Today I'd like to chat about the U.S. men's national team. But first, two quick hitters.
1. Chicago will host the 2007 Gold Cup semis and final. Obviously not good for me here in Connecticut. Flying out there isn't out of the question, although that might finally get me committed. The Windy City is a decent enough US-based venue. If the US gets to the semis against say, a Mexico or other Central American team, the fans will probably only be around a quarter pro-USA. Oh well.
2. This happened a couple days ago, but Red Bull New York traded Armando Guevara to Chivas USA. Personally, I've seen enough Red Bull games to say good riddance. Yes, he put up stats and he was league MVP a few years ago, but the last couple years he was nothing more than a moody, tempermental would-be superstar, highlighted by showing up in the stands after beiing excluded from the starting lineup.
The real story here is that Red Bull now gets two "Beckham" spots for their roster. Beckham himself looks headed to Scientology headquarters, err, Hell-A, errr Los Angeles. Rumors abound that NY will grab former USMNT captain Claudio Reyna (who denied that to the Man City website) or the artist formerly known as Ronaldo.
If money is no object -- which apparently it isn't with Red Bull -- here are a couple of names other than the trio of Beckham, Figo and Ronaldo to speculate on.
** Rivaldo -- Ok, he's upwards of 35-years old. But it not like Olympiakos, although in the Champions League, is that greatest place known to man. Not sure how much he'd actually push himself in MLS, but he'd instantly inject a ton of class missing from the league's midfields.
** Nuno Gomes -- According to statistics, SL Benfica has like the most supporters worldwide, judiging my members of the club. Gomes was once a hot shot in Portugal, now he's basically doing nothing. The Portuguese love soccer and would come out to see him in the Northeast. Not a huge name to sell to Madison Avenue, but if he's hungry to prove himself and not just eat off the Wendy's 99 cent menu would be a good buy.
** Harry Kewell -- Obviously a gamble, considering he's about as sturdy as a home built by the Bluthe Co., but this tempermental talent could bring a game to the MLS that Landon Donovan has simply forgotten about. There's probably no love lost between him and Rafa, who'd probably sell him if the price were right.
Maybe in some time, we'll see goals like this with some regularity.
That's enough speculation on the MLS for today.
Ok, now for some throughly engrossing USMNT speculation. It seems a done deal that Jürgen Klinsmann is going to be the next boss with some combination of Sigi Schmid and Bob Bradley working as assistants.
That's fine and dandy, even if it's taken six months to finally let the ink dry on the contract. But we're still only six months from back-to-back international tournaments in the Gold Cup and Copa America.
As I lied in bed one night unable to sleep, I try to think what a new-look USA lineup would consist of.
I came up with two set-in-concrete names: Tim Howard and Brian Ching.
Eventually I penciled in Oguchi Oneywu, Jimmy Conrad and Steve Cherundolo on the defense. Left back, your guess is as good as mine. If Corey Gibbs ever gets healthy, there might be a spot for him. Jay DeMerit finally deserves a cap too, eventhough with all the great press he's gotten he's nothing more than slightly above average. Still can't discount his heart and grit, especially in the air from the corner. Not keeping my hopes up for Jonathon Spector either. He's about a season away from joining MLS.
The midfield...well I'll assume Bobby Convey will heal up and play on the left. And that Clint Dempsey will find a position somewhere. But the rest of the midfield is up for grabs. Hate to admit it, but I have no clue who's going to replace Reyna in the holding roll. Ricardo Clark? Doubt it. The team might even have top go 4-3-3 to offset this.
I'll begrudgingly figure that Klinnsman uses Donovan as a supporting striker in some capcity, perhaps he and Ching can rework their old Earthquakes Batman and Robin routine.
DaMarcus Beasley...well...is he even still alive? Or has Stuart Pearce fed him for some wayward English hunting dogs?
Same for Eddie Johnson. Not putting my eggs in his basket, I'd rather see what a guy like Bolton's Johann Smith has. Or how about Chris Rolfe. Maybe even throw Pat Noonan out there, not a sexy pick, but solid.
We've had to have seen the last of Eddie Lewis, Gregg Berhalter, Josh Wolff, Frankie Hejduk and John O'Brien too.
A couple of youngsters worth keeping an eye on are Hamburg's Benny Feilhaber and Herenveen's Michael Bradley. Both are getting regular burn in Europe. Both seem hungry. I've been fond of Marvel Wynne and it might be time for Freddie Adu to put up or shut up, especially with his trial at ManU over and done with. Maybe Eddie Gaven will finally grow up too.
Notice all this rambling? It just goes to show that it's almost impossible to guess what kind of a team Klismann is going to put together. If his time with Die Nationalmannschaft tells us anything, it's that he's willing to go with youth and play free-flowing, attack football. There's got to be at least 50 players that could be called in to the intial camp (whenever they decide to do that).
If he can get anyone to improve the way Bastian 'Bifi' Schweinsteiger did over the course of the World Cup, we're in great shape. Klinnsman looks like he'll take chances with his lineups and not simply include players based on past reputation (Donovan).
It's not going to be easy to play in back-to-back international tournaments. Might as well go with a kiddie core in the Gold Cup and field the best you can field for South America. We'll never be able to lineup from a talent standpoint with Brasil and if they decide to play, we're losing 3-0. So be it. But the rest of South America plays with a lot of grit, taking their cue from the lethal-tackling Argentines. Can we compete with them, or Paraguay? With the right coaching I say yes. But this isn't going to happen overnight. The USMNT will go nearly seven months between fixtures.
It doesn't take a genius to realize we needed a coach a couple monthes ago, if only to starting putting the pieces together. But I suppose the US Soccer Federation is more concerned with the women's Gold Cup. Par for the course.
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Last week I got killed in my weekly EPL predictions. A pathetic 1-8 over last weekend and 2-4 during the midweek, though I'll hang my hat that my two correct picks had ther right score as week. So far on the season I'm 52-69, which isn't terrible considering each game has three possible outcomes.
Saturday
Arsenal v. Tottenham -- Oh boy! North London Derby! This one should be hot, considering the Gunners have lost, shutter, two-straight heading into this one. The last time these teams played, Spurs won 1-0 on a controversial goal. Controversial because an Arsenal player picked up a knock and Tottenham failed to kick the ball out of bounds. I'm sure Wegner hasn't forgotten, or maybe he already exacted his revenge, poisoing Spurs before their finale last season at West Ham. In any event this has potential to be a good one.Figure Thierry Henry with 2-3 moments of brilliance. (Henry ruled out of the game.) Spurs haven't won at Arsenal in 13 years, although this will be their first crack at the Emirates. Still, with their fecal matter-inspired alternate kits, don't look for the run to end here. The pick: Arsenal 2, Tottenham 1
Blackburn v. Fulham -- (Tape delay on FSC, 2:30) I'm about to come to the conclusion that Blackburn sucks and Fulham isn't all that bad. And of course I'll come to this conclusion and the opposite of what I think will transpire at Ewood Park. Wonder if Clint Dempsey is in the process of finding words to rhyme off Craven Cottage. The Pick: Blackburn 1, Fulham 1
Middlesbrough vs. Manchester United -- (Live on FSC, noon) Boro has claimed a couple scalps this season, including Chelsea's. Still, hard to think SAF lets his boys fall to what is a throughly, comprehensively mediocore Boro team. This could be one of those games were Rooney and Ronaldo go nuts. And this comes out of nowhere, Henrik Larsson's going join the Red Devils in January. Savvy pickup. The Pick: 'Boro 0, ManU 4
Portsmouth v. Aston Villa -- This is quite intriging, as two surprise top-half-of-the-table teams collide at Fratton Park. It's amazing to see how Villa has gone from relegation candidates to surprisingly frisky. Of course frisky in this case means, slightly above average. The same could be said of Pompey, which by all likihood should be plying their trade in the Championship this season. These are two pretty even sides, but Portsmouth has much more quality in attack, which should be the difference. The pick: Pompey 2, Aston Villa 0
Reading v. Bolton -- (Live on FSC, 10 a.m.) Say a prayer for Surf Boy. I mean, say a prayer for the plucky Royals that they survive 12-rounds of physicality from Kevin Nolan & Co. Reading would really show something if they pull out the three points here. One more thought on Bolton, its uniform may be mostly white, but their style of play is the color of vomit, mine. The Pick: Reading 1, Bolton 0
Sheffield United v. Charlton -- Believe it or not, this is the one game I'd actually like to see this week. Not that there is a lot of skill or talent, aside from maybe Darren Bent out there, but with both teams figuring to weigh heavily in the regulation fight these are three yuge points at stake. Count on a lot of passion from both teams and the supporters, who know whats at stake here. Playing at Brammell Lane give the Blades a slight edge. The pick: Sheffield Utd. 2, Charlton 1
Wigan Athletic v. Liverpool -- On the flip side, you probably couldn't pay me to watch this one. Wake me when it's over. Maybe Emile Heskey eats a nice breakfast and decides to punish his former squad. The pick: Wigan 0, Liverpool 0
Sunday
Everton v. West Ham -- Jesus, this game is so bloody English I can smell the fried tomato and baked beans on toast. Everton, thin already, are really hurting without Cahill and Johnson. Meanwhile, looks like the Irons have finally righted the ship and gotten past the Argentine debacle. The pick: Everton 1, West Ham 1
Monday
Manchester City v. Watford -- (Live on FSC, 3 p.m.) City is on a major roll. Watford, well, they're about as potent as a kaiser roll. The pick: City 1, Watford 0
1. Chicago will host the 2007 Gold Cup semis and final. Obviously not good for me here in Connecticut. Flying out there isn't out of the question, although that might finally get me committed. The Windy City is a decent enough US-based venue. If the US gets to the semis against say, a Mexico or other Central American team, the fans will probably only be around a quarter pro-USA. Oh well.
2. This happened a couple days ago, but Red Bull New York traded Armando Guevara to Chivas USA. Personally, I've seen enough Red Bull games to say good riddance. Yes, he put up stats and he was league MVP a few years ago, but the last couple years he was nothing more than a moody, tempermental would-be superstar, highlighted by showing up in the stands after beiing excluded from the starting lineup.
The real story here is that Red Bull now gets two "Beckham" spots for their roster. Beckham himself looks headed to Scientology headquarters, err, Hell-A, errr Los Angeles. Rumors abound that NY will grab former USMNT captain Claudio Reyna (who denied that to the Man City website) or the artist formerly known as Ronaldo.
If money is no object -- which apparently it isn't with Red Bull -- here are a couple of names other than the trio of Beckham, Figo and Ronaldo to speculate on.
** Rivaldo -- Ok, he's upwards of 35-years old. But it not like Olympiakos, although in the Champions League, is that greatest place known to man. Not sure how much he'd actually push himself in MLS, but he'd instantly inject a ton of class missing from the league's midfields.
** Nuno Gomes -- According to statistics, SL Benfica has like the most supporters worldwide, judiging my members of the club. Gomes was once a hot shot in Portugal, now he's basically doing nothing. The Portuguese love soccer and would come out to see him in the Northeast. Not a huge name to sell to Madison Avenue, but if he's hungry to prove himself and not just eat off the Wendy's 99 cent menu would be a good buy.
** Harry Kewell -- Obviously a gamble, considering he's about as sturdy as a home built by the Bluthe Co., but this tempermental talent could bring a game to the MLS that Landon Donovan has simply forgotten about. There's probably no love lost between him and Rafa, who'd probably sell him if the price were right.
Maybe in some time, we'll see goals like this with some regularity.
That's enough speculation on the MLS for today.
Ok, now for some throughly engrossing USMNT speculation. It seems a done deal that Jürgen Klinsmann is going to be the next boss with some combination of Sigi Schmid and Bob Bradley working as assistants.
That's fine and dandy, even if it's taken six months to finally let the ink dry on the contract. But we're still only six months from back-to-back international tournaments in the Gold Cup and Copa America.
As I lied in bed one night unable to sleep, I try to think what a new-look USA lineup would consist of.
I came up with two set-in-concrete names: Tim Howard and Brian Ching.
Eventually I penciled in Oguchi Oneywu, Jimmy Conrad and Steve Cherundolo on the defense. Left back, your guess is as good as mine. If Corey Gibbs ever gets healthy, there might be a spot for him. Jay DeMerit finally deserves a cap too, eventhough with all the great press he's gotten he's nothing more than slightly above average. Still can't discount his heart and grit, especially in the air from the corner. Not keeping my hopes up for Jonathon Spector either. He's about a season away from joining MLS.
The midfield...well I'll assume Bobby Convey will heal up and play on the left. And that Clint Dempsey will find a position somewhere. But the rest of the midfield is up for grabs. Hate to admit it, but I have no clue who's going to replace Reyna in the holding roll. Ricardo Clark? Doubt it. The team might even have top go 4-3-3 to offset this.
I'll begrudgingly figure that Klinnsman uses Donovan as a supporting striker in some capcity, perhaps he and Ching can rework their old Earthquakes Batman and Robin routine.
DaMarcus Beasley...well...is he even still alive? Or has Stuart Pearce fed him for some wayward English hunting dogs?
Same for Eddie Johnson. Not putting my eggs in his basket, I'd rather see what a guy like Bolton's Johann Smith has. Or how about Chris Rolfe. Maybe even throw Pat Noonan out there, not a sexy pick, but solid.
We've had to have seen the last of Eddie Lewis, Gregg Berhalter, Josh Wolff, Frankie Hejduk and John O'Brien too.
A couple of youngsters worth keeping an eye on are Hamburg's Benny Feilhaber and Herenveen's Michael Bradley. Both are getting regular burn in Europe. Both seem hungry. I've been fond of Marvel Wynne and it might be time for Freddie Adu to put up or shut up, especially with his trial at ManU over and done with. Maybe Eddie Gaven will finally grow up too.
Notice all this rambling? It just goes to show that it's almost impossible to guess what kind of a team Klismann is going to put together. If his time with Die Nationalmannschaft tells us anything, it's that he's willing to go with youth and play free-flowing, attack football. There's got to be at least 50 players that could be called in to the intial camp (whenever they decide to do that).
If he can get anyone to improve the way Bastian 'Bifi' Schweinsteiger did over the course of the World Cup, we're in great shape. Klinnsman looks like he'll take chances with his lineups and not simply include players based on past reputation (Donovan).
It's not going to be easy to play in back-to-back international tournaments. Might as well go with a kiddie core in the Gold Cup and field the best you can field for South America. We'll never be able to lineup from a talent standpoint with Brasil and if they decide to play, we're losing 3-0. So be it. But the rest of South America plays with a lot of grit, taking their cue from the lethal-tackling Argentines. Can we compete with them, or Paraguay? With the right coaching I say yes. But this isn't going to happen overnight. The USMNT will go nearly seven months between fixtures.
It doesn't take a genius to realize we needed a coach a couple monthes ago, if only to starting putting the pieces together. But I suppose the US Soccer Federation is more concerned with the women's Gold Cup. Par for the course.
Last week I got killed in my weekly EPL predictions. A pathetic 1-8 over last weekend and 2-4 during the midweek, though I'll hang my hat that my two correct picks had ther right score as week. So far on the season I'm 52-69, which isn't terrible considering each game has three possible outcomes.
Saturday
Arsenal v. Tottenham -- Oh boy! North London Derby! This one should be hot, considering the Gunners have lost, shutter, two-straight heading into this one. The last time these teams played, Spurs won 1-0 on a controversial goal. Controversial because an Arsenal player picked up a knock and Tottenham failed to kick the ball out of bounds. I'm sure Wegner hasn't forgotten, or maybe he already exacted his revenge, poisoing Spurs before their finale last season at West Ham. In any event this has potential to be a good one.
Blackburn v. Fulham -- (Tape delay on FSC, 2:30) I'm about to come to the conclusion that Blackburn sucks and Fulham isn't all that bad. And of course I'll come to this conclusion and the opposite of what I think will transpire at Ewood Park. Wonder if Clint Dempsey is in the process of finding words to rhyme off Craven Cottage. The Pick: Blackburn 1, Fulham 1
Middlesbrough vs. Manchester United -- (Live on FSC, noon) Boro has claimed a couple scalps this season, including Chelsea's. Still, hard to think SAF lets his boys fall to what is a throughly, comprehensively mediocore Boro team. This could be one of those games were Rooney and Ronaldo go nuts. And this comes out of nowhere, Henrik Larsson's going join the Red Devils in January. Savvy pickup. The Pick: 'Boro 0, ManU 4
Portsmouth v. Aston Villa -- This is quite intriging, as two surprise top-half-of-the-table teams collide at Fratton Park. It's amazing to see how Villa has gone from relegation candidates to surprisingly frisky. Of course frisky in this case means, slightly above average. The same could be said of Pompey, which by all likihood should be plying their trade in the Championship this season. These are two pretty even sides, but Portsmouth has much more quality in attack, which should be the difference. The pick: Pompey 2, Aston Villa 0
Reading v. Bolton -- (Live on FSC, 10 a.m.) Say a prayer for Surf Boy. I mean, say a prayer for the plucky Royals that they survive 12-rounds of physicality from Kevin Nolan & Co. Reading would really show something if they pull out the three points here. One more thought on Bolton, its uniform may be mostly white, but their style of play is the color of vomit, mine. The Pick: Reading 1, Bolton 0
Sheffield United v. Charlton -- Believe it or not, this is the one game I'd actually like to see this week. Not that there is a lot of skill or talent, aside from maybe Darren Bent out there, but with both teams figuring to weigh heavily in the regulation fight these are three yuge points at stake. Count on a lot of passion from both teams and the supporters, who know whats at stake here. Playing at Brammell Lane give the Blades a slight edge. The pick: Sheffield Utd. 2, Charlton 1
Wigan Athletic v. Liverpool -- On the flip side, you probably couldn't pay me to watch this one. Wake me when it's over. Maybe Emile Heskey eats a nice breakfast and decides to punish his former squad. The pick: Wigan 0, Liverpool 0
Sunday
Everton v. West Ham -- Jesus, this game is so bloody English I can smell the fried tomato and baked beans on toast. Everton, thin already, are really hurting without Cahill and Johnson. Meanwhile, looks like the Irons have finally righted the ship and gotten past the Argentine debacle. The pick: Everton 1, West Ham 1
Monday
Manchester City v. Watford -- (Live on FSC, 3 p.m.) City is on a major roll. Watford, well, they're about as potent as a kaiser roll. The pick: City 1, Watford 0
Is this where I line up for the Lee Nguyen fan club?