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Soccer Goals: Like a kid in a candy store or a young boy anxious for Christmas to arrive to discover a new bike or a toy rifle, the Nike Friendlies offered a glimpse of the future of the USMNT pipeline. When the US debuted against Portugal, I was that kid.

 

But, like many kids during the Christmas celebration, unwrapping gifts can end in disappointment, you know that gift that you received as a child when your Aunt Bertha gave you the attrocious shirt or the cologne that smells worse than a stadium bathroom. 

 

Soccer videos: USA vs Portugal highlights

 

 

After watching the first 20 minutes of the new generation, I grew more frustrated at that fact that this is the best that the USA offers. Although many have annoited Coach Wilmer Cabrera, the up-and-coming, creative and progressive coach, comparisons should not be concluded that the new U-17 leader has lead the charge in a possession based style.

 

For example, the younger generations have proven that they are more apt to playing a fluid passing style, able to maintain possession under pressure. Although the recent U-20's demonstrated poor form, partly due to poor tactics and lack of talent, the 2007 U-20's provided a glimpse of what the USMNT will be capable of in years to come.

 

Blessed with arguably the best U-17 crop that featured Charles Renken, Sebastian Llegett, Joseph Gyau, and Luis Gil, Cabrera's transition to a passsing and attacking style would be a more seamless process than in previous cycles. Shocking many during the 2007 friendlies by defeating Brazil 2-0, the 2007 cycle provide hope for the 2009 U-17 World Cup chances.

 

After breezing through the CONCACAF qualification with splendid goals and strong play, the U-17 appeared to be a team on the rise. However, three key offensive players (Gyau, Renken, and Lleguet) would not make the trip due to injuries, club commitments, or personal reasons.

 

Their absence became evident in the first game where Spain down a man controlled the pace of the game by defending and counterattacking with style and grace. Despite outpossessing each team from their group, the US struggled to finish goals when it counted. Advancing to the knockout stages, the Italians demonstrated an inferiority in their possession game by closing down space, causing errant finishing, advancing with a 2-1 victory.

 

While I still rode the fence on whether Cabrera has created a new soccer philosopy in the US Soccer Federation, converting US Soccer Federation powers into believers in the same manner Kaballah captivated Madonna, it is apparent that amongst most fans the two groups seem to be split down the middle.

 

But after watching all three friendlies, it seems that the 4-5-1 formation, which has been built around one player, Irvin Gijon, produced little in possession and the attack. Although he did exhibit talent and creative mind, his fading presence would stifle the US attack, leaving the squad in a vulnerable state forced to move the ball upfield under extreme duress and pressure. Little effort was made to help other teammates, while their opponents were applying pressure causing multiple turnovers and errant passess. If this generation symbolizes our best players in the system, I have reasons for concern.

 

If I were to compare the 2007 squad to the 2009 edition, the player-vs-player analysis would favor the 2007 squad, like the odds favoring Brazil to win the World Cup over of New Zealand . Perhaps my anticipation of upcoming generations must be tempered, but it is hard for me to believe that these are the best 40 players in the U-17 demographic.

 

Entitlement and coddling of players seems to have taken some of the heart and drive out of the players, as they have been proclaimed the best thing since slice bread. Although the Residency has produced great players and allowed for greater devolplement, perhaps the program has reached a point of diminishing returns. Coaches, players, and federation executives must be held accountable for the on-field product. Casting a bigger net and broadening the scope will give others who could excell at the top level.

 

Adding regional competive training grounds with an opportunity for relegation and promotion will keep those Residency players on their toes, while giving hope to players to make a case for a potential Residency scholarship.

 

Charlie Davies, Stuart Holden, Clint Dempsey, Benny Feilhaber, and Jose Francisco Torres are players that were overlooked but made their case for the USMNT. It is time that we reevaluate players coming into our system. If they rest on their laurels once they earn their residency spot because competition does not drive this model, the USMNT will continue to plateau at the international level.

 

It is time for accountability.

 

Part Two will examine the new crop of players and their performances in the Nike Friendlies.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Nike U-17 Friendlies debut new residency team

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Soccer Goals: After suffering multiple injuries to key USMNT players, the US Soccer headquarters and training grounds looks more like a M.A.S.H. unit than a soccer federation. Oguchi Onyewu, Charlie Davies, and Jay Demerit will miss considerable playing time with both club and country. With CD9's release from the hospital and anticipating a long road to recovery, the US centerback tandem could also miss the World Cup, if injuries persist or their failure to return to form and match fitness.

 

Soccer videos: Hanneman reflects on new look.

 

This scary prospect has granted Coach Bradley carte blanche to experiment with his player pool in order to build greater depth and potentially find the next diamond in the rough similar to Charlie Davies' 2009 Confederations Cup performance. Matters won't be easy, though, as many key players will remain stateside to finish out the MLS Playoffs or conclude the Mexican Primera Division season.

 

Facing a daunting task of  restocking the US' bare kitchen cupboards will challenge the coaching staff and could effect team performance and chemistry. Many questions still persist at forward, center back, and left back. Who will step up their game in the Slovakia and Denmark friendlies to ensure further callups?

 

In my opinion, the most intriguing topic in these upcoming friendlies is the search for the next forward to emerge as the speedy forward template exploited by Charlie Davies, a position that embodied a physical mentality that unsettled opposing defenses with his speed, intensity, and solid finishing.

 

Scoring 16 goals in a 15 game span, faster than the commencement, engagemnt, and wedding of Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom, striker Jeff Cunningham exposed MLS defenders with his speed and one vs. one dribbling, once the talented Kenny Cooper departed FC Dallas to 1860 Munich, while JC assumed the position of the "Man". After four years of being packed away, moth balled, and stored in Bruce Arena's self storage, the volatile and speedy forwards aspires to match and exceed the production of CD9.

 

Continuing the quest for the the Holy Grail of US Soccer (CD9's replacement), Coach Bradley turns to another oldie-but-goodie, Eddie Johnson. Although relatively young, athletic, and featured as a Fulham reserve, EJ resumes national team duty after a long layoff. Hoping to rekindle the magic that propelled him to considerable praise in the 2004-05 epoch for his international  goal-scoring exploits, his European experience and production has been been more disappointing than the California real estate market.

 

As many predicted that EJ would be loaned off to another Championship club, Fulham coach Roy Hodgson opted to retain his services after impressing in 2009 preseason and reserve play. Playing time has not come easily, but the frequently criticized Florida native continues to experience the English rigors of fighting for playing time. If EJ's potential and play impresses in the upcoming friendlies, additional callups could be in the cards for 2010.

 

The most surprising callup came from way out in left field, when Dax McCarty received his first callup for the USMNT. Considered by most to be completely off the international radar, the bouncy red-haired midfielder boastd his best professional season, almost propelling FC Dallas into the playoffs despite a horrid first half season. Although Dax impressed in the 2007 U-20 World Cup and 2008 Olympics qualifiers with technical ability and work rate, he seemed a longshot to receive callup due to the US' dearth of central midfielders and perceived inferior physical demeanor.

 

Friendlies could have not come at a better time for Coach Bradley and Company, considering that the US desperately needs to find forward depth. Included is the starting Xl that I would field against Slovakia. In addition, I will include the roster that I believe Bradley will unveil on Saturday.

 

My proposed starting Xl versus Slovakia

------Altidore---Johnson

Rogers-Feilhaber-Bradley-Dempsey

Bornstein-Bocanegra-Marshall-Spector

-----------Guzan--------

 

2nd Half Substitutes

------Casey----Cunnigham

Kljestan-McCarty-Bradley-Dempsey

Pearce-Bocanegra-Goodson-Spector

----------Guzan-------------

 

Coach Bradley's Starting Xl

----Casey------Altidore-----

Rogers-Feilhaber-Bradley-Dempsey

Bornstein-Bocanegra-Marshall-Spector

------------Guzan-----------

 

With the US devoid of real flank play, the starting duo of EJ and Altidore will force the Slovakians to respect our speed, which will create more midfield space to operate. The key to success could emerge in the center midfield, where Feilhaber and Bradley must understand their defensive roles. Not playing a disclipined tactical game could expose a US back line that has looked suspect during stretches during the hexagonal.

 

Since injuries are part of the game and the US has weathered this storm in many cases, it is hopeful that the USMNT can establish legitimate alternatives for South Africa. Poor form, lack of playing time, and injuries have witnessed several key veterans fall in and out of favor and has forced the US coaching staff to adapt to these setbacks. Although injuries to key starters are not ideal, the US has shown its growth when they implement new players to the squad. Raising their game against Europe competition will bestow greater confidence to Coach Bradley to consider those who were not previously considered.

 

Who will rise to the top? What is your starting Xl? Which forward would you like to see emerge in the CD9 role? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Who should the US Start against Slovakia?

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Soccer Goals: With bad news weakening the US depth chart this past week, good news finds its way to the USMNT, as Schalke 04 midfielder Jermaine Jones receives approval for allegiance switch. Although injuries have set back the tenacious midfielder, suffering a fractured shin and a second surgery to remove a metal plate that was causing discomfort.

 

Soccer Goals: Jones highlights.

 

 

 

The USMNT will face Denmark and possibly another rumored opponent during the FIFA fixture date Oct 14th and 18th. Considered ruled out for these friendlies, Jones will hope to make his mark on the club level and on the following March FIFA fixture date.

 

Whether or not Schalke 04 releases Jones for the USMNT annual January camp remains to be seen. The likelihood that receives permission will take a backseat to his club duties. Playing at a top level in the Bundesliga will ultimately lead to his inclusion in the South African roster.

 

What do you think of Jermaine Jones potential? Will he slot in as the defensive midfielder from day one? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Jermaines Jones approved for switch to USMNT

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Soccer Goals: With the USMNT securing their Hexagonal crown, CONCACAF's royalty experienced two severe setbacks: Charlie Davies suffered multiple injuries from a car wreck two nights before the Costa Rica clash, and Oguchi Onyewu tore his patella tendon, which will sideline him for at least three or four months. Couple this news with the Jay DeMerit's eye injury, and Chad Marshall's returns from an MCL injury, and this news does not bode well for the US centerback depth.

 

Soccer Goals: Davie is out of ICU - Who will replace him?

 

 

While Onyewu's injury will severely set back the US' center back depth, Charlie Davies absence will hurt even more, which will diminish his speed factor, hustle play, and the dynamic element that had been missing, since Eddie Johnson lost his form and confidence, after transferring to Fulham FC where he has struggled to find regular playing time. Impressing strongly in Fulham's preseason, scoring goals and earning assists, Eddie Johnson could factor in to additional callups, but club playing time will be necessary if he wants a Coach Bradley phone call.

 

Playing in a sub role scoring 10 goals and three assists, the speedy Robbie Findley provides another option as a Davies replacement. His speed, strength and body type, finishing, and underrated aerial play could earn a callup for the upcoming Denamark friendly. When he played in the 2008 Olympic qualifiers, the swift forward impressed with pace and played comparably to Charlie Davies. Although lacking the international experience, his upside and potenatial suggests that he should receive several chances to prove his worth.

 

Leading the MLS in goals and terrorizing back lines, FC Dallas forward, Jeff Cunningham, deserves at least a call up based on current form, a streak that has yielded 17 goals and eight assists since July. His pace, dangerous runs, and 1v1 dribble penetration wreaks havocs on opposing defenses. Although labeled as a locker-room cancer, egocentric teammate, and boasting little international experience, the red-hot striker could bring a similar element that the USMNT lacks now that the iconic Davies is sidelined.

 

With these pressing issues threatening the US depth, some selections will be based on the fact that Onyewu and DeMerit might return to full health and good form. Remember, this segment identifies who SAN believes that Coach Bradley will take to South Africa and potential players for future friendlies.

 

DaMarcus Beasley, Frankie Hedjuk, and Brian Ching did not make the cut this month. Things could change, but their effort and chance will prove to be a an uphill battle.

 

 

 

Name	Position	Club	Status
1. Landon Donovan (1)	Midfield	LA Galaxy	Without LD and his playmaking ability, where would the USA have finished without his calming presence? It appears that LD has found his ideal position at left wing.Let's hope that Bradley leaves him there and finds an appropriate replacement for Davies. A winter European move appears certain in the cards.
2. Tim Howard (2)	Keeper	Evervton FC	Continues to make timely saves and remains the #1 at Everton. The US defense needs to step up their play, as their lack of concetration left Timmy exposed for five minutes against Los Ticos.
3. Clint Dempsey (5)	Midfielder	Fulham FC	With a void to fill at forward, could the Deuce be the answer? Once he moves up top, he transforms into a different figure. His goal against El Salvador and splendid play at forward in T&T late in the 2nd half suggests a permanent move might be the answer.
4. Carlos Bocanegra (&)	Defender	Rennes	With Onyewu and DeMerit out with injury, Bocanegra assumes more responsibility in the central defense. His leadership will be key in their absence.
5. Jozy Altidore (6)	Forward	Hull City FC	If there were ever a time to show greater hustle, earn club playing time, improve fitness, and score goals, the time is now.  Let's hope that this incident was a learning experience, so he applies himself for the next seven months.
6. Jonathan Spector (8)	Defender	West Ham United	Although club playing time diminshed recently, his presence offers versatility and can provide cover for Cherundolo. His crossing and distribution have been consistent and remarkable.
7. Steve Cherundolo (17)	Defender	Hannover 96	His steady international club play bodes well for the right back position. If the matchup requires a quicker back, Cherundolo fits the bill while being able to cross a mean ball, advance in the attack, and distribute purposefully.
8. Michael Bradley (10)	Midfielder	Borrussia Mochengladbach	Despite regaining his club and international form, he is scoring goals for both sides. Where he needs to improve greatly is in his positional sense. Playing as a holding midfielder is not his strong suit. Clark, Edu, Jones will compliment him better than Feilhaber did against Costa Rica. In limited minutes, Francisco Torres combined well with Lil Bradley.
9. Jermaine Jones (9)	Midfielder	Schalke 04	After undergoing surgery to remove a metal plate that was causing discomfort to his leg, the tenacious midfielder should return to form by the end of the year. Team cohesion still remains a big question mark, if he is to make the squad, but his talent and European experience will offer an upgrade at holding midfielder.
10. Stuar Holden (14)	midfielder	Houston Dynamo	During the Honduran and Costa Rican qualifiers, his composure, crossing, and tireless work rate gave the US another option, when the Deuce seperated his shoulder. If Demspey moves up top, Holden will slot in well at right wing.
11. Ricardo Clark (12)	Midfielder	Houston Dynamo	While Edu and Jones are recovering from injury and gaining form, the Dynamo midfielder holds his place as a viable candidate to make the final roster. Against Honduras, he had his hands full with Wilson Palacios and Hendry Thomas, while possessing well in the second half in that game. Is he off to Livorno?
12. Benny Feilhaber (12)	Midfielder	AGF Aarhus	His previous qualifers offered a mixed bag of results. However, in his defense, his partnership needs to have more defined roles as the duo lacked cohesion and understanding against Los Ticos. Playing him in a more advanced position with a holding player in support will suit him fine. His exploits were evident in the Confederation Cup and qualifying, which is directly attributed to his Aarhus club play.
13. Jose Francisco Torres (15)	Midfielder	Pachuca CF	His Costa Rica performance offered a glimpse of his attacking prowess and possession, while displaying a strong penchant for defense. If the new defense changes, ushers in new players who can distribute well, JFT could be the essential link for both lines. His crossing and set-piece delivery compares with Adu and LD.
14. Chad Marshall (20)	Defender	Columbus Crew	With injuries in central defense, the 2008 MLS defender of the year is the logical choice to start next to Bocanegra. His distribution and poise exceeds Onyewu but lacks the international and European experience. Gooch's injury could be a silver lining to build more center back depth.
15. Maurice Edu (14)	Midfielder	Rangers	Besides earning international recognition for his "game" off the field, Edu began to earn plaudits for his Rangers' title-run play, before his knee injury sidelined him for six months. Playing center back at the Olympics could provide coverage and offer versatility which will likely ensure him a spot in South Africa, provided that he regains form and remains healthy.
16. Edgar Castillo (18)	Defender	Tigres UNAL	Despite Bornstein's heroic play to close out the Hex, the speedy wing back offers greater versatilty to the lineup and can create even more space for LD with his swift overlapping runs. If Coach Bradley implements a 3-5-2 due to injuries, he could slot in as a left wing. His possession and passing game is an upgrade of any of the LB options.  Considering that he is average defensively, he still could be our #1 option.
17. Brad Guzan (19)	Keeper	Aston Villa	Overshadowed by US keeper Brad Friedel, Guzan proved his worth in qualifiers and during the Confed Cup. A strong preseason only confirmed his position as the number two man.
18. Jonathan Bornstein (NR)	Defender	Chivas USA	As it currently stands, the Honduran hero would be in. Since his contract expires this season, could we see him move to Europe or possibly Mexico? His defense has improved, but he still needs to work on his touch, passing, and crossing. If Castillo shows well, he could be the odd man out.
19. Troy Perkins	Keeper	Vallerega	With Marcus Hanneman not earning consistent playing time for Wolverhampton, Perkins could earn the third spot in a photo finish.
20. Conor Casey (NR)	Forward	Colorado Rapids	His Honduras performance deserved unconditional praise and not only for scoring the goals. Playing against Everton in the MLS All-Star game, he impressed with his strong hold-up play. Hustle, good finishing, and clever flicks have supplanted Bradley's favorite, Brian Ching.
21. Robbie Rogers (26)	Midfielder	Columbus Crew	The speedy, left winger proved that he can at least compete on the CONCACAF level. Fitness and consistency issuses still exist, but his ability to impact the game, factors heavily in making the squad.
22.Oguchi Onyewu (3)	Defender	AC Milan	Returning from a patella tendon injury will not be easy, coupled with returning to full form and earning playing time appears dim, playing at AC Milan. The US needs Gooch to return to full health.
23. Jay DeMerit (11)	Defender	Watford FC	If he recovers from eye surgery, his presence will provide cover in case Onyewu can not return to form. Other wise, the central defense depth will remain a weakness heading to SA.
On the Outside Looking In
24. Kenny Cooper (24)	Forward	1860 Munish	His move to Germany made an impression on Coach Bradley: he was listed on the 18-man roster against Honduras and Costa Rica. Supplanting Brian Ching this past round suggests that Bradley does rate him highly. The question now remains will Bradley take both Casey and Cooper.
25. Eddie Johnson (27)	Forward	Fulham FC	If EJ can earn valuable playing time for the Whites, Coach Bradley will certainly invite him in again. With Andy Johnson out at Fulham, he must dig deep in practice to earn Coach Hodgson's trust. Not playing will lead to his exlcusion.
26. Robbie Findley (28)	Forward	Real Salt Lake	Most resembling the Davies mold, Findley has made an impact as a RSL super sub. Imagine if he can improve his fitness and playing time, he could make an impact for the USMNT.
27. Michael Orozco	Defender	San Luis CF	Earning consistent playing time in Mexico's Primera Division, the Olympic center back offers versatilty to play at center and left back. Passing, game fitness, and good positional sense makes him a viable candidate.
28. Sacha Kljestan (30)	Midfielder	Chivas USA	After Preki proclaimed Jesus Padilla as the best attacking Chivas midfielder, the US international snapped out of his funk and his been menacing opposing defenses with five goals and two assists: It's almost like there are two Kljestan's playing at once -- he is every where. His strong play can not be ignored, but the current US midfield is loaded and congested with numerous weapons.
29. Freddy Adu	Forward	Belenenses	After earning a first half appearance in Portugal Cup play, Adu needs to seize the opportunity with Davies' absence. Playing time is imperative if the talented forward wants another callup for the upcoming friendlies. Could Adu reunite with Jozy to rekindle the 2007 U-20 World Cup form?
30. Geoff Cameron (NR)	Defender	Houston Dynamo	As a center back this season, he has created stability to the Dynamo back line. If he gains international experience, he could have more upside than Chad Marshall offering versatility to play in all defensive positons. His stock could rise, if he earns playing time this November.
31. Jeff Cunningham (NR)	Forward	FC Dallas	In the quest to find a comparable replacement for Davies, JC can no longer be ignored. Besides leading MLS with 17 goals, he has earned eight assists while he single handedly moved the Hoops to playoff contetion. That statement would have been laughable in June. Although on the wrong side of thirty, JC boasts speed, tenacious work rate, 1v1 ability, and is the most in form striker in the USMNT pool. Coach Bradley considered traveling to San Jose during qualifiers to watch his play. Under Bradley's radar, November should be his chance to shine.

 

What do you think of the selections? Who would you select for your team? Will Coach Bradley experiment and test new players? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals and soccer videos: USMNT wins the Hex - The 2010 World Cup Depth Chart and Roster

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Soccer Goals: After a strong performance to earn the draw agains Costa Rica, despite the US' poor defensive organization,  I thought that it would be a good idea to examine potential players to replace Charlie Davies, while he recovers from his injuries. Although I have not ruled him out completely from the World Cup, which might be in error as I draw from my optimistic side, it would be a good idea to start test driving the other Ferrari options that have sit idle in their garages for some time.

 

After Charlie Davies burst on to the scene with his pace, menacing defensive coverage, and instintive attacking, it became clear to both the USMNT supporters and Coach Bradley that a key component to our offensive success was his speed. His speed unsettled the Spanish and Brazilian back lines in the Confederations Cup and also allowed the USA to draw first blood in Azteca.

 

If the USMNT wants to continue to unravel defenses, they will need to find a player, who can create space for his teammates. This  formula was discovered and flourished in the Confederations Cup, utilized with at least one speedy player at forward while Landon Donovan slotted in at left wing. Simply, the US offense improved tremendously, when the US fielded Charlie Davies.

 

Will we replace Davies? No. But, several alternatives could maintain the offensive formula for success. Speed kills at the international level, and the USA does have potential waiting in the wings. Here are several players that could provide assistance while Davies is away.

 

1. Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas): Despite his label as a volatile locker room cancer, 33-year old shelf life, and five year absence from interanational competitiion, the speedy FC Dallas forward has been tearing up the 2009 MLS season since July when star forward Kenny Cooper left for Germany. As soon as Cunningham was annoited the starter and the "man" for the Hoops, he has notched 12 goals since taking over Cooper's position, an effort that has jump started a late FC Dallas playoff run. Producing 17 goals and eight assists in 26 games played and 21 starterd suggests that his stats do merrit an MVP type campaign.

 

Soccer Videos: Jeff Cunningham's four goal performance against the Wizards.

 

 

Normally, I would not clamor for a thirty something forward to be reintroduced to the USMNT. However, his speed, efficient finishing, production, and strong work rate can not be ignored.  Besides unsettling opposing defenses with his pace, the former USF Bull offers vision, 1v1 attacking abilities, and carries a chip on his shoulder that motivates his scoring and offers relentless play. His menacing runs would create space for the likes of Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, and Jozy Altidore. If his strong play continues, he should receive a call up against for the Denmark friendly.

 

2. Eddie Johnson (FC Fulham): Still boasting a strong international career stats with 13 goals in 37 appearances, the Golden shoe winner of the 2003 U-20 World Cup is still at the tender age of 25 years old. After moving to Fulham FC in 2008, EJ has received limited callups. In 2008, when he faced Spain and England in international friendlies, he performed very well holding up the ball, passing, and providing darting runs.  His former coach from Bristol City stated that Mr. Johnson deserved starts due to his hard work in training, a previous comment was not synomnous with EJ's play.

 

Considering that his work rate and ethic undermined his natural talent, it appears that Eddie Johnson learned that relying on his physical tools would only leave him relegated on the bench. As many US supporters suggested that he would be loaned out this season, his preseason play impressed Coach Roy Hodgson who left him on the roster.

 

What should benefit the former Kansas City Wizard is that the team no longer needs him to assume the scoring load, as Coach Bradley has discovered a successful offensive formula. His inclusion would compliment the US' target forwards (Conor Casey, Brian Ching, or Kenny Cooper), offering speed to create space for them to work in the 18-yard box. Paired with Jozy Altidore, the duo would unravel back lines with the one-two punch of speed and steady hold-up play.

 

 Simply, Eddie Johnson will no longer carry the burden of having to score all the goals, an unfair expectation that was annoited upon him, when he bursted on the USMNT scene in 2004. At this point in his career, his USMNT contribution will be better suited under the current player pool and coaching staff, given that he will not be expected to score all the goals.

 

3. Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake): When Charlie Davies and Robbie Findley appeared in the group stage of the Olympic qualifiers in 2008, both players were measured at a similiar level. Gifted with athletic frames and loads of pace, their menacing runs unsettled opposing defenses. Selected by Coach Nowak for the Olympic team,  Charlie Davies earned his shot in a late game cameo against Nigeria, which earned him a call up to the Confederations Cup, where he garnered praise and attention from the international media.

 

On the other hand, Robbie Findley discovered success at RSL scoring 16 goals and eight assists in the 2008 and 2009 season. Despite playing limited action in 2009 in the super sub role, the Oregon State Beaver has produced ten goals and three assists, which prompted Coach Bradley to call him in for the El Salvador and T&T qualifiers in September.

 

Proving super speed, excellent 1v1 attacking abilities, strong passing, and nose for goal, Robbie Findley strikes the closest resemblance to Charlie Davies of the three potential players mentioned. His strong lower body, work rate, nose-for-goal, and underrated offensive instincts suggest that he could follow the yellow brick road to another USMNT experience, receiving another oportunity from Coach Bradley.

 

One factor has become certain with the USMNT: Speed kills. The offense has regained a new confidence in the lineup with Charlie Davies. These three options would give the USA similar attributes to what Davies boasts in the starting lineup.

 

Will these player receive call up? They should. The question now is. When?

 

 

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What do you think of these options? Do you think Davies has any chance of returning? Who would like to see called up in the future? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals and soccer videos: Who will step up in Charlie Davies abscence?

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Soccer Goals: For those of you hoping that Edgar Castillo would make the roster (even those of you clamoring for the red-hot Jeff Cunningham), the speedy left back was omitted from the squad for the last round of qualification. Don't despair though -- Coach Bradley elected a pragmatic roster that featured the usual suspects and  several new wrinkles to face the Catrachos and Ticos.

 

Defensive stalwort, Jimmy Conrad received the call after Jay Demerit and Chad Marshall were ruled out with injuries. Impressing in Germany with three goals scored this season with 1860 Munich and celebrating his goals in his shirtless ritual, Kenny Cooper earned the callup. Unsettling defenses with his pace and 1v1 ability, Robbie Rogers will travel Miami's training camp.

 

GOALKEEPERS (2):Brad Guzan (Aston Villa: 5/3 SO), Tim Howard (Everton: 14/8 SO)
DEFENDERS (7):Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes: 24/3), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA, 4/0), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover: 19/0), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards: 1/0), Clarence Goodson (IK Start: 1/0), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan: 18/1), Jonathan Spector (West Ham: 3/0)
MIDFIELDERS (7):Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach: 13/4), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo: 7/1), Clint Dempsey (Fulham: 20/5), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus: 4/0), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo: 3/0), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew: 0/0), José Francisco Torres (Pachuca: 6/0)
FORWARDS (6):Jozy Altidore (Hull City: 11/6), Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids: 5/0), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo: 16/6), Kenny Cooper (1860 Munich: 1/1), Charlie Davies (FC Sochaux: 5/2), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy: 33/11)

 

Even though Castillo did not receive the call up for the last stage qualification, he should factor in for upcoming friendlies in November provided that the USA does qualify. With an improved performance against T&T, after playing poorly against El Salvador, Jonathan Bornstein might have impressed Bradley enough to give him another look at left back.

 

Considering that both the Catrachos and Ticos boast speedy wingers and forward, his inclusion made sense, opting for a proven quantity that can shadow speedy attacking players rather than an untested prospect with a huge upside. Although I admit that they should have brought him in for training and USMNT acclimation, I understand why he was not summoned for these important qualifiers.

 

  If the US can pull the upset in Honduras and secure qualification, it is possible that the USA could field several supplemental players against Costa Rica who will look to make their mark and impress Coach Bradley. As daunting as the task may be to win in San Pedro Sula, the USMNT must began to shake off their road rust, as they have been playing poorly away from home.

 

Where will you be watching the game? Are you disappointed that Edgar Castillo was not called in? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Bradlley releases 22-Man Roster for Honduras/Costa Rica Qualifiers

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