Who should Bob Bradley call up against Cuba and T&T?

                                                                                      Photo by ISIphotos.com

With three points in the bag after last week's 1-0 road win against Guatemala, the U.S. men's national team heads into the next set of World Cup qualifiers knowing that two wins could all but lock up advancement into the Hexagonal round.

A trip to Cuba followed by a home date in Chicago against Trinidad & Tobago are up next and U.S. coach Bob Bradley will have some tough decisions to make regarding player selection. Steve Cherundolo is set to serve a suspension while Pablo Mastroeni is dealing with an injury that could keep him out. You also have some players who could be in the midsts of transfers.

So what will the 18-man gameday roster look like that Bob Bradley trots out against Cuba and Trinidad & Tobago (18 players will dress but more will be called in to camp) ? Here is one potential group:

POTENTIAL USA ROSTER vs. Cuba and Trinidad & Tobago

GOALKEEPER- Tim Howard, Brad Guzan

DEFENDERS- Frankie Hejduk, Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra, Jay DeMerit, Jonathan Bornstein, Marvell Wynne

MIDFIELDERS- Landon Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley, Michael Bradley, Maurice Edu, Sacha Kljestan, Eddie Lewis

FORWARDS- Brian Ching, Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, Kenny Cooper

I could see Bradley calling in this group. Why? Well, the combination of Heath Pearce's recent struggles coupled with a potential transfer from Hansa Rostock could lead Bob Bradley to leave him in Germany and give Jonathan Bornstein a look. I also think Wynne showed enough in the Olympics for Bradley to call him in as Frank Hejduk's back-up at right back.

Freddy Adu is the glaring absence. Why no Freddy ? He's in the midst of a new move to Monaco and I can see Bradley wanting to leave him in France to settle in. If he decides the time is right to bring Adu in, you might not see Eddie Lewis Sacha Kljestan. I could also see Bobby Convey getting a look ahead of Lewis if Lewis isn't healthy (though as someone rightly pointed out, it has been a long time since Convey got a look. The 2-2 tie vs. Mexico in February to be exact).

At forward, if Altidore is healthy I can't see him not getting the call. Given Clint Dempsey's recent struggles Bradley need some fresh blood to look at. Kenny Cooper is the player everyone wants to see but I see him getting the nod because of Eddie Johnson's recent loan move to Cardiff City. If Bradley decides he wants to use Johnson against a T&T team he has had success against in the pass, then fans will have to keep waiting for Cooper to make a national team appearance. That said, if the Americans beat Cuba, I can definitely see Cooper getting the mid-week call against Trinidad & Tobago.

It should also be noted that you could and will likely see changes to the 18-man rosters for the two games, especially if the U.S. team beats Cuba.

So who do you think should get the call? Feel free to share your thoughts on the potential roster below, and remember that more than 18 players will be called into camp, but only 18 will be in uniform on game days). But first, it's time for a poll on whose absence would bother you the most:

poll by twiigs.com

Comments

[Mig]

Maybe we can get the stock responses out of the way immediately. Here we go:

"Bradley should be fired...he's an idiot"
"Nepotism will keep Baby Bradley in the Lineup"
"EJ should quit playing football"
"Kenny Cooper...blah blah blah"
"We HAVE to bring in [insert name]"
"[Insert Name] sucks"

This is just a few. Now, maybe we can discuss things rationally.

Regards,

[RK]

And the Kenny Cooper lovefest begins in 3...2...1....

[EDB]

I think if possibel they should pull more MLS for this camp due to the start of the euro seasons and so many players struggling to get into the rotation

[Cosmos Forever]

Ives, I understand what you are saying regarding Bradley not calling up Adu, but are we so good and so deep that we don't call up one of the few difference makers that we have for a WC qualifier? Not sure about Cuba, but we can lose to T&T on a mediocre day in my opinion. If it's a friendly, then fine. But for WC qualifiers I hope BB calls up our best and most productive players and let them adjust to club life later.

[Ted]

The Heath Pearce hate is ridiculous. He played one bad game and was defending the entire left side thanks to Lewis's complete absence defensively. A week ago, people were saying he's one of the most consistent US players blah blah blah.

It's like BigSoccer on here

[Peter]

I think Jozy, Freddy, and Mo need to get more training time in with their new clubs instead of having to travel back and forth across the pond. We should get through the group without them. If not, we probably don't deserve to qualify.

[Skinn]

And the Kenny Cooper lovefest begins in 3...2...1....

Posted by: RK | August 27, 2008 at 11:48 AM

Right on RK. And I'd like to add: And the Marvel Wynne hatefest begins in 3...2...1....

[cameron]

--------------SuperCooper------------
----------------Dempsey--------------
Beasley----Bradley-----Edu----Donovan
Bornstein--Bocanegra---Onyewu----Dolo
----------------Howard---------------

[beckster]

Convey to replace Lewis; Cooper replaces EJ and leave Michael at home. One holding midfielder (Edu) and put Donovan up front as attacking midfielder.

[MBOW]

I would like to see Eddie Lewis and Brian Ching stay home and instead try some different midfielders, who might actually be able to bring some kind of creativity to the US' game, such as Adu. If you look at MLS, 8 of the 10 Assist leaders are foreign, which leads me to think that we have a serious creativity problem with US players. It looked that way if you watched the Revolution or Chivas last night (of course they include foreign players). I'd also opt to play Landon up top, seeing his goal scoring form lately in MLS.

[Ben]

my squad

1-Tim Howard
2-Marvell Wynne
3-Carlos Bocanegra
4-Michael Bradley
5-Oguchi Onyewu
6-Steve Cherundolo
7-DaMarcus Beasley
8-Clint Dempsey
9-Eddie Johnson
10-Landon Donovan
11-Kenny Cooper
12-Jay DeMerit
13-Jonathan Bornstein
14-Sacha Kljestan
15-Bobby Convey
16-Maurice Edu
17-Sal Zizzo
18-Brad Guzan

------Cooper----Donovan---------
Beasley------------------Dempsey
--------Bradley--Edu------------
Bornstein-------------Cherundolo
--------Onyewu---Bocanegra------
------------Howard--------------

[NOLA soccer fan]

As a kenny cooper supporter, i see nothing wrong in saying he should at least get a call-up. You never know how good a player is until his feet touch the field.

the EJ haters are on him because he hasnt looked like a forward in awhile. so in that regard he needs to stay at Cardiff and find form that made him wildly successful.

[Adam]

Should Cooper be selected I predict this post:

"OH MY GOD THEY CALLED KENNEY!!!!!!!"

[Ryan]

My preferred call-up:
GK: Howard, Hahnemann
DEF: Onyewu, Bocanegra, Conrad, Bornstein, Wynne, DeMerit
MID: Holden, Edu, Bradley, Donovan, Beasley, Convey
FW: Altidore, Cooper, Davies, Adu

------------------Howard-----------------
Wynne-------Gooch-------Conrad-------Boca
------------Bradley-----Edu--------------
----Donovan--------Adu--------Beasley----
-----------------Altidore----------------

[RK]

I'd like to see some MLS guys get a break, since the CL teams are jammed in September. Seriously, though, I'd like to see Wynne and Cooper called in. These are two game where you can definitely give experience to some others.

[Barry U]

Up Top - I would like to give Cooper a run out. If EJ and Clint are not getting time at club level then I think you need to have guys play that are in form. Cooper - 13 goals in MLS, Charlie Davies - 8 goals in Sweden and looked like the most dangerous US attacker when he came on against a very good Nigeria team and Jozy who looked good in the Olympics even if he was a little banged up. Most of all we need guys that are confident and EJ and Clint haven't looked the part the last few games.

Mids - I think Mo and Freddy need to stay put for the next few months and when Bradley moves (if he does) then he will need time to adjust the same way. Maybe it is time to give Stu Holden a run out in midfield. He played very well in the Olympics, for Houston lately also and he delivers some really good balls on set pieces. Sacha is in good form also and should get some minutes (unless he transfers).

D - I am good with Heath or Bornstein and everyone else. But what I would really want is Two Words - Nevin Subotic! I know he doesn't know what he wants to do but man it would be sweet. Two games into the season and he is already geting major pub.

[Tony in Quakeland]

I'd still take Buddle over Cooper. He's better suited for CONFACAF street fights.

[A.S.]

Not Michael Bradley or Eddie Jo... oh, I see Mig covered those two stock comments above. Never mind. Carry on.

[Felix]

I voted for Cooper because with Adu needing to settle with AS Monaco and Altidore in the same situation and with little injuries, they need to be spared playing in these games against lesser CONCACAF competition. Cooper has been lighting it up and it has to come to a point where the excuses have to end and just get him in a game to see what he can do.

[anotherbodymurdered]

lol Mig, post of the year

[BJR]

Mig,

Has the USMNT program shown progress since Bob Bradley took over? Has Bob Bradley shown himself to be an improvement over Bruce Arena?

When was the last time that Michael Bradley had a good showing for the USMNT?

In any country, how often is the #2 goal scorer in the domestic league not given a call up to the national team (that is, if he is from that country)? Shouldn't part of the criteria for calling up players be based on the merit of their club performance?

Please provide rational, evidence-based responses.

[Pat the Red Bulls Fan]

Are there any USMNT fans who feel Kenny Cooper doesn't merit a call up?

And what might be your reasons, FC Dallas' playoff run aside?

[CDeeps]

Looks good, Ives. I agree that Bradley needs to try someone else in place of Dempsey. Deuce's form has dipped lately and he might be best served starting on the bench and brought in late as a spark plug.

Eddie Johnson debut at Cardiff in the Carling Cup yesterday left much to be desired, and he needs to work on his game at the club level before another national team call up is merited.

[andy b.]

I voted for Cooper because all the cool kids are doing it.
Also, I voted for Cooper b/c I agree with Felix, Peter et al.-- let Jozy, Freddy and Mo get settled. Too damn much time on planes this summer. Can't be good for anyone's fitness to be globetrotting like that.

[GeneralMSU3]

GK: Howard, Guzan
Def: Bocanegra, Parkhurst, Bornstein, Hejduk, Wynne, Califf
Mid: Dempsey, Beasley, Bradley, Adu, Kljestan, Mastroeni
For: Cooper, Altidore, Donovan, Davies

----------------Howard----------

Hejduk---Parkhurst---Bocanegra---Bornstein

Dempsey---------Bradley---------Beasley

------------------Adu-------------------

-----------Donovan---------Altidore-------

*Yes, Cooper does need a shot.
*Davies looked amazing when he came on in the Olympics. Let's see what he is made of.
*Let's see if Parkhurst can handle this level.
*Let's see what Donovan, Adu, and Altidore can do together. Our Magic Triangle, maybe???

[Yossarian]

I completely agree with Ted on this one. How can you drop Heath but leave Eddie Lewis on the team? Heath had zero support from Eddie on the left side. Lewis has no speed left and is a huge defensive liability, IMO. I'd love to see Holden get a shot with the big boys. His ball skills and work rate might solidify a midfield that got owned by a very average Guatemalan team.

[please bobby]

i hate on bob a lot, but he has produced. unfortunately, i still think pat riley could lead the US through qualification in the CONCACAF, and we need to start getting ready for the next level. i dont think bradley needs to do anything drastic, just a couple of small changes to try something new. in order of importance:
1- no 2 defensive midfielders. our most obvious problem is the inability to hold possession. id like to see edu/bradley paired with donovan/benny/clint - let the second midfielder play the ACM role with no defensive responsibilities except for hustle
2- pair a target forward with a faster more technical forward - basically something like altidore/cooper/ching with someone like donovan/ej
3- don't play clint as a forward, he said himself he likes to be behind the ball more and obviously forward isnt utilizing him best.

my ideal US lineup, ignoring important things like recent club transfers, etc.:
altidore
donovan
beasley - edu - benny (if he's not fit, landy here and EJ/edu up top) - dempsey
pearce - parkhurst - onyewu - dolo
(assuming spector and simek are still out)

let's try to play some beautiful soccer!

also, bobby convey maybe? he's looking real good again for reading.

[Aquaman]

I think Bradley calls in the same group of people he always does including Ching and Johnson. I think if he were going to replace the outside backs he'll do it with Bornstein and another guy that everyone is overlooking (and one that Bradley has inexplicably called in multiple times) Drew Moor

[4now]

Leave Dempsey in London to get his head straight at Fulham.

Leave Freddy, Jozy and Eddie J to get settled in their new clubs/cities.

Let's see Cory Gibbs.
I also think Ralston would be a smart choice.

No Marvell Wynne. No Buddle. No Zizzo.

[Tim]

I personally feel like if we want to field our best lineup that Freddy Adu isn't part of that as of now. He will be in a year. But right now he needs some more experience.

Sorry, please bobby. Benny needs to regain some of his old form before he gets called up to the big boys again. Michael Bradley can definately play a more offensive role. He is actually really good at it as he has shown in the Netherlands. Don't forget he scored 15 goals in league play and 5 more in other competitions.

[Yossarian]

General,

Davies looked great, yes, but Parkhurst looked awful in the Olympics. I don't think you'll ever see him in a serious USMNT match. He's too small and slow.

Davies looked absolutely awful in Olympic qualifying. I mean godawful. He turned the ball over like crazy. He'd be an interesting bench guy, though, to bring in the last 15 and utilize his speed against tired opponents. I'm just not sure which Davies is the real one.

[RK]

DMB starting is a no-brainer, right?

[krolpolski]

John Thorrington - the hardest working man on the Chicago Fire - should be given a call up.

[Ives]

Nice to see the Heath Pearce backers stepping to the forefront. Listen guys, I was right in front of the pack on thinking Pearce was great in the tough friendlies. As I wrote above, I think he gets left off if he makes a transfer move. I'm not saying he's awful and needs to be dropped. And to be fair, this isn't the case of one bad game. Pearce wasn't exactly great in the road trip to Barbados either.

As for why Lewis and not Pearce? Lewis can play both left back and left wing and that versatility counts for something. Yes, he was awful against Guatemala but he had also been good this summer before that point. It wouldn't really shock me if neither Pearce or Lewis are called, nor would it shock me if both weren't brought back.

[Neven Rossi]

Ok - Here is the the definitive roster for the Cuba Match:

Galarcep, Carlisle, Chang, JP Dellcamara Jr., Bretos, Steve Nash (is he Canadien?), Hush, Layton (from Yanks Abroad), Canales (Oops, she a girrrllll), Harkes, Balboa, Arena (in goal!), Walter Bahr (is there an age limit?), Gulati, Garber, Ocho-Cinco, Phil Anshutz, and ME!

I'd love to see Havana!!!!

Barry U - Couldn't agree more with the NS comment.

[noname]

I like the idea of giving the European based players time to break in with their new clubs. It will payoff for them and the nats in the long term. That means leaving Adu, Altidore, Johnson, and Edu at home and maybe Onyewu and Bradley if they end up on the transfer wire. Maybe leave Beasely and Convey too since they are still working their way into playing full time for their squads.

Bring in the MLSers and a sprinkle of Eurodudes, especially the Scandinavians since we don't see much of them anyway.

Goalkeepers: Howard and Perkins (let Guzan get up to speed at Villa);
Defenders: Bornstein, Parkhurst, Hejduk, Conrad, Califf, Wynne;
Midfielders: Donovan, Kleijstan, Feilhaber, Clark, Rogers, and Lewis or Davis;
Forwards: Cooper, Davies, Ching and Twellman.

We're deep enough to handle Cuba on the road(their players keep defecting -- which is why their new policy is to only play home games); and T&T at home.

[Gavin]

Jimmy Conrad should be considered as well.

[Mig]

Not bad folks! Everybody pretty much avoided the stock responses. :)

BJR: My post did not indicate a preference on any callups, Cooper included. It was merely stating that we didn't need to include the comments I listed because we KNOW that all of them would be repeated at least 10 times.

Now, when the roster is announced we get to do it all AGAIN! Woohoo. Good for Ives' page view count though.

Cheers,

[Michael Bradley]

MY DAD Dosn't care what you think... and hes has to play me if he know whats good for him, I'm choosing his old folks home.

[dg]

Here's a question for Ives and the rest:

Would you rather...
1) grind out 3 points in an ugly and poorly played game using the same players that Bradley always calls in in the same positions on the field?

or

2) come away with 1 point while replacing several of the standard players with untested young players (Cooper, Holden...) who could raise the level of play, but with the risk of not handling the pressure?

I think that is mindset Bradley has (who really knows)... but, in reality, there are more choices here.

[RK]

At least Europe is giving their players the time off -- so those players won't miss much.

[Kartik]

Good list Ives although I would add Robbie Rogers and Charlie Davies who is playing very well for AEG's European outfit, Hammerby into the mix.

[Neven Rossi]

DG - Your options make a huge assumption - that by using untested players, the USNMT would drop 2 points. I think most of us would agree that taking that point of view is dangerous. Even with untested players, I (speaking for myself) think that the USNMT could still handle Cuba. T&T might be another story if we were playing away, BUT we are not. That is a home game.

And while my previous post was "over the top" and meant to be humorous, I would side with those who commit to using younger players in these qualifiers as they have been through wars of their own including the U20 World Cup, Olympics, etc.

If we lose one game, then Bradley can go back to the old bunch. Its not like we lose one game and we are out. We have time to recover. Give'em a chance, I say...

[Angel]

Ives,

My take on this is that we always go back and forth of who should and who shouldn't be on the list but like other people say is the qualifier and we ne to put the best team in order to cruise the first round and them we can start to bring new guys to get the feel for either will be ready for this world cup 2010 or the one in 2014.

here is my list

my squad

1-Tim Howard
2-Marvell Wynne
3-Carlos Bocanegra
4-Michael Bradley
5-Oguchi Onyewu
6-Steve Cherundolo
7-DaMarcus Beasley
8-Charles Davis
9-Josy Altidore
10-Landon Donovan
11-Kenny Cooper
12-Jay DeMerit
13-Heath Pearce
14-Freddy Adu
15-Bobby Convey
16-Maurice Edu
17-Sal Zizzo
18-Brad Guzan

My starting Lineup against Cuba..

------Cooper----Donovan---------
Beasley----------------Sal Zizzo
--------Bradley--Edu------------
Heath Pearce--------Marvell Wynne
--------Onyewu---Bocanegra------
------------Howard--------------

we need to leave EJ, Dempsey, Adu, Josy Altidore get inform with their new team...

[SeaOtter]

@ MIG,

Just love the way you dismiss any dissent as irrational. You must be Republican or just a Dubya fan.

The fact of the matter is that it is entirely rational to speak up when you feel that something is wrong and isn't being addressed. Doesn't make those speaking up correct, but it is rational.

As for our attacking options, with the exception of the Barbados practice sessions, we have two central defenders leading our team in scoring. We so rarely score from the run of play that there are news articles written about it when we actually do.

That tells me that the attacking players that Bradley has been using don't work all that well within his system and that its time to try others who are scoring in top level professional leagues,...and I'm not talking about getting them token minutes. We don't have to replace groups of people, but certainly trying different combinations with some new folks thrown in will only do the player pool good.

I don't care who. It can be Cooper, Casey, Davies, Altidore, or whoever so long as they can find the back of the net.

My $.02

[ldq]

I hope he leaves the Revs players alone. They have too much on their schedule to add anything else and look like crap because of it.

[Neven Rossi]

Angel - So you are leaving Dempsey off your 18 man roster? MMMmmmmmm

[dg]

Neven-
I agree with you completely... I was trying to pose the question from the point of view that I think Bradley is taking. From his point of view, risking 2 points with young players is not worth it, regardless of the ugliness of the play with his regulars.

I would love to see a line-up more like the olympic squad in Cuba, but with the club situations that others have discussed and Bradley's conservative/defensive approach, I don't think we will see many changes until we have advancement locked up.

Unfortunately, I don't think we'll see much change at all, until the regulars screw up and lose.

[Yossarian]

It seems to me that qualifying is more important than settling guys in at their clubs. Are you saying that it's pretty much a given that the U.S. qualifies, Ives? That we don't have to bring our best players?

[Angel]

Dempsey is a scum

[Pepe]

Although they are WCQ and obviously very important, BB needs to be careful of the European based players. A risk, which we've seen happen, is that a player, especially if with a new team, misses 2 weeks for WCQ, comes back and never wins a spot he might otherwise have won. That's not in his or the Nat's best interest long term.

It's just something to keep in mind as we consider Jozy, Edu, Adu, and others. And yet another reason to call in Cooper ;-)

That said, if BB thinks a guy is important and plans on starting him, then fine. But I'd hate to see a guy come into camp and sit the bench and fall behind with his club team. This could happen with a guy like Edu.

[Will]

Ching is not international class and should never again play for the USMNT.

[aal(borg)dayfool]

Thorrington.

[Angel]

Neven,

have you seem Dempsey play, I don't think he is playing good, or maybe I'm wrong. But I think Bob Bradley is doing a bad job on how to lineup the players. Sometime I see Donovan at front as a foward, middle or left midfielder. Same as Dempsey so either they are no good or Bob is playing them not in the right Natural Position.

[Coop]

If Cooper is left off....I will boycott this team. Oh, and that guy Pearce is terrible. Can you say OVERRATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rudy]

Please god, no Lewis!

[Pepe]

>> Ching is not international class and should never again play for the USMNT.

Our first game is against Cuba which barely qualifies as "international class". I'd call him up just to keep others at their clubs. I also think Ching does more good than is realized. Though the #1 job of a forward is to score goals. Something NONE of our current forwards are doing.

I'll put in a 2nd (or 3rd) for Thorrington. He's been playing great AND has been the heart and soul of Chicago. I guarantee he would go out there and battle.

[Ossringville]

Pearce make me want to vomit.

[creige]

Not sold on Pearce or Bornstein on the left. Try Bocanegra or even Clark on left. Would like to see Chad Marshall and Parkhurst get their shot with senior MNT.

[Neven Subotic]

I am going to write something controversial here and I am guessing that half will agree and the other half will go into full attack mode. "Landon Donovan should retire from international futbol."

From my pont of view, he and Dempsey play the same position (right mid). Donovan gets the crap kicked out of him everytime he plays in Europe, he disappears. In my opinion, Dempsey is a much better suited to playing international soccer. He is more hard-nosed than Donovan and can give as good as he gets. He's not afraid to take chances and stick his neck out (ala his goal in WC 2006).

Donovan can't/won't do that.

I am probably old-fshioned but I would play Gooch as a sweeper with Subotic (keeping my fingers crossed) in fornt of him. One the right Simek/Wynne. On the left, Spector (if he can regain his health/form).

In the midfield, you pla either Edu or Bradley in the back ofthe diamond, Dempsey on the right and Beasley/Rogers/Convey on the left.

Up top (I KNOW AM DREAMING HERE) you play with Rossi and Altidore. And don't tell me Rossi is set for Italy. He still hasn't played in an A Game for Italy.

If you are Rossi, do you wait for WC 2014 to play? When you will be 28 years old? Or do you jump ship if they don't pick you for qualifiers and play for the US in 2010 when you are 24 and at your peak?

Let the posts start to fly...

[Neven Rossi]

Forgot Freddy at the top of the midfield diamond...

[Freddy "Boom Boom" Washington]

So far pearce has had 1 bad game and he should be thrown out... you sound like a bunch of pinko commies.

We have no one else unless you included Juan Epstein.

[anotherbodymurdered]

Thorrington, especially for the T&T game at Toyota Park!

[4now]

Cooper Donovan
Lewis Bradley Edu Ralston
Pearce Onyewu Boca Dolo
Guzan

[Angel]

Dempsey is invisible in international play.

[Neven Rossi]

Angel - I disagree. Donovan is the one who is invisible in international play. What about Dempsey's goal in the WC?

He is being played out of position for all of this summer's friendlies and the Qualifiers.

[pana]

usfed should dump bradley he wiil never use new blood he should open te field for other players he uses te same player over and over .felix garcia from laredo heat is a very good player .he should give others a chance but it will nerver happen

[metrostar 4 life]

---------Jozy-----Cooper------
DMB-----Bradley------EDU--------ADU
Conrad---Bocanegra---GOOCH---Hejduk
----------------HOWARD---------

Cooper honestly is owning MLS, Conrad is most sold defender in MLS, he's got like 4 big goals, I saw him at an RBNY game he played great

[RK]

Rossi was called in this week, interestingly, for the u-21 Italy team (yeah, still not the NT)

[Tim]

I'd like to see Kenny Cooper or Taylor Twellman get a call. Our scoring has been inconsistent, and I think we should try something different.

I also think Pearce got exposed a little in the back against Guatemala. Is Spector available, or is he injured? It would be good to get a look at him in the D. We could also give Jonathan Bornstein another opportunity back there. He has great speed, and also makes good runs forward when they're there.

[Clint]

-----------Howard-----------
Wynne---Onyewu---Boca---Bornstein
---------Bradley-----Edu-------
Dempsey-------Donovan------Beasley
----------Cooper---------

[noname]

Neven and all Donovan haters...get over it! He's so bad he's scored the most goals in USMNT history at the ripe old age of 25. Outside of goalkeepers, he is one of the best players American soccer has yet to produce. Dempsey looked good for a while but is no way near the threat Donovan can be when he is on his game. Granted we want to see him play great in every game, but by any criteria, this is one player we never want to leave at home.

[Isaac]

GK:Howard, Guzan
D:Hejduk, Onyewu, Bocanegra, Pearce, DeMerit, Wynne
M:Donovan,Beasley,Bradley,Mastroeni,Edu, Kljestan, Adu
F:Ching,Dempsey,Altidore,Cooper

It'd be awesome to see how a Cooper-Donovan forward combo would do. Ching-Altidore would be great too. Even with Dempsey not having a great year at forward, the Dempsey-Altidore combo was a success against Mexico. But we all know we just wanna see Cooper and Altidore as the striker combo, admit it. I dont blame you. I'm curious as to how that would work out, but i doubt they would both be getting the start. Bradley needs a rest. He's just a kid.

[NateinSF]

Dempsey doesn't get a start in the carling cup today....

what's the deal there, maybe he needs a new club.

[Thom]

It would be AWESOME to just professionally dismantle a weaker team piece by piece just like it should be regardless of who is called up. I actually watched the CONCACAF champion’s league last night, because I have no life, and was sickened by how truly awful we, NE and Chivas, looked in both games. To me that was the worst night in MLS history for establishing the leagues credibility. We can play Everton even up but our best club in league history GETS SCHOOLED BY JOE FRIGGIN PUBLIC. They should show that SETANTA for all of you who are pissing and moaning about our young talent going to Europe. Those 2 awful displays last night will put an end to any transfers full stop.
Think Spain goes to Luxembourg or Andorra hoping to come out with one point? I know someone will sight Barcas loss yesterday to a Polish side but to that I say this:

Barca isn't trying earn respect and create a pedigree my friends- they have had one for 90 + years. MLS can't slag any opportunity off to establish their “superior” level of play over these minnows and after thoughts.

Garber should furious, ashamed and on the war path today. What a joke. I can't believe the level of outrage on this board isn't higher.

[Thom]

NateinSF - Roy Hodgson went with his best 11 and at the moment Dempsey is not even close to cracking it. His form has gone from bad to worse since Feb last year and he will most likely be playing reserve games by Christmas without a rash of injuries at Fulham. That is just the facts.

[EmorySoccer]

why did convey lose favor with everyone? am i missing something? the guy is starting over at england and certainly has some age and legs on eddie lewis.

[Mrs. Bradley]

Oooh...poor bobby, where is that smart-talkin, tall, handsome devil-
Jimmie, I think it is?

[PanchoMiguelMoralesdeConejo]

Clint,
I like you're roster the best, all things being equal, I'd second your lineup. However, Ives and others make a very good point about playing time with clubs...therefore I do not see Edu coming in. Secondly, I would be very very surprised if Bradley goes with Wynn on the right over Hejduk. Eventually? sure. But not now. Here are my adaptations.
-----------Howard-----------
Hejduk---Onyewu---Boca---Bornstein
---------Bradley-----Sasha-------
Dempsey-------Donovan------Beasley
----------Ching---------

It's not that Cooper shouldn't start up top, its that Bradley has shown a penchant for not starting young players, but working them in slowly. I expect Cooper to be there, (and would also argue that Buddle should be there as well in place of Dempsey who is struggling for the Nats and for Fulham and he needs to find his rhythm and playing time). Buddle, however will not involved in this round. No way BB pulls 3 Gals, as he will bring Lewis to back up LM & LB as Ives noted, he is quite versital in that regard.
I do not think Jozy, Adu, Edu, Pearce are brought in for the reasons Ives made. Gooch I think is here, too important on a back line with 2 new starters at the FB position to leave him out.

[PanchoMiguelMoralesdeConejo]

" why did convey lose favor with everyone?"

Yes Convey is doing well in the Coca Cola League so far. But can you point out when he has looked good in a Nats uniform in the last 2 1/2 years?

[Mig]

Just to clarify again, I wasn't trying to discourage discussion (as if anyone could in here), but trying to point out that many, many posts are the same rants, each and every time the MNT suits up.

And look! While I take no credit, the posters today have actually raised a whole lot of good points. Cool, huh?

Now, for my opinion...ah never mind....somebody already said it. All except that if Ching or Twellman see the field in either of these qualifiers, I will just cry.

[Mig]

Something Ives mentioned while answering questions also tweaked my interest. I know it's been mentioned over the past couple of months here but do we REALLY need two deep middies? Edu and Bradley are both good players but should we playing a bucket midfield or even a 4-2-3-1 vs the level of opposition we're facing?

Just a thought.

[pana]

Bradley is not a good player

[JB_Mingjai]

I'm actually relatively new to soccer, and am by no means much of a tactician, but here's my go of it:

GK: Howard, Guzan
Def: Bocanegra, Onyewu, Pearce, Wynne, Hejduk, Wynne, Bornstein
Mid: Dempsey, Beasley, Bradley, Adu, Kljestan, Edu
For: Cooper, Altidore, Donovan, Davies

------------------Howard-----------------

Wynne-------Onyewu-------Boca-------Pearce

------------Kljestan-----Edu--------------

----Dempsey-------Donovan-------Beasley----

-----------------Altidore----------------

Depending on how the game goes, I'd bring Adu on for Dempsey in 70' or so, put Adu at CAM and move Donovan over to RAM.

[Johnny]

Speaking of Kenny Cooper he was called into to one of the big friendlies this summer BUT...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hZm8oXsguQ

[noname]

EmorySoccer,

Its not that Convey is out of favor; it's just that he was hurt for so long and is only now getting back to seeing regular time with Reading. It would be good to see him get back to team MVP form of three years ago but he just needs to string together a few games where he plays well for the full ninety and then I bet folks will be fine with seeing him called up again. Beasley gets hurt often too, but he seems to recover more quickly and his game seems to have improved while at Rangers; and though there is not a lot of love for Lewis -- as Ives points out -- he has been a versatile and consitent player for club and country making the need for Convey not as pressing (not even counting Rogers who has also begun to emerge).

[Johnny]

Altodore should be out the door! Put in Cooper, dammit!

[SonicDeathMonkey]

Wow, I don't even know where to start, but I'll try......

@Dan- Sal Zizzo and Bobby Convey? Really? You're serious?

@Nevin Rossi- Not a bad idea but Bob "Empty Bucket" Bradley will never do something like that.

@Nate- The deal is, Dempsey has lost form, and thats why hes not playing in the Carling Cup. In other places around the world, the don't let you keep your place in the squad if you are playing badly, unlike here in the states.

Carry on.

[pana]

Johnny,

Who is that constipated monkey in the video, ehhhh?

[Roberto]

there are still players that I don't see mentioned here and they deserve a chance.. And all from MLS too
Michael Harrington... Not too many options at left back, and he's been overlooked, should have made the olypics too
Clyde Simms I like him a lot and should be given a chance over the coaches son
Marvell Wynne the other fullback..with Harrington on left.
Brad Davis.. Always loved his playing and a good backup for Beasley
Here's my experimental line up I would try for T&T (if we beat Cuba)

Howard
Wynne
Califf
Eddie Robinson (should be called back too)
M Harrington
Rico Clarke
Landon donovanC Simms
Brad Davis
kenny cooper
jozy

[Large Cock]

Harrington??????????? You have to be smoking some serious skunkweed!

[Scott C]

I have to agree with some of the other posters that this team needs a little offensive shakeup. How many goals have we scored from the run of play this year? We should be dominating possession against a team like Guatemala and commanding the game. I think that game should be a wake up call to Bradley. The Olympic team looked good. If he is not going to give some of these young guys a chance now, when? 2011? Give Cooper/Altidore/Davies a chance, and start a more attack minded mid, like Adu or Holden or Kljestan.

[NateinSF]

i'm not saying clint is in top form, i'm saying he needs to play. so find a new team and get some burn.

[Jason]

Hey everybody. Stop including Cherundolo. The last I checked none of you have the authority to recind a red card suspension.

[MarkVA]

cooper won't get called in. neither will wynne. he wants a training camp to get them acquainted with the other players first. it just won't happen

[beckster]

It is not a good sign that Dempsey didn't even get in to the Carling Cup game today. Typically teams like to play their reserves in the cup game. Fulham went with more first stringers then is normal and never went to him.

I think you have to look to who is really in form. Since none of the guys playing in England have had preseason or game time except the goalies, Convey and DeMerrit, I'd say only take the guys getting playing time. Beasley looks pretty good. The guys playing Olympics and the MLS guys are in form and they should play as well. Bradley needs a rest.

[Chris UCF]

I voted Cooper because I think both Jozy and Freddy will and should stay with their clubs.

[nyc]

I cannot stand the argument for Ching (by Pepe) that we should let others stay at their clubs. That just feeds the "no international experience" argument when important games come up. Jozy and Cooper need to get in the mix NOW. Freddy should be there too, but I don't think anything is going to make him taller or less whiney when he gets fouled by 6 foot defenders.

[nyc]

Also, I like the line-up that PanchoMiguelMoralesdeConejo put up there. Aside from Ching of course.

[randall]

agreed that pearces "slump" is ridiculously exagerated.

the primary flaw in his game, imo, is that hes caught out of position a bit too much trying to get into the attack- and against guatemala he was at a pretty sizeable disadvantage speed-wise, so yeah- he had a pretty poor game.

that said ANYONE on the left side with lewis is going to look overwhelmed defensively (ask convey about that chech opener in the world cup).

so, unless you think a couple games off are going to increase his pace dramatically then absolutely nothings changed.

conversely- you want all the pace in the world in a guy that cant defend? bornsteins your guy.

that said, im all for guys getting a look. we outclass our opponents by a lot- we can afford to break up the "first 11" weve been running out. we dont need change for changes sake- but are altidore/cooper going to score LESS then ching/johnson? dempsey hasnt looked like he cared in a while now- give him a break. (not saying drop him, just take a game or two to look at a kljsten on the right with donovan up top where he belongs, or for adu to play that withdrawn striker role).

ive got absolutely no complaints with playing ching or hejduk or mastro when we go in to honduras or mexico- but against cuba i really think we could manage to squeak by with wynne or edu. hey, who knows- maybe they can do as well as "seasoned" guys who arent half the player they used to be, much less than the guys behind then due to "inexperience".

theres only one way to fix that...