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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