Comments on: What Will the US Lineup be VS. Guatemala

By: Max Zeger

Max Zeger — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:44:13 +0000

More important than Orozco though is Subotic. If we don’t get him, we’ve missed out on another potential superstar. That would now be Rossi, Edgar Castillo, and Subotic. We have a real problem indentifying players and then making sure they play for the USA. We need to fix this pronto.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 07:07:26 +0000

As a note on Cooper, let us not forget that he actually played for Manchester United, he just never got out of the reserve system. So surely, the work permit is not an issue.
Back to Orozco, I think you forgot a few more center backs above him in the pecking order. Namely, DeMerit, Gibbs, and Califf. Honestly, I’m not all that impressed with Orozco, regardless of the olympics, and even though Max makes a good point as far as cup tying him goes, I doubt he’ll get a shot with Mexico either.

By: Max Zeger

Max Zeger — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 03:05:27 +0000

Cooper actually doesn’t have to worry about caps. Since his father is a English citizen, or at least a former one, Cooper doesn’t have to get a work permit. That’s pretty convenient. I honestly think the strongest lineup that the US can put out there will be very different from the lineup we see tomorrow. I think we would see a four man midfield without Edu and including Adu. We would see subotic replace bocanegra. We would definetely see cooper and Altidore up top. Bradley’s lack of imagination makes me cringe.

By: Daniel

Daniel — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:49:07 +0000

I totally agree on the Cooper issue, he is the best striker prospect we currently have. Having watched a few FC Dallas games it is obvious that he is the only thing keeping that team going. He is all over the field, finding ways to contribute, which is exactly what the national team needs. No wonder they wouldn’t sell him. I would like to think he will get sold in the January transfer window after Dallas loses in the first round of the playoffs, but with so few caps, I am not sure that will be possible.

By: Max Zeger

Max Zeger — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:32:58 +0000

that’s fair daniel. I just think Hejduk doesn’t get a callup if he’s not going to play. Bradley needs to call up wynne because he is the real deal, minus the crossing ability. I agree Orozco has a long way to go, but one bonehead mistake in the olympics shouldn’t cost someone their career. If Orozco continues to progress in Mexico, he should get a look from Bob. To be honest, he was very impressive in Olympic qualifying. I don’t mind switching Donovan to the right, he’s capable there as well. I just can’t believe that Bradley wouldn’t give Cooper a shot. He’s the best prospect at forward who Bradley hasn’t seen in a while and there’s really no harm in just bringing into camp and seeing what he’s got.

By: Daniel

Daniel — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:27:27 +0000

I wouldn’t count on Orozco getting called up to the national team any time soon. There are at least 3 center backs between him and Gooch and Boca. Orozco has to get by (in no particular order) Spector, Parkhurst and Subotic. I haven’t actually seen Subotic play, but I am going to jump on the hype bandwagon for awhile and see what happens.

As far as the line-up goes, I think you need to play Donovan on the right wing and put Dempsey in the 10 spot only because Lando is a better crosser. I would also replace our favorite surfer-dude with Cherundolo. Which brings me to my final point, the only reason I think you would call up Hejduk is for his speed and experience, but if I am right about Chernudolo starting, what good does experience do you on the bench. Dolo has played in a WC and has plenty of top-flight experience. Bradley really should have called up Wynne instead since he is faster than Hejduk and crosses the ball just as inconsistently.

Prediction: if Lando shows up: 3-1, if he doesn’t 1-1

By: Max Zeger

Max Zeger — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:47:00 +0000

you’re probably right, but to be honest, I’d like to see him get a shot. Regardless of his bonehead move in the olympics, he’s still a quality player. Additionally, if we just cap-tie him, he won’t be able to play for mexico so that would be a reason to at least give him a look. Orozco was also playing out of position at the olympics, he’s a very talented center back. I’d like to see a good portion of the Olympic team invited into a US National Team Camp, so Bradley can at least get a close look at them.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:37:04 +0000

I don’t think Orozco is going to be getting a look anytime in this WC cycle, especially after his olympic incident.

By: Max Zeger

Max Zeger — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:40:37 +0000

me too. I’d love to see Kljestan get a start, he’s got great potential, but he won’t break into this midfield. Let’s hope for 45 minutes from him. I think though, that it’s a little risky to play dempsey and beasley. Dempsey hasn’t looked good in a long time, and beasley is off injury. I’d like to see kljestan on the left and lewis on the right, unfortunately, it won’t happen with Mr. unimaginative. (Bob Bradley). I think the US should set a friendly up, and play a host of young players. Holden, rogers, kljestan, davies, altidore, wynne, orozco and see what they’re made of. Also some guys like Cervi, findley should get a look from bradley.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:32:34 +0000

I think your lineup is spot on, except I think Cherundolo gets the start of Hejduk. Just as a thought, I’d give Sacha Kljestan the start over Dempsey to scare him a little bit… I know in the recent friendlies, Clint was worn out from a long season with Fulham, but it worries me that he didn’t get the start in Fulham’s opener, and didn’t come off the bench until late.