A more recent stab at the Gold Cup roster

(Originally posted on BigSoccer in response to "23 tickets to the Gold Cup")

Written Dec 14, 2010.

1. Tim Howard
2. Jonathan Spector
3. Carlos Bocanegra
4. Michael Bradley
5. Omar Gonzalez
6. Steve Cherundolo
7. Stuart Holden
8. Clint Dempsey
9. Teal Bunbury
10. Landon Donovan
11. Juan Agudelo
12. Jonathan Bornstein
13. Eric Lichaj
14. Edson Buddle
15. Jermaine Jones
16. Jose Francisco Torres
17. Jozy Altidore
18. Brad Guzan
19. Maurice Edu
20. Mikkel Diskerud
21. Clarence Goodson
22. Benny Feilhaber
23. Dominic Cervi

Gk: 3 ( Howard, Guzan, Cervi)
Def: 7* (Spector, Bocanegra, Gonzalez, Cherundolo, Bornstein, Lichaj, Goodson)
Mid: 9 (Bradley, Holden, Dempsey, Donovan, Jones, Torres, Edu, Diskerud, Feilhaber)
Fwd: 4 (Bunbury, Agudelo, Buddle, Altidore)

* Edu can be played at CB (See Poland friendly)

Gonzalez over Gooch for recent playing time and subsequent form (unless Gooch kills it against Egypt and Argentina, in which case he's got the 5 shirt back)

Starting XI:

--------------------------Altidore-----------------------
Donovan-------Bradley-------Holden-------Dempsey
---------------------------Jones-------------------------
Bornstein-------Bocanegra----Goodson----Cherundolo
-------------------------Howard--------------------------

How it could look depending on a situation:

Must score:

---------Donovan------Altidore--------Dempsey-------
-----------------------Holden-----------------------
---------------Bradley------Feilhaber-------------------
Bocanegra------Gonzalez-----Goodson----Cherundolo

(possibly see one of the other strikers if it's late and Altidore is tired)
*Feihaber in for Jones (offensive sparkplug)
*Gonzalez in for Bornstein, Bocanegra to LB (More height and danger on Set pieces, nobody in CONCACAF can mark both Goodson and Gonzalez in the air)
Bradley and Benny sit behind Holden, but it's really an alternating triangle, any of them can play anywhere, as they can all attack.

Defensive mindset (Can really only see this in the knockout stages where a hard-fought battle sees us up by 1 goal)


----------------Donovan-----------------Agudelo----------
----------Bradley------Holden-----------------
-----------------------Edu---------Jones------------------
Bornstein-----Bocanegra----Goodson---Cherundolo
--------------------Howard---------------------------

*Agudelo in up top for Jozy for his wilingness to chase relentlessly and make scrappy plays
*Edu for Dempsey for his defensive qualities
plays as a 4-2-2-2 shifting to a 4-4-2 when we're in clear posession
-Donovan and Agudelo use their work rate and fitness to chase and pressure backs/D-mids
-Bradley and Holden sit just below them, using their workrate and relentlessness on defense to disrupt the central midfield through which the opponent has to attack
-Edu and Jones sit just in front of the defense as a shield for short combinations at the top of the box, and long range shots (would have blocked the 1st goal from Slovenia, 1st goal at Azteca, and Rossi's strike in the Confed Cup) I put these two here because I'm sick of seeing our center backs fail time and time again to step up and block long range shots. With these two champions-league caliber players, we should see that eliminated.
-Backline stays the same as it's our best chance to keep the other team off the scoresheet.

Agudelo or Bunbury will make a name for themselves this summer at the Gold Cup, and Stuart Holden will cement his place as our x-factor. Typical heroics from veterans Howard, Bocanegra, and Cherundolo will give us a defensive presence, while Donovan, Dempsey, Altidore, and Bradley will be complemented by newcomers Holden and Jones to bring the Gold Cup title back to the proper side of the border.

Final: USA 2-0 Mexico via Holden and Agudelo
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Gold Cup 2011

The 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup looms ominously on the horizon of the United States National Team's future, beckoning for an encore of the success they enjoyed during this past summer's World Cup. As America finishes out 2010 with a friendly match in Cape Town against World Cup 2010 hosts South Africa, we naturally set our sights even higher for 2011 and beyond. The Gold Cup will provide a chance for the U.S. to prove, once again, that they are top-dogs in CONCACAF.

Looking ahead to the roster, many American fans are calling for a "changing of the guard" this summer, sending out the old stalwarts of our team in favor of new faces looking to get acclimated to the national team setup. I'm here to explain why that's nonsense.

Don't hit the panic button everybody, we aren't quite as old as people seem to believe. In fact, many of our older players are enjoying some of their best campaigns thus far in their careers.

Captain Carlos Bocanegra (31) is holding a starting spot for second-place St. Etienne, while Steve Cherundolo (31) is captaining his side to a 7th place start in the Bundesliga. While Tim Howard (31) is not having the best season with Everton, it can easily be argued that the teams slow start has not been his fault, especially after his MVP performance in the Merseyside Derby this past weekend. The only World Cup 2010 roster member who needs a replacement by this summer is Marcus Hahnemann, who is considering retiring from international duty to focus on his club play with Wolves.

The "Poster Boys"of U.S. Soccer such as Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, and Michael Bradley are all on the good side of 30, leaving them with a few more years before age will even enter the discussion when it comes to their selection for an international tournament.

With the age issue addressed, this is my take on the 23-man roster for next summer's Gold Cup.

Roster (Number, Name, Club)
1- Tim Howard (Everton FC)
2- Heath Pearce (FC Dallas)
3- Carlos Bocanegra (St. Ettienne)
4- Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach)
5- Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan)
6- Steve Cherundolo (Hanover 96)
7- Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers)
8- Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC)
9- Charlie Davies (FC Sochaux-Montpelier)
10- Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy)
11- Bobby Convey (San Jose Earthquakes)
12- Frank Simek (Carlisle United)
13- Eric Lichaj (Aston Villa FC)
14- Edson Buddle (LA Galaxy)
15- Jermaine Jones ( Schalke 04)
16- Jose Francisco Torres (Pachuca)
17- Jozy Altidore (Villareal)
18- Brad Guzan (Aston Villa FC)
19- Maurice Edu (Rangers)
20- Mikkel Diskerrud (Staebek)
21- Clarence Goodson (IK Start)
22- Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus)
23- Bill Hamid (DC United)

GK: 3 (Howard, Guzan, Hamid)
Def: 7 (Pearce, Bocanegra, Onyewu, Cherundolo, Simek, Lichaj, Goodson
Mid: 10 (Bradley, Holden, Dempsey, Donovan, Convey, Jones, Torres, Edu, Diskerrud, Feilhaber)
Fwd: 3 (Davies, Buddle, Altidore)

Now for a closer look at some of my roster predictions, broken down by position.

GK: Howard is the obvious choice as the #1 for the US, with Guzan as the clear-cut backup. The only spot up for grabs is the less than important 3rd goalkeeper, who is generally looked upon as a young goalkeeper who can gain invaluable experience in national team camp with the 1st team during a major tournament. Enter: Bill Hamid.

This 18 year old enjoyed some great success during his rookie stint at DC United after being signed from their Youth Academy. Several performances stood out, including his first-ever win, where he stole Tim Howard's record as youngest MLS goalkeeper to record a victory, as well as his heroics against star-studded AC Milan. This is the perfect opportunity to get our goalkeeper of the future some experience.

Def: Bocanegra, Cherundolo, Onyewu, and Goodson all return to the roster after making the World Cup roster this summer. Boca, Stevie C, and Clarence are all in great form right now, with Onyewu still fighting for minutes at Milan. Some younger faces have shown well in recent club play and international friendlies, so they've earned the nod for the roster next summer.

Eric Lichaj, who had a fantastic second half at right back against Colombia, has overtaken Jonathan Spector for the #2 utility back. His play at Aston Villa also indicates he can line up on the left, where I have him in our starting lineup.

Frank Simek has been having a great campaign for Carlisle in League 1. I realize that this is not exactly on par with the Premier League, but an American defender getting consistent minutes at a respectable club is nothing to sneeze at, so he's earned a spot.

Mid: Hands down, our deepest position. it only makes sense to drop a back and a forward in favor of two more versatile and talented mids, so I've come up with a list of 10 for next summer. Automatics: Donovan, Dempsey, Bradley. These guys held down our midfield in South Africa, each of them tallying at least 1 goal, with Donovan netting 3. These three stars are supplemented by plethora of young talent brimming with the confidence to get onto the pitch and make an impact for the country.

Central midfielders Maurice Edu, a starter for Champions League side Rangers, and Jose
Torres, a regular for Pachuca, have seen limited minutes in a US kit but enjoyed great success during this time.

Outside midfielder Benny Feilhaber owns the title of "supersub" for the USA, and will continue to do so for as long as he wants after his Golazo against Mexico in the 2007 Gold Cup Final. Youngster and dual-nationality Mikkel Diskerrud (Parent from Norway) has also earned a nod after his remarkable goal-scoring form and play for Staebek. Comeback player of the year nominee Bobby Convey has played his way back into the national team picture with his incredible campaign for San Jose, where he's seen time at left mid and left back, reminding some American fans of his form during his time at Reading.

Now, the X-Factors for the United States for this tournament. Central Mids Stuart Holden and Jermaine Jones.

Holden is the top-rated tackler in the English Premier League, a remarkable statistic attesting to his work rate tracking back on defense after player the role of spark plug for his Bolton Wanderers offense. At 24, if his development continues on its current pace, Holden will emerge from this next World Cup cycle in the same role as Landon Donovan played this past cycle, the life of the team.

"Germany Jones," as fans have affectionately named him, has earned a starting role following his 90-minute MVP performance against Poland, and his solid outing against Colombia. Providing the "destroyer" characteristic that the team seemed to be missing, Jones also proved his offensive prowess with an incredible through ball to Altidore to set up the opening goal against Poland.

The tandem of Holden-Jones is our best pairing at Central Mid, although I see nepotism getting in the way of that, with Sweatpants Bob refusing to take out beloved son Michael from the starting lineup. For this reason, I see Jones out wide on the left, where he sometimes lines up for Champions League side Schalke 04.

Fwd: Our weakest position, especially following the past two World Cups, where an American Forward failed to tally in seven games.

Altidore may seem to be our best option, and at a mere 20 years old, he's got room to grow. A lack of playing time for club side Villareal has hurt his international performances as of late, showing in a painfully obvious manner when he failed to score with so many chances in South Africa. It was obvious that after the Algeria game, if not sooner, he should have been replaced by the in-form striker...

Edson Buddle: MLS MVP candidate and league-leading scorer snuck onto the World Cup roster at the last moment due to his goal scoring tear. His strike rate has fallen off a little bit since returning to America, but his form has warranted not only a spot on the roster, but the displacement of young Jozy for a spot up top next to Dempsey in the starting XI.

I admit that my last pick is based entirely off of emotion, and maybe even an element illusion. If he continues to progress with his rehab and reserve team matches, I believe that his work ethic and determination will pave his way back to the national team. I think you've figured it out by now. Charlie Davies, USA's number 9. We need this kid as a super-sub for this tournament, both from a physical standpoint as a fast-paced striker to come on and run past tired defenses near the end of the game, and emotionally, where the team and the fans will certainly have a huge boost when he finally steps back on the pitch in the Red, White, and Blue.

Now for my projected starting XI:

---------Dempsey---------Buddle--------
Jones----------Holden-----------Donovan
---------------Edu--------------------
Lichaj-----Goodson----Bocanegra---Cherundolo
--------------Howard---------------------



If Bob Bradley can put nepotism aside, and recognize the importance of replacing out of form players with in form players, regardless of age or experience, then this team will have the perfect opportunity to book their ticket to the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil.

Just like the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa, the 2013 Confed. Cup in Brazil will provide us with the opportunity to acclimate ourselves to the climate, stadiums, and atmosphere that we will encounter in the following summer's World Cup, where we will look to build off of the leaps and bounds made by Donovan and co. in South Africa this past June.





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Oklahoma Love

Who said American Football Meatheads don't appreciate the beautiful game?

Matthew Stafford, #1 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, is seen here on vacation with his moderately good-looking girlfriend, but more importantly wearing a USA training top identical to the tops worn in South Africa.



I have to say, I was pulling for Clausen to go #1, but Matty may just have won me over.


Stay tuned for a few new articles coming soon, recapping the United States performance at the World Cup, the coaching situation, and upcoming events such as the Brazil friendly (August 10 @ Giants Stadium), Camp Cupcake 2011, and the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

America's team reflects America's Attitude

Rising from relative obscurity to the international soccer limelight in just a few short years, the United States men's national soccer team now looks forward to their Saturday match against England with excitement rather than anxiety.

Falling victim to the ever-growing shadows of the NFL, MLB, NBA, and college sports, United States soccer has had to battle adversity not only against their opponents on the pitch, but also vying for attention in the media. The lack of media attention and reward for their successes has made it very difficult for the Americans to continue to push themselves to succeed on behalf of the red, white, and blue. When difficult victories are had in qualifying over smaller nations such as El Salvador, Honduras, and Costa Rica, the nation feels ashamed that we haven't demolished the opposition and therefore assumes that our team aren't any good and aren't worth supporting. The problem with this assumption is that, unlike the olympics, smaller nations are no longer obselete in their experience and talent in soccer. Having soccer as their national sport, they prove to be difficult opponents for not only our national team, but national teams across the world. So how will a team that struggles with the Guatemalas and Trinidads step onto the field this month in South Africa and not only compete with, but get results against the likes of England, Slovenia, and Algeria?

The answer lies not in our players, our coach, our opponents, or our experience.

The answer lies in our Heart.

Considered a "second-rate footballing nation" by the rest of the planet, we've proven time and time again that while we may not have the talent, we certainly have the heart.

Not convinced yet? Check out these results from the last year:

USA 3-0 Egypt: Needing a 3-0 victory as well as help from Brazil, the US did their part with a comprehensive smashing of African champion Egypt on goals from Davies, Bradley, and the all-important diving header from Clint Dempsey.

USA 2-0 Spain (Confederations Cup Semi-Final): The biggest victory in the history of United States soccer. Spain ranked #1 in the world, the US barely squeaking into the semis. Goals from Altidore and Dempsey along with heroics from the backline and goalkeeper Tim Howard help the Americans shock the world.

USA 2-3 Brazil (Confederations Cup Final): Taking a 2-0 lead and watching it slip away has taught us a great lesson, and experiencing the pain of having victory snatched from our jaws will prove invaluable this month in South Africa

USA 2-2 El Salvador: US Fights back and gets 2 goals in the last 10 minutes to salvage a draw and a crucial point on the road.

USA 2-1 Honduras: US goes down 1-0 early, but fights back as captain Carlos Bocanegra gets the game-winner in the second half.

USA 2-1 El Salvador: US again goes down 1-0 early, but grabs the lead before halftime on headers from superstars Altidore and Dempsey.

USA 3-2 Honduras: USA clinches their spot in the World Cup by going away to Honduras, where no team had won yet, and getting a victory.

USA 2-2 Costa Rica: After teammate and friend Charlie Davies is injured in a fatal car crash, Jonathan Bornstein heads in the equalizer from a Robbie Rogers corner in the 94th minute to make the US finish #1 in CONCACAF.

USA 2-1 Turkey: Falling behind 1-0 in the first half, the United States comes back and gets the victory via Altidore and Dempsey to secure a win in their final match in the USA before heading to South Africa.

These nine matches in the past twelve months where we proved that what skill we possess is supplemented by our heart and determination to give us results are no anomoly. Make no mistake, this team has what it takes to make a splash this summer.

The very same heart that gained us our Independence 234 years ago and makes this great nation what it is today will be worn on the sleeve of every American player for as long as they're still breathing.

Open your eyes, England. You're in for another surprise.

1776....1950....2010