International Soccer Friendly United States v. Denmark January 20, 2007, 4 p.m. CT, ESPN2 Home Depot Center, Los Angeles US Soccer Website: http://www.ussoccer.com/index.jsp.html This is the first match for the U.S. since the World Cup and is the first action moving towards this summer's two tournaments (Copa America and the Gold Cup). This is also the first match under new head coach Bob Bradley. The 18 man game day roster will be announced on Friday at 11 p.m. CT. For those with an interest in the Dynamo, there are 3 Dynamo players currently in camp for the US: Brian Mullan, Ricardo Clark, and Eddie Robinson. Brian Ching and Brad Davis were invited but declined due to an injury and a wedding, respectively. The next game for the US will be against Mexico on February 7 in Phoenix.
Here's the (just announced) 18 man roster for tomorrow's game: http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_281628.html GK Joe Cannon (LA Galaxy) Matt Reis (NE Revolution) D Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA) Dan Califf (Aalborg BK) (Denmark) Chris Albright (LA Galaxy) Bryan Namoff (DC United) Jimmy Conrad (KC Wizards) Heath Pearce (FC Nordsjælland) (Denmark) Bobby Boswell (DC United) MF Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo) Kyle Beckerman (Colorado Rapids) Justin Mapp (Chicago Fire) Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids) F Eddie Johnson (KC Wizards) Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy) Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas) Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire) Nate Jaqua (LA Galaxy) Good to see Rico Clark of our Dynamo getting a shot at the National Team. I'm also surprised to see Landon Donovan listed as a forward here. Could this mean his role on the team is changing?
Brian Mullan has tendinitis in his left knee that's keeping him from playing, it sucks that Robinson didn't make the roster though. With that roster I don't see Landon playing forward, that would give us no subs in midfield. Unless Bradley wants to try something new like a 4-3-3, but that doesn't seem likely. Also, there are a couple of bars that should have decent crowds watching the game if anybody wants to go out and watch it. Mezzanine Lounge - 59 & Greenbriar Firkin and Phoenix Pub - 1915 Westheimer Rd.
I see Landon playing as an attacking mid in this one but as a more traditional foward with a full team. They need to find themselves some goal scorers before this summer.
2-1 US early in the second half. Justin Mapp just made a beautiful run and cross to set up Bornstein for the second goal.
Watching this now...Next game I think is Mexico... 2-1 late... edit: 3-1, over!!! GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No kidding ... that's the one drawback to the world cup. When you suck it up like the US did, it's a long 4 years before you get another shot to redeem yourself.
Not really impressed with the entire squad, just a few dudes. What can I say, it's the first time EVER for these dudes playing together. No one up front did really anything, but I was impressed with Mapp. I was disappointed with Eddie Johnson; I expected more from him. That TALL dude Cook was clumsy, and his breakaway only showed he has stamina and is toughness but not skills, as he made some silly passes. Mastroeni is still dirty... [to] get him out of there early before he gets 2 yellow cards (was) would have been a good strategy. I am glad Brad got his first win on his first game ever... let's see if I can say the same thing for HUGO SANCHEZ. Defenders still not marking up well, as two Danish headers were deadly and one hit a score. Overall, I'd give a B- to the United States squad for their good showing and the win. Good game, overall. See you dudes in February 9th.
Just watching it now. From what I've seen, unless they bring in some of the Euros, Mexico is going to destroy us. the inexpierence was very apparent. Also, IMO, Eddie Johnson should be done with the national team. What a shame, too. He had so much promise but it's quite clear that the big contract is in his head and he has settled. He looked terrible. The 2nd goal was a beauty. Mapp did what Landon should be doing. Take players on. That's why Clint Dempsey is the player to have in the central midfield. The US has got to find some fowards. I don't know if it's Twellman. It ain't Johnson. Jaqua looks like potentially another large target for headers ala Brian Ching, but that's about it. I saw no speed or touch that tells me he can be a scorer on the international level. What I would do to have Dwayne DeRosario reborn as a US citizen. He is what this team is sorely missing.
Looks like you agreed with most of my commentary. BTW, Arena can't do "color" again. He sounds WEAK. His TV voice isn't good and he only brings brains to the commentating, but nothing impressive. Don't know about SwoLy-Mexico "destroying." We should be better, if not just as good as the United States' team with all the European players back.
That's why I said IF the US' Euros come in...which it sounds like many of them are. Will Mexico have a full squad?
[apology]Sorry. I misread what you said.[/apology] I don't think so ... only FMF players, but Bravo and Borgetti have Europe experience: New Mexico coach picks squad for match vs. U.S. Meh. This should be in the game thread later... it might be updated. We're missing PARDO and SALCIDO in there.
WRONG!!! That game will be held on a FIFA date, euros will be part of the squad. The list there is just for the 2-week training camp which ofcourse will have only domestic players.
I thought Cooper looked good today. He's huge, has great pace and footwork, and has a motor that never seems to stop. He looked good this season in MLS and I think he could be a great partner for Donovan up front. Mapp had one great run, but other than that he really didn't offer much. Rico looked very good in midfield and I think we'll see him be a mainstay for the Nats for a long time. The only other player that impressed me was Bornstein. LB is another position of need and it looks like with Bornstein, Pearce (he's gotten some rave reviews recently), and Spector we might be able to find our answer.
You guys have to keep in mind that we had (if I remember) 4 guys who earned their first cap today. Regarding Cooper, he's not a fast guy. He's not supposed to be. He's a target forward for the team and he'll be paired with a faster forward in any situation. This is our "B" squad so don't be so worried. With most of our Euro players coming in for the Mexico game, we'll be alright.
It's the new Mexico coach, as in he just got the job. There were some guys that showed promise today, which at this point is really all the coach is trying to see. Rico, Mapp, Cooper, and Bornstein all had good showings, I think they'll all have decent roles over the next few years and can hopefully be really good players by 2010.
