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Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Tunnel Chatter: USA vs. Mexico



When the USMNT steps out onto the link this evening against Mexico, American soccer fans will be   watching the dawn of a new era in American Soccer.  The usual suspects will for the most part, be playing right where you think they would, but when it comes to the new-boys, its a horse of a different color. Some of the names include, Brek Shea of FC Dallas, Omar Gonzalez, Edgar Castillo, Michael Orozco Fiscal and Kyle Beckerman. Many had brief  appearances for the squad, but never got a good look in under Bradley's regime. From the 22 men squad their are 7 from MLS, 4 playing for  Mexican clubs, and 11 from England and Europe. For me, the most exciting player that will take the field in one form or another is Brek Shea. The dynamic winger is the future of the USMNT wide game, giving excellent showings week- in week- out in Dallas. I am interested to see what position he occupies if he gets the nod? Hopefully he will start in the left back role, which is entirely possible with the mass of injuries. Primarily a left winger he has been used as a left back on occasion, and has shown brilliantly. FC Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman uses him in one, one week and one, another week, but
 he's  consistent in his performances, no matter where he plays.

Here is my projected starting line up for Klinsmann's first match:

Howard

 Cherundolo      Bocanegra       Ream   Pearce
    
Bradley    Torres

Donovan       Adu           Shea

Agudelo 

Here is the Line-up I want to see: " taking into account that Timmy Chandler, and now Clarence Goodson are injured, plus Dempsey and Lichaj are tied to their clubs:"

Howard

Cherundolo   Bocanegra   Ream    Shea

Jones

 Donovan       Bradley           Adu
                                               
 Buddle     Agudelo

Be it Jurgen's first game at the helm, I would be surprised to see anything overly poetic from the German.  A lot is at stake,  if an experiment  goes pear shaped, so I figure he plays it safe. Mexico are a fantastic squad, and have a star-studded line up ready to prove once again they're the heavy weight in the CONCACAF region, so some familiarity in the  US line-up is a must. Due to personnel loss, the USMNT ,will not have all their starters available, making for a perfect opportunity to give the fringe players a run out.

If Jurgen is to impress me in this game, win or lose, I require this:

Freddy Adu starts, behind the striker or pushed out to one side. He needs to be our trequartista if have you, that no. 10, allowed to make mazey runs into the box. If Shea occupies the left back spot, he will have free reign to overlap Adu as he cuts inside.

Bradley played way to deep under his fathers control. I Want to see him pushed higher up the field  in a more attacking role, box to box, rather than a holder.

A 2nd striker needs to be played. Agudelo cannot do it on his own, he's to young, inexperienced, and not strong enough. Looking at the roster Edson Buddle ticks all boxes needed to get the best out of the young Redbull. At his age Buddle is not one for the future, but if played shows attacking intent from Jurgen, which we need more of.

Prediction: There will be goals, for both sides, rendering it an all to familiar to the finale of the Gold Cup played last month. The final ended 4-2 in Mexico's favor, as once again are defensive frailties cooked our goose. This time it ends, painfully said: 2-1 in Mexico's favor, as our  team still struggles to find an identity. 

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