Kolek planning to go pro
I do not know what I should think about Arsenal. On the one hand, their track record of consistency is very impressive. OTOH, their continued under-performance is an issue right?
I'm sure people will try to copy them, but it will be a fool's errand. The seasons Vardy and Mahrez had were ridiculous. Vardy more than quadrupled his goal tally from last year while Mahrez scored more this season than in his entire senior career combined (5 years). It would be like OJ Mayo and Khris Middleton both putting up MVP seasons for the Bucks next year. You just can't mimic that.
Decent showing last night for the USMNT even though it was just a friendly. They played much, much better in the second half after Klinsmann moved Bradley into a deeper role (shocker). The back 4 looked in good shape, Yedlin looked much better defensively and I thought Birnbaum played pretty well, though I'd like Cameron to take that sport back once he's healthy.Pulisic, Wood, and Nagbe all had great showings after being subbed on.
I, too, agree they played better as it went on. However, I saw Birnbaum as not so good with the ball and oftentimes reckless with his passing. He is good in the air so going forward for a starved offensive team he may have a role as a late sub specifically for set pieces.Also though the defense was poor for the first 25 minutes. Only reason they were allowed to settle is because Ecuador had more interest in making their dinner reservation than playing the game. Yedlin is much better off for having to play with offensively challenged Sunderland. It allows him an easy transition to the National Team.
Agree that Birnbaum made some mistakes passing the ball, but I thought defensively he was pretty solid. Overall, I thought he had a decent game considering this was his first international match against decent competition. He's kind of come out of nowhere for DCU and only had two previous appearances against Iceland and Guatemala. I was expecting him to make more mistakes than he did.
Here's my lineup tomorrow if I'm running the show...Fabian - Wood - DempseyJones - BedoyaBradleyCastillo - Brooks - Cameron - YedlinGuzanYou could also talk me into dropping Dempsey and putting Nagbe in the middle with Bedoya wide.
Flying up tomorrow for the game.....anyone from Scoop going to be there?
Heading to the American Outlaws bar here in Manhattan to watch the game tonight. Flying to Chicago tomorrow morning to be at the game Tuesday. In Philly next weekend for the Paraguay match.
Safe travels. Go Merica At the airport last night, a bunch of folks coming off planes wearing Columbia kits. I assume they are on the way up to San Jose tonight.
I didn't know there was a team in South Carolina
I really don't understand parts of this lineup. Dempsey on the wing? Castillo at LB?Based on the last two friendlies, I'd be very surprised if the lineup wasn't:Wood-Dempsey-ZardesJones - BedoyaBradleyFabia - Brooks - Cameron - YedlinBarring injuries or a big lead, Pulisic and Nagbe are set as subs, with the third being a wildcard depending on score, performance, or change in tactics.
Dempsey on wing because he's not a target man. Hes better on the ball playing other players through and finding passing lanes. If US is in a 4-4-2, dempsey is up top.Castillo because there's no other better LB option on the roster. Fabian is more successful on the wing as his club season demonstrated.
The problem is Dempsey can't play defense. And Klinssman's system needs the wingers to come back on D. Klinnsman isn't playing Dempsey as a target man in the 4-3-3 but more as a false 9.I know Fabian is a better midfielder than defender, but the problem is Castillo is crap. And playing Castillo at LB and Fabian at LW means removing another talented player off the field. Fabian will still have plenty of chances to get forward playing LB.
And especially against Colombia you don't want a weak left back. Cuadrado would abuse him. How much pace does Fabian have?
Probably second fastest behind Yedlin.
That, and having Fabian at LB allows Zardes to come in on the wing, where he can use his pace to attack but also track back on defense. I'm not a big Zardes fan, but I think he is someone the USMNT absolutely needs against Colombia's athleticism.