Uhm... If those 3 moments represents the typical defense of teams of that region, they wouldn't last long in France or Holland. Need more pressure!
As for the future of the USMNT, I'm not so sure that what we see in four years is going to look much like what we brought this year. Howard, Dempsey, Jones, Johnson, and Beasley will all be gone. (Although you might just see a repeat from Tim Howard. 39's not completely over the hill for a keeper, and I wouldn't rule him out for anything.)
Goalkeepers:
Brad Guzan is going to be the favorite coming into 2018. He'll be pretty seasoned by then, and I'm not sure anyone's going to be close to taking it away from him. That said, a couple of upstarts might make a run:
Clint Irwin is the big name among MLS folks right now. I like him, but I don't think he's athletic enough, and I think he still makes a lot of goofy mistakes. I'm a little higher on Luis Robles and Zak McMath. Both of those guys looked like they weren't cut out for the pros last year, but McMath in particular has really stepped it up, and they've both been relatively reliable (though Robles is still pretty uneven from time to time). Bill Hamid is still in the mix as well, although I think he needs to move on from DC.
Defense:
Besler, Brooks, and Gonzalez look to be the future for a long time to come. That said, New York has this kid named Matt Miazga, who supposedly looks like a seasoned veteran in the body of an 18-year-old. Kansas City recently started 17-year-old Erik Palmer-Brown, who, after some intial shakiness, really started to come into his own. There's also Shane O'Neil, who has been one of the better defenders in MLS for the past year or so, and is only 20. He's eligible for Ireland's national team (born in Ireland, but moved here when he was 1), but we really should make an effort to hang on to him.
At left back, we've got a guy named Chris Klute that I thought should have been called up for this cycle. He kind of came out of nowhere last year to emerge as MLS' best young left back. In a few more years, he might turn into the USMNT starter for a long time to come. Greg Garza is a left back for Club Tijuana who could also make some noise.
There's also Andrew Farrell, who a lot of people thought should have gone to the World Cup instead of Deandre Yedlin. Those people (myself included) were wrong, but Farrell's a fullback in a linebacker's body, a guy who doesn't make the defensive mistakes that Yedlin's so susceptible to. I think there's a very good chance that Farrell pushes Yedlin into a winger position, while he stays back to provide defensive help.
Midfield:
This is where we're starting to see the US come into its own as a footballing nation. The guys we started at center midfield this year were good, solid, defensive midfielders. All of them. It's what the US does, and they've done it well for twenty years now. But the next generation is going to be something else. Everyone knows Julian Green now, but we've got a ton of guys coming up who could be international stars. In MLS, there are a bunch of young, exciting midfielders just now starting out. Harry Shipp is having a rookie of the year season for a terrible Chicago team, Will Trapp is quietly turning into a monster midfielder in Columbus, and Darlington Nagbe will get his citizenship next year (he married a girl from Ohio and is pretty much an all-American kid no matter what his paperwork says). That's on top of young guys who are pretty steady-but-unspectacular performers like Dillon Powers and Kelyn Rowe. Luis Gil is another guy who could easily make the team in Russia. He's been a little bit hot and cold lately, but he can take over a game when he wants to, and he's only 20.
Darlington Nagbe (again)
There's also a guy I thought should have been in the mix for Brazil: Lee Nguyen. Nguyen's been the engine that makes New England move this year and last, and if he makes a jump to Europe, I could see him really staking out a spot on the National team, even at a relatively late age. If he hadn't decided to play in Vietnam for whatever damn reason, he might have turned into one of our best midfielders in this cycle.
We've also got a few young guys who I think will start making some noise in Junior Flores and Rubio Rubin. Flores is with Dortmund right now, and Rubin is playing for Utrecht FC. Both of them were extremely good on the U20 team, and I think they've got bright futures.
But I'm still leaving out what may be the biggest, brightest star we'll have in 2018: Gedion Zelalem, a Kenyan/German/American currently playing for Arsenal. He's been courted by the German, Kenyan, and English national teams, and appears poised to choose the US of A instead (Some reports say he's already made the decision, and will show up in a Nats jersey within the year). He's not really a Germerican: he grew up in the DC suburbs, and has an American accent. You can watch him play against a pro Japanese team here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTU24...
He's still pretty raw, but every now and then he makes a pass that makes you real excited for the future. People keep comparing him to Cesc Fabregas. I'm not sure I'd go that far, but he's got a real strong chance of playing a factor in the future of soccer in the US.
Forwards:
Until someone can prove that they're better than Jozie Altidore, he's going to be the starter for the foreseeable future. It may seem like he's been around forever, but the guy is still only 24, and he's still getting better no matter what anyone at Sunderland might tell you. Terrence Boyd may take his crown in the next few years, however.
I guess Juan Agudelo is still in the mix, even though he doesn't have a club, and is looking seriously adrift right now. Him and Brek Shea looked like the future a few years ago. Now they just look like also rans. That said, Agudelo's got enough talent that he could easily turn it around and play himself into a starting spot.
I think Erik Hurtado is going to be huge for the USMNT in a few more years. He's currently playing for Vancouver (he should have been one of Portland's homegrown players, but that's a whole other thing). He's got the size, speed, and technical ability to make a difference at just about any level, and he's not done improving yet. I think he's going to be a monster in a few more years. A few other MLSers are kind of interesting here. Jack McInerny doesn't look like much, but he keeps scoring goals, and he's doing it in increasingly impressive fashion. LA brought up a trio of guys through their academy: Gyassi Zardes, Jack McBean and Jose Villareal. They all stand a chance of becoming impressive forwards, although Zardes is the clear frontrunner at this point. Will Bruin of Houston could also play a factor here.
Jordan Morris (Seattle) and Joe Gallardo (Monterrey) are supposed to be some pretty serious players in the pipe, but neither of them look like they're going to get much of a serious shot before Russia rolls around.
Uhm... If those 3 moments represents the typical defense of teams of that region, they wouldn't last long in France or Holland. Need more pressure!
I think you're vastly overestimating the quality of the defenses in the Eredivizie in particular. There's a reason Jozie Altidore scored 30 goals in that league. I'm also not sure why you're looking for great defense out of a few highlight goals. By definition, the defense is not going to be great.
I'll be an Atlanta supporter from afar. Maybe I could get a match in on a summer visit.
Looks like Philadelphia is my local team. Anyone know if they're any good?
slazev wrote:Uhm... If those 3 moments represents the typical defense of teams of that region, they wouldn't last long in France or Holland. Need more pressure!
I think you're vastly overestimating the quality of the defenses in the Eredivizie in particular. There's a reason Jozie Altidore scored 30 goals in that league. I'm also not sure why you're looking for great defense out of a few highlight goals. By definition, the defense is not going to be great.
It was more a question really (and yes, I may be overestimating Holland's league).
Europe leagues usually bring a lot of South Americans players and a frequent problem in the past (that doesn't exist as much now, I think) was that the players were very lacking in the defensive aspect. They usually needed a long adaptation period.
Looks like Philadelphia is my local team. Anyone know if they're any good?
Err, they're not great, but they've got some talent. It seems like the coach they just fired, John Hackworth, wasn't doing a very good job. They're apparently about to bring in Rene Meulensteen, an ex-ManU assistant which is interesting at the very least.
kazooka wrote:slazev wrote:Uhm... If those 3 moments represents the typical defense of teams of that region, they wouldn't last long in France or Holland. Need more pressure!
I think you're vastly overestimating the quality of the defenses in the Eredivizie in particular. There's a reason Jozie Altidore scored 30 goals in that league. I'm also not sure why you're looking for great defense out of a few highlight goals. By definition, the defense is not going to be great.
It was more a question really (and yes, I may be overestimating Holland's league).
Europe leagues usually bring a lot of South Americans players and a frequent problem in the past (that doesn't exist as much now, I think) was that the players were very lacking in the defensive aspect. They usually needed a long adaptation period.
I'm not really sure where MLS defenses rank. On the one hand, the guys that we send to higher leagues tend to fit right in. But I suspect that the average guys may be a bit below average on the greater global scale. But I've been watching some of the worst centerback play in the history of the league for the past year, so I may be a little bit biased. In any case, pressing isn't generally the problem. MLS is a pretty high-athleticism/high-effort league. Generally the issue is more in terms of tactical awareness.
MLS Soccer's Speculative Starting XI for USMNT in 2018:
Starters (assumes 4-2-3-1):
Jozy Altidore
Juan Agudelo / Darlington Nagbe / Terrence Boyd
Michael Bradley / Wil Trapp
Fabian Johnson / John Brooks / Omar Gonzalez / DeAndre Yedlin
Brad Guzan
Bench
Forwards: Julian Green / Terrence Boyd
Midfielders: Dillon Powers / Brek Shea / Graham Zusi / Alejandro Bedoya / Joe Gyau / Luis Gil
Defenders: Matt Besler / Geoff Cameron / Timothy Chandler
Keepers: Clint Irwin / Cody Cropper
Insane that Julian Green is behind Juan Agudelo (or Jozy Altidore, for that matter) in this lineup. I like Nagbe as an AMC, and know nothing about Wil Trapp.
Also, Brek Shea on the bench? I'm guessing in this scenario he finally gets his head on straight and starts delivering on his early promise, but I would not put any money on that, for sure.
I think kazooka's post is probably closer to the mark, and does a better job of enumerating talent to watch (and why) than the professional piece. Any chance we'll see you commentating in the 2018 qualification cycle, kazooka?
I think Mix Diskerud will still be in the mix for Russia, and Johansson. Also would like to see more of Joshua Gatt, a very pacy winger.
I am guessing we will see some new faces showing up in the next few competitions who will stand a good chance to solidify some of the starting positions.
Yedlin seems to be moving to Roma, which could help his development, but I also see him moving out of defense to more of a winger role. Jozy will need to greatly improve his club form to have a chance to staying with USA. Personally I am really looking forward to seeing Brooks move into a starting role and develop for the Yanks.
I think kazooka's post is probably closer to the mark, and does a better job of enumerating talent to watch (and why) than the professional piece. Any chance we'll see you commentating in the 2018 qualification cycle, kazooka? :)
I'm not ruling out coaching Montreal. I'm probably going to lose out to a signed 8x11 of Pirlo or Joey Saputo's rat terrier, but I feel like I'm in the running.
I think Mix is definitely in the mix for Russia, along with Terrence Boyd. I'm less optimistic about Johanssen, who looked way over his head in the single Cup game that he played in. It's not so much that I think he's not going to make the team as that I just don't know what his role on the team is if Klinnsman continues to play a single target striker formation. I'm still scratching my head at a lot of the choices Klinnsman made for this World Cup in that respect.
Yellow card? They have the No Fun League guys running the MLS now?
I don't know how many people are going to be able to appreciate this, but MLS did a promo video called Mike Magee's Day Off, and it's AMAZING:
0:07 Bradley Cooper looking guy: Mike Magee. Coaches: Chicago Fire Head Coach Frank Yallop and assistant coach/ex-USMNT legend Clint Mathis.
0:45 USMNT/LA Galaxy CB/Cameron impersonator: Omar Gonzalez
1:06 Rookie of the Year candidate Harry Shipp, ____, and MLS journeyman and social media champion Quincy Amerikwa.
1:21 Soccer Goddess and USWNT starter Sydney LeRoux.
1:27 USWNT goalkeeper Hope Solo
1:32 Charlie Sheen impersonator: ex-USMNT centerback and current soccer commentator Jimmy Conrad.
1:34 Judah Frielander: actor, Ben Stein impersonator, New York Red Bulls/Metro-Stars fan.
1:35 Chicago Fire and USMNT goalkeeper Sean Johnson
1:46 Freaking Thierry Henry!
1:57 Not sure who's driving with Hope Solo.
2:10 Not Bradley Cooper
2:15 LA Galaxy Head Coach and ex-USMNT head Coach Bruce Arena.
2:29 Canadian Men's National Team/Toronto FC attacker Dwayne DeRosario and Michael Bradley do their best human impressions
The out-takes are just as good if not better. "Let my Omar go..." I don't know why they didn't use Amarikwa's surfer voice for the main feature.
1:57 Not sure who's driving with Hope Solo.
Pretty sure that's Laura Harvey, coach of the Seattle Reign.
(I looked at the credits at the end of the movie)
kazooka wrote:1:57 Not sure who's driving with Hope Solo.
Pretty sure that's Laura Harvey, coach of the Seattle Reign.
Spoiler:(I looked at the credits at the end of the movie)
I would have assumed it was her probation officer.
Just wanted to resurrect this thread as the MLS playoffs are heating up, if any followers of my beloved league are around, teams are hungry and the knockout rounds are a great spectacle. Here's my New England routing Columbus at their home:
http://gfycat.com/ImpeccableAdmiredIrukandjijellyfish]
http://gfycat.com/UnknownDaringAfricanrockpython
http://gfycat.com/InformalDistantHammerheadbird
http://gfycat.com/LankyIllustriousCowbird
MLS Cup predictions...final will be Seattle and NE. NE looks like they might face NY next but I think NE is just too hot right now. Soccer fans if you don't watch MLS and just Premier League, you're missing out. MLS will have a big new TV deal next season so it will be easier to catch games.
Just wanted to resurrect this thread as the MLS playoffs are heating up, if any followers of my beloved league are around, teams are hungry and the knockout rounds are a great spectacle. Here's my New England routing Columbus at their home:
http://gfycat.com/ImpeccableAdmiredIrukandjijellyfish
http://gfycat.com/UnknownDaringAfricanrockpython
http://gfycat.com/InformalDistantHammerheadbird
http://gfycat.com/LankyIllustriousCowbirdMLS Cup predictions...final will be Seattle and NE. NE looks like they might face NY next but I think NE is just too hot right now. Soccer fans if you don't watch MLS and just Premier League, you're missing out. MLS will have a big new TV deal next season so it will be easier to catch games.
Quoting to let the gif links embed (that'll unlock after you've been around for a while).
I'm a huge US soccer fan, and when I root, I root for the Timbers, but MLS just isn't at the level of leagues like the EPL (at least, not yet).
I do think that season-end playoffs offset not having cups mixed in with regular-season games a bit, though.
Minor big news for the US. Gedion Zelalem has declared for the United States.
http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2014...
Born in Ethiopia, grew up in Germany, but came to the US when he was 9. He's been in Arsenal's system since he was 15, and has the potential to be a world-class midfielder.
That's huge! I guess this is coming too late for him to play in the CONCACAF U-20 tournament this month.
Man, the Men's team has set up a tough schedule for the first half of 2015. Some of the opponents include Chile, Mexico, Holland, and Germany.
With him and Rubio Rubin, they're going to be a legitimate force in the Olympics.
Not real happy with Klinnsman right now. Matt Doyle pretty much sums it up:
http://www.mlssoccer.com/goldcup/201...
All that is bad and all, but honestly, I'm still bugged about losing Donovan, who I think would still be playing if Klinnsman hadn't had his little ego trip. This is something of a pattern for him, as we're now missing arguably our best central midfielder (Feilhaber), our best central defender (Besler), and the best player in the history of the United States because Klinnsman appears to have gotten in spats with all of them.
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