The U.S. men's national team takes on Turkey today (2pm, ESPN2) in its final match before departing for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The United States should feature most of its starters today against a strong Turkish squad that is arguably one of the best teams not going to the World Cup.
I will be providing commentary throughout the match so please feel free to follow along here. As always, you are always welcome to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.
Enjoy the action (Commentary is after the jump):
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FINAL- That's all for me now. Please be sure to read SBI's post-match coverage and feel free to share your thoughts on today's match in the comments section below.
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FINAL- Who stood out today? Jose Torres, Carlos Bocanegra, Steve Cherundolo, Robbie Findley, Jay DeMerit and Landon Donovan carried the day. Jonathan Spector and Jonathan Bornstein struggled badly, while Benny Feilhaber failed to impress.
Oguchi Onyewu looked better today than he did on Tuesday, though he had less to do.
At this point it would be hard to argue with Jose Torres as the new favorite to start in central midfield next to Michael Bradley, as well as Cherundolo being the favorite at right back.
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FINAL- USA 2, Turkey 1 (Hey, who picked that score?). A shaky first half, but a strong and promising second half that helped answer some questions about position battles. The Americans answered a lot of questions, though some players came away from today's match losing ground in their individual battles for starting roles.
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90th Minute- Time is just about up here. USA 2, Turkey 1.
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90th Minute- Arda Turan is subbed out. Class player with a great future. He'll be a star with a big European club soon enough.
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89th Minute- Torres free kick OFF THE POST. Torres' free kicks have been great in practice so no surprise there.
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87th Minute- Holden springs Bradley with a great pass and Bradley's lay-off pass finds Dempsey, who hits a shot just inches wide. That was close to 3-1.
USA free kick on the right flank drawn by Cherundolo.
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85th Minute- Tonight's attendance is 55,407, largest crowd for a soccer match in Philadelphia.
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83rd Minute- Suspect foul call gives Turkey a dangerous free kick on the left flank.
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83rd Minute- Bear Choker was scared into nearly falling on his butt.
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80th Minute- Stuart Holden comes in for Altidore. That's it for subs.
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79th Minute- Sercan Yildirim just schooled Bornstein, but nobody gets into the dangerous cross.
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78th Minute- Nihat Kahvechi comes into the match.
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76th Minute- GOAL USA!! And it's Dempsey with the clever finish off a great pass from Donovan. USA 2, Turkey 1.
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75th Minute- Bornstein coming in for Bocanegra, who had a very good match today at left back. He showed today that he's easily the best choice for that spot.
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73rd Minute- Semih Senturk comes in for Altintop. Not exactly a big dropoff there for Turkey.
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70th Minute- Cherundolo has been solid since coming in. It's fair to say he's got the edge for the right back job now over Spector.
Torres just might have Bob Bradley thinking about starting him over Ricardo Clark or Maurice Edu.
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66th Minute- Offside call saves the USA on that sequence.
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61st Minute- Donovan came out inspired this half, and Findley has looked good today.
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60th Minute- Corner cleared away.
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60th Minute- USA corner, drawn by Findley.
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58th Minute- GOAL USA!!! And it's Jozy Altidore, finishing off a great pass from Donovan, who rounded the Turkish keeper with a nice touch and then squared it to altidore. Findley with the nice pass to spring Donovan. USA 1, Turkey 1.
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56th Minute- Torres always seems to put himself in a good position to hold up opposing attacks. Good stuff today.
And Topal gets a yellow for a foul on Dempsey.
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54th Minute- Findley tries a long-range left-footed shot but it goes high. Nice combination between Altidore and Findley.
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53rd Minute- Turkey sub- Mehmet Topal for Selcuk Inan.
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52nd Minute- USA with another corner.
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51st Minute- Torres off to a good start, already like him better than Clark today.
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49th Minute- Findley with a good run into the area, but his cross is grabbed by Volkan.
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47th Minute- Nice sequence leads to a Bradley shot, blocked by Bear Choker.
Best Donovan pass all day. He's had an off day today.
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46th Minute- We're back.
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HALFTIME- Those were the subs for the USA.
No Turkey subs (yes, you can laugh).
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HALFTIME- Onyewu, Torres, Cherundolo and Findley are warming up on the field right now so those could be the four halftime subs. Torres is a good call because he should be able to help with possession.
Who comes out? Spector, Feilhaber Goodson and Clark make sense.
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HALFTIME- Who will come in at halftime? Onyewu, Beasley, Edu and Cherundolo would be good subs, not just to stop the bleeding, but to see those players.
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HALFTIME- Turkey 1, USA 0. We knew Turkey was a strong team that would push the USA, but the Americans have looked slow and sloppy, with Jonathan Spector struggling mightily. That shouldn't come as a complete shock because Arda Turan is Turkey's best player and Spector wasn't in the best of form late in the EPL season.
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45th Minute- Halftime can't come soon enough for the USA. Not much positive about this half.
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43rd Minute- Altidore with a Great move to spring past Bear Choker, but Dempsey couldn't get onto the cross.
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42nd Minute- Clark fouls Altintop, earning a yellow.
Someone asked me who has been the best U.S. player today. Couldn't think of one. Bocanegra hasn't been too bad, but that's it really.
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41st Minute- Turkey keeps pressuring and have a corner.
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40th Minute- Spector gets beaten yet again.
"Steve Cherundolo, please pick up the white courtesy phone."
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37th Minute- Spector gets caught forwards again, but the team covers for him much better this time. DeMerit holds up well, though he was lucky it was Richards on him and not Tuncay.
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35th Minute- Nice dummy by Clark, but Dempsey's touch fails him.
Not liking Feilhaber or Clark today. Will we see Edu/Torres today?
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33rd Minute- Bear Choker (Cetin) is a beast, tough defender for Turkey.
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32nd Minute- Feilhaber forces a corner with a good cross.
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29th Minute- Spector got caught forward there, but the USA needs to be able to cover for a run forward from a fullback. It did take a great pass from Turkey to spring Turan though, so they deserve credit for creating and finishing that one.
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26th Minute- GOAL TURKEY!! And it's Arda Turan with the finish on a counterattack. Spector surged forward on a run, but turned it over and Turkey pounced. Turkey 1, USA 0.
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25th Minute- It's a Saturday, and Memorial Day weekend, so let's hear some drinking game ideas for this match.
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24th Minute- USA corner is cleared away. Some decent looks for USA. They still need to show they can keep the ball.
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23rd Minute- Dangerous free kick for the USA.
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22nd Minute- Richards is down for Turkey, but he's limping off now. Should be back in.
USA needs to be sharper with its passes and more creative with the ball. Resorting to the longball won't help much today.
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19th Minute- Turkey has slowed down a bit but continue to control most of the possession. The Americans must be sharper with their passing or the defense will remain under pressure all day.
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15th Minute- Turan with a dangerous chance after beating Spector. Turkey's passing is very crisp today. Luckily for the USA, their finishing hasn't been as good.
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13th Minute- Dempsey forces a shot well wide.
Turkey has been very good on the ball early on, leaving the Americans to chase quite a bit. USA needs to do more with its possession and not give it away cheaply.
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10th Minute- Altintop pushes a shot wide as Turkey puts together another quality passing sequence.
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8th Minute- Turks are knocking it around now as the Americans look to stay organized defensively after being way too loose early.
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5th Minute- Tuncay JUST wide, a great sequence with Turan laying off a great ball, but Tuncay sends it just wide. Turkey's attack looks dangerous.
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2nd Minute- Howard tips away a dangerous cross. Some shaky early moments for the USA.
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1st Minute- And we're off.
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PRE-GAME- Lots of media here think Turkey is going to torch the USA today. I don't see that. I think the Americans win, 2-1. Donovan and Altidore score and Tim Howard has a big match.
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PRE-GAME- So who will we be watching for today? The Altidore-Dempsey tandem, Bocanegra at left back and Jonathan Spector at right back. It will be interesting to see how the Americans deal with Turan.
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PRE-GAME- We're close to getting underway here. The crowd isn't full yet, but the fans are definitely here, making their way in late. We should have close to 55,000 here today.
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PRE-GAME- How strong is this Turkey squad? Consider that Nihat Kahvechi, Semih Senturk, Halil Altintop and Nuri Sahin are all on the bench today. Not bad at all.
Also, Guus Hiddink is on the sidelines for Turkey today. When he was originally hired it was believed he wouldn't be manager for this match, but he is here. Hiddink exchanged pleasantries with DaMarcus Beasley, who managed him at PSV Eindhoven.
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PRE-GAME- Arda Turan is the player to watch for Turkey. Whether on the left wing, or centrally, he will be the key to Turkey's attack. Altintop is also a dangerous player who should push Bocanegra.
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PRE-GAME- I have adjusted the Turkish lineup, which will be in a standard 4-4-2.
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PRE-GAME- One of the central defenders for Turkey today is Servet Cetin, who is nicknamed "Ayigoban", which means "Man who can choke a bear". Okay then.
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PRE-GAME- Every World Cup player is dressed today so all 12 reserves are available today.
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PRE-GAME- Dempsey should play in a withdrawn forward role today, the role he's likely to inhabit come June 12 vs. England. The Feilhaber start is certainly an interesting one, but if you consider that Beasley and Holden both played on Tuesday it makes sense to get Feilhaber a look today.
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PRE-GAME- Landon Donovan will be playing on the right flank today, with Feilhaber on the left. That's what we've been told.
As for Onyewu, he just played his first 65 minutes in seven months on Tuesday so he's being rested, but is expected to play in the second half.
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PRE-GAME- Here is Turkey's lineup:
—————–Sanli Tuncay—–Colin Kazim-Richards——–
Arda Turan————–Emre Belozoglu—————–Altintop
—————————–Selcuk Inan—————————-
Caglar Birinci—Servet Cetin—-Gokhan Zan—Sabri Sarioglu
—————————Volkan Demirel———————
I will adjust the Turkey positions shortly, but these are the starters. The attack is especially dangerous.
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PRE-GAME- In a bit of a surprise, Oguchi Onyewu is on the bench today, with Goodson getting the nod. Feilhaber is going to play on the right flank today (as it turns out, Feilhaber will be on the left and Donovan on the right).
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PRE-GAME- Here is the USA lineup today:
—————–Altidore————-Dempsey————–
Feilhaber———————————————Donovan
——————Bradley———–Clark———————-
Bocanegra——DeMerit———Goodson————-Spector
—————————Howard——————————–
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Interesting…Where exactly are Donovan and Benny playing?
So Bradley-Clark eh? Will we even see Torres-Edu in the 2nd?
Feilhaber over Beasley? Interesting.
Any chance Gooch is a second half replacement? I’d sure like to see him get more game time before SA.
I like the lineup
If Feilhaber does start on the right, look for him to play a bit centrally, with Spector advancing outside him to provide width.
Howard in goal? I heard he’s pretty good.
I feel Bradley is still evaluating combinations like Benny on the wing, Deuce up top with Jozy, and Goodson in case Gooch left the coaches with questions.
I LOVE this…except for Benny (should be Holden). I even think a Goodson/DeMerit pairing might be better against Rooney/Crouch. Goodson can get UP.
Also, Dempsey on top! That’s what SHE said.
Another wasted opportunity to get your starting 11 for the England game all on the field at once so they can get used to playing together. This lineup suggested Bradley still hasnt figured out what he’s gonna do.
Hmmm…
Of course, people will still claim Bradley is predictable
It’s about time Deuce gets to go up top! Let’s go USA!
If there’s a fitness issue with Holden or Gooch, that’s excusable. 1 hand: less minutes = less chance for injury, other hand: guys who are coming back to full fitness should get practice going the full 90. Looks like Bob is going with the former, more conservative, option. (barring any knock in training keeping Holden or Gooch out of the starting 11)
I’m ok with Goodson. I think he really is solid. Let’s see who wins the RB battle today…I think that Spector has to get the nod against England based on his 1st hand experience alone.
Looks like many of the guys who played against C.R. are being rested, hence no Holden or Edu.
Is turkey seriously playing a 3-5-2? I thought Sariogulu was a wingback?
I love how people say it’s a wasted opportunity to get our starting 11 out there. How do people know this isn’t our starting 11?
Does the formatting on these lineups always look messed up for everyone else, or just for me?
because Holden is better than Feilhaber and Gooch is better than Goodson and Edu is better than Clark. Bob’s just afraid to play those guys 2 games in a week. Maybe a brilliant move, maybe not.
gooch clearly not fully match fit. perhaps holden as well? there is flexibility with this as landon can swap with dempsey. also we could go 5 in the middle with landon and dempsey on the flanks and benny as attacking mid. we shall see.
Please help! How do I stream this game online? I live outside the US.
How do you know what their form has been all week? Goodson, Benny and Clark might be all in better form that Edu, Gooch and Holden.
New Zealand beats Serbia 1-0. Saudia Arabia and a loaded Spain are tied at 2. Now, Let’s go yanks.
agree. i though by now we would finally see a true starting eleven. why still mess around w/ who’s playing where. bob should give the starting eleven a couple of games to mesh real well.i’m very surprised he’s still not putting the actual team that’s going to start against england.
link to espn.go.com
veetle.com/frameworked/view/index.html#4c0001d4cd67c
This XI has the ability to make this a pretty interesting match to watch.
I support BB and unlike other times in the last 3 years, I’m not afraid to say it.
I’m confused… On one hand it’s nice to just settle into the line up and have it play the entire way to England, get the rusty guys into game shape…
On the other hand, you don’t want to show them too much ahead of time, ease the players coming off injries and develop the bench…
I guess that Bradley feels confident that the starters vs England have played together long enough and don’t need time to get on the same page…
Can we someone shut Alxi up? The moment he says something I agree with, I immeidately doubt myself and change my mind.
Holy $hit! Gomez looks just like Obama.
Am I late to the party on that??
I’m really surprised to see Benny on the left. Gooch on the bench! Should I be worried?
that said, Onyewu really could have used 90 minutes, given that he hasn’t played in 7 months… if he isn’t 100%, or won’t be by England, why bring him?
link to en.wikipedia.org
He looks like he can choke a bear.
Bob changing up the tactics … ESPN just said its a 4-4-1-1. Not a very drastic switch from the 4-4-2, don’t know much about tactics either, but i guess it gives dempsey more room to move.
general thoughts about the lineup:
Fielhaber played out of position has been a problem n the past. Bradley played him wide right in Copa America and it didnt’ work. He lacks the pace to stretch defenses so that’s a position i would not play him. But we’ll see.
And not much pace up top. I think if this is how they set up tactically against england i see some issues.
clark, and bradley in the same central midfield means theyll be sitting deep and gerrard and lampard will likely dominate the midfield. we’ll struggle agaisnt that england midfield to link our central mifield with our strikers. that puts the big onus on the wide players donovan and whomever’s wide to supply the strikers.
looks to me as though they are setting up to go at england and try and escape with a nil nil or maybe nick a goal.
link to en.wikipedia.org
these players are known commodities, if Gooch is at 100%, he’s better than Goodson at 100%- few will argue this.
Whether Edu>Clark, or Holden>Benny is up for more of a debate, but I happen to thnk so
looks like Borat’s cousin
additionally i’d question putting Fielhaber left against the pace and skill of Glenn Johnson and say, walcott, lennon, or SRW. I Like fielhaber as a central attacking mid. I’d even start in my squad. I just think against England in that role is a tough ask. Kinda like putting michael bradley as a winger doesn’t play to his strenghts. Plus putting donovan on the right means he’s cutting in on his off foot and won’t likely be a big goal threat. Same issue at everton. I like him better on the left cutting into his right foot his better foot. So i’ll be interested to see how this works. Even so against England is a different problem cause of their pace wide.
I know that this really has nothing to do with the commentary(so for that I apologize) but the comment about Turkey being the best team left out of the world cup got me thinking.
Who are the best teams that missed out on the World Cup?
1) Russia
2) Croatia
3) Turkey (I may be underrating them)
4) Egypt
5) Ireland
Those are my teams, and obviously opinions will differ, but I’m interested in y’alls thoughts.
yea, i agree with you, but your missing the point. no one knows the form of these players. form is everything, why do you think gomez and buddle made the team? to say this game is a complete waste before the match even started is ridiculous.
I would call it a 4-2-2-1-1
Ukraine…finished ahead of Coratia, lost to the f-ing Greeks in the playoff…
My pregame conclusions: Lalas sounds and looks like a drunken idiot ESPN pulled out of a bar and put a fancy suit on.
This seems to be a trend, since I am 100% sure that is what they did with Wynalda.
Goodson, Feilhaber, Clark and Spector to a degree are on trial by fire today.
With his speed I see Beasely starting v England and you know Bob wants to start Gooch so their replacements have to shine to wrestle it.
I think Obama is slightly darker, though.
You have Ireland way too low. At the very least, they should be above Egypt, which missed out by losing to Algeria in qualifying. And Ireland owned Algeria yesterday, 3-0.
it’s actually a 1-2-2-2-2-1-1
Formidable lineup for Turkey. Great test for Team USA.
Scarves up, America!
New Zealand beats Serbia 1-0, possible Round of 16 opponent for the US.
i don’t know how he looks or sounds but i agree with the substance of what Lalas is saying.
we better sort out getting out of the first round first. after that i figure if you ever want to be the best it shouldn’t matter who they put in front of you.
Ives, Care to redact that Serbia sleeper pick after a 1-0 loss to New Zealand?
when the hell is ESPN gonna learn the crowd singing doesn’t line up with the national anthem? and that it sounds bad? and that you can fix that?
last match I had no expectations but this match i expect a win. Onyewu better be playing in the 2nd half. I was fine with his play vs Cechs but if he isn’t fit and healthy, ala ching, he shouldn’t have gotten a plane ticket.
I (sort of) have Ukraine and Russia as my 2nd teams of support behind the US. But I’d have to say that based on their game against Greece, Ukraine barely belongs on that list. Greece played so poorly, that losing to them should be an embarassment.
I’d put Czech Republic on the list.
Really, that’s your complaint?
Pretty sure Beas never managed PSV.
Altidore should not start another game for the US until he learns how to put his hand to his heart for the National Anthem. It’s not hard. And there are plenty of other players who are willing to do it.
If Bradley is playing Feilhaber on the wing to start, I’d like to see Holden come to partner Michael Bradley as center mid in the second half. He showed in the Czech match he has the ability to play well there and provide an attacking option that would complement Bradley’s more defensive role.
Ideally, I’d like to see Holden, Beasley, Donovan and Dempsey on the field at the same time in any formation–I think they’re the four most talented and savvy U.S. field players and would be dangerous playing in combination.
I’m going to assume you mean Serbia, not New Zealand.
Agree to a certain extent. It definitely suggests that Gooch isn’t ready to go 90 for all 3 group matches.
Czech Republic, Scotland, Sweden.
OOPS both goalkeepers are wearing the same uniforms. haha!
I know it’s minor…. I’m a music major, not being to serious here. GO USA! Im so glad to see the support, wish i could be there
I have no clue who any of the Turkish players are.
Where is everyone watching?!
Lexington, KY here
I love the all-white kit. Wearing my new Home USA shirt right now. Let’s go Yanks!
Omg, Michael Bradley’s bald head is SO BRIGHT.
not cool benny
What the heck is Feilhaber doing?
FAILhaber one of at least three players who should not be on the final roster.
Defense does NOT look good.
his best Bornstein impression
No way that Turk should’ve missed that.
One gift to the U.S.
+1
after a tidy passing start, back to long ball…yawn
Something seems off with the entire right flank. That’s twice that it seemed like someone thought Spector was somewhere completely different from where he was.
our backline needs to get their sh*t straight.
that burger he had on Tuesday is messin with him today
don’t know how i feel about feilhaber on the left either.
Turkish players really going for it. Great test for Team USA.
Nice pressure by LD. Hopefully a sign of good things to come.
Really only from head on.
Turks are double-teaming Landon, expect the same from England
GOT to close down the man with the ball
That shot was an insult to Tim Howard.
U.S. defense is way too easy to break down. One good pass from the middle and Turks had a dangerous attack out of nowhere – thankfully, Altintop missed the shot badly.
5 US players waiting for Altintop to close in on goal. Guess it worked out he went for placement and not power. Yikes.
It is men v. boys early on…turks should be up…Tuncai missed a sitter…the turks are the best team not to make the world cup (alongside Russia, Egypt, and Croatia)
Benny looking much much better after that early near disaster
that was nice and tidy there.
Horrible defending by Spector there.
we should do a drinking fame: a shot for every time harkesy says “fantastic”.
ON replay, the miss wasn’t that bad at all.
This is awful from the US. I am feeling less confident about our chances by the minute.
This is sad. Unless the U.S. turns things around soon, they are going to be thrashed.
Feilhaber looks great out there. His composure on the ball would definately be better used in the center though.
Oh man, Spector, Clark (ESPECIALLY), Feilhaber are looking LOST out there DEFENSIVELY.
Jesus.
This is bringing back terrible memories of leaving fingernail marks in my couch last summer during the Spain and Brazil games.
USA defense looks shaky, again. Can someone please explain to me why we continue to implement this “zone” marking system? I much prefer man marking. Ridiculous to see opposing players running free in the box. Stay with your freaking man!
Never been a question about that, problem is playing him out wide to me is useless and a detriment to the team.
who’s saying that turkey is going to torch the US?
Turkey and the Czech Republic must be thinking how unfair it is that they are not in the World Cup instead of us.
It’s almost like we don’t have a set team that has played together for a while and had a chance to gel. Hmmm.
Is Clark actually in the game? He’s been completely invisible
We have zero chances of advancing through group. We are slumping against European teams. Do you guys still have your Bob blinders on?
Edu would have to start over him vs England no??
our passing is so off today~!
Feilhaber looks absolutely lost. He’s supposed to be on the left, correct? Then he needs to get out of Rico and Jr’s way. Bring on Beas NOW.
Offense, however, looks somewhat dangerous.
On defense, it looks like Bocanegra is the only one who’s feeling comfortable, with poor communication between the other three. And Spector is pushing up really hard, which would be fine if DeMerit and Goodson were more solid…
Dempsey is playing like Findley. Don’t dent it.
Take it from someone who knows. You are walking on thin ice.
who do you suggest Bob play instead of the players on the field- our players suck, not the coach
Or Benny in the center with Holden or Beas on the wings. Probably not enough bite in his game for Bob to do, but his possession is great and having to avoid playing D should count for something.
Feilhaber is a squad player he has really taken a step back.Wow. Bradley’s passes are just a bit off.
Harkes is an idiot. It was Landon who was fouled, not Dempsey
+1 Lalas is a tool.
Do your research. One of them just played in the Champions League Final for Gods sake.
Yeah, it’s the players fault that he has never stopped tinkering with the team and selected the best lineup.
good corner by Donovan, if he can serve it like he did at Everton, we could score a couple goals off set-pieces
I disagree, I think one of Bob’s problems is he out coaches himself.
nice stretch of possession now
Clark needs to pull out his specialty reckless challenge and take a turkish player out of the game.
the bear choker just pushed Jozy around like a rag doll
England 7 U.S.A. 0.
This match could use a Holden in it.
spector?! really?!
Dang it
US defense = crap
This is pretty sad so far.
No one covered for Spector … our defense is non-existent today.
certainly would be nice if someone covers for Spector when he goes forward
what frustrates me is we get beat on the simple stuff!
Wow. We are so screwed. World’s WORST defense. We are getting TORN APART out there.
Awful defensive cover.
What poor communication on the play?!!! If Spector is moving up, someone has to recognize that and cover against a counterattack.
Absolutely Bogus How does no one rotate over or even rotate back, they look so tired and heavy legged, makes no sense.
Ricardo Clark INVITING people to pick a pass, NEVER pressuring the ball, NEVER cutting off passing lanes. Fail.
you’re absolutely right. someone should have covered.
True, but Spector should’ve done something with the ball besides try to Messi it through 8 players.
Half an hour of pure garbage from the US and a deserved lead by the turks…I am sure the Turks would love to play v. “powerhouses” such as El Salvador and Canada in order to qualify for the World Cup…embarassing stuff…
Beatiful counterattack and goal by Arda Turan. Where were Demerit and Goodson? Queue up Charlie Brown… Good Grief!
Are our midfielders aware that they have to play defense as well?
Landon’s touch is off today
i think we should be going doen the right side more, too.
Edu > Clark
Torres > Feilhaber
Spector had numerous opps to pass on his run…which is what a RB should do if their name isn’t Maicon.
Looks like we start Dolo.
Drink if Rico Clark makes a tackle. Come up with something else if you don’t want to stay sober.
god this is uninspiring stuff
There is absolutely no chemistry between our players.
better…
This game reminds me of Latvia and Morocco in 2006–USA being exposed as a 45th ranked team dressed in top-15 clothing.
Many poor performances, Dempsey stands out. Spector should have had cover from right mid-field on his attack.
i agree with Dolo over Spector at this point. Right backs shouldn’t be runs like that into the box unless their last name starts with an “M” and ends with “aicon.”
But beyond that, there was no defensive cover!
It’s part of our Zone defense scheme. Credit to Brent McD for callin it.
I don’t fault specs on that goal. Someone has to cover for him.
More Keystone Kops defending by the USA. No sustained possession/control either. Unless these last two matches are simply Bradley’s shakedown cruise, we’re in trouble in SA.
Looks like Benny and LD switched sides.
What a load of crap! That team was a class above this team.
is it just me or so we look flat footed and a lot of players just standing and watching?
When was the last time USA had anything resembling an attack? Not just in this game, but overall?
This has nothing to do with qualifying, this team is playing its third straight game together our team is playing its first, its bad planning, and way too much experimenting, in my opinion by this first half, clark sholdn’t start and neither should benny.
Please get Clark off the field.
Please get 8 of those 11 off the field.
Clark and Bradley pushing for worst.
No, we need to tinker more.
Why is Dempsey so uninspired when he plays for the National Team?
one thing Turkey seems to be struggle with is back-passing — US is doing a better job at pressuring. Now they just need to turn those mistakes into a goal.
Bob Bradley will experiment his way out of the WC and out of a job.
Troll..what gives you the indication this is going to be a thrashing? Please get off this site. I’m pretty everybody is sick of you.
He’s got to go in the second half … right?
two thoughts:
1) Did Bradley spend too much time trying to figure out the last 5 of the 23 team instead of gelling the top 14-15 together? We will see in June
2) I think we need to go back to Bocanegra and Onyewu in the center and put Spector on the left and Cherundolo on the right
has the u.S. had a shot on goal yet?
I agree. Bradley should have known many months ago which players he intended to use in the World Cup (with the exception of some injuries). We shouldn’t still be asking if Beasley can play LB or if Feilhaber can play on the wing or if Dempsey is better on the wing or forward.
Jay DeMerit is working overtime.
What’s the over/under for Rooney to have a first-half hat trick? I’m going to make a TON of money…although, the odds will probably be 1:1 after this game.
Spector has ZERO confidence. He is absolutely fallen apart.
Our back-line is being beaten like a rented mule.
Better idea from Donovan. He’s been pretty passive with his distribution, opting for the wing instead of going for goal. At least his set piece delivery is still there.
Spector is having a nightmare game wow!! these guys should have played the last game they look horrible.
In-Spector Clouseau?
Yes, bring in Oguchi Onyewu so we can expose him now instead of in the World Cup.
Breaking news from England training camp in Austria. Several players have been rushed to hospital with aching sides from laughing at US defensive display..
what makes you think they wont get thrashed? im a usmnt fan but im also a realist.
Ricardo Clark misplayed his first touch, tried to commit a foul and failed, then just got carded. You can’t be serious.
Spector’s poor play from the Premiere League is carrying over to this game. Dolo will have start on the right at the World Cup.
I think Clark actually looks pretty good, except that yellow card…
clark with a yellow…big surprise
wow, what a play from Jozy!
Brilliant move by Jozy.
Yeah JOzy! More of that!
Altidore- YES.
Great stuff from Altidore, but he probably should have shot that. Wow.
Altidore with a bit magic.
Great move by Jozy, but Dempsey totally Cherundolo’ed it.
Altidore should have blasted that ball
that’s such confidence by Altidore
The really sad thing about this is that in addition to the other problems the U.S. will now be going into the World Cup with the realization that they have no chance.
Great play by Altidore ruined by his final led foot touch.
have we won one freakin header yet????/
If Altidore wants to be a world class finisher, he needs to shoot that god damn ball.
ohhhhh, ya gotta take that one yourself Jozy!
Clark and Spector have played themselves to the bench. They provide nothing at this point.
Somebody step to the ball please!!!!
Honest to God, why did we not schedule a cupcake like New Zealand or Wales so we could get some confidence?
Wow, Jozy should’ve been more patient. He already juked one guy out, no need to rush on that.
Edu > Clark. Getting killed in the center of the park.
Horrific display by Ricardo Clark today
i wanna see beasley and torres. NOW!!!
Oh come on, at least try to get a shot off before the half.
Without question. Clark doesn’t have the touch to be playing in such an important spot.
Clark and Spector need to ride the pink next 45.
when they show the stadium from the air, you can really see how narrow the field is
Replace Spector with Cherundolo
Replace Feilhaber with Holden
Replace Clark with Edu
You think this team could get a shot off against WALES? Get your rose-colored glasses off, plz.
pine lol
There was nothing wrong with what Jozy did. He did the right thing. If he made a decent pass it was an easy tap in. The fact that he hit the pass way too hard doesn’t mean he should have shot.
Just an observation that I have gotten from interviews and comments by various analysts: Bob Bradley has no clue what he wants to do with this team, and it reflects in the way this team has played lately. They look like they have no clue what the gameplan is, and everything is breaking down into an “every man for himself” situation.
Halftime.
Needed subs. Cherundolo for Spector, Edu for Clark, Holden for Benny. Donovan to the left.
Peace.
AMEN, I have said this since he was hired. It sucks because I know we have zero chance of advancing in the WC.
So we have no defense.
And no attack.
But we have a mediocre midfield! USA CHAMPIONS 2010.
Very well put. The team has no personality. No flair. No passion.
+4
and everyone calls me unfair to Bradley but this has been clear for a long time.
I think England may have the same problem though.
Yes, it’s amazing how all of these players just coming off of injuries with very little playing time are struggling. Who would have thought.
yes
That was one heck of a ball on Turkey’s goal.
bull.. clark provided some good passes, like in the 20th minute when he passed forward and stayed open to accept the ball back a couple times, and found Boco wide open on the left to switch the point of attack. He tracked back to break up the Turkey attack in the 16th minute where no one else was closing down on the Turkey players. Clark has been simple and composed on the ball and is the only one really pressuring turkeys players when they attack.
If you thought Spector was getting turned back on the right, wait to see him on the left. Anyone suggesting Spec on the left must have missed the 2nd half of West Ham’s season.
Where are all the flamers today?
injuries smartypants…thought you said you are someone who knows?
I can’t stand Alexi Lalas
No point in flaming what’s already going down in flames.
We definitely need a lot more cowbell.
And by that I mean Charlie Davies
neither seem to be playing today. I mean, they are on the field, but massively ineffective…
I’ve tried to talk myself into Spector being the answer at right and/or left back. But based off his performances in the EPL in the last 2 months and this display here, he clearly is not ready.
Spector and DeMerit have been terrible. Clint Dempsey was barely average. Donovan, spare some nice corners, has been a non-factor. Bocanegra, Altidore, and Howard are the only players who have impressed. The boys need to pick it up in this next half.
don’t agree… he has distributed the ball well. His “touch” has actually been good and has made simple passes and passes to area’s that switch the point of attack.
It shows on the field…..
HC
I kinda want to see Torres in there now, maybe Holden. Dolo should come in for Spector. Throw Beasley in there later.
Lineup second half, howard, spector, gooch, demerit, bocanegra. Midfield: Holden, edu, bradley, donovan. forwards dempsey, altidore.
We need minimal changes these guys need to get games together and gel. They need to stick it out and play,we are not good enough to just turn it on when the world cup starts.
Spector looks like a college kid out there. Always a step slow, a second late. No way he should start for this team in a real WC game. England will torch him.
also seems Gooch could use at least the next 45 IF he is fully healthy.
Subs:
At half
Edu for Clark (for going AWOL)
Holden for Feilhaber (for incompetence)
Dolo for Spector (for dereliction of duty for personal glory attempt)
Gooch for Goodson (for minutes only, good half by Goodson)
60′
Gomez for Dempsey (experimental)
Torres for Bradley (minutes)
yep, same old Bruce Arena two defensive-mids, “USA catenaccio” empty bucket formation. play for a scoreless draw and hope for a counter-attack goal. maybe that’s our best way to win with the player pool we currently possess?
Donovan or Clark should have covered for Spector.
Anyone else completely sick of stupid Julie Fowdy?
Landon needs to run at the defense when that’s avilable; Clint’s fuirst touch failed him 3 times around the box, not like him at all; Feilhaber is best off the bench, and i’ll just leave it there; Michael’s touch early was timid, but he recovered, yet still missed that header for a goal, great service from Landon; where is the cover after the overlaps???
I’d bet Real Salt Lake could have played a better half than the national team
Whats with Alexi Lalas hating on Altidore so much?
I think the first half vindicated my point. And why do I think Gomez and Buddle made the team? Because Bob is desperate. How many other teams have 3 of 4 strikers with as few caps as ours? Oh that’s right, none. From the first half it’s obvious these guys haven;t played as a unit, and I would bet through a combination of “strategic” tinkering and cards we keep switching around throughout the group stage and never get that chemistry that winning teams have.
4-4-2 anyone?
how come no one is talking about how poor Bradley has been are you kidding? If you compare clark and Bradley I would keep clark on the field 100% cuz Bradley has been absolutely horrid!
Line change!
Can someone talk about 6 of those starters into being “injured” so Bradley can get back some of the people he didn’t pick for the final 23?
Please?! Come on, Spector. Fake a dead leg for the betterment of the team.
Tuncay is the best player on the filed right now
how about every time Harkes says “side” instead of “team”
Especially since nearly everyone would have to admit they went from thinking this was our best team ever by far, and that Bob Bradley is so much better than Arena, to thinking just the opposite in just two games.
Damn Arena and his set teams leading up to the world cup, and not listening to everyone who wanted him to tinker. I’m glad Arena will have the last laugh.
Spector has played himself out of the starting lineup. Feilhaber had a few interesting touches but otherwise seems like part of a different team
read all posts befor esaying no one
The U.S. started to play better after 20 min. until the 29th min. U.S. has to play better, though. I just wish they had enough time for one or two more friendlies to get more cohesion. Let’s see what the U.S. can do in the second half with the changes BB makes. Findley coming in!!!!!!!!! What? Well, it’s a friendly. Let’s see what he’s got.
I wish ESPN3 showed the regular half time show. They always show this Project 2010 video.
Something has happened in the middle of the park and I don’t agree with everyone blaming Clark right now
Edu/Torres for Clark, Holden/Beasley for Feilhaber, Cherundolo for Spector, Gooch for DeMerit
Gross. U2 halftime video.
Turkey is the best 11 players on the field right now. Then comes the ref. Then comes Turkey’s bench. Then the fan banging on the drum. Then Howard.
he’s a d-bag, I can’t stand listening to him.
New Zealand beat group favored Serbia I believe.
and, you can’t rewind now. What’s that about?! Use to be able to come into a match late and rewind it to the start before you saw what the score was.
Did they just say there will be 4 changes at halftime and then only say Findley was coming in
The anchor on ESPN3 is wearing a Lady suit.
I do agree with lamas that this formation stinks and we should be in a 4-4-2. Specs has been bad with no confidence but he has had no help from his winger. Midfield has not held the ball or provided service. England in two. Weeks? Disaster looming.
Clark was such a nonfactor in the first half. Just jogging around watching the game happen around him. I just don’t understand the fascination. The US doesn’t have a CM that can control a match, set the pace, distribute, and tackle. Very tough to play with a big hole in the middle. I really think we need to play a 4-5-1 and get a little more help in the middle and play to counterattack. Not the prettiest, but its the World Cup. Just win, baby.
we will be lucky to get anywhere with these guys, they are uninspiring and weak hearted, they are scared to attack, when one player has the ball no one is making any dam runs going into spaces to get the ball. Clint Clumpsey looks sick out there i expect way more form him they way people worship this guy. Donovan and Altidore are the only positives in our attack. Clarke ???? Bring on Edu.
one of the few intelligent comments made on this site….move benny to the middle with bradley and get holden on the outside.
Bring on Hercules! If he can show anything at all in a game like this where even the leader of the team is flailing, give him a permanent starting job.
Interesting subs…
We look sluggish out there because the US training team has probably run their legs off for the past week. They have nothing left.
Not sure Bradley is responsible for how easily the Turks knock the US players off the ball, but perhaps he is.
WTF? Findley’s coming in and not Holden or Beasley? Is Bradley alreading raising the white flag?
Which is also why US Soccer can never move forward from the youth level. Hit the parks and see how US players are trained. A couple shooting drills, and laps around the field for fitness… you get fit by playing, not jogging.
use all your subs and bring in Findley?
You’ve got to be kidding me.
Notice how Turkey DEFENDED the shot by Bradley?
Try it, USA.
If Bradley had had the presence of mind he could have ran right by the defender after he totally committed himself and blasted the ball in the net.
spector my man… what happened?
the confusion at striker can really hurt us down the road. lets see what findley can do.
im LOVING the “USA aint nothing to F wit” chant. anytime anyone can reference the wu-tang clan i love it.
I would ask rico to keep to the def third to help spector and let bradley join the mids in att and def. Need to keep the midfield tight and wait for turkey to be caught up top in att. Come on guys! Concentrate!
I think based on form Jose “El Gringo” Torres starts ahead of Clark. His defensive abilities have improved significantly in the last year. His distribution is better than every midfielder we have including Mikey Bradley.
Great hustle from Cherundolo.
every time we take a throw-in, I want to scream
great work by findley
Findley is better than the defenders!
“Bear Choker.” LOL. Nickname of the century.
Altidore is playing lazy.
Findley looking good so far
Nice D from Findley.
Findley looking hungry.
We have had a huge break with this scoreline. If we could somehow get a goal soon maybe the team could regain some confidence.
Best defending of the day goes to our striker
Boca is a hungry little bugger today.
Cherundolo is coming to life. Best defender by far at this point.
If only he could shoot.
Torres shows exactly how you defend a break-out counterattack. Just hold up the play, jockey the man, don’t stab, and allow your teammates to run back into defense. Basic stuff folks
Findley that is.
Dare I say Findley looks good?
Extremely disappointed in both Donovan and Dempsey today.
I’m glad Donovan is stepping things up this time around.
Findley with MAGIC.
What a ball.
yessssss!!!!!!!
THAT was BEAUTIFUL!
Altidore!!!!
I knew that would motivate him!
For someone who folks righly wondered how he got on the WC 23 roster, he certainly raised the level of energy on the field and is working ok with Jozy in limited minutes so far
I hate to say it…but Findlay has been good since he’s come in…
Findley deserves the credit for that goal.
Findley, Donovan & Altidore. Great hook ups
DONOVAN IS A BEAST. DONOVAN IS A BEAST.
findley man.. he may surprise us all.
OFFENSE?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!
WTF?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!
This must be a dream sequence.
I think Spector with his loss of form will lose out to Cherondulo. Speed kills on the road in Soccer Speed wins.
I’ll eat my words about Findley. He looks great so far.
Findley doesn’t always finish but he always makes something happen around the goal.
What a goal
Findley? Impact player? WHAAAAA?
Ok, Bob just MIGHT know his player pool from a hole in the ground.
It’s absolutely amazing how much difference Findley, of all people, has made in this game! I think he even embarrassed Donovan into action. Hats off!
Nice pass by Findley, excellent turn by Landon, all results in the goal.
I was among those questioning Findley’s selection. But so far, he is proving me wrong — good touch on the ball even on several plays prior to this goal.
Man of the match? Robbie Findley.
Excellent by Demerit.
I take my dissing of Findley. It looks like he’s been possessed by the spirit of Charlie Davis. And DeMerit’s playing like a beast in defense.
Without a doubt so far.
Goooooooooch!
Come on, Jozy.
Better touch. Use that frame and hold the ball.
Silence Gooch doubters
This is amazing. I’ll never bad mouth Findley again. He came on and kicked this team in the a*s!
Great stuff by Gooch on that shot. That’s D in the box!
This is what Donovan was supposed to do.
Huge goal. what a run by Donovan
maybe we’re getting out of the ZONE D and playing some mano v. mano now
Random note: this grass looks SUPER slow. Is that on purpose?
Torres is looking good
Torres should always be on the field.
He’s one of the few players we have that can consistently possess the ball.
Torres shows more skill and vision on one play than the whole team did in the first half. Looks like we had the wrong lineup to start with.
Question:
How many subs did Turkey make at halftime? Are we playing against a 3rd-string team now? There must be a reason for this.
Torres has passed by Feilhaber.
Beastly run by Lando.
Gotta love seeing that out of him.
Torres and Findlay have both added a dimension to this team that we didn’t have in the first half.
Agreed on Torres. He looks sharp and is making plays with the ball getting it teammates in good positions
Findley looks pretty good, but he needs to get rid of the ball MUCH earlier on his touch line runs.
findley has to deliver that ball. Holding it too long now. But, he has provided something so far
if torres does not start vs. england i will personally fly to south africa and slap him on the face with my dirty, worn out sambas.
findley is really showing promise. he needs to learn that its ok to relase the ball earlier and that it doesnt depend solely on him to create when he collects it.
The pace is vastly improved in the 2nd half. JFT impressing. Donovan is playing unreal right now. Findley looks like he can really burn some defenders with his speed. Cherundolo looking vastly better than Spector at this point.
I could live with this lineup at the WC, the way they are playing right now. Would still like Herc to get a look in the super-sub role.
1 sub.
Get lawst with all the Ching talk, Harkes.
Are we going to S. Africa to tie or win games?
Dempsey with another of his trademark disappearing acts for the National Team. Holden for Deuce
Is Donovan’s hair supposed to be sticking up like that on the top or did he merely forget his comb?
Jose Torres has looks great….he’s underrated defensively.
Findlay has lost possession on a corner run twice now…..he’s played well, but he’s losing me. People are making support runs, Robbie. You have help.
gringo torres!! bringin’ it, love his touch and creativity… and good god is harkes tough to listen to.
Saw Torres live for the Nats in October. He was far and away the best player on the field. Don’t know why he hasn’t been featured in the center, unless we prefer slow and uncreative play to an actual offense.
Anyone else mixing up the bald headed guys on the U.S.?
Oh no! Not now!
That’s why you don’t take Dempsey out even when he disappears.
DEUCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brilliance by Dempsey.
Great to see you, Clint.
THAT is why we start Dempsey!
Someone tell Bornstein that these are Turks, not Hondurans, so he shouldn’t pass to them.
Dempsey!!
goooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllll
Wow…….what a move Deuce!
nice Dempsey! way to prove me wrong. and off a throw-in no less. call me shocked
come on you yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That goal wasn’t pretty enough.
We’re doomed, DOOMED, I say!
Not just the bald-headed guys, the heads are so bright I keep thinking Holden is playing.
DDDDDDDEEEEEEEEMMMMMMMMPPPPPSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEYYYYYYYY!!!!!
yep, i’m happily eating crow now
DUECE!!!!!!!!!!!! Such strength and determination. I love it.
Nice to see the two starting strikers get goals.
DEUCE!
Are we still drinking whenever Harkes says fantastic?
Who put that ball into Deuce? That was right on the money… Great play by Clint.
Great goal but that touch was very lucky. I still give Findley man of the match for waking this team up. The U.S. can’t go to sleep like that.
Dear God:
Don’t let Bornstein blow it. If you do this for me, I’ll go to church tomorrow. I promise.
2:1!!!
I saw Bornstein coming in and I am thinking it would be a good time for us to score, just for insurance. Nice finish by Clint.
bornstein? kiss this game goodbye…
ps-i was writing this as dempsey scores
Nevermind, LD. Torres has had a game as well.
Dempsey goal was all Bornstein.
That was Mandon.
Donovan will always get all of the credit.
Bornstein…awful
Bornstein is terrible.
At least Bornsteain didn’t get a stupid card right there
Bornstein =
Don’t feel bad I said the same thing. I think the disgraceful first half performance by the so called good players really inspired the lesser players.
More butterfingers D. Uuughhh Bornstein
Posters on this forum are the Kobayashi’s of word eating. Will you guys ever trust in Bob Bradley’s judgement? He’s been a very good coach and deserves more trust.
How is Altidore SO bad in the air? he can’t head worth a crap
Holden coming on…..would it be a USMNT match without Bornstein getting burned?
once again, Bornstein is terrible….
Bornstein is dreadful
Torres has to start. He just has to.
No matter what the day Bornstein is poor.
Ives’ prediction looking good right now.
No! You’re totally clueless. Bradley has completely botched this team. He gets one thing right (or perhaps is lucky) and now he’s great again?
Torres’ defense has looked SO much better today than it did in qualifiers.
Take the shot Bradley!!!
baby bradley should have been a little more selfish there!!!
TOO UNSELFISH!
I hope they hold on. The fans really need this. This could have been one really depressing situation after the last game.
Bradley should have shot.
Disappointing from Bradley…..I was looking for a go on goal there. Good pass to Duece, though.
Cherundolo has been Cherundoloing everywhere today too.
Torres and Bradley could hold down the USMNT midfield for the next 8 years. We’ve got to start appreciating what Torres brings.
Awesome to see the US pressing all the way to the end instead of going into a defensive shell
God Bornstein is awful…holy hell
The crowd chants “We want England!”
Don’t worry…..we’re gonna get them. Soon enough.
That was sad. I know he scored, but Dempsey misses too much.
robbie findley has played like a man possessed.
Turkey getting cynical.
Just a few minutes of JB is frightening.
Findley again. Wow.
I think Bornstein has positional issues on defense. He overcommits, leaving tons of space behind him. So, the attacking player with speed can just put the ball past him into space and run onto it. Bornstein has good speed, but he cannot catch up in that situation.
2nd half much much better
I am a huge tool.
USA. Good confidence builder before getting to S Africa.
OK, I know we’re a Nike team, but shouldn’t we be using the official World Cup ball in the “send-off series”? From everything I’ve read, the ball is quite an adjustment, especially for the goalkeepers
It’s disgraceful how little credit is being given to Findley. Harkes really is an idiot. It’s almost like he never really played soccer.
Man of the match: Landon Donovan, 2 assists
Much respect to Jose Torres.
That’s how we roll!
Great 2nd half
Harks, The Crazy Leg seriously? LMFAO!!!!
Realistically, you were really wrong.
jose torres is our john o’brien
Ha!
Harkes just called the Dempsey celebration the “crazy leg”. Typical.
Glad someone else heard that
Thank you Clint for at least mentioning Findley! That’s the whole point with Findley’s performance. He basically came on and slapped every U.S. player in the face.
good call…
Finally we Won!!!
Bornstein looked utterly horrible!
great second half! Torres and Findley really added something. Holden came on and added something too. I think Torres needs to start, even tho I don’t think Clark was as bad as people here were saying
sorry…just saw your comment below…
Looks like we’ve found our team. Maybe Bradley DID know what he was doing when he selected Torres and Findley? Very favorably impressed by those two, and very glad to see Gooch looking bit better today.
Enough with Donovan. He needed to snap the U.S. out of it in the first half. Instead someone had to snap him out of it. Kudos to Torres.
USA, USA, USA. Really well done in the 2nd half. Way to go Torres.
On another note, I have to say Harkes is a Bozo. I think all of that hair gel went to his head. Somebody needs to tell this guy the 80s is over so he can change is hairdo. He said so many blunders I cannot believe this guy is allowed to be on the air. Anyways, way to go boys.
1. Play Torres the full 90!
2. Cherundolo at Right Back!
3. Boca at Left Back!
4. Findley “almost” makes up for CD9′s speed.
5. Alexi Lalas is a moron…
I’m hoping you’re being sarcastic.
after watching the whole match, i’m thinking something like what we had in the second half will be the starters…
howard
dolo onyewu demerit boca
dempsey/holden bradley torres/edu donovan
altidore findley
i think we saw a little bit of why bradley has liked findley today, and i also think that clark just doesn’t fit well with bradley. also, i don’t think today’s match helped clark, feilhaber, or spector very much.
I was VERY surprised when he made the 23, but Findley looked good today. Maybe Bob knows something we don’t…or maybe it was just a good game.
BB sucks.
Great win. I hope Bob saw what Torres can do for stabilizing this team. Anticipation and skill are so much more important than size and strength, and Torres is athletic enough to get it done.
Dolo should have earned the spot today.
Torres making a strong case, and Findley making an impact for the first time in his Nats career. Still he gets flustered trying to deliver final balls.
As Ives has predicted, I think we are more likely to see Torres start vs. Slovenia and/or Algeria. Though I hope that today’s game convinced Bob to pick Gringo to go against England.
egypt should not be in that list. they do well in the cup of african nations, but consistently perform poorly in qualifying…[they lost twice in cairo to algeria. and, when's the last time they've been in a wc?]
i would put ireland at the top of that list, then russia, then turkey. ireland is by far the best team not to make the cup. not to mention many folks think that they should’ve been drawn with ukraine or greece, never against france. i’m sure we’re forgetting some teams from SA…
Pleased with the result today. A few things stand out:
the confidence of Findlay up front
the composure on the ball and bite of Torres
the defensive miscues (at least 2) in limited minutes by Bornstein
Dempsey’s wrong footing of the keeper. Clearly he was playing a shot coming from the other foot
Our ability to “kill” the game in the last 10-15 minutes
Ive knocked Torres since Saprissa. I’m a believer now. That was inspired play, and must be rewarded.
SO…
Vs. AUS
Howard
Dolo, Gooch, DeMerit, Boca
Donovan, Bradley, Torres, Beasley
Altidore, Dempsey
Findley for Beasley as super sub.
Gomez for Altidore
Edu for Torres once we have a lead.
If Findley can stop running balls over the end-line that would be a start. Walcott does the same thing.
the anthem isn’t the pledge
and all of ESPN
Hey man, sorry for calling you a troll, it was wrong of me. I apologize, you seem like a good USMNT fan like the rest of us.
Torres was a machine today. He orchestrates the midfield and fought well defensively and recovered well supporting Bradley. Very impressed his technical ability and footballing mind is awesome. I also believe he might be the closest thing we have had to a freekick specialist since Joe-Max.
Really? The same guy who got us to the Confederations Cup final by finding Davies when no one knew who or where he was?
I’ll stick with the idea that BB knows what he’s doing.
I think Bradley will reverse the Edu/Torres positions.
Ya there is a reason. We took out spector and feilhaber. Inserted are most skilled passer and started pressuring the ball.
that’s because these dudes think these are the starters. the real starters (with some minor permutations) came on in the second half. spector and goodson are not starting down back, feilhaber is not starting in mid
Bornstein, Clark, Spector, and Feilhaber have lost their starting chances, I hope.
Ya man, I thought Holden was starting in the middle when Bradley had his first touch haha
OMG Bornstein go away they past by him like if he’s air. Spector made a huge mistake you never leave out your position like that run up and pass don’t do it yourself you’re a defender. Clark seemed lost, it must be because he hasn’t played in a while. And Fielhaber was no where to be found, it was like he wasn’t at the game. Findley did what he had to do with speed and he prove it when he chase down for the ball and his chip lead up to the 1st goal. Torres was amazing I wish the freak kick would have went in that would have been nasty. Altidore, Dempsey, Donovan, and Bradley all show up and need to perform like that against England. Cherundolo needs to start RB enough said! Gooch seemed better from last game and it seems like DeMerit plays better with Gooch next to him we should call they the Bash Brothers lol. Black Mouth was decent still coming back from his surgery. Overall great comeback win 2-1. Donovan man of the match oh yeah GO USA!!!
1)Canada
you’re clueless. yes, there are thousands of young children playing recreational soccer that receive poor coaching from volunteers, but to say that our best youth players, or even just above average club players just “take a few shots on goal and run laps” shows how disconnected you really are from soccer in america. get off your computer fatboy, enough with the cliches you poser.
switch Beasley for Donovan and put in Holden and I’m loving the lineup and the subs
Yes you are. haha
It’s really not a big deal. It’s his choice since this is America and we have a little something called freedom of expression.
But I’d kind of like to know why he doesn’t do it, especially if he’s representing the USA. Insight, anyone?
+1 on everything.
you cannot be serious. altidore has been all over the pitch today. if you want to see lazy strikers, pull up tuesday’s first half and compare them.
why all the hate?
A very dull tool.
he’s not. he hasn’t said anything positive about the squad on this entire post.
Torres and Gomez bring some hair style to this team….You noticed how Torres hair never changed even though he played the entire second half (thanks to copious amounts of hair gel)…Now that’s a true Mexican….
who?
you have to make the concacaf final round to be in consideration.
Americans care way too much about that kind of thing. Chill out. Let Altidore do what he wants to do.
You can still show respect w/o the hand on the heart. I’m in the military and fine w/ not putting the hand over the heart, as long as you are still respectful.
Funny you should say that I was thinking during the game he was like a poor-man’s-Theo.
Beez sucks on the right, Landon looked good on the right. I want Beez on the Left, maybe coming in for Holden (who you’ve excluded).
Micah, as a Navy vet myself, I agree with an everyday civilian choosing to do what he wants. Yes, it’s America. But someone representing the country in a position of (some) honor, such as in the Olympics or the USMNT, should be a little more active in their respect for the country giving them the opportunity to perform on the grandest of stages. It’s a small thing, but a symbolic thing.
Actually, bobiskool, I’d say Americans today care way too little about that kind of thing. I have noticed that’s it’s even rarer among us soccer fans. Happy Memorial Day.
1st half: sloppy US ball control, too many FREAKING turnovers and bad touches… Looked like 1992 all over again. Poor defense and your basic clusterf@^& spread out over 120 x 75 yards of pitch. Turkey made us look STUPID…
2nd half: Torres calmed that entire midfield down. Donovan and Duece freed up to be creative moving forward with excellent hustle from Josie and Findley… Torres changed the complection of the US team. How is he NOT automatic?
Does anybody doubt now, besides BB, that Bornstein does NOT belong on the USNat team? That forward took JB’s lunch money, dated his sister, AND drove his car to the prom.
was at the game. Gooch deserves some respect. rebounded today. he and boca looked great.
I missed the game on TH. Will it be rebroadcast today or tomorrow? I would appreciate to know of the time and channel if they do.
John
Altintop
I was at the game right behind a pocket of Turkey supporters, but don’t worry guys, I was keeping them in check. When we scored our second goal, they were all dead quiet and I let’em have it. I must say though, I was impressed with some of the Turkish ladies on hand.
Nothing like watching the boys win in the USA in front of 55,000 fans (about 50,000 US fans, 5,000 Turkey burgers or so it seemed from my section.)
I had the luxury of looking at a replay on ESPN3.com. WHen Turkey scored my reaction: three and out. Once the second half started though, I felt as if we would equalize even if we didn’t win.
I agree on most of the comments; My takeaway: Spector should only see playing time if all our right back options are hurt. His confidence is shot.
While I like Dempsey up top, here is the problem. We have no real pace with him and Jozy THat is why Ching is home and Finley is on the team. Even though he is not the best player, his space makes this team so much more dangerous offensively. Like CD, he stretches the defense. Forget hold up play ability, that is not going to beat teams, we need forwards who are going to make defenders worry about the pace of th e forward. That scare gives other players room to work. Benny is always terrible when asked to play out side.
Clark and Bradley – not the answer. Although Bradley was very poor in the first half. I need to see his old man sub him when he is playing poorly. We have not seen that yet.
Torres is a revelation. He needs to start.
Ok. This is all obvious, but like I said,I watched the game then signed on to read the postings. I am also delighted the way the team handled the game once they took the lead.
Finally BB needs to fake a Bornstein injury so he could replace him with Anthony Wallace. JB should never see the field in SA.
It’s on ESPN3.com replay anytime.
2-1. Nice Ives. Now you need to join the Findley bandwagon.
Honestly i think Clark, Feilhabe, and spector are exactly what they’ve always been. Benny’s not a wide player. Spector i thought got a raw deal because when he went forward Nobody covered him. And worse he ran past like three players just to get back and defend. When he goes forward there has to be cover. To me that’s a communication and a lapse by our defensive mids. I think it’s wrong to blame him for the goal as tactically you alway have to cover for a wing back the moment he starts getting forward. but he’ll burn cause that’s how u.s. soccer is. i also think the fact that we had no possession, an no shots on goal and provided little threat going forward meant all our defenders spent the entire first have chasing the ball. which brings me to Edu.
I love Edu but i think, right now, He’s almost the same player as Bradley. Now mind you I think in many Ways Edu is better then bradley but Torres is an out and out central attacking midfielder. He’s great in close quarters and has great vision. Edu is good but he’s not like Edu. So I don’t think you’ll get the same results as the second half with Edu. cause he’s not the same attacking presece centrally. it’s
Donovan—-Torres/Fielhaber—Dempsey
————-Bradley/Edu———
Now i know bradley plays the two central guys side by side. But still my way keeps Fielhaber where he’s had the most success and plays to his strength. And personally, aside from that ridiculous early giveaway i thought benny was very good, especially getting on the ball and moving it around in the first half. And most of it he had to tuck inside to do it. not surprising. But i don’t think he was taken off because he was bad. i think he was taken off because he wasn’t bad and Torres, needed to play, an Donovan, Dempsey and Holden were all going to be played wide. With four subs someone’s gotta come out. Consider this i don’t think Goodsen or Demeritt where particularly bad, though they had some communications issues as howard’s screaming showed. But one of them came out for Gooch. Clark is ok but to me he’s the third string defensive mid.
Right, Bradley should drop him from the roster.
” I also believe he might be the closest thing we have had to a freekick specialist since Joe-Max.”
Eddie Lewis was better
Ireland is the best team to not make the world cup no doubt in my mind.
or is it a 1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-11
By higher than Egypy, you do realize you are talking about the 3 time defending Anfrican Cup champions, right?