there the last few games. 3. No more of this 3 central midfielder nonsense. We don't have the offensive personnel to play a true 4-3-3. Bradley + one of Jones, Williams, Edu, Kljestan, Torres, Brad Evans and that's it. It severely handicaps our offense with Bradley/Jones/Williams occupying the same area of the pitch and non-outside players like Eddie Johnson and Graham Zusi consistently ending-up inside because that's where they play naturally. We're ending up with 5-6 players in central midfield, which kills us on the outside and stifles the attack. 4. Incorporate some real outside players. This team lacks zero width when playing Johnson, Zusi, and Kljestan outside, none of whom are wing players. I'd like to see Chris Pontius, Brad Davis, and Nick DeLeon brought into the fold, as well as Josh Gatt and Joe Gyau given more playing time. 5. As Jozy still isn't playing up to par for the national team, make Gomez the starting striker. Despite Klinsmann's efforts, we just don't have the personnel to play the kind of football that he wants. A 4-5-1/4-4-2 is honestly what's best. I'd like to see something like this tried out: Howard Cameron Bocanegra Cherundolo F. Johnson Williams Bradley Gatt Dempsey Pontius Gomez

Comparatively, he's grossly underpaid.

Both are true, unfortunately.

Wimbledon?

France has consistently put out the nicest kits over the past few years. Surprised more teams with Nike aren't just copying their template.

On the contrary, Bradley is arguably our best player.

Altidore is mint for AZ. Watching him play for them, the movement, the pace, the finishing. Absolutely maddening. Turns into a caterpillar when he puts on the national team shirt. I've never seen such a big guy lack such physicality. Shola is more physical than Jozy.

Well yeah, that's what the stripes indicate.

yeah... Just trying to put lipstick on a pig really.

You guys have been pretty poor in every game I've seen, except that friendly against Scotland. But Scotland are a disease of a side. Klinsmann seems pretty meh so far. Can't argue with that. Scotland game was the only one I've seen in the Klinsmann era where we've played some pretty football and completely dominated. Seems like we mostly play to the opponent's level, which is wildly frustrating. It'll produce 1-0 wins against Italy and Mexico, but also 1-2 losses to Jamaica and Honduras.

To be fair, Honduras ain't a shabby team. They're almost a lock to qualify and they've got some really talented individuals. The display at the Olympics was convincing. And it is a tough environment to play in (and a crap surface). But still, hard to leave without a point.

Just you wait until I start dropping baseball references. Minds will burst.

Thread title. Crossover American terminology allowed. http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X6leFZ4QEC4/UCf24wdf0LI/AAAAAAAAEWE/RPWa6j2WEM0/s640/Bill-Nye-gtfo-meme.jpg

Pretty awful performance from everyone tbh. Only Bradley, Dempsey, and Altidore really pulled their own weight much of the game. Zusi and Kljestan offered nothing as subs, though I thought Edu looked pretty good. Really think Bocanegra should have started at CB. They were missing a field general today.

CBs collapsed when Howard came out, Honduran forwards rushed in behind.

I've not been impressed with the German contingent today. Chandler especially has looked very weak on that right side.

Espinoza is a quality player no doubt. Wigan did well.

And Cameron. They'd both looked pretty good thus far.

Fucking hell. Awful defending.

Yeah. Love Cobi but all he's only adding personal anecdotes today.

Yeah he's great. Who is the 3rd guy guy though? He's completely unnecessary. Hate when they force an American commentator on you for no real reason. Cobi Jones? Or the play-by-play guy?