Eddie Johnson has withdrawn from the USMNT with a groin injury, according to US Soccer. Klinsmann has also taken the liberty of calling in three more players; Chris Wondolowski, Clarence Goodson, and Brad Davis.
Doubtful that any will start at this point, but quite possible that we will see several as subs.
But hey, bring on the Iceman!
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
I'm Not Big on Bashing, But We've Got Probs In Our Youth System
So for all you who have an interest in helping the youth game here, I suggest reading howsyourtouch.wordpress.com on a regular basis. Here's his latest.
MNT Clipboard - 10/9/13
+ We're going to start off today's clipboard with a little nugget brought to my attention this morning on Twitter. It looks as if Gooch has garnered some interest from Valencia CF in Spain. The club is in need of a center back after Adil Rami's little temper tantrum - he's since fallen out of favor with the manager and club. Onyewu is a free agent and thus eligible to be signed right away. Could this possibly put him back on Klinsmann's radar? Doubtful. Gooch's time is up and the team has moved on. At one point during this year there was chatter he was headed back to the MLS after terminating his contract with Sporting Lisbon, but it has since died out. We would be lying however, if we told you this wouldn't be a good move for him. He desperately needs playing time, and Valencia are in need of a player like him who can be bought for cheap. It's a good partnership. Hope it works out.
+ Yes, the roster is out. We sit midway through the week eagerly anticipating the time we may see the Iceman put Jamaica to shame, but we're also kind of sad. There's really nothing quite like the Hex, and as it comes to a close we can't help but shed a small tear. We put forth our best guess as to the starting XI come Friday night, but since we can't seem to find the link at ASN, we'll have to settle with this:
Now, this is somewhat different from what was predicted yesterday simply because the fact that JK had hinted at the use of two forwards was an unknown at that point. Here, we've done our best guess. Let me explain...we'll start up top.
I just can't see Klinsmann going with Johannsson yet - not starting anyway. Trust me, I'd absolutely love it if he did, but I think we're more likely to see that in Panama then in Kansas City. (Which is a shame since that's what most fans want it would seem.) So it's your typical EJ/Altidore pairing up top, which is in all likelihood what we will see at the World Cup in some fashion. Those two have been clutch all qualifying and Klinsmann knows it.
Out wide things have changed quite a bit. Donovan is on the left simply because he's better there than Bedoya is. Bedoya has leapfrogged Zusi in my humble opinion, and I think he'll start Friday even though it's a home match for the SKC man. Of course, if we are just wrong all together and it's a totally different formation (say 4-2-3-1), I can see Donovan in the #10 role and Bedoya on the left with Zusi on the right. That's just one example - another could be EJ on the left with everything else the same.
Holding down the midfield will be Jones, no doubt. But who will partner with him. The race may be closer than you think between Kljestan and Diskerud. Kljestan overs more defensive cover than perhaps Diskerud, but Mix gives you more attacking prowess. I think Mix will enter second half, which leaves, as you undoubtedly see, Kljestan starting next to Jones. Is this the first time we may really get to see Sacha in his natural position? If memory serves, yes. Every other time he's played out wide. There will have to be solid communication if it's going to work, but it's a huge stage for Kljestan as he try's to make the World Cup.
Lastly, the defense. It's either Orozco or Cameron, and I'm going with the later. He deserves it and based on a recent article at the four letter network, Klinsmann is looking for ways to get him in. As for goalkeeper, well, let's just say as much as I love Guzan and how well he's done he hasn't overtaken Timmy just yet.
+ I have sat here and debated about whether or not to moan about the absence of Lichaj. You know my stance on the matter, so I'll just leave it at that with these parting words: Regardless of him playing in the Championship, that should not deter JK nor anyone else from calling him in. You sorely underestimate the quality of the league - it is on par with if not better than Major League Soccer and yet you all want everyone from everywhere in MLS playing outside back for the USMNT. I don't get it. On top of that, he's played at the international level before. That must count for something.
+ If you missed it, it looks as if we will face not only Scotland in November, but Austria as well. However, that is dependent on if they beat Sweden on Friday or not. If Austria loses, their schedule becomes a whole lot clearer. If they win, then the chances of our match drop significantly because they'll be playing instead to get into the World Cup as a second place team. Needless to say, I'll be watching this one on Friday.
+ Good news from Hertha today - Brooks has begun light training with the team again. According to their website, he is quoted as saying with regards to next month's friendlies, "I hope that next time I'm there!".
+ Also leaked this week at SB Nation were details on a friendly pre-WC tournament. Iran is definitely in as well as the USA, with an unknown South American and European side in it as well. How exciting!
+ Yes, the roster is out. We sit midway through the week eagerly anticipating the time we may see the Iceman put Jamaica to shame, but we're also kind of sad. There's really nothing quite like the Hex, and as it comes to a close we can't help but shed a small tear. We put forth our best guess as to the starting XI come Friday night, but since we can't seem to find the link at ASN, we'll have to settle with this:
Now, this is somewhat different from what was predicted yesterday simply because the fact that JK had hinted at the use of two forwards was an unknown at that point. Here, we've done our best guess. Let me explain...we'll start up top.
I just can't see Klinsmann going with Johannsson yet - not starting anyway. Trust me, I'd absolutely love it if he did, but I think we're more likely to see that in Panama then in Kansas City. (Which is a shame since that's what most fans want it would seem.) So it's your typical EJ/Altidore pairing up top, which is in all likelihood what we will see at the World Cup in some fashion. Those two have been clutch all qualifying and Klinsmann knows it.
Out wide things have changed quite a bit. Donovan is on the left simply because he's better there than Bedoya is. Bedoya has leapfrogged Zusi in my humble opinion, and I think he'll start Friday even though it's a home match for the SKC man. Of course, if we are just wrong all together and it's a totally different formation (say 4-2-3-1), I can see Donovan in the #10 role and Bedoya on the left with Zusi on the right. That's just one example - another could be EJ on the left with everything else the same.
Holding down the midfield will be Jones, no doubt. But who will partner with him. The race may be closer than you think between Kljestan and Diskerud. Kljestan overs more defensive cover than perhaps Diskerud, but Mix gives you more attacking prowess. I think Mix will enter second half, which leaves, as you undoubtedly see, Kljestan starting next to Jones. Is this the first time we may really get to see Sacha in his natural position? If memory serves, yes. Every other time he's played out wide. There will have to be solid communication if it's going to work, but it's a huge stage for Kljestan as he try's to make the World Cup.
Lastly, the defense. It's either Orozco or Cameron, and I'm going with the later. He deserves it and based on a recent article at the four letter network, Klinsmann is looking for ways to get him in. As for goalkeeper, well, let's just say as much as I love Guzan and how well he's done he hasn't overtaken Timmy just yet.
+ I have sat here and debated about whether or not to moan about the absence of Lichaj. You know my stance on the matter, so I'll just leave it at that with these parting words: Regardless of him playing in the Championship, that should not deter JK nor anyone else from calling him in. You sorely underestimate the quality of the league - it is on par with if not better than Major League Soccer and yet you all want everyone from everywhere in MLS playing outside back for the USMNT. I don't get it. On top of that, he's played at the international level before. That must count for something.
+ If you missed it, it looks as if we will face not only Scotland in November, but Austria as well. However, that is dependent on if they beat Sweden on Friday or not. If Austria loses, their schedule becomes a whole lot clearer. If they win, then the chances of our match drop significantly because they'll be playing instead to get into the World Cup as a second place team. Needless to say, I'll be watching this one on Friday.
+ Good news from Hertha today - Brooks has begun light training with the team again. According to their website, he is quoted as saying with regards to next month's friendlies, "I hope that next time I'm there!".
+ Also leaked this week at SB Nation were details on a friendly pre-WC tournament. Iran is definitely in as well as the USA, with an unknown South American and European side in it as well. How exciting!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
It Was Too Good to Be True
US Soccer just announced that the release has been put back a few days, so sadly we won't know tomorrow (Thursday). Now what to do with that added time...
Word is that it won't come out before Sunday now. That comes from Doug McIntyre (ESPN).
Word is that it won't come out before Sunday now. That comes from Doug McIntyre (ESPN).
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
It's Time For...Guess That Roster! (Updated)
So, with a slew of injuries and qualification in the bag, you'd think there would be more new faces then normal in these upcoming World Cup Qualifiers. You'd be right in your assumption, but in reality don't count on a lot of them. In fact, I only have two in mine and you've probably already guessed them by now. Let's begin.
Goalkeepers: Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Nick Rimando
If there is one goalkeeper from this crew that won't make it, it's likely Rimando due to the end of the MLS season. That doesn't seem very likely since RSL have a playoff spot pretty much in the bag. Now it's just a matter of seeding. If Kreis wants Rimando to stay in Salt Lake City then I think Sean Johnson gets the nod. There's still a part of me that would like to see either Cody Cropper or Steve Clark (Honefoss, NOR) get a look (Cropper for the second time), but I can't see that happening.
Defenders: Eric Lichaj, Timmy Chandler,John Brooks, Matt Besler, Omar Gonzalez, DeMarcus Beasley, Edgar Castillo, Geoff Cameron, Jonathan Spector, Michael Orozco
Jonathan Spector and Eric Lichaj are in, but not for the same spot. Spector has played minutes for Birmingham City this season in the midfield, and I wouldn't put it past Klinsmann to be willing to try it out - at least in practice. Lichaj will battle Chandler for the right back spot, but could Klinsmann try Lichaj at LB? Maybe. And hey, let's cap JAB this time.
Update: Sadly, it is true. Brooks will not be at camp per JK tonight. The elbow injury has proved too much to bear. That's very unfortunate as the next time the USA could possibly cap him is at the World Cup itself. Now, I think Brooks is still committed to the US, but it will be pins and needles for a lot of fans until next summer. Hopefully JK recognizes the need to keep calling him. This is also poor timing, since Goodson is out with injury and Boca seems to be in the past now. Orozco get's the call but I wouldn't mind seeing George John, just to throw that out there. Shame Will Packwood isn't fully healthy...
Midfielders: Sacha Kljestan, Jermaine Jones,Michael Bradley, Alejandro Bedoya, Mix Diskerud, Fabian Johnson, Joe Corona, Graham Zusi
This is very tricky. All the hype on Jones this week is just that - hype. He's going to be there. Bradley...well, perhaps that's the fan boy in me coming out, praying he'll be there because I long for his touch in the MF, but hey, he has been training with the ball of late, albeit alone. Is it really worth it to fly him all the way to Panama if he won't even play? Yes and no. Corona has come on strong in the last week. If he starts tonight for Tijuana v Club America it will increase his odds of being there. Zusi sits ahead of Corona right now in the depth chart, but that hasn't been easy. If Fabian Johnson is a scratch because of his recent ankle injury (which we're told is not severe), then both Corona and Zusi make it.
Update: It was announced tonight in Klinsmann's presser that Michael Bradley will also NOT be in camp. So that clears up some room as he was in my original 23. It was also announced that Dempsey, as of now, will be there. I'm dropping Corona because I feel that at this point he's on the outside looking in, even though he's playing right this moment for Tijuana (but didn't start). Zusi gets the nod.
Forwards: Jozy Altidore, Aron Johannsson, Terrence Boyd, Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey
Yes, no Dempsey or Eddie. Dempsey is still out with a hamstring injury, though it remains to be seen if he'll recover in time. That, combined with his poor form since coming to MLS and trying to convince Sigi that it's the right thing to do means, in my mind, no Deuce. Which could be a good thing. A kick in the pants you know? As for Eddie, simply put October should be a time where Aron and Terrence get a chance to shine. EJ will be in Brazil, so let's give him a rest. I'm sure Sounders fans will appreciate it. It was hard to leave Herc and Paul Arriola behind, but Herc is just coming back and Arriola, despite being on fire right now, just couldn't squeeze past Boyd. Thinking November or January for him.
Update: JK confirmed that Dempsey will, as of now, be in camp.
Starting XI will come out later this week. The roster will be announced on Thursday by US Soccer.
Goalkeepers: Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Nick Rimando
If there is one goalkeeper from this crew that won't make it, it's likely Rimando due to the end of the MLS season. That doesn't seem very likely since RSL have a playoff spot pretty much in the bag. Now it's just a matter of seeding. If Kreis wants Rimando to stay in Salt Lake City then I think Sean Johnson gets the nod. There's still a part of me that would like to see either Cody Cropper or Steve Clark (Honefoss, NOR) get a look (Cropper for the second time), but I can't see that happening.
Defenders: Eric Lichaj, Timmy Chandler,
Jonathan Spector and Eric Lichaj are in, but not for the same spot. Spector has played minutes for Birmingham City this season in the midfield, and I wouldn't put it past Klinsmann to be willing to try it out - at least in practice. Lichaj will battle Chandler for the right back spot, but could Klinsmann try Lichaj at LB? Maybe. And hey, let's cap JAB this time.
Update: Sadly, it is true. Brooks will not be at camp per JK tonight. The elbow injury has proved too much to bear. That's very unfortunate as the next time the USA could possibly cap him is at the World Cup itself. Now, I think Brooks is still committed to the US, but it will be pins and needles for a lot of fans until next summer. Hopefully JK recognizes the need to keep calling him. This is also poor timing, since Goodson is out with injury and Boca seems to be in the past now. Orozco get's the call but I wouldn't mind seeing George John, just to throw that out there. Shame Will Packwood isn't fully healthy...
Midfielders: Sacha Kljestan, Jermaine Jones,
This is very tricky. All the hype on Jones this week is just that - hype. He's going to be there. Bradley...well, perhaps that's the fan boy in me coming out, praying he'll be there because I long for his touch in the MF, but hey, he has been training with the ball of late, albeit alone. Is it really worth it to fly him all the way to Panama if he won't even play? Yes and no. Corona has come on strong in the last week. If he starts tonight for Tijuana v Club America it will increase his odds of being there. Zusi sits ahead of Corona right now in the depth chart, but that hasn't been easy. If Fabian Johnson is a scratch because of his recent ankle injury (which we're told is not severe), then both Corona and Zusi make it.
Update: It was announced tonight in Klinsmann's presser that Michael Bradley will also NOT be in camp. So that clears up some room as he was in my original 23. It was also announced that Dempsey, as of now, will be there. I'm dropping Corona because I feel that at this point he's on the outside looking in, even though he's playing right this moment for Tijuana (but didn't start). Zusi gets the nod.
Forwards: Jozy Altidore, Aron Johannsson, Terrence Boyd, Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey
Yes, no Dempsey or Eddie. Dempsey is still out with a hamstring injury, though it remains to be seen if he'll recover in time. That, combined with his poor form since coming to MLS and trying to convince Sigi that it's the right thing to do means, in my mind, no Deuce. Which could be a good thing. A kick in the pants you know? As for Eddie, simply put October should be a time where Aron and Terrence get a chance to shine. EJ will be in Brazil, so let's give him a rest. I'm sure Sounders fans will appreciate it. It was hard to leave Herc and Paul Arriola behind, but Herc is just coming back and Arriola, despite being on fire right now, just couldn't squeeze past Boyd. Thinking November or January for him.
Update: JK confirmed that Dempsey will, as of now, be in camp.
Starting XI will come out later this week. The roster will be announced on Thursday by US Soccer.
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