The U.S. men's national team takes on the Czech Republic tonight (8pm, ESPN) in their first of two friendlies before departing to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup.
Tonight will be the last chance for some of the fringe players on the 30-man provisional World Cup roster to prove themselves and earn a place on the 23-man World Cup roster, which will be announced on Wednesday.
I will be providing commentary on tonight's match so please feel free to follow along here. As always, you are welcome to share your own thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.
Enjoy the match (Commentary is after the jump):
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FINAL- That's all for me tonight. Be sure to check into SBI for more post-match coverage on SBI.
Feel free to share your thoughts on tonight's in the comments section below.
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FINAL- Czech Republic 4, USA 2. Not a great scoreline, but with all the second-half changes, you can't make a ton about the score.
Who helped themselves tonight? Herculez Gomez, Alejandro Bedoya and Edson Buddle stated their cases to survive the bubble. DaMarcus Beasley impressed and Oguchi Onyewu held up well in his first match in seven months.
Who didn't help himself tonight? Heath Pearce and Eddie Johnson are looking like REAL long shots.
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90th Minute- GOAL CZECHS! And it's 4-2 to the Czechs as Tomas Necid beats Edu on a goal sequence that began with a Goodson turnover upfield.
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90th Minute- So who else could vie for the final roster spots based on tonight's performances? Edson Buddle showed good energy despite lacking chances. He's probably a good candidate as well. Could be between him and Bedoya. Will Bradley choose to go with Altidore, Ching and Gomez as his three forwards, or will he also bring along Gomez and leave Bedoya?
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88th Minute- Some good hustle from Gomez tonight. You have to love him as a super sub option. He's got the edge over Buddle and Johnson.
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86th Minute- Bedoya has had great energy since coming in. Not as sure about Kljestan at this point. He's disappeared.
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85th Minute- Seeing Holden in a central midfield role makes you wonder if we could see him there in the World Cup as a second-half option.
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85th Minute- The Czechs make their first sub of the night, putting in Jan Moravek.
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85th Minute- 36,218 is tonight's attendance.
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84th Minute- USA is down 3-2. Who will score the equalizer? Could it be Gomez?
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81st Minute- This morning I wrote that I thought Bob Bradley would bring eight defenders. At this point, I'd say he brings seven and banks on Maurice Edu and DaMarcus Beasley for defensive cover if he needs it. That means either Alejandro Bedoya or Sacha Kljestan could make the team. My money would be on Bedoya.
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80th Minute- Heath Pearce is looking like a player who has cost himself a roster spot, assuming he was close.
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79th Minute- Goodson and Heath Pearce and Robbie Rogers all failed defensively on that goal.
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78th Minute- GOAL CZECHS! And it's Fenin with the finish off a loose scramble in the area. Somebody has to clear that away.
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76th Minute- Gomez forces a corner after a long run and long-range shot.
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75th Minute- As it stands, the fact that Edu is playing centerback makes you wonder if Bradley is seriously considering taking seven natural defenders to the World Cup instead of eight.
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72nd Minute- Bedoya has shown some flashes since coming on, and Kljestan has looked good so far. Could he be a surprise pick for the 23?
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70th Minute- Onyewu has a big ice bag on his surgically-repaired knee, likely just the post-match treatment.
Holden and Kljestan in central midfield is an interesting tandem.
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68th Minute- How do you not root for Herculez Gomez? Just an amazing story. Six months ago he was out of contract, and no MLS teams wanted him. Now, he's looking like a World Cup player. Just wow.
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67th Minute- Bedoya has come in for Gomez. Edu is at centerback and Holden is now playing centrally, with Bedoya on the right flank.
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66th Minute- GOAL USA!!! And it's Herculez Gomez with the FINISH! Wow, nice header by Goodson. USA 2, Czechs 2.
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65th Minute- Bedoya likely to come in for Holden. That would mean no Robbie Findley or Chad Marshall tonight (or Marcus Hahnemann).
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64th Minute- Bedoya is preparing to come into the match.
GOMEZ WITH A BLAST right at Cech. Nice back-heel from Ching to set that up.
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61st Minute- Robbie Rogers tries one from about 40 yards out, forces a save from Cech, not that he was all that troubled.
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58th Minute- GOAL CZECHS!!! And it's Jan Polak with the finish. He beats Heath Pearce on that one. Czechs 2, USA 1.
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58th Minute- Rogers with a nice run down the left flank, but he holds on to it too long.
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57th Minute- There's still a big gap between the U.S. midfield and the forwards. Will Kljestan play the role of playmaker and create something for Gomez.
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55th Minute- Czech goal is ruled offside. Nice sequence for the Czechs though.
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54th Minute- Cherundolo got schooled by Fenin, who looks sharp.
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53rd Minute- Rogers to take a USA corner.
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52nd Minute- Rogers getting the nod over Bedoya makes you wonder if this is it for Bedoya.
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50th Minute- Gomez with 45 minutes to state his case for a spot. Neither Johnson or Buddle were all that stellar in the first half.
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47th Minute- Five subs for the USA: Gomez, Ching, Kljestan, Rogers and Pearce. Out are Johnson, Buddle, Torres, Bornstein and Beasley.
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46th Minute- We're back.
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HALFTIME- USA 1, Czech Republic 1.
Who looked good? Beasley, Torres, Edu
Who's looked okay? Buddle, Cherundolo, Holden
Who hasn't looked good? Bornstein, Johnson, Goodson
Onyewu was looking pretty good before getting beaten on the header.
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45th Minute- DaMarcus Beasley has been the best player on the team tonight.
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45th Minute- Onyewu misread the free kick and jumped too late. Definitely some rust on that one.
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43rd Minute- GOAL CZECHS!! And it's Tomas Sivok with the header, beating Onyewu on the header. USA 1, Czech Republic 1.
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42nd Minute- Goodson gives up a foul and a free kick on the right flank for a foul on Fenin.
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41st Minute- Buddle takes a hard foul after receiving a great pass from Torres.
You have to like what you've seen from Torres and Edu tonight.
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40th Minute- Beasley does well again, earning a corner.
Cech handles Holden's corner kick easily.
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39th Minute- If you can believe it, the last of the cars to drive into the stadium parking area are rolling in. Those folks can catch the second half.
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38th Minute- If the forwards are going to only get 45 minutes they can't be happy with what they've had to work with tonight.
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37th Minute- Beasley with a nice idea for a pass, but Johnson was offside.
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35th Minute- Beasley is getting abused physically, but he's still playing great.
You would think the Czechs would take it easy on Beasley. Didn't they abuse him enough in 2006?
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33rd Minute- Cherundolo just got Jacked Up. Yellow card for Rajnoch. Deserved.
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31st Minute- Bornstein just got beaten by Sionko on the flank. Czech team with a free kick on the right.
Guzan tips the cross away for a corner.
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29th Minute- Tell you what, if Beasley is going to have this kind of energy in South Africa, he will be a starter.
Bornstein hasn't looked good tonight.
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28th Minute- Jose Torres looks sharp tonight. Can't see him not making the 23.
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26th Minute- FENIN WIDE!!! USA lucky not to give up a goal there.
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23rd Minute- Buddle is back on the field after being treated for a split lip.
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22nd Minute- Guzan gets clattered into by Tomas Sivok. He held up well under the pressure as the foul was called.
Onyewu gets in late on a challenge. Would probably have been a card in a regular match.
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19th Minute- Fenin jukes Goodson, but has his shot blocked by Onyewu, who is looking good so far.
Czech corner.
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18th Minute- Edu is the master inside the six-yard box, isn't he? Rangers fans know all about that.
Edson Buddle took a shot to the face and is being treated on the sideline.
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17th Minute- GOAL USA!!!! And it's Maurice Edu with the finish. Holden with the service.
And the USA players do the Stanky Leg, definitely in honor of Charlie Davies.
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17th Minute- Buddle has looked good early on.
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16th Minute- Onyewu gets fouled and the crowd grimaces. He's up and shaking it off. Nervy moment there.
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14th Minute- Great crowd tonight, and there are still cars pouring into the parking lots.
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13th Minute- Beasley showing good energy to track back and help the defense. He hasn't gotten into the attack, but he's been buzzing around. Talk of a good camp appears true.
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8th Minute- Onyewu showing some good poise on the ball, though he hasn't really been pressured hard yet.
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6th Minute- Czechs with a dangerous free kick. How will Onyewu handle this?
Holden races out to block the kick.
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5th Minute- Buddle nearly gets a gift thanks to a bad Czech back-pass.
Onyewu wins a challenge as he was tested in the air for the first time.
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3rd Minute- Beasley looking good early. Onyewu still hasn't been challenged yet.
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1st Minute- And we're underway.
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PRE-GAME- USA in the all-white uniforms tonight. Not bad.
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PRE-GAME- For those who remember, Eddie Johnson had an awful match in the last USA game here at Rentschler Field, during the USA's 2006 send-off series.
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PRE-GAME- Nice to see Nike making the U.S. team wear the warm-up jackets during the anthem. It's only 90 degrees on the field.
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PRE-GAME- The referee tonight is Mexican ref Mauricio Morales, heading an all Mexico crew.
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PRE-GAME- I wonder who U.S. fans will be watching more intently, Oguchi Onyewu or Edson Buddle? I'll go Onyewu.
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PRE-GAME- This is a new-look Czech team, though not exactly a young team. Only one starter tonight has more than 50 caps, but only one player is 23 or younger, Eintracht Frankurt striker (and Ricardo Clark teammate) Martin Fenin.
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PRE-GAME- A broadcast note for those of you who haven't figured out, tonight's match is on ESPN, not ESPN2. ESPN is pulling out all the stops with its World Cup coverage and tonight should be a good glimpse into the type of things the network has in mind.
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PRE-GAME- The Czech midfield is a pretty strong group. Don't be surprised if Hubschman plays in central defense with Sivok, with Rajnoch playing left back and Kusnir at right back.
Plasil and Polak should present a good challenge for Edu and Torres, while Sionko will test Jonathan Bornstein.
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PRE-GAME- Here is the Czech Republic's starting lineup:
————-Martin Fenin—–David Lafata————
———————-Jaroslav Plasil———————-
Daniel Pudil———-Jan Polak———-Libor Sionko
——————–Tomas Hubschman——————
—Jan Rajnoch—-Tomas Sivok—–Ondrej Kusnir—
————————-Petr Cech————————-
BENCH- Milan Cerny, Tomas Necid, Tomas Pekhart, Mario Holek, Rudolf Skacel, Michal Danek, David Limbersky, Jan Moravek, Jaroslav Cerny, Jan Lastuvka
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PRE-GAME- So who will the six subs be? You figure Spector, Ching and Clark aren't likely to need looks. Same goes for Hahnemann. That leaves seven subs. I'd go with either Chad Marshall or Robbie Rogers as the odd man out tonight.
I'm sure some Ching haters will go crazy at the thought of Ching not needing a look, but the sense around camp is that Ching is a safe bet to make this squad. He's healthy, at least that's the word, and if he's healthy he's making the team.
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PRE-GAME- Edson Buddle and Eddie Johnson get the nod tonight. Are these two vying for the same roster spot?
Oguchi Onyewu is starting as expected, but he will be paired with Clarence Goodson for what may be the first time. I can't recall them teaming up before.
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PRE-GAME- As expected, the top stars are being rested tonight and will play vs. Turkey on Saturday. Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard, Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley, Carlos Bocanegra, Jay DeMerit and Benny Feilhaber are not in uniform tonight.
There is some buzz that Feilhaber may be carrying an injury that could be keeping him out. We'll look into that after the match.
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PRE-GAME- Here's the USA bench- Hahnemann, Spector, Ching, Clark, Kljestan, Pearce, Marshall, Rogers, Findley, Bedoya, Gomez.
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PRE-GAME- As expected, several veterans are out of the lineup today. The real question is who is on the bench for tonight's match. We'll post the bench as soon as it becomes available.
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PRE-GAME- Here is the USA lineup for tonight's match:
—————-Johnson—-Buddle——————–
Beasley——-Edu———–Torres———-Holden
Bornstein—–Onyewu—Goodson—–Cherundolo
————————-Guzan————————-
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So, who is on the bench? That might be an even bigger question for providing clues about the final 23.
Wow. That’s quite a crest for Czechia.
3-1 Czech Republic. Mark it down. Bradley is a horrid coach and needs to be replaced. We will not advance out of our group in the WC. Mark that down as well.
I’m very curious on how Torres and Edu will do together.
Seems from this lineup that BB wants to put some bubble players under the microscope. It will be nice to see Onyewu and Holden back from injury; hopefully their form isn’t completely gone.
Seriously…shut the eff up
would you say Johnson is the only safe bet to be sent home in this lineup hopefully bornstein has a handball and a penalty in the box because he should get ripped up by Cerny
Interesting. Do Gomez and Pearce come on in the second half?
who is on the bench?
Fire Bradley!
just kidding.
Looks like the fringe players are gonna get a chance to play their way into final consideration. Should be interesting to see how they do. My guess is that Donovan/Dempsey/Altidore et al are getting the night off.
What this tells me is that Bocanegra and DeMerit might be more banged up than we think
Be nice to him, he’s simple
Awesome starting lineup. Nice to get some players a chance to see what they have.
On the other hand, it puts a burden on players like Torres and Beasley to not get the benefit of playing with Donovan and Dempsey.
Here’s hoping Onyewu plays well and doesn’t look too rusty, that is a lot to ask though.
I think its on ESPN. WNBA just started on ESPN 2.
word is US is dressing 22 with 6 subs. Keeping everyone on their toes I guess…
Yeah, that pairing excited and intrigued me too.
Come one Ives tell us who is opn the bench, lets hope Findley gets a look in the 2nd half and that Ching stays in his street clothes
Anyone who still makes the fire Bob argument is either sorely in need of some more information or completely ignoring said information.
USA Lineup to face the Czech Republic
Posted by ussoccer at 5/25/2010 5:53 PM CDT
From our twitter feed:
Guzan; Cherundolo (capt.), Goodson, Onyewu, Bornstein; Holden, Edu Torres, Beasley; Buddle, Johnson
Subs tonight:
Hahnemann, Spector, Ching, Charlk, Kljestan, Pearce, Marshall, Rogers, Findley, Bedoya, Gomez
That’s a really simple thing to say. If it pans out you can come back and say I told you so.
If it doesn’t work out you make a clever name change to Complicated Jack and pretend you never made such and asinine remark.
Or Bradley is letting them get some needed rest. If they don’t play vs Turkey on Saturday, then I’d be concerned.
It would behoove the US to see DMB catch fire. He has taken some rightfully deserved criticism, however, I think he is a game changer should we see the old DMB.
GOD BLESS AMERICA…
Fair enough
your an idiot…. You know nothing about football and Czech has a bad team here, we will get a result
What?? Michael Bradley doesn’t start? Fire Bob now! Obviously, he’s got something against his own son. ;-P
Really?? That’s all you could come up with? You have to be tired of saying that since I’m sure you have said it for two years, and we are all tired of hearing it. World Cup is in less than 20 days, either support the team or shut the hell up. Pick one.
This is a very fast team… I am curious to see how it works… Go USA!
IVES- so only a 22 man roster?
LOL…findley? We might as well play usain bolt
Ugghhh…are we still doing this dance of EJ???!?!?!? Dammit, klejstan, Marshall, and Findley too!?!!?!? Glad Torres and Edu playing together!!!!!!!!!! I want to see a one-two finish from Torres to Gomez, but we all know Klejstan will be in the second half…..DAMMIT!!!!!!!
I hope Sacha is packing his bags during the game.
surprised Johnson gets the start…figured his hammy was too banged up.
Looks like Buddle / Torres / Bornstein…
regardless of how johnson plays i think he’s gone.
I’m very happy that Johnson recovered from his thigh strain in time for this game. I’m looking for him and Buddle to impress tonight!
…….you can’t have eleven players on sub bench, 7 at most
thanks
Dempsey and Donovan have each said Beasley looks like he figured something out in the Netherlands friendly and has been a different player in training. Lets see if it carries over.
Guess not
yea beacuse beating Spain and almost Brazil doesn’t mean anything. With the players we have he has done a solid job.
super pumped with patriotism…. Just finished paper on WWII
We got some tall CB’s tonight
simple jack again…. i wonder what attendance commentary he will have after the match… lol, your opinions and thoughts on US soccer are severly misguided and unwelcome. I think i speak for everyone when i say that your input and overall support is not really welcome
Never go full retard Tugg. You should know this.
You meh..meh..meh…make me angry.
I’m wondering why Feilhaber isn’t on this list? Is he an instant lock to go to South Africa? I know he does well, but if club form is any indication, he should be battling for a spot tonight as well…
True, but the jersey is one of my all time favorites.
You can have 6 subs in the game but you can select 6 from an unlimited number of players..
LOL, very nice.
Anyone know if the game is on the radio in Philly? I’ll be traveling.
NEVER MIND!! Just read Ives pre-game!
Bob must like him in the super sub role.
So no Altidore, Donovan, Dempsey, Howard, Bradley, Boca Demerit, and Feilhaber…
At this point in the process, Bradley should not be trying to figure out who he’s bringing. The whole point for these two games was to tune up the starters, not tryout guys that he has had four years to look at. I’m sure glad I didn’t spend the money to go watch a JV scrimmage. I’d be a little upset.
Three and out boys… that’s where we’re heading. Three and out
super sub gomez, he’s the magician, he’s going to be a hero!!! I’m so excited. This is the best scrub match I’ll ever see. At least the players who scored against us in 2006 aren’t here to my knowledge.
subs: Marcus, Bedoya, Gomez, Clark, Pearce, Ching. I hope Marcus gets a half, 1) b/c he’s in form and deserves it because of it and 2) I don’t want Rogers,Marshall, or Findley to come on. Last thing I want is to vomit my dinner when they sub on. I won’t be able to find Ching on the pitch so that’s irrelevant.
patrick +1…. but THIS simple jack cant help but go full re-re…. his comments make my eyes rain.
So, is there anyone not in the 22 that we can infer is in trouble? The players not dressing are Howard, Altidore, Donovan, Dempsey, Bocanegra, Demerit, Bradley, and Feilhaber. Benny is the only one, short of injury, that could be considered in trouble. So, is he?
Lets see if he can deliver the ball in front of the net or into row 30 like he used to do
I forgot to mention Sacha. That’s good. Hope BB does too.
i imagine usain bolt would be a natural striker.. he is quick
Not dressing and my thoughts on them:
Howard – Lock
Feilhaber – I’m assuming lock, but his camp performance and form could be a factor
Donovan – Lock
Dempsey – Lock
Bradley – Lock
Bocanegra – Lock if injury is not serious
Demerit – Lock if his vision has improved
Altidore – Lock
Where’s Freddy????
On Jorge Ramos about an hour ago they claimed they had inside knowledge and the Paco and Gomez are both on the plane and that Johnson and Buddle were off, along with Goodson, which I find hard to believe. Now here they are starting so there must be some life in those dogs yet.
Same here, I wish the US would pick one jersey and only do minimal changes to it.
oh ye have little faith!!! If history shows, we do well every other world cup, when it’s not on European soil, AND when the World Cup song is good (K’Naan Wavin Flag)….and when we have the man called Clint Dempsey, the human wall known as Tim Howard, etc. etc. etc.
You forgot Findley – locked out.
When else would he be able to see how the fringe players play against some top competition?
My predicition:
USA 2
Czech Republic 1
Goals:
Buddle 1st Half
Gomez 2nd Half
I still think Ching needs to get 45. Coming off an injury he needs to prove he can play. What good is his experience if he’s not match fit or able to take the physical strain? If he’s going to break down it’s better now then later where they have to rush to get a special exception.
ORALE WAR!!!!!!!!!!! Gomez could be that Mexican-America superstar that starts talking young Mexican-Americans fans away from El Tri.. The vato is legit as he has an up from the boot straps story and is humble..and HOPEFULLY does well!!!!!!!
Why does Ching likely not need a look? Why is he a lock? He hasn’t played a full match since like April 1st and he isn’t a very good international anyway. Any chance Johnson, Buddle or Gomez take his roster spot from him??? There has to be some hope that we carry a forward that is actually an offensive threat.
Who?
Would betting on Bornstein to concede a penalty today whould be considered fixed or undebatable?
I thought the same thing, but he must be having a good camp. The only player I read about having problems with fitness at camp is Buddle. I think it was really smart of Gomez to come to LA and practice with Chivas USA prior to camp.
deleted “whould”. What is that? Bet on me to go back to first grade to learn how to write.
He looked pretty good against Salt Lake as a sub right before camp. Plus you don’t know how he’s been during camp.
I’ll be stoked if we don’t give up a PK or a Red card.
GL findley
I wonder if Bradley sees Gomez as his “super sub” at the WC and that’s why he’ll be bringing him in as a sub tonight?
Klinsmannn making an appearance, future coach of the USA. Kidding…right?
Make it a drinking game. “Always a good choice”
If we didn’t have ching who would we have to dive in the box trying to get weak PK’s? seriously, No one has skills like that on this team. We need him.
my b..b..brain is b..b..broken!
I really see this could become a holden vs beasley for a starting wing spot. Whichever one makes it, donovan plays the other wing with Dempsey and altidore up front. This is unless one of the forwards has been tearing up camp. Thoughts?
I dont think torres’ spot was ever in doubt, and the whispers about buddle’s fitness makes this entirely possible. I’m not buying the goodson thing though
that’s a lot of brothas in the starting lineup… we takin over soccer too!
haha
I hope no one needs to drive tonight. They might be 2X the legal limit. Wouldn’t ives would need to agree? The fact that the Czechs have no Baros or Rosicky may make things easier, and worse for JB when he gets burned by scrubs
Honestly, I can’t believe no one has proposed this starting line up yet.
Howard
Spector Gooch DeMerit Boca
Clark Bradley Edu
Donovan Dempsey
Altidore
I agree JpJ, I believe that changing the jersey design is very bad for branding. I also think that the curreent US soccer federation logo is horrible. They just need to remove the ball from it too make it look less childish.
nvm that
That is just horrible.
care to give a reason?
Excited to see from the starters:
Edu with Torres
Edson Buddle
Beasley
Gooch
It’s attractive, no doubt, but we have never, and will never under bob bradley, play a 4-3-2-1. Plus, altidore doesn’t play well up top by himself.
I do think that gets most of our best 11 on the field, but I would replace Clark with Stu (he has proved he can play center mid and his vision and distribution are better). I also don’t think having the best 11 necessarily equates to having the best team on the field (in my best Bob Bradley impression)
Is it legal to use both Howard and Guzan in goal? That would sure up our defense in a hurry.
I’d like to see Torres and Gomez. I’ve only seen highlights of these guys on youtube.
Yeah, what Kyle said. Plus I think Clark and Edu are used in similar roles.
Man, Stevie C looks extra small next to Cech.
I understand that. It’s essentially a 4-5-1/4-3-3 combo. I just think it gives us the best chance to disrupt the English possession while still counter attacking.
So I’m going to get off this site in a few because I plan on watching the full game when I get home, in about an hour. Does anyone know if the ESPN3 stream is up and running, they’ve had so many issues in the past.
I imagine Klinsman, with his hand over the mic, leaning over to Lalas and asking: “Who the f*** is Bill Russell?”
It’s working right now.
ROSTER ANNOUNCED TOMORROW! IT’S OFFICIAL
But that ball is sooo action-packed!
haha, so true
the home kits look sweet with the numbers on the front.
No JP Dellcamera…not sad about that.
Good pressure so far.
LMAO! Here’s a quick and dirty version of the logo without the ball.. I dont have the font they use for the logo, so I had to improvise a little.
link to img203.imageshack.us
Thanks Jennifer, you just made my day. Getting off this site now, I don’t want to ruin the game for myself.
Buddles nerves should be settles after those first few touches. Very nice work in tight space.
play going well until JB blasts it to Cech.
Wow, Czech players are incredibly soft. 4 players on the ground so far?
Man, EJ’s first touches are mildly impressive while Buddle looking very spotty. Edu would have a yellow by now in SA. Better shore up that aggressiveness
I held my breath when Gooch went up for that header in traffic
Love the line up. Time for those fringe guys to prove they belong. MB not dressing should quiet some of BB’s critics.
It honestly looked like Gooch did too. He and Stu both look tentative to my overly critical eye right now.
I’m loving the Gooch love
cherundolo is class.
I know this is random, but does anyone know when/where the team leaves for SA. I know in 2006 they organized a bit of a sendoff celebration at the airport. Is it happening again?
haha gave me a smile
leave from DC
Or they’re Alexi Lalas.
Findley is on the bench
He’s looking very good on the ball. If all are healthy BB will have some tough choices to make on the back 4. Goodson has looked solid as well.
Damn, Buddle just missed Stu on that one.
beasley looks good.
so does holden.
Torres looking good. Onyewu has been fine so far, but he looks pretty slow.
Beasley is not going to be denied. He’s finding the game and is playing at a different speed than anyone else.
I’ve been trying to figure out whether that is a change in status quo from 7 months ago. He always appeared very lumbering. Onyewu that is.
When has Onyewu ever looked fast?
Troll
Early, but Onyewu looks more than fine to me
yeah, the stanky leg Davies tribute. nice!
Stanky Leg! Love it!
Edu is soooo good on the 2nd ball inside the box. He has a nose for the ball.
It ain’t what Edu, but how Edu it! Nice and scrappy
Stanky leg tribute to Chuck Deezy
Maurice Edu is a GAM.
GOALLL
Oh and yes, Holden will start in SA
Nice cross Holden!!
What a ball from Stu…that service is why he must be on the field, combined with his hustle and great first touch. Good for Edu, well deserved after his long international hiatus.
edu’s going
Did edu even touch that?? it almost looked like an own goal??
Edu is so F-ing good it’s a different class with him playing, Bornstein has alread miss judged 4 balls, he is terrible.
If someone had told you Edu would be the opening goal in this game, how many of you would’ve bought it?
Great job to capitalize on the mistake.
26 min
oh man, I found an amazing pic of Onyewu…
link to i113.photobucket.com
This is ridiculous.
Czech players are diving EVERYWHERE!
funny how with all the inexperience for the Czech team, it’s Cech to make the error that gives up the goal.
Maurice Edu should start over Clark. Edu is REALLY good when healthy.
Edu > Clark
that beach ball in the stands is making me nervous. It might confuse JB.
hahaha…I bet you’ve just been waiting to post the Bornstien comment. Way to seize the opportuniity!
Steve really Cherundolo’d that little “scoop pass”
Don’t agree. If Donovan is on the field he takes that free kick.
Still having issues scoring/creating chances in the run of play.
Opportunistic goal
Holden looking really good
Who’s hurt? Who’s on the sideline?
wow, we are still with 10 men
Hope Buddle gets back in. He deserves to finish this opportunity on the field if he can
his play or his highlights?
Holden good on set pieces. England couldn’t defend them. It’s Gomez magic!
That was baaaaaaaaaaaaaaad!
unmarked Czech player misses the goal from next to the penalty spot. against a good team, that’s an easy goal
How fast is Bornstein honestly, because every other aspect of his game is lacking. He offers zero going forward and his positioning is consistently suspect.
He should…looks like he was cut and got blood on his jersey and had to switch shirts.
Deuce rocking a semi-hawk there?
Bornstein is playing his way off the plane, and I am happy.
HIs passing blows. At least Pearce can provide a good service into the area when he gets up
Jonathan Bornstein has completed more passes to the Czechs than the U.S. Maurice Edu is dominating midfield though.
I still think “Cherundolo” would make a great verb….
“He Cherundoloed his way down the flank and played a beautiful cross to the middle” or “As the speedy winger tried to skate by, the defense Cherundoloed right into him for a foul”.
Whaddaya think?
Bornstein is so trash. Does Boca need to be eating like Fat Bast- with an ab injury and a hernia?
Bornstein? What the eff? Lol
Does Czech know this is a friendly? Some cheap tackles.
WHAT THE HELL IS BORNSTEIN DOING
I’ll agree. Bye Bye JB
God that was terrible by Bornstein.
Can Bradley sub Bornstein now? He doesn’t even look fast.
Eddie J. seems to be confuse of where he is. Buddle looks much more confident and in the zone. Would like to see Buddle and Gomez on the 2nd half.
What is with the USA and bald keepers? Guzan, Howard, Friedel, Hahnemen, Keller?
not a fan of the highlights- looks like a college freshman rebelling aginast his parents
so…..his play
ok ok…everyone hates Bornstein. Let’s give it a rest already
Radiation poisoning from where we breed them.
I’m glad we didn’t make a JB mistake drinking game.
Bornstein is not giving me any kind of confidence. I’m about ready to hand the starting LB spot to Boca.
Loving the sense of urgency we’re kicking this warm-up campaign off with. A much better precedent being set than in 2006. Our depth is playing great, and Johnny Bornstein shouldn’t see the field in SA if he makes it on the plane. Pathetic.
Finally, a card.
There are some very brash challenges coming at the US players.
Oh I just figured after a goalie with the ultimate hair (Meola) we had to make up some.
Again, a cheap shot from behind on Beasley.
Bornstein repeatedly leaving acres of space on his side. What’s up with that???
Buddle, Beasley, Torres, Holden and Edu all look good so far…
Bornstein doesn’t look good at all…
EJ needs more time on the ball, but hasn’t looked bad
I’m for it.
Still 60 minutes left, at least 10 with Borneo. Won’t ever stop, especially he likely makes the 23
Our d needs to get back quicker on the free kick.
On an unrelated note, I have warmed to these jerseys now that I see them on. I think they look great
JB with another errant pass. I think I’ll start numbering them now. That’s about 4.
Can you imagine how good we would look with Edu and Jones holding down the mid with Donavan Beasley Holden Dempsey and Jozy running off them. It’s a shame that Jones couldn’t recover. you wouldn’t need the coaches son playing because you have two defensive mids with vision holding down the middle of the field keeping shape and preventing counters. If Bornstien goes to SA bradley should be fired on the spot he can’t defend bigger faster players and in SA they will all be bigger and faster then him.
Dolo just used his left foot….can he be a LB option??
typical EJ offside play. he has never learned how to time his runs
te vola! the Cechs are hacking it up. to je blasny!
Gooch just used his left foot too
Buddle looks sooo much better than Johnson. Buddle does what EJ has never done. Hustle. Attack. Have a good first touch forward.
Who is this US team?
What did they do with the regular US team that mopes around?
LOL! I’m equally impressed. Maybe we are deepre than we think.
He’s used it a couple of times. Then we can have both Dolo and Spector on the field.
I think Onyewu looks rusty and a step off
Not an impressive showing so far
omg this is getting out of control
we are getting mauled by some very malicious tackles
Are we playing Mexico? I’ve never seen so many hacks in my life.
I hope you’re not suggesting you wouldn’t want Bradley on the field, he’s easily one of our best players.
Agree
See what Gomez looks like in 2nd half
Churundalo is a cousin of my friends and with a small bias i think he is playing well. That’s a great battle for RB and thats great that we have such depth in the back I think they both go and both see action. Spector that is. What makes me so mad about Bornstien is he will take someones place who would help us so much more, we know Edu can play in the back if needed so we have options there.
We’re getting Cherundoloed all over the place by a bunch of hack-and-slash defenders.
lotta chippy fouls of late
or we’re just playing a team that didn’t make the WC????
I’d like to see Spector in at CB in the 2nd half with the lack of depth there right now.
Have your friend pass on that we’re on a campaign to turn “Cherundolo” into a verb.
That’s not good considering how good England looked on free kicks yesterday.
ugh
Onyewu is not ready
well crap.
Onyewu’s knee is not healed yet. He has no explosiveness. Just look at it; it is twice the size of his right.
I’m not a big fan of Bradley in SA one mistake sends you home and EDu and Jones are both better and can add offense while staying in position. I know he adds certain things but Jones and Edu are way more class then Bradley. Because of lack of options he will play and will do an ok job.
Gooch can do better, but Timmy gets a hand on that one. Hahnemann might as well.
Gooch was being pushed down but he can’t let that happen
Gooch just got pwn’d on that one. he needs a breather…
Beasley just ran twice as fast as Bornstein.
A generous estimation at this point
sounds like we have a pitch invasion. first half thoughts….
good: Edu, Torres, Goodson, Holden, Beasley, Cherundolo
poor: Onyewu, Bornstein, Johnson
noticed that….not a good showing from JB
Goodson looked pretty good
Bornstein is a liability.
Definitely doesn’t have his 2002 speed back, but he’s running much better than he has the past few years.
Ives you are 100% Beas has easily been the best player hand down
time for the magician. oh yeah. I’m up for making Cherundolo a verb. If you can say “ho got Mossed”, you can say “you’ve been Cherundoloed”.
jesus christ, which one of these clowns is supposed to be the narrator? there just blabbing the whole time about nothing… i have hardly caught any of the player’s names…
To be fair this is exactly what gooch needs as everyone knows the pace of a game is 100% different then training. I think your right he looks rusty but for a guy who just offered to play for free if he’s not there I bet he says he can’t go. I want to Gomez have a go I think Buddle is out playing EJ by miles and I think they are competeing for the same spot. Torres looked good which is bad for sacha. Beasley is playing himself right into the starting 11.
Gutted about Onyewu, he’s obviously not fit.
Seems clear that Onyewu is not ready for the World Cup, at least not as a starter.
does Bornstein know he is NOT suppose to let the opposition run past him????.. and is he really going to SA????!! HAHAHAHA… we are in deep doo doo
Klinsmann is a good studio analyst. Still not a fan of Lalas
More positives than negatives, but if Gooch continues to look like this I don’t think he can be an auto-start. He needs time, not sure 2 more matches will be enough.
For the most part guys are having some solid play on the ball and look composed. Part will be chalked up to the competition, but I think an increased sense of focus and intensity is clearly visible out there.
Gooch, Bornstein, and EJ look poor. Don’t understand why Dolo is sending so many long balls down the right side line. There’s nothing there mate, square one or two balls.
Good game.
The staff should know whether Gooch has any spring in his legs during training, doesn’t look good barely an inch off the ground.
Def say that…… gotta love when beas ran back and covered for bornstein defensively…..
I can see a really big club buying Maurice Edu. He has all the tools.
Yes, Yes, and Yes
Agree 100%….. Love Holden but Beas is def a better option to start he is so experienced and is clearly showing that he is head and shoulders the best player on the field
I don’t mean to harp on it, but this official needs to get his freaking act together.
The Czech players are absolutely out of control with malicious tackles, cheap shots, and dives on the other side of the ball.
Ives, “Onyewu misread the free kick and jumped too late.”
That’s not a jump anywhere in the world.
i hope by goodson you met onyeywu
WTF- ESPN sukcing up to Bono. Embaarrasing
someone get rid of bornstein and BONO. can’t stand them both
Word Up, Edu can start for any Europa league bound EPL Team he kind of plays like Fellani of Everton
I love how gooch looks good for 44 mins and gets beat on one head ball and all of a sudden he’s not ready. We still have 2 more weeks of training and two more friendlies, not time to start panicking yet.
Not a very good first half, only chances are coming from set pieces. I’d like to see Edu and Torres with the ball at their feet more, less balls up the line from our outside backs. EJ’s first touch is still terrible.
This choir sounds sweet!
Altidore has got it covered
I agree.
That reminded me- terrible call on Goodson for the free kick that led to the goal
It happens to be an all Mexican officiating crew so noone should expect any protection from the referees. Seems like a poor decision from USSF to choose this crew
I don’t think it was so much that he was beat, but that he was beat because he couldn’t jump.
Buddle to SA2010
By really big club do you mean the Rangers he plays for. They are a huge club. I think I understand what you mean by big club if you mean a club you heard of. He will eventually set the record for an american transfer. He is young and very good. not to mention he has a natural ability to make players around him better something that has been missing since McPride and claudio
Can ESPN use the SAP feature to turn off the moronic duo and just let me listen to game noise?
Yes they can. Will they? NO
Bornstein is suffering back there, and if he gets beat, he just brings him down. please take him out.
I like Beaslys hustle, torres and Edus playing well, Stuart needs more touches but his passes and services are spot on. Great midfield, not so great backline.
BRING IN HERCULEZ !! well see what he can do in the place of eddie johnson.
USA !!!USA !!! USA !!!
He got beat all over the field all half, going the wrong way too often. Looked really a step off everyone else. I had posted something about 4 minutes before his 1/2 inch vertical leap on the goal
I know five year old overweight paraplegics who could jumped higher
But on the reals he misread the timing
8 out of 11 guys who are primarily defensive players? No thanks.
jon,
“I love how gooch looks good for 44 mins…”
Some might say that but, I don’t think he looked good for 44 minutes, not even 24. He looks uncomfortable, not recovering well, and if he can’t jump, he can’t play.
The starters need to play with this intensity. Also, this team is playing with calmness and making simple passes.
I don’t know man…he looked ok wasn’t challenged much. He was understandably timid on balls in the air the whole half. Let’s hope he’s just kicking of the rust. Just glad that Goodson is playing well as added depth behind Gooch, Boca and DeM.
I can’t believe that Rogers is getting into the game. He sucks.
THANK YOU! Pearce is on the field warming up. Hope JB was the sub
Beasley on the plane. Might even start in SA. Gooch is scaring me. We have to be prepared for life without Gooch next month.
Eddie Johnson looks typical. Let’s see Pearce in for Bornstein. I understand Pearce may not be good enough, but let’s see it.
He couldn’t jump because he was going backwards and got held down. His fault on that goal was his positioning, not his jumping ability.
I’m starting to think Pearce may actually be included in the roster, given Bornstein’s performance so far. Let’s see if he can make a difference once he’s on the pitch (if he comes in).
I disagree that Goodson has looked bad. He saved Bornstein’s bacon a couple of times.
I don’t think Buddle has looked good.
Beasley, Torres, and Edu all look great, and Cherundolo and Holden look pretty good too.
Not sure why Ives thinks Goodson has played bad. I think he’s been good in the air.
I know I’m going to get killed for this, but I really wish the Beasley at left back experiment would have been entertained a little longer. His injuries and goof at confed cup certainly didn’t help.
Here is what I think should happen for subs.
Bornstein off – Pearce on
EJ off – Gomez on
Torres off – Bedoya on
I mean like top 6 EPL club.
Based off of the first half…… Dolo needs to be a sub in the WC all those long balls to noone are only ok late in the game with the lead…. Specs needs to start on the RIGHT
Boca outwide with Beas in front of him and Donovan on the RIGHT sounds beautiful
Holden’s first 3 or 4 touches and passes were not good…. He had some great defensive plays, and finally got some really nice passes in(one perfect give and go lay off)
One thing he does better than anyone is service on dead balls. That service into the box for the goal was so dangerous.
that’s a pretty good commercial. ha
Okay, that commercial was funny.
Torres can serve a quality ball in too
Come on Debs, half the guys on the field won’t be going to SA. A great showing all things considered with who’s out there.
I could see Rogers making the team as the 23d guy on the bench – he’ll get nowhere near the field, but will have been through it all once for next time around. It’s not like we’ve got a ton of left wingers in the pipeline behind Beasley, and we need to start building for 2014, too. The last guy in the squad never sees the pitch anyway, just ask Chris Albright.
LD’s Sportscenter commercial is absolutely hilarious. I think the copier could step in as a ref if needed in S. Africa…
om sweet jesus he left eddie johnson in
c’mon Hercules, let’s see something!
Kljestan? Rogers? Wow.
How did Bedoya not get in?
No. Ching and Gomez are in
Wow just saw a replay of the goal what in the world was stuart holden doing during the celebration
Totally trumps Jozy’s commercial. Absolutely hilarious.
Good news that Beasly is out of the game. IMO he has earned lock status after tonight’s performance.
Herc and Pearce on. Very upset Bedoya lost out to trash scrubs so far in rogers and sacha. Herc can score, but not with Rogers or Sacha providing, or up on his own with Ching wandering around like he’s Neverland
See ya in 2014 Ale Bedoya. It’ll take an injury for him to get in at this point with Beas’s form. Can’t imagine he’ll have enough time to move a mountain. Great future prospect though.
if you watch Gooch run, he is clearly limping
And Pearce has already had a better game than JB. LOL
John Harkes thinks beasley did “OK” HE IS AN IDIOT
Come on Pearce! I know I’ve gave you a lot of crap in the past. But you need to win this from Bornstein
Has anyone actually figured out which foot Rogers favors: I’ve seen him described as left, right, and two-footed…
By the sounds of it had done that in training. Just showing all of us now.
Bradley never ceases to amaze me.
wow you really have goodson not looking good? I disagree. Yeah he gave up a bad foul but otherwise I’ve been pleased.
Well you’ll have to forgive him for not noticing, he’s too busy running racking his brain for amazing feats he pulled in his day
Two guys I’m rooting for right now: Gomez and Pearce
Agreed, he’s been there to clean up many a miss (and cleared a few Gooch couldn’t get up to)
the “cherundolo as a verb” thing has been around for a while… link to soccerbyives.net
I think we are looking directly at the competitions, Torres v Sasha The four Forwards for 1 or 2 spots right now Buddle over ching for sure, and pearce v bornstein for a back up right back spot. Is Clark available I want Bradley to see how much better Edu is then all our other options.
How is that not a foul?
Ching and Rogers have the positional sense of 2 EJ’s…separately.
Uh foul on Holden?
he’s right-footed, but better on his left than most, so he can play the left side. he’s actually pretty skilled with both feet and could play in the center, except he’d get completely mugged to death since he’s not a particularly big guy.
Ives:
Agree about Beasley
Disagree about Goodson and Onyewu
Agree about forwards
Anybody think Bradley may be tempted to bring back 25/26 for the Turkey game? He’s going to have some tough cuts
herc is getting after it. nice to see that.
Ching looking pretty good. Kljestan not so much
Already announced that he’s naming the 23 tomorrow. Might be tough to go back on that now.
Onyewu has been beaten back repeatedly on the counter. He is sauntering–I can’t tell if he is out of condition or his knee is slowing him down.
I haven’t even SEEN Klejstan yet.
man this czech left flank is giving us fits.
Just saying that there are going to be some tough calls. Being BB I know he doesn’t like changes to plans
Some guy in the stands just yelled “hey ching what are you doing”? chuckle. Seriously though-ROGERS?
When was the last shot we took?
Ching’s first touches have been incredible. Great passes, and really good runs too. Impressive
wow – I don’t care if it was offside. that was a great shot.
I like the Gomez story and hope he makes the 23
wait, kljestan is playing?
it was scored on a header
The defense is scrambling because they’re forgetting a basic tenet of playing the outside fullback positions: if your man passes off on a give-and-go, STAY WITH YOUR MAN; if you chase the ball, you won’t get the ball, or your man.
WOW. Rodgers has to release that.
WTF Gomez. He ran down the field in an offside postion half the time…..
yeah chingy has looked pretty good.
And….Heath Pearce just pissed his chance away
what the hell is wrong with our left backs
Terrible marking by Pearce
OK LB is officially a problem.
Alright, that’s it. Boca is our left back. Onyewu and DeMerit are starting in the middle.
Pearce beaten badly on the cross for the Czech goal. Harkes mentions that Anderlecht is Gooch’s former club — idiot
Welcome back, Jonny B. Bye Bye Heath.
thanks bradley
here we go, losing another match because bradley is a retard
too nonchalant by both cherundolo and pierce
wow the defense fell right asleep. i love gooch, but he’s been really sixes and sevens tonight.
Gomez is trying his hardest out there.
Who else wants the talking heads to shut up? I’m so tired of hearing his justifications and past relevancy with the 1950 World Cup. I DON’T CARE. COMMENTATE ON THE GAME.
sloppy defending. it just pisses me off. it’s not hard guys – stay goalside and don’t stop running.
Rodgers needed to get rid of it quicker.
Gomez didn’t get himself into position. Rogers had to hold onto it
I think for players that should want to go to the world cup I haven’t seen much from some of the bubble players.
Hopefully it gets better!
not that he was culpable on that goal. those were two separate comments.
Pearce got burned yes, but JB would’ve brought him down and gotten sent off, so it’s the lesser of two evils.
???
the purpose of the match is to see which 4-6 guys he cuts. How is this result Bradley’s fault?
Yeah, because Bob Bradley is at fault for not marking.
This ref is calling some ticky-tack fouls on our boys tonight
Uh… this is a joke, right?
Just pinging the ball around as usual, no concept other than to seize a fortuitous accident.
To be fair, this is the B team we’ve sent out, so you’re more likely to be seeing a bunch of guys who aren’t going to SA. Even Gooch’s performance can be excused a bit since he hasn’t played a match in 7 months. But left back is becoming a major problem. Again.
Great buildup
WHY? He said it clearly… this is a game to see individuals. period.
God…I want Gomez to get one so bad
Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerc!
Rogers is playng a great game so far. Much better than Beasley. Goodbye Pearce, Sasha, Beasley, & Johnson!
And that’s why we need Ching…
Gomez has to put that one to one side or the other.
anywhere else and that’s a goal for Herc. Rogers is too slow on the ball. Glad to see Bedoya coming.
Hard strike by Gomez, but did ya really have to shot it right at the cech?
much better there
This, unfortunately
nice passing in final 1/3
rodgers touches not as good as most others out there
Beasley has been MOTM
Alright Ching you’ve put in a good 25 so far…I’ll stop the hate. Damn good opportunity for Herc there
And just as I talk smack, HIGHLY UNUSUAL creative ball movement in the front third.
Besides picking his 23, Bradley has problems at FB and Gooch looks injured. Nice link-up Ching and Gomez, they look better than EJ/Buddle.
Ching is good and needed on the 23…eat it haters
yes!!!
WOW. Nice feed by Ching!
May the Ching-haters be Cherundoloed from the board!
Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerculeeeeeeeeeeeeeez!!!!
El MAGO!!!!!!
AHHH GOMEZ!!! YAHHH! BUDDY!!!
YES GOMEZ!!!!!!!!!
Damn go Herc! He’s been buzzing around the past few mintues
Boy can Holden put in a cross or what?
HERCULEZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Welcome to SA Herc and Clarence.
Lets Efffing goooo GOMEZ
what’d I say? THE MAGICIAN.
Like Harkes said, praise foes to goodsen
Can we take Gomez and Buddle and Ching please?
some people just can get the ball in the net…
and goodson continues to impress
Goodson is a BEAST on dead balls.
No this isn’t a joke.
I’m not talking about Pearce screwing up, I am talking about our midfield being non existent.
If he cannot tell by now that Klejstan and Rogers are not national quality players, then he never will.
The point of this match is to be able to tell how certain players are playing. But they need the rest of a cohesive squad, and that is simply destroyed by Bradley’s insistence on poor players.
Get that man a plane ticket!
HERCULEZ!!!
(and I dont seem to hear any hate on ching after his play this half.
Another set piece goal. I think Goodson has looked very good today.
AHHHHHHHHHHH !!!!!!!!!!!111
Not Dolos fault he took away the shot and stayed in front of his man that is a classic back post goal that we are known for giving up. Pearce and JB should be left off for younger better players. We have guys we can move back. Take the best players not a guy who typically plays in a position because of lack of options. Spector could fill in at left and do better then both those guys. Spector, Boca, Gooch, Demerit, Dolo, Goodson. Not sure you need anyone else with Edu able to fill in at the back.
GOMEZ!
Boca – Goodson – Demerit/Gooch – Dolo
Then you have to say bye to Feilhaber or Torres
HERCULEZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ching is lock to make it, he is playing great. I love Gomez’s style!! Much better than Buddle. His shot was great, so close to be a goal and if was placed better easily in the net!!
As I wrtie this!! Gomez goal!! amazing header to stay alive by Goodson!!
Mr. Ching, Goodson, and Gomez…please report to the 23-man roster…
Gomez is great, I hope he goes to the WC go Gomez go USA
Edu at centerback?
I agree!
Edu at CenterBack….. Bradley may actually know something afterall
Much better than Beasley? Guess you didn’t watch the first half.
Get a head start and go home Marshall. You’ve just been poned for your spot by a mid.
El Mago just made Edson Disappear from the roster
This is going to be a hard one. Who do you cut? Gomez? Buddle? Ching?
I wish there was a way we didn’t have to take Pearce or Bornstein. Both of them are the weakest links
Yes SIR Bradley wants to see if he needs to bring 8 defenders or 7
Did you hear him say that Gooch’s former club was Anderlect. At least he got the right country.
I wonder if Edu at CB is the coaching staff showing their lack of confidence in Gooch and Marshall.
BTW: The crowd sounds great. Maybe now US Soccer will put a qualifier at the Rent!
Edu at CB, lets get a look.
This ain’t going to be a popular opinion…but in that case, I haven’t really seen much from Torres. I’m not sure he’s ready for the system yet-he’s not really a good part of the US system as it presently exists.
Edu at centerback is strong evidence that Bradley is thinking of taking 7 defenders.
Now can this team score a goal during the run of play?
Im not to sure about that……. I think the battle is btwn Buddle and Ching….
That goal looked just like England’s goal yesterday.
Uh oh…Gooch
Rogers is so fast, but so slow on the ball
I like Stu in the middle, he’s great at those little flicks. Not the best shot there, like to see a back post. But he’s a little pest in the middle there.
Clarence can handle Crouch if Gooch can’t start. I think we’ve all learned that Boca is a better option at LB after this game.
Holden, despite that shot, is very very good.
Dude you truly are the king of Trolls
Boca – Goodson – Demerrit/Gooch – Dolo
Deuce – Edu – MB – LD
—Jozy — Ching—–
Like someone said earlier, Rogers needs to let the ball go sooner.
Edu is looking good. Leave Pearce at home.
Edu has great characteristics for a CB he is Strong and Big nd has great distribution
Looking good now, I think we’ll get a third.
Who was that hottie next to LD. His new WAG maybe?
I have to say I think Gomez has a huge advantage playing with Ching. Ching is a great target forward who can pass. EJ provided close to nothing next to Buddle tonight.
I also like someone other than Donovan taking free kicks and corners…Holden’s been ok at that.
I’m with you
1. Edu at center back- of course you try him there; that has been one of his selling oints, right?
2. Gooch is off because that is the first 65 he has layed in 9 months, but it is concerning.
3. Marshall and Rodgers were always long shots
4. Altidore and Ching in. Take 2 more? Or 1 more? In any case I think EJ played his way off the team.
5. When is Sacha going to get in (I know he’s on)?
Gomez with the nice little oxbow in the wrong direction
Why is that? Gooch has just shown he is not healthy enough to battle in the air and play physical enough in the box. If Gooch isn’t physical, he’s not a good back.
This would be yery dangerous, but you COULD take Boca, Dolo, and Spector as fullbacks, and just hope you don’t get more than one injury there…
Klejstan is USELESS.
With Boca able to go LB (as well as Specs), I’d say it’s more an indictment on the left side, as well as a compliment to the forwards/midfielders showing well.
Ives, that’s Bedoya on for Onyewu…
Just a side note and nothing important…I like the Healy/Harkes combo
Ching is slow
Gotta make some type of move there Herc. Step over or something
Who are these guys?
Ching: Could you show for the ball on the counter?
Gomez smells that goal. Damn. And Holden should take every corner.
is he playing? LOL!
+1
Ives, for once I disagree with you about Goodson. He is a beast in the air. I wouldn’t be disappointed if he and Demerit started vs England.
Goodon is heading everything tonight.
He lost one ball in the air when he was stumbling going backwards. There was a much more physical challenge in the air before that where he crumpled his man.
Major defensive problems
Shut your mouth Simple Jack
Clarence with a whiff on that one. oops!
Well, we are certainly not covering ourselves with glory in our own box.
Pearce is done. Choke job. Get him out of there.
Fail by Pearce on the slide tackle. Very dumb.
Well Pearce isnt going.
He played there for the Olympic team
Man….Pearce couldn’t have had a worse showing.
Klejstan just STANDING BEHIND FENIN.
My lord, Pierce. Horrible
Pearce: see ya. Goodson’s gotta be better than that. Still seeing good things though on the other side.
If Kljestan makes it, I just don’t get it.
Klejstan just standing behind Fenin
please please dont allow heath pearce near the plane.
OK, Goodson and Edu is NOT a CB pairing I want to see again. Luckily, we won’t see it this summer, barring disaster.
This is a warmup to gauge the fringe players. You and your pessimism and your repetition of the word mark can f off
More poor play at FB.
ShutupHarkeshutupHarkesshupupHarkesshutupHarkes…
That was the fault of neither of them.
man, with the other position players trying to play themelves on to the roster, our defenders seem to be playing themselves off the roster…
Didn’t someone say Pearce couldn’t do anything bad that would make Bornstein look bad.
He totally missed th eone on the ground though. Our defense is our biggest liability.
Ives, we must not be watching the same game. Klesitan looking good? I don’t think so.
I remember who we are now. We are Heath pearce.
Bornstein look good*
I wanna say peace to Bedoya, Marshall, Pearce, Bornstein, Rogers, Kljestan, Johnson ….dont think that will happen though
Bedoya has shown some flashes since coming on, and Kljestan has looked good so far. Could he be a surprise pick for the 23?
=====
Kljestan has been terrible.
So who are the seven going to be?
As of now, I’d say Kljestan, Marshall, Bedoya, Pearce, E. Johnson, Rogers, and one of Gomez or Buddle.
I think Pearce and JB have played Boca into the LB position.
Ives, seems like Gomez is still in to me…
I miss Marvel Wynne. Calling all FB’s, space available.
I didn’t say it was. But both of them could have snuffed that out quite easily. It was the fault of the entire back line, plus the midfielders standing around and watching.
the 7th (possibly the 6th too)is going to difficult
I think Edu will provide good depth too at CB…
Marvell Wynne is garbage too
Whoa, let’s not get too crazy now…
Good: Beasley, Torres, Holden, Edu, Gomez
Bad: Bornstein, Johnson, Onyewu, Pearce, Kljestan
This, 100%.
I’ve seen some good things here.
Altidore Gomez
Donovan Bradley Dempsey Holden
Boca Edu Goodson Dolo
Howard
Killer Twitter combo there: Holden to Sacha to Rodgers to Edu. So sweet.
Holden looks rusty, Gooch looks injured, big difference.
Ives seems to think the last in will be Bedoya/Klestian. I disagree. I think we might see both Buddle and Gomez make it.
I’m sorry, but Holden is not that good on set pieces. He’s 50/50 to me.
Bedoya trying to win his spot late- good touches and energy
Holden is tired. Kljestan is stupid.
I hope so too
No, they both look a bit rusty
This official has been pro-Czech all night.
Better touches 1st half for Holden- looks tired now…unfortunate that he broke his leg against Neth
Bob: Can we play our games from here on out to win?
Thanks,
US Supporter who doesn’t care about moral victories
that’s some tired defending.
Sasha…that turnover…
Guzan hasn’t looked so good either.
well, maybe Edu isn’t the answer at cb after a terrible giveaway by Sascha
Ehhh…gross
Sacha knows he’s not going and looks like he has thrown up in his mouth. That was bad from him
Remember when people used to say Guzan should start over Howard?
How many times is sacha going to give the ball away midfield? Its so frustrating watching him.
That’s the attitude that has put us in this position – just win. This game served it’s purpose.
Edu is probably behind Boca, DeMerit, Gooch, Goodson, and Spector on the CB depth chart right now
that’s some tired defending. I think Hahnemann would have done better on the first goal than Guzan, and definataly shouldn’t/wouldn’t have been beaten at the near post like that. Nor would Timmy.
No, not really…
Edu is fine, he was fouled too, but this official had no intentions of calling anything but a knife attack on the Czech.
huh?
That’s probably true
I heard a bit a chatter about it after the Brazil game in the group stages of the Confederations Cup
Ok…next stop 1pm tomorrow
Sasha, Pearce, Marshall, Findley, Johnson, and Rogers have to be locks at this point to be CUT. One spot up for grabs between Bedoya and Buddle, I think.
Did anyone just hear Bradley say with a straight face the goodson impressed him?
Typical Bradley interview…all that I learned was that Goodson played well. I wish he’d be more forthcoming, but I’ve long ago stopped hoping for that. I guess I’ll find out tomorrow.
To be fair, Guzan didn’t get a whole lot of help from his defense, but I’d like to think Hahnemann or Howard would have stopped a couple of those
It’s really scary how much of a drop-off in quality there is between the first team (core) players and the others. Sheesh.
Forgot about Findley replace him with Bedoya
He impressed me as well.
But 50/50 is pretty good for us…
Who said that? Guzan doesn’t play. There are only a few commentators here at SBI who scream for players who do not play. There aren’t that many thanks.
-1
Yes- Donovan, Dempsey, Clark, Howard, Boca, Demerit, Bradley, Altidore looked awful
This game was to see who to cut. Our starters did not lay.
Check back after Saturday
You know, I’ve tried really hard to give him a chance, but he’s just… bad
Ironically, it is our defense that looks more worrisome.
Offensively, I liked Holden, Gomez, and Buddle made some good runs in the 1st half. Rogers also had a decent run or two, but I still think it is a bit early for me. If he continues, like he does, he may be on the WC 2014 team.
I am guessing Johnson is off the team. Not sure about Klejstan vs. Bedoya or Beasley. I also think that Clarence Goodson may have played himself on the team.
Goodson was fine. He’s obviously not a lockdown defender, but he does a decent job, and what he offers on set pieces can’t be ignored.
“Ching wandering around like he’s Neverland”
are you kidding me? Ching “wandered” his way into some of the best passes and first touches of the second half. Gomez got his other good chance for a goal from Ching’s beautiful back heel… did you watch?
For all the Ching haters out there, I think you have no clue. His work rate only rivals that of Donovan.
I think Gomez should be a lock. He seems to fit better than EJ or Buddle. Although I liked what Buddle brought.
You can easily see why Torres should be a lock.
BB’s pets Klestjan and Bornstein should get the boot!!
The midfield looks really sloppy this 2nd half with Rodgers, Bedoya and Klestjan (he is horrible). Holden has been constantly good.
Pearce has not show well in the 2nd half, IMO.
Backline remains a disaster-in-waiting. Cherundulo and Goodson looked good for the most part. Pearce looked lost. Gooch looked slow and rusty. I’d say Bradley is nuts to take him (much less start him), but it’s obvious he’s going to do both. Hopefully the team won’t pay too badly for that decision.
dont be surprised to see hejduk called back and bornstien and pierce go home.
correction Ives…the Goal was because oguess who??? yes ppl… Sascha Kljestian who lost the ball. Big Surpirse!
Beasley showed that he was the best player on the field.
I expected a game such as this, but not that the USA FB’s would play so poorly. To me Gooch looks apprehensive, like someone playing with an injury.
The comments from some that Gooch and Kljestan were playing well were greatly exaggerated.
I just remember various commenters on here and the ESPN boards saying that Howard should be benched because they were tired of seeing him yelling at his teammates and that he’s out of position too much.
My 23 for USA in South Africa.
GK: Howard, Guzan, Hahnemann.
Def: Boca, Dolo, Demerit, Spector, Gooch, Bornstein, Goodson
Mid: Donovan, Dempsey, Holden, Bradley, Edu, Beasley, Clark, Bedoya, Torres
For: Jozy, Ching, Buddle, Gomez
they leave on Sunday.
I thought Goodson played very well. He and DeMerit should start at CB, pushing Boca out to the left. And either Dolo or Spector at RB.
yes- I agreed with him. Goodson outplayed other CBs
Before we start driking cyanide about defense, there was 1 or 2 starters in there (Cherundolo and some faith in Gooch). Wait until Saturday before you start leaping off of buildings
“For all the Ching haters out there, I think you have no clue. His work rate only rivals that of Donovan.”
His work rate doesn’t even come close to how good his first touches were tonight. Plus he had some amazing passes.
Johnson Sucks!
Altidore Sucks!
Ching actually played very well to my surprise.
Buddle played good.
Herculez played with a lot of heart.
Strange that Rico never got in the game tonight. Was he already a lock for S.Africa???
my starting 11
Altidore Gomez
Donovan Dempsey Bradley Holden
Boca Edu/Demerit Goodson Dolo
Feilhaber will make it. Probably remove Bedoya.
Other than that. It’s solid
If Sasha & Boreinstein, rogers go to SA and they start, automatic Loss. If the US does not bring their A game Saturday Turkey will dominate time of possession and shots on goal.
SO off the bus… Heath Pearce, Kljstean, Bedoya,findley,marshall,johnson,buddle.
the goals where mistakes, simple mistakes that can’t happen at this level, Brian Ching just showed why he’s on the plane, I think rogers stole bedoya’s spot. Heath pearce lost his absolutely horrible. Kljestian is on his way to the danish league he looks horrible on this level, I think between Johnson,Buddle and Gomez, its a toss up between Buddle and Gomez, eddie johnnson looked bad.
This game shows there are three guys who we can not afford to get hurt or get cards, Landon, Clint and Michael Bradley.
Maybe you just got confused by all the brothas that were playing today, but Jozy wasn’t out there.
For what its worth, Sacha was playing out of position most of his time. He is not a defensive midfielder like Edu or Bradley. Nevertheless he lost his spot if he ever had earned one. Bedoya is a prospect for 2014, He showed energy but he was not one of the better wing players. With Gooch’s obvious injury and lack of height on his jumps, I would play Goodson against England if Crouch Plays. Also, Feilhaber hasnt been sharp since the last qualifiers. He must have had an amazing camp to have gotten what looked to be a bye.
and Bornstein
i’m glad i wasn’t the only one thinking this. i find myself focusing more on when the commentators will be replaced than what the team is doing on the field
I agree completely. I am not sure why Feilhaber and Findley didn’t get run, but I don’t think they will make it.
starting eleven vs. England:
……..Ching….Dempsey……..
Beasley…Bradley..Edu…Donovan
Boca…Demerit..Goodson…Spector
………….Howard………….
bench: Guzan, Torres, Feilhaber, Gomez, Dolo, Bornstein, Buddle
Nah, this team is nice, European quality.
It’s between Bornstein and Pearce
It’s between Buddle and Ching
Beasley makes it
Goodson makes it
Gomez makes it
Rogers, Marshall, Kljestan, Johnson, Findley doesn’t make the team
My guess is Bradley takes Bornstein and Ching
Where’s Jozy?
Dude are you crazy Altidore isn’t even on your bench???
So who take’s Gooch’s place? He is clearly not fit, and I don’t mean that his lungs are burning (although the man looked whipped 25 minutes in). Does anyone think he’s eighteen days away from taking on Rooney, Defoe, and Crouch?
Bedoya sorry buddy you don’t make it
You are out of your mind if you don’t think Altidore should start let alone make the bench.
This sucks we lost 4-2 -_-
One thing I do have to say is that we played against a pretty decent team, and we only played (at most) four of our starters. Out of that, I’d say three played well (Holden, Cherundolo, and to some extent, Edu). The only shaky one would be Onyewu, and let me say that he was ok. His passing was pretty crisp, and in one-on-ones he wasn’t bad. He looked slow and unable to jump, however. I’m not sure how much of that is knee and how much is rust. Bobbo didn’t seem too worried. However, you don’t put an ice pack on something that’s not hurting…
Edgar Castillo is really worse than Bornstein or Pearce?
I strongly disagree. Torres is always very composed on the ball and is one of the best passers we have. He also can provide excellent crosses on free kicks and corners, if Coach Bradley would ever use him in that capacity. He serves a better ball than Landon or Holden. Seriously
oops, forgot about Jozy. ok, replace Buddle with Jozy. I don’t start the big fella
Thank God. I think most of the bubble players had thier chance except maybe Findley and Marshall). Now proven that Boo-Boo Bornstein, Klejstan and Pearce can pack their bags and can thank Bob Bradley they were even given a look see. They have no business in this game and in the US World Cup Team.
My Team:
Goalkeepers : Howard,Guzan,Hahnemann
Defenders: Goodson, Onyewu, Cherundolo, Spector, DeMerit Bocanegro Marshall
Midfielder: Edu, Torres. Donovan, Dempsey, Holden Clark Bradley Fielhaber Beasley
Forwards: Altidore, Buddle Ching Gomez
Ching impressed me in his passing, ball handling and creativeness. Buddle work rate, he works both ends of the field. Gomez, Hey he scored half the team’s goals.Altidore. Because everybody thinks he is “real’ good. We`ll see.
Bedoya looked good,but Beasley would get the nod ahead of him due to experience. Beasley was good too, by the way.Edu, played out of position but should be included because he can play midfield or centerback. Goodson had a so-so game, but got the goal. Marshall because he’s the only defender left chosen by Bradley that doesn’t suck
Why is Bradley even playing guys like Klejstan and Rogers when it’s pretty clear they don’t have a realistic shot of making the team? Those guys played themselves out of contention for spots during the Gold Cup and World Cup qualifying. The main problem is that with so many questions still surrounding the back line, it’s hard to see how they’re going to be ready to take on England in less than three weeks.
Stuart Holden looked like the best player tonight, despite tiring at the end. He helped set up the two U.S. goals and played well both on defense and going forward in midfield. If Dempsey winds up playing up top, he looks like a lock to start on the right wing.
dude i heard that. what a moron. haha
The defense for the US was horrible! Who told the majority of them to just stand there and let the ball roll past them? Given the fact that the team has been given one of the better groups, they should at the very least make it out of the group stage, but the team is going to get their butts handed to them if the problems with defense are not solved quickly.
The midfield can’t keep running back to do the job that defense is supposed to be doing. Beasley looked amazing and was (in my opinion) the best player of the evening. Holden looked very good considering that this was only his second game in almost three months, but needs the next two matches to get some kinks worked out; however, he was by far the best player on set pieces tonight compared to some of the others that stepped up to the plate and also, along with Beasley, wasn’t afraid to give the czech republic players grief, which is a trait I wish that some of the other players possessed because too much space was being given to the czechs.
Hopefully by saturday the defense will look a little better because tonight it looked non-existent.
I was referring to the offside one… at the time I was a few seconds behind on my DVR and didn’t realize it… d’oh!
Did you watch Gomez scored from a header. Need to watch the game and not read the game reports my friend. Ching was awful.
We got a result last night, a loss.
I was right last night bitches. I nailed the goal differential. We will not make it out of group play. Bonus Turkey 2 USA 2. Bookmark it!