US Olympic Qualifying Begins Tonight!
The American road to China begins tonight, and you can watch live on Fox Soccer Channel. 4 years ago I don't think that was the case as I remember having to travel to a Mexican bar to see the US lose and not qualify in '04.
I know I've mentioned it before, but don't you love the fact that there are no college players on the roster? Dominic Cervi is the lone non-professional; hopefully his being on the team will help urge Chicago to wrap up his contract after drafting him. While RSL's Seitz is the clear starter, Cervi is the lone backup and could see some playing time.
The US has a stocked roster, especially to go up against CONCACAF opponents like Cuba, Panama and Honduras. Many of these guys have been getting some good senior team playing time and the Euro guys are in mid-season form. I would think coach Nowak will go with more of a Euro based lineup due to the fitness issue, however I'll be disappointed if Jozy Altidore doesn't get the start. He proved against Mexico, the best the region has to offer, that he is ready for prime time. This tournament should be a place for him to showcase his talent and ascent to his spot as the next GAM.
I'd also like to see Sacha Kljestan get some serious playing time in the middle of the park. For my money, he has become one of the premier central midfielders in MLS and should be able to lead this team to China.
Other interesting choices for coach Nowak? Holden, Zizzo, Gaven, Adu...who starts and on which wing. Adu has shown his ability to switch from right to left similar to great wingers like Ronaldo. Holden has been solid for the Dynamo on the wing. Zizzo played well this past summer on the right. Gaven has already had a long and somewhat successful MLS career. I guess there are worse choices to have.
I'd love to see Altidore and Charlie Davies play together up top. You'll remember how much hype Davies received while in college and then he left for Europe without any of us getting to see what he can do. This should serve as his coming out party for us Yanks who crave a taste of hype justification. Will he get his chance?
What about Robbie Findley? He's speedy as can be and score, he proved it in MLS during his rookie season. For me, he's a bench warmer but I haven't been able to watch him in training...we'll see.
Has the US ever had a crop of forwards like this: Davies, Altidore, Findley & Barrett? I'm not talking about skin color. These guys are all fast, powerful, take the ball and run at people kind of players. I'm excited to see what they can do against players with less professional experience.
The games are on FSC. Make sure you tune in! 8pm EDT, tonight!
I know I've mentioned it before, but don't you love the fact that there are no college players on the roster? Dominic Cervi is the lone non-professional; hopefully his being on the team will help urge Chicago to wrap up his contract after drafting him. While RSL's Seitz is the clear starter, Cervi is the lone backup and could see some playing time.
The US has a stocked roster, especially to go up against CONCACAF opponents like Cuba, Panama and Honduras. Many of these guys have been getting some good senior team playing time and the Euro guys are in mid-season form. I would think coach Nowak will go with more of a Euro based lineup due to the fitness issue, however I'll be disappointed if Jozy Altidore doesn't get the start. He proved against Mexico, the best the region has to offer, that he is ready for prime time. This tournament should be a place for him to showcase his talent and ascent to his spot as the next GAM.
I'd also like to see Sacha Kljestan get some serious playing time in the middle of the park. For my money, he has become one of the premier central midfielders in MLS and should be able to lead this team to China.
Other interesting choices for coach Nowak? Holden, Zizzo, Gaven, Adu...who starts and on which wing. Adu has shown his ability to switch from right to left similar to great wingers like Ronaldo. Holden has been solid for the Dynamo on the wing. Zizzo played well this past summer on the right. Gaven has already had a long and somewhat successful MLS career. I guess there are worse choices to have.
I'd love to see Altidore and Charlie Davies play together up top. You'll remember how much hype Davies received while in college and then he left for Europe without any of us getting to see what he can do. This should serve as his coming out party for us Yanks who crave a taste of hype justification. Will he get his chance?
What about Robbie Findley? He's speedy as can be and score, he proved it in MLS during his rookie season. For me, he's a bench warmer but I haven't been able to watch him in training...we'll see.
Has the US ever had a crop of forwards like this: Davies, Altidore, Findley & Barrett? I'm not talking about skin color. These guys are all fast, powerful, take the ball and run at people kind of players. I'm excited to see what they can do against players with less professional experience.
The games are on FSC. Make sure you tune in! 8pm EDT, tonight!
Labels: 2008 Summer Olympics
posted by Bonji at
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