**Official USMNT Soccer Thread**

[Kimchi Papi]

I guess brucey forgot he had Landon (born in Vancouver), David Regis (born in Martinique - French island), & Roy Wegerle (born in South Africa) on his US national teams. I think he had others too but I can't think of them off the top of my head.

He needs to keep his trap shut & worry about AEG pulling all the resources he had available to him in LA since Tim Leiweke left the company. brucey is an arrogant cad. He said the reason US futbol can't be as good as other countries because the US is just too big.

Looks like Duece is the captain for the Costa Rica & Mexico games. Bradley also came out saying whoever is talking about the US national team are "shameful", "embarassing", & "crossing the line".

http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/...-world-cup-qualifying-comments-sporting-news/

Michael Bradley: Contributions to recent reports ‘shameful,’ ‘embarrassing,’ and cross the line
Richard Farley Mar 21, 2013, 12:32 AM EDT

“I think it is shameful,” was Michael Bradley’s reaction. The U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder was asked for this thoughts on Monday’s Sporting News feature that detailed criticisms of U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

Eleven current players as well as another 11 sources close to the team were given anonymity in exchange for their participation. For Bradley, their contributions amounted to a betrayal.

“[Y]ou cross a line when you take those thoughts and you take your disappointments outside of the team and outside of the inner circle,” Bradley told the assembled media in Colorado. “So for me, it doesn’t help anybody, it doesn’t help anything that we are trying to do this week.”

Bradley becomes the third veteran of the national team to offer his thoughts in the wake to the Sporting News’ piece. Carlos Bocanegra posted his thoughts on Facebook Monday night, a defense a Jurgen Klinsmann’s communication with his players. On Tuesday, Tim Howard spoke out against the notion that the U.S.’s is a locker room divided.

“On every team in the world, not every guy is going to be happy,” Bradley explained, “on every team in the world there are going to be guys who go back to their room and talk with their roommate about things that they wish were different, things they wish would be done another way, but that is normal.”

The problems start when those critiques go beyond the team’s inner circles. Or, as Bradley put it, when players don’t have “the balls” to speak in front of the group.

“When you play on a team you have a chance everyday to give everything you have and part of that means having the balls to say things to guys to their face, having the balls to say things in front of the team.

“In those ways it is really disappointing that in a week as important as this, with so much on the line, that you would have something like that happen.”

Bradley called for the U.S. to turn their attentions to the field, saying the team “let ourselves down a little bit” given the revelations in Sporting News’ work.

“It is our job to represent ourselves and represent our country in a way that makes everybody proud.”

With three veterans speaking out and another being named captain, the week’s controversy seems to be unifying the team – in word and action if not in actual camaraderie. The actual bonds between players can only be seen from inside the dressing room, though one thing we can infer from Bradley’s comments is that these issues had not been brought up within the group at large. If there is major dissension in the ranks, it’s not bubbling up for team-wide discussion.

Then again, that seems to be Bradley’s main issue. Reports say there are problems, their existence may go beyond a select few, yet the team leaders aren’t seeing anybody step forward to bring them to the group.

And that leaves the obvious, lingering question: Which players contributed to Sporting News’ report? Are these fringe players unhappy with Klinsmann’s decisions (and their roles in the team)? Are the most damning critiques — the ones creating the most waves — from players? Or are they from the sources most distant from the current core?

Because as of now, three of the team’s most important players have spoken out to clarify the situation. Though it’s possible they contributed in some form, they seem unlikely to be the ones giving the anonymous accounts. So, who did?

 

[dlo13]

Get in, General Bradley.

No issue with Deuce being captain.

Saborio likely out for CR now, so that helps.

 

[Kimchi Papi]

I didn't know USA Soccer had a robust youtube page until now.... Here's a preview clip for the Costa Rica game. There is a possibility that Costa Rica may not have Real Salt Lake's Alvaro Saborio as he's dealing with a left knee injury.

Below is a link to a web series called Behind The Crest. If you access & navigate to other parts of the US Soccer page, you'll find other content too. Not sure about everyone else, but I love seeing this behind the scenes stuff.

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2AE349C4AC4699C7

Also Texan's JJ Watt dating USNWT's Sydney Leroux.

 

[Kimchi Papi]

Cool Herc's perspective on the brewhaha...

http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/...lez-gomez-hullabaloo-and-criticism-no-biggie/

U.S. striker Herculez Gomez: hullabaloo and criticism no biggie
Steve Davis Mar 21, 2013, 1:23 PM EDT

DENVER – Who doesn’t love U.S. striker Herculez Gomez?

The Las Vegas native’s soccer career is a tale dogged persistence. Things were just OK during his time in Major League Soccer, but Gomez just kept moving forward, kept trying harder, kept looking for more. (Which he has found in hammering out a fruitful career in Mexico’s Liga MX.)

The U.S. coaching staff loves Gomez because his energy, desire and work rate bother defenses, creating opportunities that might not otherwise arrive. (They’ll need every little smidgen of fire and desire, hustle and bustle and everything in between in Friday’s World Cup qualifier outside Denver.)

He’s active with fans and members of the press through social media.

And now the man is helping tamp down the brush fires that threaten to ignite Camp Klinsmann with a healthy dose of perspective.

About all the holler and hullabaloo over Carlos Bocanegra, quirky roster choices, unresolved tactical tenets, etc., Gomez sees it as rather quaint. He called the U.S. press corps “teddy bears” compared to the flesh-eating grizzlies of most soccer-mad lands, including Mexico.

Among the great stuff he shared with MLSSoccer.com:

It’s funny, they’re making a bit of a hoopla about it right now. It’s almost, in a sense, cute, you know?

… we live in such a great country where you guys [the media] even have dialogue with us and things can be easily worked through. I think this, for us, is a learning experience. We will be a better team for it.”

I love it – I love it. It’s about time. It’s about damn time you guys took some interest and you guys started asking some tough questions. I think that shows us growing as a footballing nation, I really do.”

Gomez mentioned Brian Straus by name. Straus is the Sporting News writer whose provocative piece on Tuesday exposed or aggressively amplified a conversation that had been contained to media back room whispers to that point. Gomez said this stuff, provocative and dramatic as it might be, is a necessary and even helpful part of the game’s growth curve here.

Whether the writer’s theories and his sources are right or wrong, these conversations are critical, Gomez believes, even if just for the additional public chatter. Having the discussion is what matters.

"… this country needs that exposure. This country needs football to matter. And I think that’s great.”

 

[lyonbc1]

Cool Herc's perspective on the brewhaha...

http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/...lez-gomez-hullabaloo-and-criticism-no-biggie/

U.S. striker Herculez Gomez: hullabaloo and criticism no biggie
Steve Davis Mar 21, 2013, 1:23 PM EDT

DENVER – Who doesn’t love U.S. striker Herculez Gomez?

The Las Vegas native’s soccer career is a tale dogged persistence. Things were just OK during his time in Major League Soccer, but Gomez just kept moving forward, kept trying harder, kept looking for more. (Which he has found in hammering out a fruitful career in Mexico’s Liga MX.)

The U.S. coaching staff loves Gomez because his energy, desire and work rate bother defenses, creating opportunities that might not otherwise arrive. (They’ll need every little smidgen of fire and desire, hustle and bustle and everything in between in Friday’s World Cup qualifier outside Denver.)

He’s active with fans and members of the press through social media.

And now the man is helping tamp down the brush fires that threaten to ignite Camp Klinsmann with a healthy dose of perspective.

About all the holler and hullabaloo over Carlos Bocanegra, quirky roster choices, unresolved tactical tenets, etc., Gomez sees it as rather quaint. He called the U.S. press corps “teddy bears” compared to the flesh-eating grizzlies of most soccer-mad lands, including Mexico.

Among the great stuff he shared with MLSSoccer.com:

It’s funny, they’re making a bit of a hoopla about it right now. It’s almost, in a sense, cute, you know?

… we live in such a great country where you guys [the media] even have dialogue with us and things can be easily worked through. I think this, for us, is a learning experience. We will be a better team for it.”

I love it – I love it. It’s about time. It’s about damn time you guys took some interest and you guys started asking some tough questions. I think that shows us growing as a footballing nation, I really do.”

Gomez mentioned Brian Straus by name. Straus is the Sporting News writer whose provocative piece on Tuesday exposed or aggressively amplified a conversation that had been contained to media back room whispers to that point. Gomez said this stuff, provocative and dramatic as it might be, is a necessary and even helpful part of the game’s growth curve here.

Whether the writer’s theories and his sources are right or wrong, these conversations are critical, Gomez believes, even if just for the additional public chatter. Having the discussion is what matters.

"… this country needs that exposure. This country needs football to matter. And I think that’s great.”

Herc seems like a cool guy, I like his response even though its a bit different than what you'd expect...he has a point though hopefully they use this as a rallying cry...I really think we take Costa Rica like 2-1 or 3-1 its gonna be cold in Colo. and Saborio is hurt. Mexico will be a different test, but maybe since the winning at Azteca monkey is off our back they can pull out a draw at minimum there...we're still in good shape I'm not worried about qualifying

Jamaica is loading up on some English born guys though can't blame them but their team will be even stronger...they shouldve beaten Mexico last go round

 

[dlo13]

Met Cobi Jones at the bar a few minutes ago. Nice dude.

 

[Kimchi Papi]

Met Cobi Jones at the bar a few minutes ago. Nice dude.

I saw him on TV the other day, he looked like he packed on some lbs, did he seem like that in person?

 

[dlo13]

I saw him on TV the other day, he looked like he packed on some lbs, did he seem like that in person?

I dunno...had on a big coat.

Met Lalas, Twellman, and Grant Wahl, too. But, most importantly, shook Ian Darke's hand. Life goal accomplished.

 

[rook]

Mad nervous about tomorrow.

Have a good feeling though. Sensing a cool and breezy 2-0 win.

 

[dlo13]

Cool and breezy?

Mf'er, it's cold out here.

 

[Deleted member 38182]

I'm so god damn nervous for this game right.....

 

[ajiiiplatinum]

Yo, he's a one man mission bringing footy to 3rd world countries... Leave that man alone....

Man good for Donovan...he always rubbed me the wrong way but guess I was wrong. Money ain't everything. Good for him for taking the time to see the world around him and give back a little.

 

[sfc415]

I'm so god damn nervous for this game right.....

Every USA game makes me nervous. You never have any idea of which team will show up

 

[Deleted member 38182]

I'm so god damn nervous for this game right.....

Every USA game makes me nervous. You never have any idea of which team will show up

I think in a weird way, being only a diehard Sacramento Kings fan (along with being a fan of USMNT) is almost a good thing 

 because I've been so accustomed with losing and they're almost similar to the USMNT since you never know what team will show up on the hardwood either, but I still have nothing but the highest of hopes everytime I watch either team play 

 

[Kimchi Papi]

Yo, he's a one man mission bringing footy to 3rd world countries... Leave that man alone....

Man good for Donovan...he always rubbed me the wrong way but guess I was wrong. Money ain't everything. Good for him for taking the time to see the world around him and give back a little.

I was making a joke. I have no idea what Donovan is doing in Cambodia...

US needs to come out like gang busters tonight on the home pitch. If he's healthy now & back from the calf injury, looking for big games from Deuce & also cool Herc.

Jozy, you goin' sho up tonight or are gonna be ghost for the US again homey?

Here is yesterday's press conference in full featuring Deuce & Klinsmann.

 

[sfc415]

Altidore is useless. Let him keep scoring hundreds of goals in the Dutch League, just keep him away from the USNT and give yet another no-name a chance. 0 goals is 0 goals, so it doesn't hurt to keep putting in random dudes as striker until we get someone who can score

 

[sfc415]

I think in a weird way, being only a diehard Sacramento Kings fan (along with being a fan of USMNT) is almost a good thing 

 because I've been so accustomed with losing and they're almost similar to the USMNT since you never know what team will show up on the hardwood either, but I still have nothing but the highest of hopes everytime I watch either team play 

True. Didn't the Kings beat the Bulls by 50 or something recently? My friends from Stockton were abusing me via texts while Golden State was getting a beatdown by Chicago

 

[Deleted member 38182]

I think in a weird way, being only a diehard Sacramento Kings fan (along with being a fan of USMNT) is almost a good thing 

 because I've been so accustomed with losing and they're almost similar to the USMNT since you never know what team will show up on the hardwood either, but I still have nothing but the highest of hopes everytime I watch either team play 

True. Didn't the Kings beat the Bulls by 50 or something recently? My friends from Stockton were abusing me via texts while Golden State was getting a beatdown by Chicago

I think their biggest lead was 50, but they only ended up winning by 42 

when was the last time Jozy ever showed up??

And is Portland getting a USMNT game anytime soon?? I'm lightweight heated LA didn't get one. Portland is probably the next closest city I could make a game at 

 

[lyonbc1]

Yall gotta chill on Jozy, dude gets ZERO service on our team and is pretty much on an island up there....Klinsmann basically plays 3 dmids and nobody can link up and provide the forwards the ball with how we play. US has no width and without Lando we have no real attacking wing players to help out. Zusi can maybe become that, and Shea is so hit/miss but hes not even making the bench at Stoke. AZ actually has creative midfielders who can get him the ball, we don't have that sadly..plus our formations and tactics don't help at all....we play a 4-3-3 supposedly but we have no attacking mids

We still win tonight, I'm feeling confident...CR is not gonna wanna deal with that altitude and cold there

 

[Deleted member 38182]

WHY HAVE I NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE

 

[cryingfreemancoa]

WHY HAVE I NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE

at Eddie Johnson in the back trying to be hard

 

[951guero]

lets go USA

we going to need the confidence from today's game transfer to next weeks game

 

[deepinthajeep]

LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

 

[lyonbc1]

LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Boys need to get this W

EDIT: Seeing some of the tweets with pics of the field Costa Rica are NOT gonna want to work in that environment

 

[Deleted member 38182]

How in the world are they not going to postpone this game

HOLY ****