The Soccer Thread (Version 8)

They will look better the next two matches, but it's because the level of competition will drop way off.

 

I don't know why Klinsmann decided to play that high line with such inexperienced defenders late in the game. They were getting chance after chance on through balls because our guys couldn't maintain that line. (Credit where it's due: Guzan was fantastic, and Brooks was a monster in the air.) It also helped that Honduras took off the best player on the field after 60 minutes.

We should get to the finals, but if we play like that against Mexico, they'll cut us to pieces.

 

City's yellow card haul is poised to spike as Fabian Delph is leaving Aston Villa.

 

1-0 versus Haiti and outshot 15-5. Not a good look, USMNT.

 

Midfield looked completely lost, except for Zardes.

 

Delph changed his mind and will stay with Villa.

 

USMNT down 1-0 to Panama. And looking lucky to not be down 2-0.

 

Bradley leveled. The U.S. is playing with a lot more energy with Dempsey in.

 

How is Dempsey not always in. Is it his attitude/personality? Don't follow soccer closely, so could be missing something, but he seems to be one of the best attacking players the US has. Should he have tried to play in England or Germany, rather than MLS?

 

It was a game with nothing at stake for the USMNT. They had already clinched the group. I didn't have a problem resting Dempsey for a half. He's clearly superior to Wondo.

Dempsey in fact did play in England for a number of seasons and was very successful. Seattle gave him a chance to come home and he took it.

 

Forgot that he left MLS for a few years. It's a couple years away, but next WC who will be the best strikers for USA. Didn't realize Dempsey was that old.

 

Johannsson is clearly a favorite at this point. Whether he gets there is in question, but they're giving him every opportunity.

Jozy will also still be in the picture. I know he's a whipping boy for some, but the first half of the Honduras game was the best I've seen him play for the USMNT.