I was looking forward to the US vs Spain match and though most of my thoughts go straight to the Confederations Cup win, I thought about the one before that in Espana.Anyone else remember how good he was on the day? I miss that Freddy. Here is video and then Grant Wahl's assessment after that match.
Freddy Adu made a difference. After the U.S.'s miserable display against England last week, I was hoping Adu would get a chance to start as an attacking central midfielder in a 4-5-1 formation against Spain, and that's exactly what happened.
The 19-year-old Adu is one of the few U.S. players who has confidence on the ball in tight space, and he was dangerous in his 45 minutes of action, unsettling the Spanish defense, drawing fouls and serving some penetrating balls to Eddie Johnson up front.
Adu was also noticeable by his absence in the second half, when the U.S. was unable to mount any credible attacks up the middle. Adu hasn't had many chances to perform for the U.S. senior team, but this was easily his best performance yet at this level. Here's hoping he gets more opportunities soon.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/grant_wahl/06/04/five.things/#ixzz1NzIQYeP3
Tuesday Night Yanks Abroad/USMNT Link Drop
*US national team striker Jozy Altidore calls in to tell everyone his career plans
*Landon Donovan and the Quest for 200 Caps
*CONCACAFs at war...with itself
*Michael Bradley's busy summer
*Solid Gold Cup could boost Michael Bradley’s fortunes abroad
*Adu hopes to reward U.S. coaches' faith in him
*Adu gets another chance with U.S.
*Bocanegra Reflects on his Captaincy, Memorable Moments and What it All Means to Him
*Cherundolo has been playing the best soccer of his career
Robbie Rogers: Gold Cup
Not so confident on Robbie's selection, but as long as he scores a few goals and doesn't mess up, I will forgive Bob.
NBA Finals Betting: Heat, Mavs Prepare For Rematch Of 2006 Finals
Those checking out Belmont odds will be looking forward to a rematch between Animal Kingdom and Shackleford, the winners of the first two legs of the Triple Crown. In the NBA, betting players and fans alike will be getting a rematch of the 2006 Finals, when Miami stormed back from two games down to defeat Dallas. Can the Mavericks avenge that controversial loss?Mavericks vs. Heat Betting – Tuesday, 9:00 PM ET (Game 1)
The Mavericks have been incredibly impressive over the postseason, taking care of Portland in six games before a four-game demolition of the two-time defending champions from Los Angeles, including a 36-point rout in the final game of Phil Jackson’s coaching career. The Mavericks then beat Oklahoma City in a tough five-game series, and you could argue that Dirk Nowitzki has been the best player of the playoffs. His defenders would have more luck in an online casino than trying to guard Nowitzki’s unblockable fadeway jumper, and he’s averaging 28.4 points per game. The Mavericks get scoring off the bench with Jason Terry and J.J. Barea, and Tyson Chandler has made them a better defensive team than they have been in the past.
The Heat have won all three of their series in five games, dispatching of Philadelphia before an emotional win over Boston, and finally Miami topped Chicago, the top overall seed. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh dominate the team in scoring and take turns carrying the offensive load, while it looks like James has developed into the role of close. But it’s on the defensive end where the Heat really shine, as they have allowed 88.3 points, and they’ve been one of the best defensive teams in the league all season long. James may be the most versatile defender in the league, while the rest of the team has adhered to coach Erik Spoelstra’s principles.
Miami is a -175 favorite to win the title in your pay per head sportsbook, while the Mavericks are rated at +155, and since losing that 2006 series, Dallas is 10-0 SU and 5-4-1 ATS in their last 10 against the Heat, with six games going over the posted total. Both teams have been very good to betting players in the playoffs, but only one can win this series. The Mavericks have been a good story, and a lot of people have been pulling for Nowitzki and Jason Kidd to get their first rings, but you know the saying: defense wins championships, and Miami’s defense is much better. Unless the Dallas bench can be vastly superior to their Miami counterparts, the Mavericks can’t win this series. Take the Miami Heat to go all the way in your online sportsbook.
Yanks in Sweden and Denmark: Gale, Diskerud, Gatt & Parkhurst
*He went 90 minutes in a 4-2 win over IK Start.
Gatt with Molde
*He played 45 minutes in a 5-0 loss to Haugesund.
Parkhurst with FC Nordsjaelland
*He played 90 minutes in a 0-0 draw with FC Midtjylland.
Agbossoumonde with Djurgarden
*He played 90 minutes in a 1-0 loss to IFK Goteborg.
Diskerud
Gale
Parkhurst
Gatt
Bocanegra commits late foul for a penalty as PSG draws 1-1 with St. Etienne
*He committed the foul for the PK in a 1-1 draw with PSG.
*Highlights after the jump...
szólj hozzá: Saint-Etienne 1-1 Paris
Gambhir in doubt for West Indies
Gautam Gambhir may not be able to play the entire tour of the West Indies after being diagnosed with a shoulder injury that could keep him out for 4-6 weeks.
Andrew Leipus, the Kolkata Knight Riders physiotherapist, submitted a report to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, in which he stated that the India opener sustained the injury during the World Cup final against Sri Lanka and aggravated it further during the final league game of the IPL against the Mumbai Indians in Kolkata.
Leipus also said in his report that Gambhir was feeling better before the final IPL league game but felt pain while throwing a ball from the deep during the game.
Leipus, who was also with the Indian team previously, further added in his report that Gambhir underwent medical scans in Mumbai before the elimination match against the Indians on Wednesday under the supervision of an expert.
Leipus stated in his report that Gambhir is advised 4-6 weeks of rest during which time he will not be able to throw or bat so that his should recovers completely.
Gambhir was to lead the Indian side in the West Indies for the ODI series after skipper MS Dhoni was rested along with Zaheer Khan and Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag was ruled out with a shoulder injury.
It is expected that Suresh Raina, who was made the vice-captain, will lead the team in his place. Gambhir's absence also means that India will go into the series without any of the regular specialist openers.
Read More >>Andrew Leipus, the Kolkata Knight Riders physiotherapist, submitted a report to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, in which he stated that the India opener sustained the injury during the World Cup final against Sri Lanka and aggravated it further during the final league game of the IPL against the Mumbai Indians in Kolkata.
Leipus also said in his report that Gambhir was feeling better before the final IPL league game but felt pain while throwing a ball from the deep during the game.
Leipus, who was also with the Indian team previously, further added in his report that Gambhir underwent medical scans in Mumbai before the elimination match against the Indians on Wednesday under the supervision of an expert.
Leipus stated in his report that Gambhir is advised 4-6 weeks of rest during which time he will not be able to throw or bat so that his should recovers completely.
Gambhir was to lead the Indian side in the West Indies for the ODI series after skipper MS Dhoni was rested along with Zaheer Khan and Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag was ruled out with a shoulder injury.
It is expected that Suresh Raina, who was made the vice-captain, will lead the team in his place. Gambhir's absence also means that India will go into the series without any of the regular specialist openers.
Belmont Stakes Picks: Rivalry Between Triple Crown Winners Builds Anticipation
It has been a problem that has plagued the final leg of the Triple Crown for the better part of the past couple of decades, somewhat of a stain on what is regarded as one of the premiere races of the horse racing season. It will get a ton of attention again this year without the potential for a Triple Crown winner once again after Shackleford narrowly beat out Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom at the Preakness Stakes to make sure that 1978’s Affirmed would remain the last horse to complete the prestigious sweep. However, there will be some added intrigue to the 2011 Belmont Stakes betting race with the fact that both winners are expected to run against one another in New York in what could be considered the deciding run that will determine which horse had the better overall season.The potential rivalry race between Animal Kingdom and Shackleford would be interesting for several reasons, with the obvious one being the finishes that each horse has registered through the first two legs of the 2011 Triple Crown. Animal Kingdom came out of nowhere as a long shot to win the Kentucky Derby way ahead of the heavily favored Dialed In, and then nearly pulled off an incredible comeback at the Preakness Stakes when it emerged from the middle of the online sports betting pack to finish second by a half-length. The winner of that race was Shackleford which managed to barely hold on, but it could have a tougher time at the 1 ½ mile Belmont Park. The Preakness winner finished fourth at the Derby also behind Nehro and Mucho Macho Man, both expected to also compete in the early June race. Both in terms of breeding and prestige this final leg will mean a lot to both horses, and then there is the prize money that will go to the owner that finishes the pay per head race first. If that wasn’t enough incentive for these two horses when they clash against one another, then consider that the Eclipse Award has always gone to the horse that won the Preakness, as well as the Horse of the Year award for three-year olds on three separate occasions. If Animal Kingdom can win the Belmont it will surely spoil that streak.
While the battle on the track between Animal Kingdom and Shackleford won’t have the prestige of the memorable rivalry between Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta off of the track, the buzz that the idea creates will establish a sense of anticipation for the Belmont Stakes. With the Breeder’s Cup Classic also in the fold later on in the MLB betting summer, there will be a ton of races to watch and the rivalry could be something to follow that will attract more casual fans to pay attention. There is plenty incentive there for the owners and a ton of money on the line, which is why despite the fact that there will be no Triple Crown winner in 2011 there will still be a ton of excitement.
Yanks At Home:Week 9
BY BRIAN MANGAN
The Superclassico as they call it in LA has been a bit of a one sided affair for a while now, but Saturday's game proved to be a back and forth affair with Americans shining through for each side. Seeing as Justin Braun had just taken down the favorite in the East in New York it was assumed he could have an equally big day against the Western Conference equivalent. Needless to say he did not. Braun only played two thirds of the game before being pulled. He almost put a Heath Pearce free kick in the back of the net but couldn't quite finish it. Pearce on the other hand played great defense containing a talented LA attack (minus Becks visiting his friends at Old Trafford rather than play in a league game against an in city rival). As a matter of fact the Chivas defense might have been the most impressive line of Americans as both Pearce and the 19 year old Zarek Valentin put in impressive performances. Valentin was playing in place of the injured Mike Lahoud and easily fit into the gap, proving a stable replacement and getting on his way to earning the longterm job.
Wednesday Night Yanks Abroad/USMNT Link Drop
*Adu gets surprise call-up to U.S. men’s soccer team
*USMNT Gold Cup Roster Numbers
*The Day After: The 2011 US Gold Cup Roster
*MLS has made progress, but it's not a good place for top Americans
*Gatt brace, assist lead Molde in Cup
*U.S. U-18s draw Netherlands in Portugal
Tuesday Night Yanks Abroad/USMNT Link Drop
*Several with questions about club futures
*Ponce called up to Mexico's preliminary Copa America squad
*Dempsey's versatility gives Bradley personnel options up top at Gold Cup
*Holden Named Bolton Wanderers’ 2010 / 11 Player of the Year
*Kazlauskas fights for Dutch promotion
*Adu's Rizespor thrashed 4-0
*Gold Cup roster analysis: Talking Adu, Rogers, Wondolowski and more
*El Salvador looking at Joe Corona
Why USA NEED to Win the Gold Cup
By Evan Ream
England
USA
Slovenia
Algeria
This was probably the easiest group USA could have gotten at the 2010 World Cup. England (or possibly Italy) was probably the worst seed other than South Africa; Slovenia was definitely not one of the better non-seeded European teams; and Algeria was probably the worst African team. USA won that group; their first group win since 1930. USA will not always be so lucky to get this kind of group, but it is possible for them to do it, or even get an easier group. It should not be a goal for USA to qualify for the World Cup anymore; that is a given. USA’s goal should be to get a seed. With a seed USA has a better chance of getting an easier group, and thus a better chance of winning their group and playing a winnable game in the Round of 16 (all games are winnable, but some games are more winnable than others).
· You get three points for a win, two points for a penalty kick win, one point for a draw, and one point for a penalty kick loss.
· Each of these points are multiplied by a certain number depending on the competition as well as the strength of the opponent.
· The multipliers are: 1x for a friendly game, 2.5x for a World Cup or Continental Cup (Euro, Gold Cup, etc...) game, 3x for Continental or Confederations Cup, and 4x for a World Cup.
· That number is then multiplied by the 200 minus the opponent’s current world ranking divided by 100. For example if USA were to beat the Netherlands who are number two in the world, their win would be multiplied by (200-2)/100 or 1.98
As you can see, if you understand my abbreviated version of the FIFA World Rankings formula (I’m not sure if I even did) it is better to beat better teams and beat them in a higher competition. This formula allows for teams like Norway, that haven’t qualified for a major competition since 2000, to achieve the number 11 ranking in the World. The best way for USA to improve their ranking is to qualify for the Confederations Cup.
USA doesn’t get very many games with high multipliers against high level competition due to the lack of quality teams in the area. After Mexico, the CONCACAF team with the highest ranking is Honduras at 48 (who have an aging squad and are unlikely to maintain this high of a ranking) and Jamaica at 55. CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers just won’t get it done if USA wants a seed. If USA (currently ranked 22nd, 197 points behind the coveted eighth ranking) want to make up 14 spots in three years, it will have to do something like this:
2011: Beat Canada (76), Panama (67), and Guadeloupe (not a FIFA member) in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Group Stage, Beat Guatemala (124) or El Salvador (87) in the Quarterfinals, Beat Honduras (48), Jamaica (55), or Canada (76) in the Semifinals, and Beat Mexico (28) in the Final. Advance to the 2013 Confederations Cup.
2012: Finish first in their qualifying group.
2013. Finish first in their qualifying group, win the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and do as well as possible in the 2013 Confederations Cup
Mexico got a seed in the 2006 World Cup and ended up with this group:
Mexico
Portugal
Iran
Angola
Assuming USA gets a seed for 2014 their group could end up, at the best, like this:
USA
Random second tier European team (Slovenia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Ukraine, Greece, etc…)
Random bad Asian team or New Zealand* (Iran, Saudi Arabia, North Korea)
Random bad African team (Angola, Algeria, whichever random African team qualifies)
*CONCACAF and Asian teams have been traditionally in the same pot, so if USA were to get a seed this would happen for sure.
At the very worst their group could look like this:
USA
1st tier European team that slipped in the rankings (Portugal, Italy, etc…)
Good Asian team (Japan, South Korea, Australia)
Good African team (Ivory Coast, Ghana)
The second scenario is much less likely than the first.
The best chance for USA to make a deep run in the World Cup would be if they were a seeded team. In order to be a seeded team, they need a high FIFA ranking. In order to get a high FIFA Ranking, they need to play at the Confederations Cup so they can play teams like Spain (1), Brazil (3), Japan (14), (and just a guess at the four other teams that will make it), Argentina (5), Netherlands (2), Ghana (15), and New Zealand (60) and boost their FIFA Ranking.
Of course FIFA could just decide to change the way the seeds are handed out for no reason (this has happened before) making all this for naught, but USA can’t worry about that. USA should do all that is in their power to get a seed. The start to doing this is winning THIS CONCACAF Gold Cup. Good luck, boys.
Evan Ream is a contributor to Yanks Abroad Video Highlights. He also writes a weekly column for The SACK Lunch Blog. Evan welcomes your comments and questions, he can be reached at reame@sou.edu. You can follow him on twitter @EvanReam
NHL Western Conference Finals Game 5 - San Jose Sharks vs. Vancouver Canucks
Sports Betting OverviewNow that the 2011 Preakness betting is over, hockey fans in San Jose can start to wonder what is going on with the Sharks. To say that the Sharks’ performance in game four was a disappointment would be an understatement. The more accurate thing to say is that Stanley Cup champion goaltender Antti Niemi continues to concern Sharks fans with his playoff performances. Prior to the 2010-2011 season, the NHL news was buzzing about the release of San Jose Goaltender Evgeni Nabokov and the signing of Antti Niemi. San Jose fans had long placed blame for the Sharks’ lack of playoff success on Nabokov. After game four, many Sharks fans were already trying to find ways to lure Nabokov back.
The Vancouver Canucks just keep doing what they do, and that is applying offensive pressure on the opposing net. The difference between game three and game four is that the Canucks could not get many quality shots on goal. But, what they did get on net seemed to go in. The price per head Canucks fans can stop worrying about goaltender Roberto Luongo. After Luongo’s performance in game four, it is obvious that Luongo has finally found a playoff groove that is conducive to winning. Luongo was brilliant in the third period of game four, despite giving up two goals. By that point, the game was already decided and Luongo’s to win.
San Jose Sharks
There is no nice way to put it; the Sharks lost their chances of winning a Stanley Cup when they released Evgeni Nabokov. Antti Niemi has been spectacular in streaks this season, but the playoffs have not been one of those streaks. In game four, Niemi faced 13 shots and allowed four goals. In the second period of game four, Niemi allowed three goals on four shots. The Sharks could not have played more desperate defense in game four. They blocked shots and tried to keep the Sedin twins away from the net. But bad positional play by Niemi undermined everything the Sharks tried to do defensively. Niemi has been a problem for San Jose this entire series. He will be the key to a San Jose win or loss in game five, and it is not looking good for the Sharks.
Vancouver Canucks
While Antti Niemi was allowing pretty much any shot on goal to go in during game four, Roberto Luongo was in the Vancouver net making 33 saves on 35 shots. Luongo stood up to a 17-shot third period from the Sharks to preserve the win. Luongo is the one element that the Canucks needed to see production from to go deep in these playoffs and, after a rocky start in the first two rounds, Luongo has become a solid force in net. The Sedin twins are causing all kinds of problems in the San Jose defense, which helps to offset the fact that the Vancouver defense does not seem to have an answer for the Sharks offense. If Luongo can hold up, Vancouver will win this series.
The Bottom Line
Luongo has a long history of falling apart in the playoffs. As bad as Niemi looked in game four, the Vancouver defense looked even worse. The big difference in game four was Luongo. He should also be a big difference in game five as well.
BSNblog Pick: Vancouver Canucks
Gold Cup Roster Ruminations
By Jared Launius
Bob Bradley announced his Gold Cup roster today and, like most Bob Bradley rosters, it was 90 percent predictable and 10 percent "What the hell?!" For transparency's sake, I'll provide a link to the roster I predicted a week ago so you can see exactly how many bad guesses I made.
And here's Bob's roster, followed by my own pithy commentary:
Goalkeepers: Tim Howard (Everton), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
Defenders: Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Eric Lichaj (Aston Villa), Jonathan Bornstein (West Ham), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Clarence Goodson (Brønby), Tim Ream (New York Red Bull), Carlos Bocanegra (Saint-Etienne), Jonathan Bornstein (Tigres)
Medfielders: Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Michael Bradley (Borussia Monchengladbach), Jermaine Jones (Schalke), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Benny Feilhaber (New England Revolution), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht), Freddy Adu (Rizespor), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)
Forwards: Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bull), Jozy Altidore (Villareal), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
Freddy Adu and Robbie Rogers?! FREDDY ADU AND ROBBIE ROGERS?! Yes, Freddy Adu and Robbie Rogers. FREDDY. ADU. AND. ROBBIE. ROGERS.
(I thought it was best I just get that out of the way before I try to offer any real analysis beyond capital letters and incredulous rhetorical questions.)
Bradley's choice in goalkeeping corps offered little surprise. Many believed Guzan would be unavailable because of that whole getting married thing, and they believed correctly. It's a little surprising, I think, that Rimando was named the number three keeper instead of a European-based player, mainly because this means Bob is pulling the MLS's best keeper away from his club for three weeks to cheer really hard beside him on the bench (CORRECTION: Looks like Rimando will actually be spending most of the Gold Cup with RSL, not traveling with the US). But let's not waste our time worrying about the third goalkeeper slot.
I don't think it should come as any sort of shock Bradley is bringing in Bornstein for what will be his fourth-consecutive meaningful US cup (GC '07, CC '09, WC '10 and now GC '11). That doesn't mean you can't be semi-offended by it's sheer disregard of logic. I see no reason to pile on Bornstein, other than to say, c'mon, Bob, time to find a new love.
The only other surprise in defense, I think, is Eric Lichaj's inclusion and, ergo, Timmy Chandler's exclusion. Apparently there are club concerns, which makes sense as Bradley has done nothing but praise Chandler since his March call-up. I don't think there's much to separate Lichaj and Chandler, so I'm not sure this will really have any sort of impact anyway.
Goodson's inclusion doesn't come as a huge surprise – not to me at least – as Jay DeMerit hasn't been healthy most of the season. And, well, J-Specs is J-Specs. He's not going anywhere, and we all know it.
The midfield is where Bob went all, well, Bob, on us. Most of the usual suspects are there, but I think Bob might have been eating crayons when he filled in the last few spots.
For fun, let's play a little game – below, I list two players – two wing midfielders, to be specific – and his statistics from the first part of his club season:
Player A: 10 games played, 2 goals, 1 assist
Player B: 10 games played, 4 goals, 2 assists
That tells you a bit before I mention that Player B plays in a tougher league and that Player A doesn't bring much to the table beyond a lot of speed and a terrible first touch. Or before I mention that Player A has been given twice as many national team caps than Player B and has failed to impress, well, ever. Sure he has more experience, but it's really just more experience at being really ineffective.
Player A, of course, is Robbie Rogers, who is on the roster, and Player B is Alejandro Bedoya, who isn't. Yeah, I'm puzzled as you.
The other – well, surprise isn't a strong enough word – shocking inclusion is that of Freddy Adu. Freddy, as you may know, has been delivering at the club level, but, well, it's been in the Turkish second division. And it's been for half a season.
Now look, I'm not here to beat up on Freddy. Assuming he really is the age he says he is (and it's been seven years now without proof to the contrary), I think there might still be a national team future for him. But that's, like, the future. You know, like, down the road? At another time and place? After some time has passed? Past the present? After Freddy's done more than tear up the Turkish second division for three months after floundering in Europe for three years?
Meanwhile, Jose Francisco Torres, who has done nothing – to my knowledge, at least – to fall out of favor with Bob, twiddles his thumbs in Mexico and continues to start for Pachuca while Dax McCarty Mixx Diskerud wonder if all those nice things said about them were meaningless.
I was so blown away by the inclusion of Rogers and Adu that seeing Wondolowski's name on the forward list was more greeted with a "well of course he is" than anything else. I don't personally think Wondolowski is an international-caliber forward and I'm not exactly sure what he adds to the roster. He's not a real forward, per se, more just a right midfielder that makes good back post runs. And, well, if you're familiar with the US national team, you might already know of a few guys that are penned in at the starting wing spots. You know, only the US's best two field players. At least Teal Bunbury and Herculez Gomez can hold the ball up. I like Wondo. I think he's great for the MLS. Just not the USMNT and especially not a USMNT roster that doesn't include one real center forward.
* * *
Having said all that, of course, it's fair to point out that not one of Bob's controversial roster inclusions/exclusions will likely make a great difference. Sure I'd like to see what I consider his best 23 players in there, but no more than 15 guys, max 16, will play meaningful minutes in a game that matters. He has his best players in camp, I just think he filled it out awkwardly (read "dimly") and made his bench far less effective than it could have been.
It's silly that Bornstein is on the roster, sure, but he's (hopefully) only going to see the field if Bocanegra gets hurt or red carded. Adu and Rogers' being there is unintelligible, but they'll only (hopefully again) play if the US is blowing someone out or if its already wrapped up its group before the Guadaloupe match.
Just suffice it to say the US needs to avoid a repeat of the red card bonanza it garnered in the 2009 Confederations Cup.
Having said all that, of course, it's fair to point out that not one of Bob's controversial roster inclusions/exclusions will likely make a great difference. Sure I'd like to see what I consider his best 23 players in there, but no more than 15 guys, max 16, will play meaningful minutes in a game that matters. He has his best players in camp, I just think he filled it out awkwardly (read "dimly") and made his bench far less effective than it could have been.
It's silly that Bornstein is on the roster, sure, but he's (hopefully) only going to see the field if Bocanegra gets hurt or red carded. Adu and Rogers' being there is unintelligible, but they'll only (hopefully again) play if the US is blowing someone out or if its already wrapped up its group before the Guadaloupe match.
Just suffice it to say the US needs to avoid a repeat of the red card bonanza it garnered in the 2009 Confederations Cup.
As for the people that will actually see the field (fingers crossed), my big takeaway from Bradley's roster is that we might still see a 4-5-1 formation. Bob only brought three "forwards", and I put forwards in quotes because Wondolowski isn't even really a forward.
Are we going to see the three-destroyer midfield of Mike, Jones and Edu trotted back out there? Could I even stomach that again? Or will Feilhaber get a chance to start as the point man in the five-man midfield? Maybe Kljestan? Maybe (gulp) Adu?
(It is worth noting that I might rather see Freddy Adu start than ever half to watch a midfield that features all three defensive midfielders. Woof. That first half against Argentina was vomit-inducing ugly.)
This is an interesting roster, one that could go several ways. I was actually a pretty big fan of the 4-4-2 against Paraguay because Agudelo naturally plays a withdrawn role, which really compliments Altidore's natural tendency to not really do anything. At least we would know one forward will be checking back for the ball.
As far as the lineup goes, here is my thought: the XI Bob trotted out against Argentina was, I think, what he thought his best XI was. That was a result-driven roster, and we all know it. I think we'll see something very similar June 7 against Canada:
Are we going to see the three-destroyer midfield of Mike, Jones and Edu trotted back out there? Could I even stomach that again? Or will Feilhaber get a chance to start as the point man in the five-man midfield? Maybe Kljestan? Maybe (gulp) Adu?
(It is worth noting that I might rather see Freddy Adu start than ever half to watch a midfield that features all three defensive midfielders. Woof. That first half against Argentina was vomit-inducing ugly.)
This is an interesting roster, one that could go several ways. I was actually a pretty big fan of the 4-4-2 against Paraguay because Agudelo naturally plays a withdrawn role, which really compliments Altidore's natural tendency to not really do anything. At least we would know one forward will be checking back for the ball.
As far as the lineup goes, here is my thought: the XI Bob trotted out against Argentina was, I think, what he thought his best XI was. That was a result-driven roster, and we all know it. I think we'll see something very similar June 7 against Canada:
Howard
Cherundolo – Onyewu – Goodson – Bocanegra
Donovan – Bradley – Jones – Edu – Dempsey
Altidore
Cherundolo – Onyewu – Goodson – Bocanegra
Donovan – Bradley – Jones – Edu – Dempsey
Altidore
I'll mention three rather large problems – first, no one on the back line beside Cherundolo can distribute the ball, second, Bradley, Jones and Edu can't function on the field at the same time and, third, Altidore can't play on an island. Other than that, this lineup would be perfect.
I'll have more on the Gold Cup as it approaches and moves along, and I'd expect my mood to be a bit more cheery once I move past some of the bizarre roster decisions. So there's that to look forward to, I guess.
And, yes, FREDDY ADU AND ROBBIE ROGERS.
I'll have more on the Gold Cup as it approaches and moves along, and I'd expect my mood to be a bit more cheery once I move past some of the bizarre roster decisions. So there's that to look forward to, I guess.
And, yes, FREDDY ADU AND ROBBIE ROGERS.
Monday Night Yanks Abroad/USMNT Link Drop
DEFENDERS- Jonathan Spector, Carlos Bocanegra, Steve Cherundolo, Oguchi Onyewu, Eric Lichaj, Tim Ream, Jonathan Bornstein, Clarence Goodson,
MIDFIELDERS- Michael Bradley, Maurice Edu, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Sacha Kljestan, Robbie Rogers, Freddy Adu, Benny Feilhaber, Jermaine Jones
FORWARDS- Juan Agudelo, Chris Wondolowski, Jozy Altidore
*More notes on the USA Gold Cup squad
*Gold Cup Thoughts and Predictions
*Chandler headlines list of surprising exclusions from USMNT Gold Cup squad
*U.S. Unveils Gold Cup Roster
*2011 Gold Cup Roster Thoughts
Final Match of the Day of the Season -- Bradley, Friedel, Jones, Dempsey and Howard
Dempsey
Fulham v Arsenal by geuzehead
Bradley and Friedel
Aston Villa v Liverpool by geuzehead
Howard
Everton v Chelsea by geuzehead
Jones (couldn't find the MOTD highlights)
Yanks At Home: Gold Cup Edition
The 6 MLS Yanks heading to this summers Gold Cup are hardly a surprising list. The biggest surprises really are more in the home-based players who were left out.
Charlie Davies was getting a lot of coverage as he is second in the league in goals scored this far in although with a recent hamstring injury it seemed unlikely he would actually make it. After seeing what Bob had to say it seemed unlikely he would have made the cut even if he was fully healthy. He's on his way back but he's still not quite there.
Teal Bunbury was also left out and Bob basically attributed that to a less than stellar showing in recent weeks which is fair enough but I still have a hard time believing it makes more sense to bring in the 28 year old rookie Wondolowski rather than Teal. Then again Wondolowski probably gives us the better squad now; which is where the question becomes which is more important current success or training the youth? Jay Demerit also may have been expected to make the squad but was left off, most likely due to an injury plagued season in Vancouver.
The players who did make the roster were GK Nick Rimando (filling in for Brad Guzan at backup to the backup GK while Brad Guzan gets married), D Tim Ream (the question is more of whether he would get significant playing time rather than whether he would make the team), M Landon Donovan (one of the first names on Bob's roster for sure), M Benny Feilhaber, M Robbie Rogers, F Juan Agudelo, and F Chris Wondolowski.
Of interest to some of you is the foreigners who we'll be playing against this summer. As I've been focusing on MLS here is a round-up of all the MLS-based foreigners in this years Gold Cup
Canada
D Andre Hainault
D Will Johnson
D Dejan Jakovic
M Julian De Guzman
F Dwayne de Rosario
Costa Rica
F Alvaro Saborio
Cuba
Noone
El Salvador
D Steve Purdy
F Arturo Alvarez
Grenada
M Shalrie Joseph
M Craig Rocastle
Guadaloupe
M Stephane Auvray
Guatemala
M Marco Pappa
F Carlos Ruiz
Honduras
M Roger Espinoza
M Roger Espinoza
Jamaica
GK Donovan Ricketts
D Shavar Thomas
D Jermaine Taylor
D Dicoy Williams
D Tyrone Marshall
M Jevaughn Watson
F Dane Richards
F Ryan Johnson
Mexico
D Rafa Marquez
Panama
Noone
All of those players will miss a handful of games this summer for their club teams while they are away on National team duty.
Gambhir draws positives from loss against Mumbai
Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir said they have positives to take away from their final round-robin game of the IPL what if the home team lost to Mumbai Indians in an unlikely fashion at the Eden Gardens on Sunday.
After setting Mumbai Indians a tall 177-run target, the Knight Riders lost the match in the last over when, needing 21 runs, Laxmipathy Balaji conceded 23 including four fours and a last ball six to end their round-robin campaign on a disappointing note.
After setting Mumbai Indians a tall 177-run target, the Knight Riders lost the match in the last over when, needing 21 runs, Laxmipathy Balaji conceded 23 including four fours and a last ball six to end their round-robin campaign on a disappointing note.
But Gambhir was in no mood to be bogged down by the defeat and said they have many positives to take away into the playoff stage of the tournament.
"Getting 176 itself was a big effort. It was more than a par score and we were very happy with the total. Spinners and Brett Lee bowled well. We have positives to take away from this game barring the last over. Getting the total was a fantastic effort," Gambhir said at the post-match press conference.
"You should see the performance of every player. I can't mention one area, we have done well in all departments. We have more positives to take than negatives," he said about the Kolkata outfit's round robin campaign, where they finished fourth with 16 points (eight wins) from 14 matches.
Gambhir also defended under-fire Balaji, who turned out to be the villain for Kolkata towards the end.
"Balaji dismissed Kieron Pollard in the previous over. (The loss) does not mean he was not good. We have all the trust in him. I am sure he will comeback harder." Finishing fourth behind Mumbai Indians, the Knight Riders will now have to face the same opponents in the elimination round to be played in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Gambhir said they would have to do things in hard way from here on as even after winning the eliminator, they will have to get past the loser of the first playoff to make it to Saturday's title clash.
"It will be a different ball game in the playoffs. We have to do the things in the hard way now," he said.
Gambhir said in Sunday's match Mumbai played fearless cricket as they had nothing to lose.
"They (Mumbai) had less pressure than us. They didn't have chance to get into top two. There was no pressure on them so they played freely."
Gambhir also credited James Franklin and Ambati Rayudu for pulling off the spectacular chase in the last over.
"They are quality players no doubt. All credit to them. It is such a format that anything can happen. It was one of those bad days for us," the left-hander said.
New Zealand all-rounder Franklin, who earned the man-of-the-match award for his match-winning unbeaten 45 that came off 23 balls, said "We were just trying to get the ball over the rope. Fortunately, we got a couple of lucky ones. Rayudu played a hell of a shot in the last ball."
Franklin also credited the Eden pitch for staying firm after Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh had set the tempo for the run chase with their 57-run second-wicket stand.
"Outfield was fast and the wicket played pretty well. Sachin (Tendulkar) and Harbhajan provided the momentum. In the last couple of overs, the asking rate got steep but overall it was quite achievable," he said.
"A great feeling in the camp now especially after getting the confidence back following the hat-trick of losses," Franklin added.
Read More >>"Getting 176 itself was a big effort. It was more than a par score and we were very happy with the total. Spinners and Brett Lee bowled well. We have positives to take away from this game barring the last over. Getting the total was a fantastic effort," Gambhir said at the post-match press conference.
"You should see the performance of every player. I can't mention one area, we have done well in all departments. We have more positives to take than negatives," he said about the Kolkata outfit's round robin campaign, where they finished fourth with 16 points (eight wins) from 14 matches.
Gambhir also defended under-fire Balaji, who turned out to be the villain for Kolkata towards the end.
"Balaji dismissed Kieron Pollard in the previous over. (The loss) does not mean he was not good. We have all the trust in him. I am sure he will comeback harder." Finishing fourth behind Mumbai Indians, the Knight Riders will now have to face the same opponents in the elimination round to be played in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Gambhir said they would have to do things in hard way from here on as even after winning the eliminator, they will have to get past the loser of the first playoff to make it to Saturday's title clash.
"It will be a different ball game in the playoffs. We have to do the things in the hard way now," he said.
Gambhir said in Sunday's match Mumbai played fearless cricket as they had nothing to lose.
"They (Mumbai) had less pressure than us. They didn't have chance to get into top two. There was no pressure on them so they played freely."
Gambhir also credited James Franklin and Ambati Rayudu for pulling off the spectacular chase in the last over.
"They are quality players no doubt. All credit to them. It is such a format that anything can happen. It was one of those bad days for us," the left-hander said.
New Zealand all-rounder Franklin, who earned the man-of-the-match award for his match-winning unbeaten 45 that came off 23 balls, said "We were just trying to get the ball over the rope. Fortunately, we got a couple of lucky ones. Rayudu played a hell of a shot in the last ball."
Franklin also credited the Eden pitch for staying firm after Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh had set the tempo for the run chase with their 57-run second-wicket stand.
"Outfield was fast and the wicket played pretty well. Sachin (Tendulkar) and Harbhajan provided the momentum. In the last couple of overs, the asking rate got steep but overall it was quite achievable," he said.
"A great feeling in the camp now especially after getting the confidence back following the hat-trick of losses," Franklin added.
Friedel makes it into top 5 saves of the week (this is getting ridiculous)
Corona gets a goal and assist as Tijuana beat Irapuato 2-1 to gain promotion
*He scored and got an assist in a 2-1 win over Irapuato.
*Highlights after the jump...
Bocanegra goes the distance in St Etienne's 2-1 loss to Sochaux
*He went the full 90 in a 2-1 loss to Sochaux.
*Highlights after the jump...
Yanks At Home
The focus of this site may be Yanks-Abroad, but there's a lot of major American players still playing at home in a constantly improving league. Even more important is the fact that nearly every American international player has come through MLS for some time. Clint Dempsey played in New England, Tim Howard played for the Metrostars and Landon Donovan still calls LA home. Even if American's continue to go over to Europe at the astonishing rate that they have recently, MLS will always be the most important breeding pool for young American talent.
For now my list is limited to players who are both actually members of MLS teams (no Academy-only players) and are considered part of the USMNT Player Pool (so no Zakuani...yet).
One of the biggest highlights of this past week was Justin Brauns Hat Trick against New York. In a game that ended 3-2 that was exactly what they needed. The first goal was great, the second goal was still pretty nice but the third wasn't quite his. Either way you can't blame a guy for making sure the ball gets in.
Justin Braun was the player who left the January camp this year with an injury so he is on Bob's radar, but a game like this against one of the premier teams in the league can go a long way to a second look.
Juan Agudelo F (New York)
Subbed 19 Mins 1 Shot vs CHV (3-2 L)
Eric Alexander M (Dallas)
Started 89 Mins 1 Shot, 1 Fouls vs PHI (2-0 W)
Justin Braun F (Chivas)
Started 69 Mins 3 Goals on 3 Shots, 3 Fouls vs NYR (3-2 W)
Teal Bunbury F (Kansas City)
Started 90 Mins 3 Shots 2 on Goal, 1 Foul vs LAG (4-1 L)
Sam Cronin M (San Jose)
Subbed 18 Mins 1 Foul vs CLB (3-0 W)
Charlie Davies F (DC)
Started 34 Mins vs COL (1-1)
Injured Hamstring, will miss "a couple of weeks"
Bryan De La Fuente M (Chivas)
Unused Sub vs NYR (3-2 W)
AJ De La Garza D (LA)
Started 90 Mins vs SKC (4-1 W)
Jay Demerit D (Vancouver)
Started 64 Mins, 3 Fouls Yellow Card vs NER (1-0 L)
Landon Donovan M (LA)
Started 90 Mins, 2 Goals on 2 Shots vs KC (4-1 W)
Sean Franklin D (LA)
Started 90 Mins, 1 Foul vs KC (4-1 W)
Moises Hernandez D (Dallas)
Unused Sub vs PHI (2-0 W)
Sacir Hot D (New York)
Unused Sub vs Chivas (3-2 L)
Ugo Ihemelu D (Dallas)
Started 90 Mins 1 Shot vs PHI (2-0 W)
Sean Johnson GK (Chicago)
Unused Sub vs TOR (2-2)
Right Quad Injury
Jon Kempin GK (Kansas City)
Unused Sub vs LA (4-1 L)
Perry Kitchen D (DC)
Started 90 Mins, 1 Shot, 4 Fouls vs COL (1-1)
Jeff Larentowicz M (Colorado)
Started 90 Mins vs DC (1-1)
Zach Loyd M (Dallas)
Started 90 Mins, 1 Shot 1 Foul vs PHI (2-0 W)
Zac MacMath GK (Philadelphia)
Unused Sub vs DAL(2-0 L)
Amobi Okugo M (Philadelphia)
Started 90 Mins, 3 Shots, 2 Fouls vs Dallas (2-0 L)
Dax McCarty M (DC)
Started 90 Mins vs COL (1-1)
Jack McInerney F (Philadelphia)
Subbed On 45 Mins 1 Foul vs DAL (2-0 L)
Heath Pearce D (Chivas)
Started 90 Mins 1 Assist, 1 Shot, 2 Fouls vs NYR (3-2 W)
Matt Pickens GK (Colorado)
Started 90 Mins 4 Shots, 3 Saves, 1 PK Goal vs DC (1-1)
Tim Ream D (NY)
Started 90 Mins 1 FC vs CHV (3-2 L)
Nick Rimando GK (Salt Lake)
Started 90 Mins, 3 Shots, 3 Saves vs HOU (0-0)
Robbie Rogers M (Columbus)
Started 90 Mins, 1 Shot, 1 Foul vs San Jose (3-0 L)
Kofi Sarkodie D (Houston)
Unused Sub vs RSL (0-0)
Conor Shanosky M (DC)
Unused Sub vs COL (1-1)
Brek Shea D (Dallas)
Started 90 Mins, 1 Goal on 2 Shots 3 Fouls vs PHI (2-0 W)
Zarek Valentin D (Chivas)
Started 90 Mins, 2 Fouls vs NYR (3-2 W)
Korey Veeder M (Columbus)
Unused Sub vs SJE (3-0 L)
Anthony Wallace D (Colorado)
Unused Sub vs DC (1-1)
Ethan White D (DC)
Started 90 Mins vs COL (1-1)
Chris Wondolowski F (San Jose)
Started 82 Mins, 1 Goal on 6 Shots, 2 Shots on Goal, 1 Foul vs CLB (3-0 W)
Marvell Wynne D (Colorado)
Started 90 Mins vs DC (1-1)
Yelldell makes 3 saves in Duisburg's 5-0 loss to Schalke in the DFB Pokal Final
*He made saves in a 5-0 loss to Schalke.
*Highlights after the jump...
szólj hozzá: Dui 0-5 Sch
Altidore goes 68 minutes in Bursaspor's 1-0 win over Genclerbirligi
*He went 68 minutes in a 1-0 win over Genclerbirligi.
*Highlights after the jump...
Rolfe gets an assist in a 4-3 loss to Silkeborg
*He went the distance and got an assist in a 4-3 loss to Silkeborg IF.
*Highlights after the jump...
Friday Night Yanks Abroad/USMNT Link Drop
*Peterlin has not been offered new deals as the Pilgrims build for life in npower League 2 under new owners.
*Adu working his way back up the ladder
*Won't it be awful when AS Roma actually buys an American and we must get off the roller coaster?
*Predicting the US Gold Cup roster
*Gold Cup Roster Reviews – 2007 and 2009
*Gold Cup Numbers
American Gasecki signs with Borussia Dortmund
*Western Illinois University defender lands new German job
Pittman signs for Oxford United on a two year deal
The forward started his career at Aston Villa as an eight-year-old before moving to Nottingham Forest. He signed for Crawley Town in June 2007, scoring 22 goals in 61 appearances. In 2009 he joined Wycombe, scoring 14 goals in 77 appearances. Following an injury last year, his appearances were limited.
Manager Chris Wilder said: "JP is a very positive player who has the ability to create and score goals. He has electric pace and gives us a balance to the squad. I am delighted to have beaten off stiff competition for his signature and he is a definitely a signing that will excite the supporters."
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