And away we go!....
The Jurgen Klinsmann Express has just left the station, US Soccer management and fans hopeful that it barrels instead of chugs to World Cup 2014.
Klinsmann officially installed as the new US manager last Friday after Bob Bradley’s ouster had little “official” time to prepare for his 1st examination by US fans, August 10th against the rising tide of Mexico’s El Tri in the City of Brotherly Love.
And he’ll have little time to prepare for the US’s last foe and foil for a Confederation’s Cup bid.
With that the former German striker went with a battle-tested roster for next Wednesday’s official FIFA clash but did paint well outside the old regime by favoring players from the Primera in Jose Torres and Michael Orozco Fiscal among others.
Clearance for Clarence: Goodson was just named captain of Denmark's top club, Bronby...
Roster:
GOALKEEPERS (2): Bill Hamid (D.C.United), Tim Howard (Everton)
DEFENDERS (8): Carlos Bocanegra (Saint-Etienne), Edgar Castillo (Club America), Timmy Chandler (FC Nürnberg), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Michael Orozco Fiscal (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Chivas USA), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Brek Shea (FC Dallas), José Torres (Pachuca)
FORWARDS (5): Freddy Adu (Benfica), Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls), DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Edson Buddle (FC Ingolstadt), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)
———-
The skinny:
» Edgar Castillo, Paco Torres, and Michael Orozco all hailing from the Primera. A league that Bob Bradley valued a little less (but is high on Sunil Gulati’s wish list).
» Will Castillo get the shot at LB now?
» DaMarcus Beasley back in the mix? Interesting given he just started to get it going for Pachuca.
» With Brad Guzan locked in to finding playing time for this campaign and with an eye to the future DC United’s Bill Hamid gets called in to play with idol Tim Howard.
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The Shin Guardian 
Posted by dth on 2011/08/04 at 10:08 AM
So, a crack at the lineup:
Howard; Pearce, Goodson, Bocanegra, Cherundolo; Jones, Beckerman; Shea, Donovan, Beasley*; Agudelo.
* Help me remember here–because I sadly forgot–is Beasley strictly a left-sided guy? If not, I suppose you push Donovan out right and put Adu central.
And I really hope Orozco-Fiscal has improved several quanta since last year, because he was awful for Philadelphia. Like, horrendous.
Posted by GFY Independent on 2011/08/04 at 10:13 AM
Beasely could play either side, same with Shea
Posted by i like tuesday on 2011/08/04 at 10:44 AM
Beasley is awful on the right. His game is speed and width. He’s got none of the trickery required of an inverted winger.
Posted by Alex on 2011/08/04 at 11:32 AM
Wouldn’t say awful. Some of his best performances for club was when he was at PSV, playing an inverted winger in a 433.
Posted by Izzy on 2011/08/04 at 11:33 AM
That’s complete and utter bull – Beasley revived his career with Rangers in 2010 playing on the right and cutting inside from the flank. Just because he had one poor game against the Czech Republic does not make him a poor right winger.
Posted by Alex on 2011/08/04 at 11:35 AM
Czech Rep of ’06 yea? Because Beasley was pretty solid vs Czech Rep of ’10. Played his way into the WC if I remember correctly.
Posted by PanchoMiguelMoralesdeConejo on 2011/08/04 at 12:10 PM
Beasley is very left-footed, he is not a guy you want on the right. Playing in a 4-3-2-1 maybe…but not a 4-4-2.
Judging from this selection it looks like Landon will play up top and Damarcus will be at Left mid.
Posted by Antonio H. on 2011/08/04 at 1:25 PM
Who In their right mind would play Landon as a lone striker?
Posted by Kevin on 2011/08/04 at 6:23 PM
“Beasley is very left-footed, he is not a guy you want on the right” Robben is very left-footed as well, but I would take him on the US or my Dynamo any day.
Posted by PanchoMiguelMoralesdeConejo on 2011/08/05 at 8:31 PM
So in your mind Beasley = Robben?
Posted by Martin on 2011/08/05 at 8:39 PM
Kevin beat me to this but if you watched the World Cup you might have noticed Arjen Robben, who uses his right foot only to steady himself so he does not fall over, was Holland’s right winger.
And every person in the stadium knew he was going to cut back inside onto his left and guess what? No one was very good at stopping him.
Beasley is not Robben but he isn’t chopped liver either having played a similar role with PSV in the Champions league. Lots of guys do this in Europe.
Posted by Jared on 2011/08/04 at 10:14 AM
I would think if Chandler is making the trip that he will be starting. Seems a long way to go for only a few days with the team otherwise.
Posted by Jared on 2011/08/04 at 10:15 AM
Should say “since he’s making the trip” not if.
Posted by dth on 2011/08/04 at 10:18 AM
Good point. Bump Beasley for him. Ahh…much more satisfying.
There are a lot of people on this roster who seem iffy on the international stage–Beckerman (speed of play), Torres (same), Shea (same…oh, and will Mexico allow him the space to get up to full gallop?), Orozco Fiscal (incompetence), Castillo (same, including Bornsteinian tendency to get caught up the field)…Klinsmann’s gone with a real experimental roster here.
Posted by Ufficio on 2011/08/04 at 10:23 AM
Agree, although Orozco Fiscal is the only truly “wtf” same on the list for me. Was George John not available?
Posted by Ufficio on 2011/08/04 at 10:28 AM
Or any of the other dozen or so young guys that are playing center back and playing it well in the league that Orozco Fiscal flopped out of last year.
Posted by Alex on 2011/08/04 at 10:30 AM
Maybe he wanted to test his squad with 10 men, because surely if Orozco plays, he’ll do something bone-headed and get sent off.
Posted by Alex on 2011/08/04 at 11:26 AM
And thanks for tweeting one of my comments! *sniff* #bestdayever
Posted by dth on 2011/08/04 at 10:30 AM
Yeah, don’t get it either, especially since George John sounded like he wanted to get called up. Maybe Costa Rica.
Posted by Rob on 2011/08/04 at 12:03 PM
I still haven’t forgiven him for his 3rd minute a-hole red card that knocked us out of the 2008 olympics.
Posted by mbw on 2011/08/04 at 10:27 AM
. . . but he could also run out a very strong squad if he chooses. Will be interesting to see which way he plays this — if he goes for a statement win in his first game, or if he tries a few experiments (the most interesting of which, to me, would be Clark at center half; not sure why you’d call him in if he’s just going to be the fourth-string CDM, bumped to fifth when Holden returns).
Posted by Berniebernier on 2011/08/04 at 11:49 AM
One of the nice things about having a new coach is that I would expect that there is no depth chart and he will have to make his own depth chart. No reason why he should look at Rico. If he is the fifth CDM then he won’t be around again.
Posted by Kevin O' on 2011/08/04 at 1:49 PM
Maybe this is what JK has in mind for Rico & Orozco as a team motivator:
Posted by PanchoMiguelMoralesdeConejo on 2011/08/04 at 12:12 PM
Isn’t Dolo traveling just as far? I think Dolo gets the not and Chanlder is a 2nd half sub.
Posted by Jared on 2011/08/04 at 12:45 PM
They both can start. Chandler at right mid with Dolo at right back.
Posted by BernieBernier on 2011/08/04 at 7:59 PM
It seems to me that you can’t be a great right wing and a great right back. The positions ave different requirements to be successful. To me it seems that either Chandler is a good RB or a good right mid. Unless we are very defensive we need to get a lot more offense out of a wing then then I would expect from a RB going forward.
Can someone help me understand why people use Chandler interchangeably between the two positions?
Posted by Jared on 2011/08/05 at 3:43 AM
I use him in interchangeably because he has the offensive skill (crossing ability, speed) set to be successful as a right midfielder. I wouldn’t use him as a winger. Those are two different positions and you really only see wingers these days in a 4-3-3. I also think that both Dolo and Timmy are good enough to start. Putting Timmy ahead of Dolo for now seems to be the solution to that.
Posted by BernieBernier on 2011/08/05 at 4:35 AM
I agree on the speed and crossing skillset. When I think of a MF I also want dribbling, shooting, and probably most importantly the ability to make the last pass and I haven’t seen Chandler as being able to do that or not do that yet. To me speed and crossing are an outside back skillset. The US outside MF largely have been Dempsey and Donovan. Neither of them I would say use speed and crossing to go about their jobs.
If we are trying to get down the flanks with Dolo then don’t we need Chandler to be more inside so Dolo has the space outside to overlap?
Posted by Jared on 2011/08/05 at 4:52 AM
You don’t necessarily need the midfielder to cut inside to allow for an overlap. Becks and Neville at United were very good at overlapping even when Becks would stay wide. It’s all about timing and understanding.
The US has been hamstrung by the use of Dempsey and Donovan as the outside MF because neither gets wide which required the fullbacks to provide all of the width. That worked ok on the right because of Dolo but until Lichaj started playing well on the left the formation was completely unbalanced because neither Boca or Bornstein were good enough on the overlap.
Dribbling is overrated these days. Most formations and tactics require pass and move far more than ability to beat a man by dribbling. It does remain to be seen if Chandler can make that final pass but I think we’ll get a chance to see him there unless he and Dolo split the duties at RB.
Although, I read that he’s questionable for both his first club game and might miss the friendly too.
Posted by KickinNames.... on 2011/08/04 at 10:16 AM
That’s where I knew his name from. Big reason the Union were horrendous defensively last yr. Good call and nice use of “quanta”. Don’t get that quality out on goal.com ; )
Posted by Alex on 2011/08/04 at 10:24 AM
I dunno DTH, I don’t really like the idea of Beckerman starting. Bradley and Edu are leaps and bounds better. I love Beckerman (mainly the hair) but he’s more than solid MLS, but not up to snuff at this level
Posted by dth on 2011/08/04 at 10:29 AM
I’m not a huge fan either. But my guess with Klinsmann grabbing both Beckerman and Torres is that he wants a deep-lying playmaker. And I like Beckerman more than Torres, to be honest. Beckerman can manufacture space for himself–at the MLS level, at least. Torres isn’t so great with that.
(Everyone’s favorite Torres performance was against Turkey. It was a really good performance, no mistaking it–but hardly anyone mentions that Turkey wasn’t really pressing or disrupting much at the time Torres came in. So he looked good. When denied time and space against Slovenia, he was pretty bad.)
Posted by Alex on 2011/08/04 at 10:32 AM
Beckerman as a deep playmaker? Huh, I’ve never seen that part of his game. Seemed more of a Busquets than a Alonso
Posted by dth on 2011/08/04 at 10:34 AM
That’s how he plays for RSL, at least. He definitely sprays the ball around for them. Like I said, I’m not so sure he can do it past MLS.
Posted by BernieBernier on 2011/08/04 at 8:01 PM
Beckerman is worth a look but I am not sure he is going to be a regular. We don’t even know the formation or style that Klinsman will use so its hard to judge how Beckerman will fit…
Posted by Nick on 2011/08/04 at 10:43 AM
Torres’s coming out party against Costa Rica was also in a situation where the opposition wasn’t pressing him or any of the US Center Mids at all.
Posted by dikranovich on 2011/08/04 at 10:52 AM
what costa rica game are you talking about nick?
Posted by Timmy on 2011/08/04 at 11:02 AM
I assume he’s talking about the final WC qualifier.
Posted by Nick on 2011/08/04 at 11:33 AM
Yes the 2-2 affair @ RFK, not the dismal showing by everyone down in Saprissa.
Posted by Alex on 2011/08/04 at 12:19 PM
I thought Torres wasn’t awful that match (in Saprissa), our team was bad as a whole. Especially Wynne. The play that was burned into my mind was a simple square pass to Wynnne that he let slip under his foot out of bounds. I had to go TV shopping the next day…
Posted by dikranovich on 2011/08/05 at 5:52 AM
well, i was confused, because i thought torres played in the saprissa game as well and he was pressed and usa was on her heals. in retrospect, bob bradley did play that saprissa game in a 4-3-3 formation. that made it extra tough for the mids, torres pablo and junior. it obviously was not easy on marvell wynne either, but the video evidence is pretty clear, marvell wynne got beat for a goal in saprissa that was nearly identical to a goal costa rica scored in rfk against steve cherundolo
the bigger point though might just be that coach klinsmann needs to get players into games in good situations that give this team a chance to win. 4-3-3 on turf in costa rica does not sound like a good situation to test out a player.
Posted by naray on 2011/08/04 at 11:23 AM
Everyone’s favorite awful performance from Torres is against Slovenia. i think is a little unfair, since he played very little in the build-up and then got thrown into a high-pressure World Cup game ( I think this sentiment has previously been expressed on this site ). Reps are particularly important for a deep-lying playmaker precisely because of the lack of time and space. In addition, a deep lying playmaker needs some quality off-ball movement in a situation where the midfield is closing down really high up the pitch as Slovenia did – some of the players ahead of Torres really had to find the spaces between the pressing midfield and the central defenders. I don’t think the US did this well under Bradley (pointed out many times on this site), let alone in the Slovenia match. In the 2nd half, if I remember right, we basically bypassed the midfield entirely and went much more direct.
You may be right about Torres, but I am not convinced that he’s actually been given a fair shot at this yet either with the reps or the style of play of the team.
just my two cents …
Posted by Tabare on 2011/08/05 at 6:19 PM
I agree. Torres did not cover himself with glory against the Slovenes. But both goals against Slovenia were on Onyewu. Not closing a man down. And getting caught out of synch with the rest of the defensive line.
I remain hopeful that Torres can be a real contributor to this team. Something that, with all due respect, I don’t see as a possibility for a Beckerman.
Posted by PanchoMiguelMoralesdeConejo on 2011/08/04 at 12:13 PM
Torres against Costa Rica was also a pretty good game…a game that we were down 2-0 and Costa Rica needed, while we didn’t necessarily
Posted by Josh on 2011/08/05 at 12:31 AM
Gotta be super punmped with Klinsi leading the charge and Reyna tech directing youth development. Had the privilege to watch Reyna play my high-school side long ago. Arguably still the greatest American player ever. IINM Reyna is the only American ever named to a WC best XI?
Assuming we qualify for Brazil ’14 – and that’s a legit if based on rising CONCACAF competition – I could see us making some noise.
But the real pay-off bringing in folks like Reyna & Klinsi … the soccer Gods willing I envision a significantly better side within 10 years. Today’s 8, 9, 10 year olds: I think they may be the first major payoff from the new leadership. And hopefully not sooner with all the young lads playing at various levels in Europe.
Posted by Adam on 2011/08/04 at 10:11 AM
I’m assuming no Dempsey because he wants a quick rest before EPL season?
Posted by mathmatics on 2011/08/04 at 4:28 PM
Dempsey and Fulham are already playing Europa. He just went 80 minutes today. He had a very brief break after Copa Oro, but he’s back at it now. No sense adding a mostly meaningless friendly to his early season calendar.
Posted by KickinNames.... on 2011/08/04 at 10:13 AM
Does that say Ricardo Clark? Maybe we’ll learn something new this time around…if he’s starting next to Bradley I’m going to start looking for a new country to support.
Welcome back Run DMB!
Interesting to bring both Chandler and Cherundolo seeing that their club training is underway. You’d think one of them would be starting so the other could stay with club…esp considering Stevie’s rumored retirement.
I think Torres is a good call in as well as Adu. It would be interesting to see a possession oriented MF for at least a stretch. And let’s see if Beckerman’s speed of play has improved in the last yr or so.
We’ll be at the Dark Horse Pub prior to the game. Look forward to seeing you.
Posted by cpjuengel on 2011/08/04 at 10:30 AM
ricardo clark is to 2010 what bornstien is to 2011.
ill never forget his play that basically knocked us out of the world cup
Posted by cpjuengel on 2011/08/04 at 10:30 AM
not saying i know anything about what level of player he is. but that is burned in my memory, a la bornstien getting beat over and over against mexico while lichaj stood over on the right with nothing to do…
Posted by Shaw Wakayama on 2011/08/04 at 11:24 AM
quite possibly 2 worst tactical moves by Bradley.
although when Cherundolo went out he didnt really have much options.. but bringing rico back in the line up… what was he thinking…gahhhhhhh still angers me just thinking about him fumbling with that ball.
Posted by Ryan on 2011/08/04 at 12:15 PM
Clark must have some sort of mind control device. That is the only explanation as to why he keeps getting called to the USMNT. He was unbelievably brutal in the WC and I don’t expect much better this time around. I wonder how much he paid for such a device?
Posted by Adam Bodnar on 2011/08/04 at 10:17 AM
What I’d like to see.
Howard
Castillo Goodison Boca Cherundolo
Jones Beckerman
Shea/Beasley Adu Shea/Beasley
Donovan
Posted by Sean on 2011/08/04 at 11:53 AM
tiny front line. Seems to me like they would be eaten alive. I’d like to see this
Howard
Dolo Goodson Boca Pearce
Bradley Jones
Donovan Adu Shea
Agudelo
Obviously, I would like to see Torres, Beasley, Castillo, and Chandler at some point. Can’t see Hamid playing, just see him being taken under Howard’s wing at this point.
Posted by dude on 2011/08/04 at 1:10 PM
I agree, except I had Chandler and Castillo. Think it’s high time Chandler started in one of these games, and I’d like to see Castillo as well.
Posted by Antonio H. on 2011/08/04 at 1:28 PM
Agree agree agree
Posted by Sean on 2011/08/04 at 5:43 PM
I agree. And could actually see Chandler starting on the right, with Donovan moving to one of the other spots for Adu or Shea. However, since Dolo is on the roster, RB is his. Once he retires, Chandler has that spot on lock down.
Posted by Alex on 2011/08/04 at 10:18 AM
Michael Orozco? Que??
Interesting picks though, a little disappointed that Mixx wasn’t called, but this isn’t a FIFA date (right?) so not too surprised. My idea of a starting 11
4-2-3-1 of course
(right to left)
Howard
Cherundolo Goodson Boca Pearce
Jones Bradley
Donovan Adu Beasley
Buddle
but of course, I could see Edu fo either Jones or Bradley, I could see Shea for Beasley, and Agudelo for Buddle. I could also see Pearce slide into the middle (where he plays for his club) and Castillo out left. And I thought Cherundolo’s injury was still affecting him, and he was questionable for the Bund season debut. I wouldn’t mind 90 min of Chandler. And my starting XI I definitely went for age/experience over youth.
Posted by PanchoMiguelMoralesdeConejo on 2011/08/04 at 12:15 PM
This IS a FIFA date.
Posted by Alex on 2011/08/04 at 12:21 PM
Thanks man I wasn’t sure. Probably didn’t have enough time to negotiate with in season Euro teams then. Just my guess though
Posted by Antonio H. on 2011/08/04 at 1:31 PM
Yea not seeing mxx sux. He’s like the mesut ozil we never had
Posted by KickinNames.... on 2011/08/04 at 10:18 AM
Lots of Brek Shea love on here. I’ve been watching him and just don’t see him having intl quality but…Klinsi knows best!
Posted by dth on 2011/08/04 at 10:26 AM
Shea is excellent if he’s allowed to accelerate to full gallop with the ball at his feet. Then he can change directions well and generally cut up defenses. But it’s hard for him to beat guys when both players start from standstill/near standstill. MLS hasn’t really been able to stop him this year, but I suspect he’ll be figured out at the international level.
Posted by KickinNames.... on 2011/08/04 at 10:36 AM
MLS couldn’t stop Jozy Altidore either…
Posted by Ufficio on 2011/08/04 at 10:45 AM
Well, neither can CONCACAF competition, and Beckerman looked pretty awful in qualifying against El Salvador. But that was just a 10-minute cameo, so we shouldn’t read too much into it. The bigger issue is how likely it is that a 29 year-old who’s never made an impact on the international level will be able to contribute going forward.
Posted by PanchoMiguelMoralesdeConejo on 2011/08/04 at 12:28 PM
Jozy wasn’t an MLS star. Far from it, he was a spot starter on Arena’s Red Bull team. He won his contract with his work with the U20’s and cameos with the senior team…
Posted by justin on 2011/08/04 at 12:05 PM
I like a 4-3-2-1 christmas tree here with our guys.
Chandler-Goodson-Boca-Castillo
—Bradley–Torres—Jones
—-Donovan—Shea—–
——Agudelo——-
I think this might provide Chandler a little more room as the wing-back streaming down the right side with a lot of freedom to do what he wants. I know we tried the 3 man mid-field before and it didn’t work out to well, but I don’t know why jurgie would call in all these CDMs if he didn’t want to try to go with 3 guys right there? Plus I like it because it puts both donovan both in the middle where they can get the most touches on the ball.
but I can def see us going 4-2-3-1 with adu or donovan in the middle. But I can’t see torres playing CAM… just can’t see it.
Posted by BernieBernier on 2011/08/04 at 8:04 PM
Sounds a bit like Donovan of old. Deadly when running at someone in space. Not as good in traffic.
Posted by Ufficio on 2011/08/04 at 10:35 AM
Total cliche when it comes to the American player, but he needs to get consistent with his first touch. Sometimes it’s okay, but other times it just lets him down horribly.
Posted by Steve Trittschuh on 2011/08/04 at 1:53 PM
Shea is having an unbelievable year. Easily one of the best players in the MLS right now. Yes, he has weaknesses, but so does not everyone else (dth).
Credit should be given where credit is due.
Posted by Martin on 2011/08/04 at 5:54 PM
It’s not about what Shea is doing right now. It’s what he might do in another year or two. And as I said before, how many people thought Chicharito would have the success he did? Shea isn’t necessarily in that class but right now, who really knows?
Posted by Ufficio on 2011/08/04 at 10:19 AM
I don’t get how he can hit the Mexican league that hard and not call in Herc. I wonder if he talked to Acuña or Corona.
Posted by Alex Song on 2011/08/04 at 10:24 AM
Does this mean Bill Hamid is a liar?
Posted by beto on 2011/08/04 at 10:32 AM
All I want to know is where the heck is Dempsey? Was he busy or what?
Posted by Antonio H. on 2011/08/04 at 1:34 PM
Deuce is doing the Europa league bit with fulham. Same with josmer
Posted by dth on 2011/08/04 at 10:36 AM
Oh, yeah: kind of strange Diskerud didn’t get a look here. Did we really have to have four defensively-minded central midfielders?
Posted by Antonio H. on 2011/08/04 at 1:36 PM
A microcosm of jk’s ideas for a system maybe…. But still mixx is the biggest snub yet IMO
Posted by mathmatics on 2011/08/04 at 4:45 PM
So high on Mixx around here. We’ve seen him play 20 minutes with the full national side, and he isn’t exactly lighting up the Norwegian league.
What is everyone basing their Mixx opinion on? Are people watching a lot of Norway streams?
There’s no hurry to get the kid into games. If he makes himself impossible to ignore at the club level, great, let’s bring him in. Otherwise holding off until January camps won’t hurt anybody.
Posted by dth on 2011/08/04 at 5:11 PM
Actually, I have watched a few Tippeligaen streams. He’s very good and well thought of in Norway.
The reason his statistics may not reflect his level of play is because he moves around–I’ve seen him play as a winger, and as a distributing central midfield in the mold of a Scholes or Banega.*
* OBVIOUSLY, nowhere near as good as either these players–but just gives you an idea of the rough position on the field he takes as he distributes.
Posted by Martin on 2011/08/04 at 5:51 PM
Mixx has a lot of potential but as with many other American players, there is so much buzz about them most likely because no one has seen much of them, especially in games where it matters..
Therefore it’s easy to assume they will be the next Scholes or whatever. Once they move on to a bigger club and fail then we can find some other guy who looks good but hasn’t done anything yet and say ” see he is the next Reyna or JOB!!”.
Just look at the kind of venom Jozy now draws and compare it to what people were saying about him when he first came out.
The grass is always greener.
Posted by dth on 2011/08/04 at 10:40 AM
Oh, another strange one: Ream. He’s been highly mediocre post-Gold Cup.
Posted by Berniebernier on 2011/08/04 at 2:06 PM
I am not sure any of these are strange choices. If I was Klinsman I would try to come in with a blank slate and give everyone a look either in practice or in a game. Ream would definitely be on the list for a look. You could argue he should be further down the list but I wouldn’t put too much weight given that there are a number of other things that impact whether a not a player is available.
Posted by i like tuesday on 2011/08/04 at 10:41 AM
Just like I said – Happy clowns and wide men.
Posted by cfig on 2011/08/04 at 10:58 AM
Thrilled to see Torres make the roster, here’s hoping he’s deployed effectively. Clark is an odd choice as is Orozco, Beckerman is a bit of a surprise as well.
I’m almost more interested to see who he calls in for Belgium when he has the full European contingent available.
Posted by Sam on 2011/08/04 at 10:59 AM
Yeah Bill Hamid!
Posted by Gregorio on 2011/08/04 at 11:03 AM
Nice selection, definitely some winds of change but not a strong breeze. I do hope that Buddle gets a look more than just flying over for American cooking like last time. I wish he took Herc, he is a battler,(think he wouldn’t have buried the sitter that Wondo skied?) I agree with Klinsman about Ricardo Clark but I think we will see him in at CB. Clark albeit his poor form at the WC, gets a bad rap, coaches will ask you who turned over the ball and how did he get it ( Ex. a hospital ball or no space)
Beasley will create real width,and Beckerman I want so much to like when I watch MLS, maybe he needs more time to slowly grow on you but I’m still skeptical, I mean Dax might be good too here. anway what the hell do I know, its nice outside and I’m here!
Posted by Martin on 2011/08/04 at 5:45 PM
It would seem the Buddle inclusion is the result of Klinsmann seeing him so much at LA.
Posted by Martin on 2011/08/05 at 8:27 PM
“Nice selection, definitely some winds of change but not a strong breeze. ”
Name a decent 18 to 22 US players that have no taint whatsoever of Bradley. He capped 109 players, which is a record and I believe about 69 of them were first time caps.
Posted by RJK on 2011/08/04 at 11:09 AM
Klinsmann is trying to put on as much as a tryout as he can here. That’s why all the DCMs. I think it’s Jones and Bradley that make the cut there as far as starters are concerned.
My guess for the lineup with an attacking/possessing strategy in mind:
Howard
Chandler Ream Goodson Castillo
Jones Bradley
Agudelo Torres Donovan
Buddle
#ComeGetSome
Posted by Alex on 2011/08/04 at 12:05 PM
Agudelo as a winger? Didn’t Backe try it with some rather negative results?
Posted by RJK on 2011/08/04 at 2:44 PM
well with chandler on the right behind him, you would see agudelo push in, leaving the flanks open for timmy to attack. obviously agudelo will be more dangerous towards the center of the field, where he’ll basically play a reserved striker role.
Posted by PanchoMiguelMoralesdeConejo on 2011/08/04 at 12:21 PM
Torres is NOT a CAM…get that out of your head! Adu could start there, or Donovan even, but not Torres, you will not see Torres in the starting lineup unless he is in for Jones or Bradley or a LMF.
Posted by RJK on 2011/08/04 at 2:47 PM
Torres wouldnt necessarily be a CAM, i see him more of a distributor, possession type player in the attacking third, a Xavi type guy(and please dont mistake that as me saying he’s anywhere near as good as Xavi, cause im not) im just saying, that type of role.
Posted by Martin on 2011/08/04 at 5:44 PM
“i see him more of a distributor, possession type player in the attacking third”
That is not what Torres does. He’s not a Xavi-type player. If you insist on Barca comparisons he’s more like Mascherano w/o the tough tackling. He is a defensive midfielder whose best position seems to be cleaning up in front of the back four.
Posted by Alex on 2011/08/06 at 1:25 PM
Better example would be Pirlo. Deep playmaker/distributor
Posted by Martin on 2011/08/07 at 6:19 AM
Backe put Beckham in the “Pirlo role” when the MLS All Stars played Manchester United. There must have been games at Milan when both were on the field together; I wonder how that looked.
That may be the model you envison for Torres but I haven’t seen him play that role for Pachuca.
Posted by Chamo on 2011/08/04 at 5:00 PM
I can dig it, I had something similar, just with Shea instead of Agudelo.
Posted by JW on 2011/08/04 at 11:12 AM
433 looks pretty likely to me, maybe 4231. I think klinsy wants to press with 3 in the middle with outlets for quick wing advancement. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Shea and Donovan staying high up the pitch. Wouldn’t worry about mix, unless he gets snubbed from Belgium game. Would have liked to see a bit more aerial skill in the forward pool, though, if you’re going to bring in all these wing players.
Posted by JW on 2011/08/04 at 12:07 PM
A MU-esque 4411 is also a possibility. The more I look at the roster, the less depth I see on the wings to make a 433 likely, even if I prefer some of the starting 11s it provides.
Posted by PanchoMiguelMoralesdeConejo on 2011/08/04 at 12:32 PM
Yup, other than Buddle I don’t see anyone capable of playing a ‘hold-up’ game…so I’ll be a bit shocked if Buddle does not start. Aguduelo is a maybe…but seems to be a better supporting striker than the target.
Though Donovan played the point against Mexico with Adu under him…but they had Dempsey to relieve the pressure when needed.
Posted by Antonio H. on 2011/08/04 at 1:40 PM
I agree. I think there will be more of an emphasis placed on playing ballsnout wide from deep switches. Torres JJ and sometimes MB can make those passes. I see Castillo starting at lb though for sure
Posted by Alex on 2011/08/04 at 11:30 AM
Can’t see Adu not starting after his Gold Cup performances. So question is, Adu in the front 3 of a 433 (so a wingerish) or the CAM in 4231? My pick is option 2
Posted by matthewsf on 2011/08/04 at 11:35 AM
Pretty certain this will be a 4-2-3-1 with the fullbacks getting up the pitch and the front four interchanging a bit.
I can see Buddle and Agudelo being target men since neither can challenge a backline.
I can’t see a 4-3-3 because that really puts much more pressure on the striker and that is certainly not the States strongest position — at least not in this camp.
Posted by matthewsf on 2011/08/04 at 11:36 AM
Plus given that you’re fullbacks are being asked to get up the pitch, you probably want the responsibility of each CDM to cover the back for them. A 4-3-3 doesn’t allow that as well.
Posted by Antonio H. on 2011/08/04 at 1:42 PM
Agudelo as a targetman as well? Or in the jozy role when he used to play up top with Ching? When klinnsy was with German did henput out a 1 or 2 striker system?
Posted by KMac on 2011/08/05 at 6:01 AM
In 2006 JK played a 4 -4- 2 or a 4-4-1-1 with Klose and Podalski. Didn’t hurt that he had those personnel along with a spine of Lehman, Metzhelder / Mertesacker , Ballack, etc along with Schweinsteiger. I thought about doing a piece comparing our current 20 players with Germany 2006. US personnel might dictate a different approach, given different players/skill sets. We are “similar” to Ger 2006 at keeper, and wing back (Howard and Dolo/Chandler similar to Lehman / Lahm, but perhaps not as strong? Biggest US GAPs vs Ger 2006 are that we are definitely missing a Klose type “air dominating” striker like Klose (who is also good attacking on the floor) and a Ballack type tenacious def MF with uncanny passing out of the back.
Posted by Berniebernier on 2011/08/05 at 11:15 AM
Hate to say it as I am sure that he is a step behind (or two or three) in quality but I could really see Holden in that Ballack type role as a good DF with good passing.
The aerial threat I am at a loss for even a decent comp.
Posted by Biggy on 2011/08/04 at 11:40 AM
Clark and Goodson to start next to each other at CB. No other reason that many CMs were called in. I love Boca but it is time for US to move forward at CB. Esp with the style I think they will play.
Posted by KickinNames.... on 2011/08/04 at 12:00 PM
More and more references to Clark at CB…where is that coming from? I understand this is mostly playful banter but there seems to be a rising tide of RC CB here…
Is it his tremendous posession and distribution skills or defensive positioning that is driving this ? Oh no wait he’s really fast aka “The Marvell Wynne” argument.
I’d settle for getting Ream reps and more adjusted to game speed over this experiment.
Posted by Ufficio on 2011/08/04 at 12:21 PM
He’s been playing CB for Frankfurt recently.
Posted by PanchoMiguelMoralesdeConejo on 2011/08/04 at 12:22 PM
Rico is playing CB for Frankfurt…or did late last year and looked pretty good there.
Posted by KickinNames.... on 2011/08/04 at 2:42 PM
15 appearances in 34 games for a relegated side that was 2nd worst in goal differential isn’t exactly a resume builder IMO but hey…
Posted by RJK on 2011/08/04 at 2:50 PM
well played sir, clarks inclusion on this team is very questionable. He’s too far down both the DCM and CB depth charts. Unless Klinsmann has a crazy idea up his sleeve, i wont get it.
Posted by Martin on 2011/08/04 at 5:36 PM
I see you did not watch the US centerbacks in the Gold Cup.
Posted by Alex on 2011/08/05 at 9:20 PM
He got hurt before the season ended dude. I think a broken jaw? took him out for the season. Towards the end of his run he was really starting to improve at CB and that’s where he’s been playing so far this season.
Posted by dgh05 on 2011/08/04 at 11:40 AM
Howard
Bocanegra
Cherundolo Orozco Fiscal
Timmy Chandler
Edu Bradley Jones Shea
Donovan ADU
Posted by Alex on 2011/08/04 at 12:03 PM
Um, what? Diamond D? with a Edu as winger? and our TWO forwards are Donovan and Adu?
Posted by matthewsf on 2011/08/04 at 12:17 PM
I’m guessing you want us to turn that sideways?
Posted by Ryan on 2011/08/04 at 12:08 PM
I am still kinda upset McBride isn’t on this list. Klingsy couldv’e convinced him I sure. “Hey Brian, look what I did for Klose”. lol
Posted by Ryan on 2011/08/04 at 12:26 PM
Klinssy*
Posted by Alex on 2011/08/04 at 1:47 PM
hahaha best post I’ve seen today
Posted by Mike on 2011/08/04 at 12:12 PM
Anybody seen a roster for Mexico. Not sure how their team breaks down as far as Mexican League and overseas players availibility.
Posted by dth on 2011/08/04 at 12:53 PM
http://www.femexfut.org.mx/portalv2/aspx/WEB_DetalleNoticia.aspx?pnIDNtca=33915
Posted by dth on 2011/08/04 at 12:49 PM
Josh Gatt says “Oh hey everybody”:
http://webtv.tv2.no/webtv/sumo/?progId=538192
Posted by dth on 2011/08/04 at 1:05 PM
Actually, try this link: http://www.tv2.no/sport/fotball/tippeligaen/se-soloraidet-som-holder-molde-paa-stoe-gullkurs-3552162.html
Posted by Ufficio on 2011/08/04 at 1:11 PM
I’m trying to keep by Gatt-enthusiasm tempered, but he’s making it kind of difficult.
Posted by dth on 2011/08/04 at 5:50 PM
So Gatt has 19 appearances in all competitions with 4 goals and 2 assists; total he’s gotten 1153 minutes. Pretty good, but not overwhelming; more impressive when you consider how many minutes he played at right back.
Still, if you watch him on the field you realize he’s got quite a ways to go–particularly in his “when to pass” and “when to shoot” type of decisions–and I’m unsure of how far he’ll go.
Posted by mbw on 2011/08/04 at 1:47 PM
Nice! Looks like he’s learned to shoot. . . .
Posted by mbw on 2011/08/04 at 1:42 PM
Wow, strong roster from the Mexicans.
Speaking of, does anyone know why Guardado hasn’t been picked up by a first-division club?
Posted by justin on 2011/08/04 at 1:49 PM
I guess we really will be able to see if edgar castillo can do better than JB did in the gold cup. Lets see if he will be able to back up all that talk…
Posted by dth on 2011/08/04 at 9:01 PM
Andres Guardado makes John O’Brien look like Michael Bradley from the durability standpoint.
Posted by Ufficio on 2011/08/04 at 1:55 PM
Ruh-roh: http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/08/04/american-exports-chandler-picks-knee-injury
Posted by KickinNames.... on 2011/08/04 at 2:27 PM
Frebblescreppingmutterflapping&%@##^frigginfrenchflyflavorfrappefuuuuuhhhh!!
Posted by Alex on 2011/08/04 at 9:14 PM
And Klinsmann said “Nein nein nein nein nein!!”
Posted by BK on 2011/08/04 at 4:19 PM
I wonder who gets the armband in this one…does he stick with Boca for the time being, or go with someone new who is more likely to be around in Brazil. I could see LD, given the fact that Klinsmann loves him, maybe Howard?
Posted by Sean on 2011/08/04 at 5:49 PM
I honestly think that MB90 is the captain of the future for the nats.
Posted by BernieBernier on 2011/08/04 at 8:24 PM
Boca keeps it until Klinsman is ready to settle on one person to hold it going forward. If he were to pick a captain without ever seeing how the players interact or how things go in camp I would be very nervous.
Posted by dth on 2011/08/04 at 9:22 PM
Hadn’t seen this tidbit, but pretty interesting to know: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/soccer-insider/post/saturday-kickaround-barcelona-manchester-united-juergen-klinsmann-guus-hiddink-mls-matt-taylor-special-olympics/2011/07/30/gIQAPM0bjI_blog.html
Posted by Gino on 2011/08/04 at 11:40 PM
A few thoughts…
Klinsmann probably selected many of the names on this roster more from what he knew about the Nats BEFORE he became coach than since. Also, he picked this roster not just to see how they’d perform against Mexico but to see how they practice and to get a feel for their team dynamics.
I’m not sure JK has a definite formation in mind for this friendly. He might have a couple of favored plans about what he’d like to do but could be reserving final judgement for the practice before game day. He’s got 22 players to choose from and many of them are capable of playing multiple positions. I’d say about the only certainty is that Tim Howard will start at GK. Beyond that I’m not sure anyone can be inked in at one definitive starting spot.
It’s interesting to note that six from this roster currently ply their trade in Germany and eleven do so in North America. It’s not hard to guess what’s been on Klinsmann’s television plays the past couple of years.
Does anybody know what the final verdict was on those Mexican players who were ejected from their Gold Cup roster? It looks like at least three of them are eligible for this friendly.
Posted by Texas 1836 on 2011/08/05 at 1:00 AM
No “Showstopper”. This leaves me very gruntled.
Posted by MJ on 2011/08/05 at 1:38 PM
What the heck, Loyd replacing Chandler?
http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Mens-National-Team/2011/08/Zach-Loyd-Added-to-US-Roster-for-Match-Against-Mexico.aspx
Posted by Alex on 2011/08/05 at 9:21 PM
Chandler’s hurt look a few posts above.
Posted by Texas 1836 on 2011/08/06 at 5:38 PM
He went 90 minutes today for Nuremburg. Hurt shmurt.
Posted by Alex on 2011/08/07 at 2:16 AM
Well its to the discretion of the club. Its not like a friendly would cap-tie him to the US anyways but calm down. Not the end of the world. We’ll see him in Belgium