"So Klinsman thinks you can help us. Here's what we do..." (but you knew this was going to be the player picture)
The United States takes to the pitch in Philadelphia, PA against CONCACAF rival and arch-nemisis Mexico.
Kickoff at Lincoln Financial Field is set for 9 p.m. ET. Pre-game at 5:30.
Already a lot of news today in advance of this game that was no doubt timed for this.
MLS inking a TV deal with NBC. Freddy Adu reportedly headed to Chivas.
When the game begins though all eyes will for the first time perhaps be on the sideline with interested and giddy eyes at new US coxswain Jurgen Klinsmann.
We know the starting line-up already, it’s #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9,#10, #11 — #12 – #18 on the bench.
We’ll find out shortly what players don those first eleven numbers.
TSG and your analysis gets going….now.
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The Shin Guardian 
Posted by Alex on 2011/08/10 at 4:26 PM
Once again, ESPN pisses me off. Little League baseball?? Seriously?? If that game doesn’t end in time…
Posted by Antonio H. on 2011/08/10 at 5:05 PM
There’s always pablo Ramirez on univision….
Posted by Nick on 2011/08/11 at 5:41 AM
This really punched a hole in the magic of DVR…I heard they were doing the pre-game on ESPNEWS and just continued showing the game’s beginning on there since the LLWS was on ESPN2.
At least the network didn’t completely screw over viewers (unless you don’t have ESPNEWS), like a certain Jump Roping incident from a few years ago…
Posted by BernieBernier on 2011/08/10 at 5:08 PM
Grant Wahl:
Howard
Dolo, Orozco, Boca, Castillo
Jones Beckerman
Donovan Bradley Torres
Buddle
Have to say I am curious as to Bradley in the whole and Torres on the wing (or vice versa) as neither is a outside midfielder in my eyes.
Can’t wait to watch…
Posted by dth on 2011/08/10 at 5:12 PM
I am very worried about the security of that backline.
And I have no idea what that midfield is doing.
Posted by Ufficio on 2011/08/10 at 5:14 PM
Klinsi’s trying trying to break Bradley’s record for number of central midfielders on the pitch at one time?
Posted by dth on 2011/08/10 at 5:20 PM
Roberto Mancini is the Cal Ripken, Ted Williams, or Joe DiMaggio of putting central midfielders on the pitch at the same time.
Posted by BernieBernier on 2011/08/10 at 5:19 PM
At least the people crying for Torres will get something. Curious to see how he plays.
Also just saw that Adu not dressed which is curious considering all the hype Adu after the GC and the desire to be more attacking screamed Adu. Not sure what to take from it.
Posted by mbw on 2011/08/10 at 5:48 PM
I think this makes a certain amount of sense. Beckerman is essentially Stu Holden’s stand-in — he’ll shield the back line and remain positionally disciplined so Jones can roam and ball-hawk. Torres (who plays left sometimes for Pachuca) will play narrow, and Castillo will bomb up the wing for width. Donovan will be the second player in the box. Etc. I’m especially interested to see if this turns out to be the best way of deploying Mike.
Orozco, Boca, Castillo. . . . ouch. As Stevie Wonder said, “Heaven help us all.”
Posted by dth on 2011/08/10 at 5:15 PM
Also, surprised no Adu on the bench. Perhaps a prelude to an imminent move?
Posted by BernieBernier on 2011/08/10 at 5:30 PM
Would that be the common courtesy to ensure that he isn’t hurt? If he is moving to the MLS as rumored its not bad marketing to have him start.
Posted by Isaac on 2011/08/10 at 5:25 PM
I’m also really sketchy on this lineup. I’m thinking Torres is going to play really narrow on the left, forming a central quartet with Bradley, Jones, and Beckerman. Donovan provides more typical width, but also drifts inside to offer a fifth central midfielder and makes diagonal runs in behind so as to latch onto any through balls from the midfield or flick-ons from Buddle. The fullbacks will probably overlap if they’re not too scared to leave Barrera and Guardado.
Posted by cfig on 2011/08/10 at 5:48 PM
I think you’re right on, our “wings” pinch in and leave room for Dolo and Castillo (both capable attackers) to push up. We’ll see how it goes…
Posted by Woods on 2011/08/10 at 5:11 PM
First person to post a workable stream for me will have extra helpings of good karma from me.
Posted by mthwhite on 2011/08/10 at 5:37 PM
Theoretically its on fifa.com
Posted by dth on 2011/08/10 at 6:07 PM
Somewhere here: http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=126232&part=sports
Take your pick!
Posted by Isaac on 2011/08/10 at 5:13 PM
Wait, why were we supposed to know that would be the player picture?
Posted by Ufficio on 2011/08/10 at 5:16 PM
If at the end of the 2010 MLS season somone had told me that Orozco Fiscal would be starting a game against Mexico this summer, I would … not have believed them. And privately would have questioned their sanity.
Posted by scweeb on 2011/08/10 at 5:28 PM
What is the line up ???
Posted by Ken on 2011/08/10 at 5:28 PM
I expect Klinsman is looking at chemistry, and letting them experiment with this new philosophy. It has the possibilities of being very entertaining and I look forward to 8PM!
Posted by dempsey8 on 2011/08/10 at 5:33 PM
Kinda bummed that adu won’t be part of the roster, because he showed so well at the Gold Cup.
Potentially I would like to see what these guys can do together on the field at the same time (excuse me if the positions don’t mesh):
Howard
Chandler-Ream-Gonzalez-Lichaj
MB90-Shea
Holden-Adu-Dempsey
Aguedelo (or Bunbury or Mixx or any true young gunning striker)
Donovan as the super sub
Posted by Isaac on 2011/08/10 at 5:34 PM
Haha….. TSG, step it up dudes!!! The fans got the lineups before yall! JK, there are probably connectivity problems or something like that…
Posted by Texas 1836 on 2011/08/10 at 5:37 PM
Brek Shea needs to change his name to Consuelo Concepcion de Maria Angel.
Posted by cfig on 2011/08/10 at 5:48 PM
Where’s the “like” button? 🙂
Posted by americanfutbol on 2011/08/10 at 5:40 PM
Also a bit worried about the strength of our back line, but we’ve got some real attacking potency at outside back assuming Dolo does his thing and Castillo lives up to expectations. Interested to see how Bradley and Torres play in roles I’m not used to seeing them in.
Posted by Crow on 2011/08/10 at 5:54 PM
Does anyone know any options for watching this game if your stupid ISP doesn’t have an agreement with ESPN3. The game isn’t even on ESPN Mobile. I can’t believe that of all the USMNT games I’ve attended the last few years I’ve missed both in Philly
Posted by dth on 2011/08/10 at 6:08 PM
http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=126232&part=sports
Posted by crow on 2011/08/10 at 6:17 PM
thank you!!!
Posted by MJ on 2011/08/10 at 5:56 PM
Meanwhile, it’s the top of the 5th in LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL on ESPN2… does that mean I have to go to espn3.com now? Gargh.
Posted by nellie on 2011/08/10 at 6:07 PM
espnews will carry it until little league is done.
Posted by cfig on 2011/08/10 at 6:13 PM
It’s on ESPN in the interim.
Posted by Crow on 2011/08/10 at 6:04 PM
I’m kind of glad I wasn’t able to attend this USA/Mexico game. I still have a very bitter taste in my mouth from my “experience” at the Rose Bowl. Obviously, blowing the game hurt, but the way I was treated and others were treated by many Mexican fans has scarred me pretty deeply. And security lost my 3′ by 4′ Clint Dempsey banner which cost alot of money to make.
Posted by Jen on 2011/08/10 at 6:06 PM
what’s with the US jerseys not having any names on them?
Posted by Antonio H. on 2011/08/10 at 6:07 PM
Kurgan wanted it that way. It’s related to the 1-11 as well
Posted by Antonio H. on 2011/08/10 at 6:06 PM
Univision. Live. Now. Or espn3
Posted by crow on 2011/08/10 at 6:08 PM
I just saw that ESPN mobile will be showing the game starting at 10.
Posted by Paula on 2011/08/10 at 6:15 PM
The idea that the “results don’t really matter for this one” is completely undermined by the level of hyperventilating over KLINSI! MEXICO REMATCH! KLINSI!
I was relatively blase about this friendly until I got to the intertoobz this morning.
90 minutes of nail-chewing ahead.
Posted by Antonio H. on 2011/08/10 at 6:19 PM
Looks like a 4-1-4-1
Posted by dth on 2011/08/10 at 6:19 PM
The difference between Kyle Beckerman and Torres’s speed of thought is present, but not as wide a gap as I thought.
Posted by Antonio H. on 2011/08/10 at 6:25 PM
Ok kids everyone thank little Michael here for messing up your attack. That’s strike 1.
Posted by Paula on 2011/08/10 at 6:27 PM
Hmmm … Sport polo, dress slacks and brown belt = I’m trying to balance this casual, blue-collar American-ness you all clearly prefer with my need to look like a proper manager from Europe and no I will not put on one of those freaking puffer jackets, Nike.
No USSF shield on Klinsmann either …
Posted by Paula on 2011/08/10 at 6:30 PM
FIRE KLINSMANN!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Jared on 2011/08/10 at 6:31 PM
It helps if you know where the ball is Mikey.
Posted by Antonio H. on 2011/08/10 at 6:37 PM
Torres being misused on the left IMO. Or maybe he’s just invisible…
Posted by dth on 2011/08/10 at 6:39 PM
Misused, yes. Wonder if Brek Shea showed poorly in practice.
Posted by dth on 2011/08/10 at 6:41 PM
Desperately need some speed out there to push the Mexico defensive line back.
Posted by Adam Bodnar (@ABodnar27) on 2011/08/10 at 6:42 PM
Castillo looks like one of the kids from the Little League World Series
Posted by Adam Bodnar (@ABodnar27) on 2011/08/10 at 6:44 PM
I wish US announcers would realize they dont need to fill every second with commentary.
Posted by Jared on 2011/08/10 at 6:47 PM
To make it worse they’ve added a 3rd man to the booth to go along with John “I don’t know how to shup up” Harkes.
Posted by Adam Bodnar (@ABodnar27) on 2011/08/10 at 6:49 PM
Until ESPN brings in some British/European producers to train these guys it is going to be like listening to an NFL game every time.
Posted by Jared on 2011/08/10 at 6:52 PM
It doesn’t matter who they bring in to produce as long as they continue to let Harkes provide commentary. He just said that to get Buddle support the US needs to add a striker yet fails to realize that all that would do is leave two strikers without support since the US can’t get any possession.
Posted by BernieBernier on 2011/08/10 at 6:52 PM
I like Ian Darke but he needs a partner that understands how to announce.
Posted by dth on 2011/08/10 at 6:56 PM
A wonderful variation of the “US needs foreign ____.” Usually coaches or players, but you’ve added a nice twist. Well done.
Posted by Adam Bodnar (@ABodnar27) on 2011/08/10 at 7:05 PM
Doesnt have to be foreign. Just anyone that understands that not every second has to be filled with words.
The ESPN EPL games are like that but not produced by ESPN USA and with the exception of the Harkes games, the WC was like that as well.
Posted by Antonio H. on 2011/08/10 at 6:48 PM
Any CAM with some creativity and ball-retention skills/vision would be nice right now. I’m lookin at you Freddy. I think Landon moves to the middle in the second.
Posted by Adam Bodnar (@ABodnar27) on 2011/08/10 at 6:51 PM
Freddy isnt dressed.
Posted by Antonio H. on 2011/08/10 at 6:52 PM
Make that torres
Posted by Adam Bodnar (@ABodnar27) on 2011/08/10 at 6:53 PM
He plays centrally in Mexico correct?
Posted by Antonio H. on 2011/08/10 at 6:58 PM
Correct but as a deep-lying, not advanced, playmaker
Posted by Jared on 2011/08/10 at 6:57 PM
He’s more of a Pirlo type than a CAM. Still prefer him over MB90 in that spot though.
Posted by BernieBernier on 2011/08/10 at 6:53 PM
Worse performance so far…. Harkes as an announcer or Brandley as a CAM?
Posted by Jared on 2011/08/10 at 6:58 PM
That’s easy. Harkes. I don’t know how he hasn’t been fired yet. He has verbal diarrhea every game.
Posted by Ufficio on 2011/08/10 at 7:03 PM
I wonder if Castillo thinks he’s still playing for Mexico. He sure passes the ball to the guys in green shirts a lot.
Posted by dth on 2011/08/10 at 7:04 PM
But he said he was so much better than Bornstein!
Posted by Jared on 2011/08/10 at 7:05 PM
Any chance we can get Bornstein back?
Seriously Castillo is out of his depth. Lichaj doesn’t have much to worry about at that position.
Posted by BernieBernier on 2011/08/10 at 7:09 PM
Its not working out but I still say it was worth the shot given our current LB situation
Posted by Jared on 2011/08/10 at 7:11 PM
Definitely. Just wish that this friendly wasn’t such an obvious money grab by US Soccer. It helps to have friendlies that don’t matter so much to try out experimentation.
Posted by BernieBernier on 2011/08/10 at 7:31 PM
OK its time to move on with Castillo… a sub please before its 2-0
Posted by dth on 2011/08/10 at 7:38 PM
Now all we have to do is put Convey in and see him get burnt before some fans finally figure things out.
Posted by BernieBernier on 2011/08/10 at 7:56 PM
No matter how many goals Robbie Rogers scores I will not figure it out.
Posted by dth on 2011/08/10 at 9:14 PM
Well, it’s speed. Very simple. Mexico’s defensive line played much more scared after Shea/Agudelo/Rogers came in, and that’s because of the speed that’s on the field. That gave everyone more space, which had the knock-on effect of making everyone look technically better.
Posted by Texas 1836 on 2011/08/10 at 10:53 PM
When Juergen talks about what the “American” style should be, I’ve given it quite a bit of thought this week. And one word that I want to factor in heavily is: SPEED. Hot, nasty, badass speed. Like Eleanor Roosevelt said.
We are the country of race cars, rocket ships, and Daisy Dukes. We like things fast.
I want every American soccer team to abuse their opponents with ghastly, obnoxious displays of speed.
Attacking, unrelenting speed.
I want us to leave tire marks on the field when we’re done.
Posted by Jake Claro on 2011/08/10 at 11:01 PM
haha, hilarious and so true. Sounds a bit like my overall outlook when I play FIFA. This is exactly the type of conversation his hiring was meant to initiate btw.
Posted by Tux on 2011/08/10 at 11:04 PM
I’m all for this, as long as speed is not prized to the point where other abilities – like ball control and finishing ability – are completely disregarded. Robbie Findley, I’m looking at you.
Posted by MJ on 2011/08/10 at 7:04 PM
Wishful thinking going on at US Soccer on facebook, as they announce that it’s 0-0 at the half. Woops…
Posted by GeorgeCross on 2011/08/10 at 7:19 PM
Oh dear. Did not manage to muster one shot in the first half.
For all of Mexico’s possession, they haven’t created *that* much. Applaud the goal, striker’s instinct and all that [and not sure what Bradley was doing TBH], but he would never repeat that.
Posted by Dylan on 2011/08/10 at 7:24 PM
we look very overmatched
Posted by Dylan on 2011/08/10 at 7:25 PM
Donovan looks very poor
Posted by Ufficio on 2011/08/10 at 7:45 PM
Juan Agudelo: Killing promising attacks with excessive dribbling.
Posted by Antonio H. on 2011/08/10 at 7:48 PM
Mikey goes off and what ensues is barca-esque quick passing and a goal. I’m not saying. I’m just saying
Posted by GeorgeCross on 2011/08/10 at 8:05 PM
I did think that, but cannot differentiate whether it’s because of USA’s subs or the fact that Marquez has gone off… either way, I like the tempo of the last 20 mins.
Posted by dth on 2011/08/10 at 8:18 PM
The number one issue recently with Bradley has been tempo, tempo, tempo. He is not quick enough about making decisions to get the ball off of his feet.
Posted by GeorgeCross on 2011/08/10 at 8:43 PM
I thought the No. 1 issue was cheap turnovers [especially in when the team is about to transition]. But you are right about his ability to [offensively?] circulate the ball quickly.
The other thing I noticed about a few players was playing the pass slightly behind the intended player which caused them to check their run. Very frustrating.
Posted by dth on 2011/08/10 at 9:12 PM
While I can’t comment on the value of the turnovers that Bradley has, he does make few of them. I think Bradley had the highest pass completion percentage today, which makes sense–he had the highest during the Gold Cup, if Opta’s twitter feed is to be believed.
For me it’s tempo and then a secondary issue–the pass that’s being delivered. Is it being delivered to the right spot–or is it off? Does it have the right weight, or is it too slow/fast? Bradley can struggle with that; as does the entire team.
Posted by Steve Trittschuh on 2011/08/10 at 9:20 PM
Bradley looked ineffective passing the ball forward into attacking situations. Seeming how that’s a big part of his job description I’d say he didn’t have a great game today. Having said that, not sure Ricardo Clark was a better option coming off the bench.
Posted by Texas 1836 on 2011/08/10 at 10:55 PM
Except for Freddy. 😉
Posted by BernieBernier on 2011/08/11 at 4:44 AM
It feels like Bradley spends a lot of time going backwards which should be a very easy pass to complete.
The one thing that I immediately noticed in the last 30 minutes or so was the number of one touch then pass possessions getting the ball moving. That opened up holes and while I am sure Rafa’s absence helped its much better than the 1 v 1 or hoof to Buddle for 1 v 4 we saw in the first 60 or so minutes.
Posted by Antonio H. on 2011/08/10 at 8:18 PM
Well MB really slows down our attack in general. We both witnessed it tonight. I’ve been taking note of it since the beginning of this year. There’s not really much more to say about it but that was a huge gamebreaker to me. I wonder what his role going forward is since jurgy is in love with paco
Posted by LarryMontanez on 2011/08/11 at 6:29 AM
There’s not threat of MB of attacking forward with the ball, so it’s easier to close him down. that slows the tempo too
Posted by Andy_4Lakes on 2011/08/10 at 8:16 PM
I noticed the exact same thing, but like GC wasn’t sure if that was the reason or…
Posted by Jacob Austin on 2011/08/10 at 7:56 PM
My love for Brek Shea knows no bounds.
Posted by dth on 2011/08/10 at 7:58 PM
In the spirit of admitting when I’m wrong: Torres looked pretty good in the center of midfield. Definitely deserves another look.
Posted by Antonio H. on 2011/08/10 at 7:59 PM
Alright I’m giving break Shea the nickname “Oscar Mike”. For those who know phonetic alphabet you’ll understand. Dude is always on the move. Making runs. Being proactive. Outstanding.
Posted by Jared on 2011/08/10 at 8:06 PM
I’m excited to see him with Dempsey and Donovan as the 3 in the 4-2-3-1 with Torres as a deep lying playmaker and Agudelo up front.
Shea looks so much better than the last time. He needs to be playing a lot going forward.
Posted by crow on 2011/08/10 at 8:13 PM
I was at the USA/Colombia game in Philly and Shea was terrible. Even before the assist and scoring chance I was thinking how much better and confident he looked. I hope someone can help him find his best position and he can develop- because he has all of the tools to be a great player.
Posted by Ufficio on 2011/08/10 at 8:16 PM
Don’t we already know that his best position is left winger? Or am I missing something?
Posted by Crow on 2011/08/11 at 6:16 AM
With his size and lack of acceleration (he’s a freight train once he gets going but is not “quick”), I’m still not sure that LW is the best spot for Shea.
Posted by Antonio H. on 2011/08/10 at 8:20 PM
Confidence is the key word. Thought process makes a world of a difference
Posted by BernieBernier on 2011/08/10 at 8:14 PM
I am excited to see
Agudelo
Donovan Dempsey Shea
Torres ????
Can we have too many CDM if I can’t figure out who fits in the ???? spot? I am almost ready to say Beckerman based on today.
Posted by Emay264 on 2011/08/10 at 8:31 PM
Bradley by far. He and Torres playing deep would be deadly. Edu and jones as well
Posted by Jared on 2011/08/11 at 4:36 AM
Holden. Two guys who can pass the ball from there would be great. Holden can also tackle well enough based on last season in the Premier League.
Posted by BernieBernier on 2011/08/11 at 4:46 AM
100% correct on Holden. I was thinking September and I don’t see the US calling Holden in at that point even if hes ready.
Posted by Jacob Austin on 2011/08/10 at 8:00 PM
That’s a red.
Posted by Antonio H. on 2011/08/10 at 8:00 PM
I didn’t know koman coulibaly was Jamaican…
Posted by GeorgeCross on 2011/08/10 at 8:02 PM
That foul was very Ronald Koeman-esque circa 1993. Even down to the yellow instead of red.
Posted by Antonio H. on 2011/08/10 at 8:03 PM
Who let Landon out of jail?
Posted by SBU on 2011/08/10 at 8:15 PM
Haven’t seen Landon run at people in a long long time. THAT’S why he’s one of the best players in US history, when he’s taking on defenders with speed. Not that ghosting around the field, having two touch bursts and losing the ball. He’s not really a “traditional” creative number 10, but he really change the pace of the game with those darting runs from the outside in.
Posted by Jacob Austin on 2011/08/10 at 8:04 PM
Then RIcardo Clark does Ricardo Clark things.
Posted by crow on 2011/08/11 at 6:40 AM
At least they were ricardo Clark offensive mess-ups and not defensive gaffes. Can we please just let this guy RIP? (International career). As in never see him get another CAP.
Posted by Travis McKil on 2011/08/10 at 8:09 PM
By my count we have 9 commentators covering this match. Yet there was no coverage before the game on cable TV and it was first viewable on cable TV only after the exploitation of children had ended. Are these “experts” getting paid by the word or syllable? When you add the horrific first half to that mix you have a great start to the new era of US Soccer. Nowhere to go but up.
This feels like the first sporting event televised. If they are going to keep this up they should show the games in black and white and have cartoon characters peddling cigarettes at halftime.
I feel sorry for all of the kids out there who are watching this game trying to convert a friend or family member into a fan. Kudos ESPN.
Posted by Jared on 2011/08/11 at 4:40 AM
Actually that’s not true. They had a pregame show starting at 8:30 on ESPN news I believe. I was watching the game starting at kickoff on ESPNHD. Did you look to see if it was on?
Posted by Travis McKil on 2011/08/11 at 8:41 AM
espnnews is not available for many people. I was in a hotel and I was one of those. Either way, you shouldn’t have to find the game it should be advertised and promoted as an event that they are proud to show with coverage that reflects that. It is a national event and should be treated as such.
If your local cable/sat provider offers espnnews in your basic package then congratulations. In my experience that isn’t the case for most. Of course the dedicated fans are going to find the game and watch it in Spanish if necessary, but what about the casual sports fan who didn’t know about the game and watched a movie instead when they saw that that kid break his arm in the little league game? I thought their goal was to achieve higher ratings and I can hardly imagine that they created new viewers with that coverage.
To answer your question, yes I did look to see if the game was on.
Posted by Jared on 2011/08/11 at 9:32 AM
You changed your tune from it wasn’t on cable to it wasn’t on basic cable. You can’t have it both ways. ESPN did the best they could with what they had to work with and the obligations they are under. Clearly you didn’t look very hard if you couldn’t find the game on regular ESPN for the kickoff.
That just seemed like a way to take a shot at ESPN which was an outdated dig at their coverage. They have improved greatly in the past few years with they way they cover US soccer.
Posted by Travis McKil on 2011/08/11 at 10:08 AM
I watched the game on my laptop until it was shown on ESPN2. Cable=plain jane television in my world, I suppose we can agree to disagree if you thought I changed tunes.
I stand by the fact that the coverage was lacking for the average sports fan and their Nielsen Rating no doubt would have been better if they would have reserved a few minutes to discuss the new coach and what the 9 commentators thought of his team selection. We will also have to disagree if you thought that was much improved coverage.
Maybe we should start playing our games in the AM so obligations such as regional prime-time little league baseball won’t conflict with our games. But then the bass fishermen would be up in arms, so I guess that wouldn’t work either.
Posted by Ufficio on 2011/08/10 at 8:09 PM
Have to be pretty happy with that second half. Only bad luck and bad officiating kept us from a deserved win. Loved what Shea was doing out there, and I’ve been skeptical about his ability to play at the international level.
Posted by GeorgeCross on 2011/08/10 at 8:17 PM
USSF should water the touchline, so Klinsmann can perform one of his dives when the US score. That would be amazing.
Posted by Antonio H. on 2011/08/10 at 8:22 PM
See through shirts only please
Posted by dth on 2011/08/10 at 8:25 PM
I think Jurgen would be up for it, actually.
Posted by Jake C. on 2011/08/11 at 8:15 AM
I agree with this comment wholeheartedly.
Posted by Andy_4Lakes on 2011/08/10 at 8:17 PM
Big winner tonight? MLS.
Posted by Sgt McDreamy (@TuggBoat) on 2011/08/11 at 5:30 AM
No doubt! Shea, Agudelo, Rodgers and Beckerman all had a HUGE impact on the outcome. Now Adu is rumored to be going to Chivas USA. The little league that could, is becoming pretty formidable.
Posted by hodey on 2011/08/10 at 8:21 PM
I absolutely LOVE Jorge Ramos and his analysis and the way he sees the game…can we get him to replace harkes now?? I don’t even care that I can’t understand all the words he says.
Posted by justin on 2011/08/10 at 8:50 PM
haha, I agree. I like that he is just saying what he thinks. Harkes i think just says what he thinks he should say….
Posted by Jake Claro on 2011/08/10 at 8:30 PM
I thought Beckerman was solid, but I feel like a Holden-Torres pairing would be quite good. As it has been said many times her at TSG, Holden’s role in the EPL is much more of a deep lying mid-fielder who does a lot of tackling, and I’m excited to see him in that role with the USMNT with Klinsi at the helm. All in all, very positive performance tonight considering the short training session and the player pool selected, and I thought there was a noticeable energy in the way they played in the second half, particularly the last 30 minutes. Interesting to see Robbie Rogers tonight–I thought his speed was on full display in a way I haven’t seen before and I think Klinsi realizes that if you give him 20-30 minutes to run at opponents he can be disruptive as a substitute.
I don’t want to get to far ahead of myself, but I just feel like Jurgen has a better understanding of the roles that his personal can provide the team and his vision for a more attacking/pressing style of soccer–especially in light of the fact that he has emphasized that he wants a lot of speed on the team and that came through when things were at their best.
BTW–how is that not a red card…pretty atrocious, and after a poor call in the box on Lando. Exciting stuff nonetheless…
Posted by justin on 2011/08/10 at 9:03 PM
here’s my take on the midfield:
beckerman was solid. He just isn’t top 20 for the usa and wont be at the world cup probably, but he’ll be great as a guy to bring in during qualifiying next year.
jermaine jones was awful. it looked like he wasn’t even trying half the time. I’m sure jurgen saw it too.
MB72 was out of position for the game can’t blame him on not being effective. He just wanted to defend so bad and someone had to cover for jones.
Torres, great in the middle. He was one of the only people who tried to actually posses the ball in the first half while he was playing on the wing.
—After tonight I think our best midfield pairing going forward will be Bradley and Torres until Holden is at full fitness in a few months and can challenge for that box to box midfielder spot. Jones played himself out of it tonight I think. Maybe he can play himself back into form for his club team.
I liked seeing Donovan in the middle, and that helped change the game in the second half. Shea was fantastic working with agudelo. I don’t know if we should pen Donovan into that middle hole spot just over the striker. Between Donovan, Adu, and Dempsey I think we can work around that. But with players like Bedoya and Shea to man the wings, things look good. Especially if Torres can repeat his performance tonight and begin to distribute to our playmakers, who were previously mentioned.
Posted by Steve Trittschuh on 2011/08/10 at 9:24 PM
Agree on Jones. I think he struggles in warm weather. He seemed to get very winded early in the game.
Posted by Paula on 2011/08/10 at 8:32 PM
Wow … Shea wins Most Improved from the last time I saw him in the Chile friendly.
Dig Klinsmann at the sidelines. More entertaining than Bob — but we knew that.
(Also, Klinsmann IS a little loopy. I’ve never seen a manager that happy to have a draw.)
Overall, though, sloppy from both sides except for the final 20 or so min from the US.
Posted by Martin on 2011/08/10 at 9:01 PM
I’d say Beckerman was just about tied with Shea for most improved from his last US game. I was convinced we’d never see Kyle in a US shirt in a meaningful game again, and we may not but it doesn’t look so impossible now. Good game for him.
Posted by Charlie G. on 2011/08/10 at 9:05 PM
One line sums it up: when JK is asked “what can you take away from this game?”
“I had fun”
.
Posted by KickinNames... on 2011/08/10 at 9:39 PM
Was in attendance and was deeply impressed by the speed team that came on late. Brek Shea has found something since his last MNT run out. He looked dangerous as soon as he arrived. Buddle and pretty much everyone on the field except Jones and Howard looked awful.
Also have to echo what a few here posted that Mikey looked like a speed bump on this squad. And, I mean this seriously, has anyone ever seen him win a straight up one on one defensive battle. for someone so celebrated as a CDM his man defending is really atrocious.
Torres was an awful selection out wide but was a game changer when he moved inside. Game speed is still a problem and can only be resolved with reps on club team. Adu would have been interesting in that role seeing how the last 25 mins worked.
Posted by Jake Claro on 2011/08/10 at 10:00 PM
I definitely don’t see how Jones fits into the picture over the long-term. We simply have to many center-mids, and Jones has taken a lot of knocks over the last few years that I don’t think he can be as effective as he was earlier in his career. Beckerman at the very least could be an effective sub–seems composed on the ball and plays within his role. Interesting now that we seem to suddenly have some winger play entering into the fray with Bedoya and Shea. I agree that Shea was awful in his first cap, but this is a young kid who is coming into his own and I think realizing what he has physically. Also, I think Jurgen’s positive approach is excellent for younger attacking players on the team, and I can see Shea upping his game under his tutelage.
I do like Torres as a player because he shows excellent technical skill and control on the ball, which settles thing in the middle of the field. If he’s paired with a strong tackling CM, I think his defensive liabilities aren’t a huge issue. This is something that I think American soccer has become unnecessarily obsessed with. Center players must be physical, defensive minded players in order for the team to be defensively solid. However, my personal belief, and I believe this has been demonstrated by a number of teams, is that a combination of strong possession and aggressive pressing can counteract a lack of physicality. In some sense, I think a lot of Americans think that like a basketball team, or even a football team, you need big bodies in the middle–but the dynamics of defense are much different in soccer. One, you don’t need to push people off the ball if you posses, and second, with larger playing surface, speed and aggression can equate to physical strength…E=mc2 right? Or something like that.
Anyway, I think some of these thoughts would be occurring regardless of who’s coaching. The team, it’s clear to me, needed a new set of eyes looking upon it. Will be interesting to see who gets the call for the next two, and how Dempsey and Altidore may integrate. I really like the idea of Agudelo coming off the bench at this point in his career. Kid has a lot of potential and brings the energy, but I don’t think he is at a point internationally where he can affect the game for a full 90–and he will have plenty of time to prove that he can. Lastly, really want to see Chandler and Lichaj together, as I think they fit perfectly into Jurgen’s system of attacking with speed up the flank. Bring on the next one, can’t wait!
Posted by Texas 1836 on 2011/08/10 at 11:06 PM
My takeaways:
1) This was a much needed stop-the-bleeding night. This game, given the circumstances, had very little upside. Would’ve been all too easy and likely to suffer an embarrassing loss in our new “savior’s” debut (after no time at all to prepare) against our bitter rival, one who has lately been pantsing us. Without several top-line players (in fairness, same to them).
Instead, we got a pleasant second half, smiles all around, and now the US Soccer narrative has changed completely. I think Klinsmann gets just a tiny bit more breathing room to get settled with this result. This game was like an unnecessary evil, something to be tolerated and gotten through, not something to truly benefit from.
I am now much more anticipatory of the September friendlies. I think we’ll much more begin to see Klins’ imprint in those. I don’t think we learned all that much about him tonight; but I tip my cap to him for keeping us from getting embarrassed, when the circumstances were ripe for just that.
2) Agudelo and Shea Buddle and Jones was pretty much the ballgame. The difference between our sluggish, utterly unthreatening malaise pre-sub and post-sub electricity was, to say the least, noticeable.
When we look bad, we look slow and scared. Overly deferential. Like we’re playing in a rainstorm.
When we look good, we look aggressive and fearless. Fast and thoughtless.
Posted by cfug on 2011/08/10 at 11:06 PM
Revelation of the match: Thomas Dooley looks exactly the same as he did in the early 90s.
Posted by SamT on 2011/08/11 at 7:11 AM
The attack sure was exciting, but I’m still trying to figure out what happened to the defense. I mean, on paper you would think a Castillo-Boca-Orozco-Dolo back line would be much worse than Bornstein-Boca-Goodson-Lichaj, particularly given the lack of playing familiarity in an area of the field where coordinated team play is critical. But that back line looked so much more solid than the Gold Cup final.
Did Beckerman’s stay-at-home role really make that much of a difference?
Was it that absence of the Chicharito-Dos Santos threat?
The lack of pressure that a full house of Tri fans created in Pasadena?
Somebody help me out.
Posted by Berniebernier on 2011/08/11 at 8:06 AM
Thats where I think the people criticizing Jones are off base. The MF did a better job of cutting off service, making service difficult, and pushing attackers into less dangerous spots on the field.
Posted by Gary Byrd on 2011/08/11 at 8:07 AM
All of the above. I would imagine the atmosphere was completely different than the GC final.
Posted by Ufficio on 2011/08/11 at 9:20 AM
Was it that absence of the Chicharito-Dos Santos threat
Yes, I think it’s mostly this. Taking off the opponent’s two best attacking players will generally do that, especially when the drop-off to their replacements is so large.
Posted by Fellaini's-Fro on 2011/08/11 at 8:14 AM
Please don’t call up Castillo again. He needed to be bailed out too often from his own goofs. MB90-18 looked pedestrian, more than a few times he dribbled right at a defender and lost the ball. Jones has no creativity and probably only a place on the bench.
Cherundolo doesn’t show any ill effects from his injury. Boca may have lost a step, but he marshals that backline like nobody’s business. Shea was an eye opener last night, defended well and looked good on the attack. I am very interested as well on what Klinsi does in the September friendlies.
I loved the enthusiasm and expression of emotion that Klinsi showed after the goal and how he embraced Torres as he came off the pitch. Having coached for 15+ years, athletes love attention from their coaches. Even professional athletes need some love every once in awhile.
As a side note, I am really starting to hate Dos Santos. A cheap shot artist on the pitch if I every saw one. Every time he was challenged or had the ball taken he would throw an elbow or forearm at the side or back of the defender.
Posted by crow on 2011/08/11 at 8:21 AM
Awesome user name BTW. Dos Santos is a tool. Completely agree. He acts like a diva and his skills are vastly overrated.
Posted by Fellaini's-Fro on 2011/08/11 at 8:44 AM
Thanks. I came up with it last year in the Shin Guardian EPL Fantasy League.
Did you catch it when the third announcer (Jorge?) criticized Dos Santos for only having one speed? Also Ian Darke said that the Hotspur Manager mentioned that Dos Santos liked the nightlife too much and that was a major factor in Tool Santos languishing on the bench.
Posted by crow on 2011/08/11 at 8:31 AM
I’ll address two of Matt’s tweets. I think it will be awhile until other nations catch up with the USA fitness level. A lot of countries seem to almost look down at a high fitness level thinking that if you need to have one it shows that you are technically inferior. I think it would take a sea change of a philosophy for this to happen.
Also why is everyone so excited about the emotion displayed last night? Because fans like to know that players and coaches care as much as they do. As a Philadelphia eagles fan, let me tell you how much more enjoyable it is to watch Mike vick, or heck even Jeff Garcia, than mcnabb sulking around the field. My favorite NBA player is Joakim Noah because of the passion he displays. It’s one of the reasons that Deuce will probably go down as my favorite athlete ever. It’s not that I think that Bob Bradley didn’t care but i also enjoy watching klinsmann get excited. And if the players feed off of it than more power to him.
Posted by Fellaini's-Fro on 2011/08/11 at 8:50 AM
Right on. As a UCLA fan (I know). I watched former coach Karl Dorrell keep a stone face whether his players scored, fumbled or the team won or lost. A team, maybe not all, but a majority take on the personality of the coach. I hate to give SC any credit whatsoever, but Pete Carroll loved everything about the game and it showed on the sidelines.
Posted by Paula on 2011/08/11 at 10:35 AM
C’mon, man, are we really going to put down Bob Bradley because Klinsmann happens to put on more of a show? I get that “enthusiasm is infectious”, but Sweats was second banana to Klinsmann TWICE and he still stayed on the job got the USMNT some respected results. I don’t care if he looks like Voldemort on the sidelines.
Also, he smiled during the Algeria match. And during his appearance on The Daily Show.
Posted by Crow on 2011/08/11 at 12:30 PM
I wasn’t putting Bob down, I was just explaining why I like Klinsmann and why I think other fans do as well- the enthusiasm and passion that is.
Posted by crow on 2011/08/11 at 8:33 AM
I just wanted to add that Texas1836 gets my vote for mvp of the comment section.
Posted by Jake Claro on 2011/08/11 at 9:15 AM
One more thing about Shea that jumped out to me. His ability in the air made the US much more dangerous when they wanted to release pressure from the back with long balls, and just in general when anything was sent into the box. It makes him very dangerous when/if he interchanges or drifts centrally, yet I think he does have the overall pace to play on the wing–he may not have flat-out acceleration but all in all I thought he looked much quicker tonight than he was against Columbia. It seemed like in his first game he was wearing cement blocks on his feet–last night, much more fleet of foot. Perhaps a matter of confidence more than anything else.