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Soccer goals: After defeating Grenada and neutralizing its limited attack, questions still persist regarding the Starting Xl that will face an experimental Honduras side which will still feature veterans Costly and Pavon. Although Honduras will confront the USA without Amado Guevarra, David Suazo, and Wilson Palacios, the Catrachos continue to produce young talent and field a strong starting Xl.

 

With that in mind, will Coach Bradley continue with his 4-4-2 double defensive midfield formation or opt for a more attacking and creative lineup. Considering that Benny Feilhaber has been called up for the Honduras match, this summons suggests that Coach Bradley would like to infuse creativity while offering balanced defensive duties with the Feilhaber selection. If the Brazilian born midfielder earns the start in the central midfield, it very likely that he will be paired with Kyle Beckerman who showed his defensive range and peskiness against Grenada.

 

With an opportunity to qualify with a win over Honduras, this central pairing could offer the defensive balance and creative passing to spring speedy winger Robbie Rogers.  Although many fans will clamor for an aggressive diamond 4-4-2 formation against Honduras, Bradley will likely field a conservative formation, based on defensive principles and discipline, a strategy that would make former President Ronald Reagan or Rush Limbaugh proud.

 

Coach Bradley's strategy will consist of controlling the central midfield, applying defensive pressure, service into the box,  and flank exploitation, utilizing the US winger's speed. The back line will remain completely in tact, but the midfield and forwards could witness dramatic changes.

 

Let's take a look at several lineups for the USA vs Honduras.

 

-------Cooper-----Adu

Rogers-Feilhaber-Beckerman-Quaranta

Pearce-Parkhurst-Marshall-Cherundolo

------------Robles---------

 

If Coach Bradley decides that Freddy Adu needs more opportunities, Adu should start up top with a target forward, given free reign to exploit the gaps and seams available. It is possible that Ching could receive the start over Cooper preferring veteran experience. But, Ching would more likely pair up with Charlie Davies. Adding more attack on the flank could take precedent and Quaranta would fit the ball, offering great service and an attacking mindset.

 

Here is alternate proposed lineup, if Bradley feels that Ching should start and Adu is not ready for the big game.

 

-------Ching----Davies------

Rogers-Feilhaber-Beckerman-Quaranta

Pearce-Parkhurst-Marshall-Cherundolo

------------Robles----------

 

Who would you like to start? Will Bradley favor his veterans or will he offer Freddy Adu another starting opportunity? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Who will Coach Bradley field against Honduras?

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Soccer goals and soccer videos: Confronting a Grenada squad that had recently defeated Trinidad and Tobago caused reason for concern, especially considering that the USA would field a B squad which lacked little training time before the first game in their Group B play. 

 

This soccer video features highlights and soccer goals of the USA vs Grenada.

 

 

 

Impressing from the beginning whistle, the USA consistently connected passes as the Grenadians chased the ball like a dog his tail. Robbie Rogers initiated several attacks punishing Grenada's right flank with speedy runs and silky smooth cut backs, keeping the defense unsettled. During the first goal, Rogers exploited his defender with pace and cut the ball towards goal, setting up Freddy Adu for the first goal. His contribution was immense as he assisted on the second goal to Stuart Holden and scored the third goal from a perfect Logan Pause pass from a deep midfield position.

 

Rewarding Charlie Davies after his hustle and hard work up top, Heath Pearce sent a decadent soft-touch pass to the speedy Hamarby forward, securing the Gold Cup victory.

 

Both Robbie Roger and Stuart Holden proved their ability to play the flanks, offer great service, and distribute the ball. Freddy Adu demonstrated his rust where he offered a few moments of brilliance, lacking the creativity that has caused super high expectations. His placed shot that hit the crossbar was sublime, but his touch and header on goal let him down during the majority of the game.

 

Heath Pearce demonstrated his rust the beginning moments of the first half, but he provided great support offensively to Robbie Rogers interchanging and exchanging in the passing game. His crossing and assist on the fourth goal has US supporters hopeful that he regains his form and playing time.

 

Set to face Honduras next, the USA will regroup and focus for a more formidable opponent who will apply more pressure defensively and provide a greater challenge for the young squad. Although Grenada did not threaten the USA defensively, the youthful squad performed well showing their efficient passing game and on-field chemistry despite their relative practice time.

 

USA Player Grades vs Grenada

Troy Perkins, 5 - Rarely saw action. He could have taken a siesta, and the USA would have still won.

 

Steve Cherundolo, 6 - Integrated well in the attack and sent several good crosses into the box. Although still working on his fitness after sustaining a hip injury, his overlapping runs were refreshing considering that the Confederations Cup play demonstrated  little fullback flank play.

 

Clarence Goodson, 6 - played another steady defensive game. How will he play under higher pressure.

 

Chad Marshall, 6.5 - missed on an ideal set-piece and header scenario, but his pass to Heath Pearce on the fourth goals demonstrated his ability to distribute.

 

Heath Pearce, 7 - started slow and his touches looked unsettled. But as the game progressed, the left back appeared comfortable offering support in the form of passing options and overlapping runs. His crossing demonstrated his abilities, and his assist to Charlie Davies conjured up thoughts of previous form as a starter.

 

Stuart Holden, 6 - solid effort defensively and offensively. His goal should have been stopped, but Grenada allowed his run into the box. His skill on-the-ball has improved over the past two years, and his versatility could see him earn additional playing time.

 

Logan Pause, 6 - Offered a great assist on the Roger's goal, but under higher pressure would the central pairing have played at the same level?

 

Kyle Beckerman, 6.5 - played the holding role to perfection, frustrating the Grenadians countless times. The central pairing of Beckerman and Pause should be suffice for the Gold Cup, but creativity lacked through most of the match.

 

Robbie Rogers, 8 - earned MOTM honors with one goal and two assists. His play conjured up memories of his U-20 World Cup performances. His speed and skill terrorized the Grenadian right side while his trickery resembled moves during a friendly scrimmage. Will Rogers play at a high level against tougher competition?

 

Freddy Adu, 6 - receives credit for the first goal, but Rogers did all the work. His touch and anticipation demonstrated his need for consistent club playing time. Adu must improve confidence and play to earn more looks from Coach Bradley. His shot that hit the crossbar demonstrate his potential, but his header in the six yard box should be converted.

 

Charlie Davies, 6.5 - attacking players with his speed and hustling for loose balls has become Davies' forte. His fourth goal was a reward for his efforts. It is important that he continues to attack his opponents fearlessly. Could the Hammarby forward move clubs before the knock-out stages?

 

Brad Evans, 5.5 - received ovations from the crowd every touch. Will he translate to a US international?

 

Davy Arnaud, 5- appeared slow and passed the ball to the opponent for an errant turnover. Let's see Quaranta.

 

Michael Parkhurst, N/A - Limited playing time.

 

------Davies-----Adu---

Rogers-Beckerman-Pause-Holden

Pearce-Marshall-Goodsen-Cherundolo

----------Perkins--------

 

Who was your MOTM? What starting Xl would you like to see against Honduras? Will Freddy Adu break out in this tourney? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals and Soccer Videos: USA defeats Grenada 4-0 - Player Grades and Analysis

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Soccer Goals and soccer videos: Canada and El Salvador took care of business in the first games of group A of the 2009 Gold Cup. El Salvador secured the upset in the final minutes over Costa Rica in Home Depot Center filled with Salvadorian fans. Besides winning the first game against Los Ticos, the news of Arturo Alvarez changing allegiances to El Salvador where his skill and speed should bolster their roster. He demonstrated his ability last night scoring a second half goal against Real Salt Lake.

 

Enjoy the soccer videos and soccer goals. Have a happy 4th of July and cheer for the red, white and blue.

 
These soccer videos features soccer goals from the Gold Cup play.

 

What did you think of the games? What was your favorite game? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals and Soccer Videos: Canada defeats Jamaica 1-0 and El Salvador Shocks Costa Rica 2-1

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Soccer goals and Soccer videos: With the Gold Cup shadowing MLS Week 16, Shep and Jason preview this week 16. Columbus Crew and DC United offer a great match up this weekend. What is your favorite game this week? Will you be watching the Gold Cup and Major League Soccer? Share your thoughts.

 

This soccer video features the MLS Week 16  and Gold Cup preview.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals and Soccer Videos: Major League Soccer Week 16 Preview.

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Soccer goals: After facing the Mighty Brazilians in the Confederations Cup final, Grenada, the US' first opponent in the Gold Cup, does not strike the same fear as the Samba Kings. With this in mind, selecting Coach Bradley's lineup that will face the islanders could pose some difficulty selecting Bradley's starting Xl.

 

This Soccer video features interviews from Gold Cup Camp.

 

With Shalrie Joseph, a perennial MLS midfielder All Star, unlikely to represent Grenada in the first game, Bradley could opt for more experimentation than normal. But, it is important that the USA does not underestimate the tiny island nation. Remember, Guadeloupe gave Mexico all that they could handle in the 2007 Gold Cup.

 

Since Coach Bradley understands that Honduras will offer the toughest competition of the group stage, it seems logical  that he will rest several starters and veterans and opt for experimentation. At forward, Kenny Cooper will pair with Charlie Davies providing the sweet and sour (speed and strength) up top. Bradley will likely rest Brian Ching for the Honduras match.

 

In the midfield, Stuart Holden, Robbie Rogers, and Freddy Adu will attempt to replicate their Olympic chemistry. Patrolling the center of the pitch, Logan Pause should earn the start over Kyle Beckerman who will likely start against Honduras. It's possible that Sam Cronin could receive the start as he has demonstrated a strong work rate, efficient skills, and veteran presence despite his age and professional experience. Although Freddy Adu will surely impress offensively, his defensive commitment and  ability to close down opponents defensively will further ensure his inclusion in the starting Xl throughout the Gold Cup.

 

Analyzing the defensive roster and its options almost fields the back line on its own, Heath Pearce and Steve Cherundolo will command the wing back positions. 2008 MLS Defensive Player of the Year, Chad Marshall, and Jimmy Conrad should solidfy the central defense, but don't count out the cerebral Michael Parkhurst to earn the start, either, as he provides a different skill set contrary to the twin tower approach of Conrad and Marshall.

 

Here is a proposed line up that Bradley could field against Granada.

 

----Cooper----Davies--

Rogers--Adu--Pause--Holden

Pearce-Marshall-Conrad-Cherundolo

----------Robles---------

 

In addition, I would like to see Quaranta receive minutes on the right wing where he can send in his precise crosses and interchange with Cherundolo while providing overlapping runs.

 

Here is a lineup that I would field.

---Cooper-----Davies

Rogers-Adu-Cronin-Quaranta

Pearce-Parkhurst-Marshall-Cherundolo

----------Robles-------

 

Who would be your starting Xl? Will Freddy Adu start all the games in the tournament? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals and soccer videos: Who will Coach Bradley start against Grenada?

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Soccer goals: With Charlie Davies, Jay Demerit, Jonathan Spector and Benny Feilhaber impressing in the Confederations Cup, while several players disappointed in South Africa, leads to the question: Should these players continue to receive call ups despite poor club form or lack of playing time?

 

Disappointing in every facet of the game, DaMarcus Beasley has regressed to a form that no longer merits national team duty due to poor touch, suspect passing and defensive deficiencies. Renewed club playing time could resurrect his international career, but numerous wasted opportunities, wearing the Red, White, and blue, suggest his international expendability.  

 

Heralded, like the I-Pod, the next big thing in the US Men's National Team future after a superb Olympic Tournament and Swedish friendly hat trick, Sacha Kljestan was destined for stardom. But, poor club form and a recent penchant for turnovers has vaulted the Chivas midfielder to fringe status. Can the silky smooth Olympic standout regain his form and the Coach Bradley's Confidence?

 

 
Considered fairly diminutive to defend on the international level and displaying questionable crossing ability, Jonathan Bornstein has slipped farther down the ranks at left back. With Jonathan Spector's superb Confederation's Cup display and Cherundolo and Hejduk returning from injury, it is evident that one of these talented right backs will make the transition to left back, which could jeopardize his World Cup aspirations, sending him farther down the soccer totem pole.

 

Let's not forget that Freddy Adu and Heath Pearce could both play themselves in or out of World Cup qualifiers moving forward. With positions still up for grabs, let's examine several Gold Cup prospects who could move up in the US' pecking order. Injuries, poor form, and a need for a certain skill set could endanger certain player roster spots while others could fill vacancies to secure a spot in the 2010 World Cup roster. 

 

Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas)- favored by many US supporters to receive additional playing time, the giant Hoopster must impress the staff considerably now that Brian Ching apparently has secured one of the target forward positions. Since Conor Casey demonstrated little in South Africa to suggest that Cooper would be eliminated from consideration, Charlie Davies proved his worth in Confederations Cup, complicating Kenny Cooper's status even more. If the former Manchester United forward experiences a break-out performance, could he supplant the reliable Brian Ching? Probably not, but, it would allow Coach Bradley to ponder long-and-hard, whether Ching will capture the number one spot.

 

Freddy Adu (AS Monaco/Benefica) - marketed as the next US Pele, has yet to discover much playing time at the European club level. Prefering to expand his energy offensively, the US phenom has received criticism for his defensive work rate and training habits whether deserved or not. Being bullied off the ball with his back to the goal and disappearing during game when tight marking occurs, vaulted the talented playmaker to a bench role. Although Fredua boasts superb and superior technical ability to his other national team peers, Coach Bradley has suggested that the  dynamic # 10 needs to earn consistent playing time at club level. Perhaps, Coach Bradley should make a pact with Freddy saying: I'm giving you the keys to the offense during the Gold Cup, but prove me wrong that your defense has been overshadowed by your offensive skills internationally. It is imperative for Freddy and the US Men's National Team that he experiences a break-out tourney. His rare skill set commands a 2010 World Cup roster spot, but his tenacity, defense, and work rate will ensure his inclusion.

 

Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo) - recently assumed the attacking role left by the departed Dwayne DeRosario. After struggling to adapt to the position and its responsibilities, the Houston native has excelled scoring 4 goals and 3 assists this season. If capped during the Gold Cup, his inclusion will mark his first for the US Senior Men's National team. Boasting incisive passing, versatilty strong work rate, accurate striking range, and defensive focus, the spikey haired winger could supplant Beasley and or Kljestan.

 

Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)- After a strong 2007 U-20 World Cup and a 2008 MLS Best Xl, the sky was the limit for the Maryland speedster. However, injuries, poor club form, and injuries have limited Robbie Roger's star power and emergence into the U.S. Men's National team. Although blessed with Ferrari speed, flank trickery, and talented footwork, Robbie Rogers has recently demonstrated poor play in the Swedish friendly and played adequately at the 2008 Olympics. Couple these performances with one MLS assist in 13 games leaves more questions than answers. The talent does exist, but will he overcome these adversities to manufacture a promising international performance?

 

Colin Clarke (Colorado Rapids) - Under the radar for several years, playing with the Colorado Rapids, it is no surprise that the speedy lefty has garnered attention now that his club team has achieved  a new MLS status. His speed and crossing exemplifies a wide left midfielder, and his crossing and 1v1 dribble penetration surpasses most in MLS circles. With DaMarcus Beasley, Bobby Convey, and Sacha Kljestan able to fill in at left wing, the SMU Mustang has been overshadowed until just recently, when his 3 goals and 3 assists caught Bob Bradley's eye. With the US Men's National Team void of true left sided wingers, Collin Clarke fits the bill and fills this national team void. An excellent Gold Cup showing and continued club form could lead to additional playing time for the USMNT. 

 

Santino Quaranta (DC United) - Blessed with natural talent, despite potentially ruining his career with drug use and bad decisions, the dynamic midfielder earned a second chance reviving his career in 2008 with DC United. In 2009, his development and boastful stats ( 2 goals and 6 assists) has renewed interest at camp Bradley. Playing in United's attack minded philospy, Quaranta has flourished under the current regime. His crossing, passing, and striking warrants his inclusion, but will his work rate and defensive dedication shine during the Gold Cup?

 

Michael Parkhurst (FC Nordsjaellands) - seamlessly settling in his first inagural season abroad in Denmark, the former 2007 MLS defensive player of the year yearns to wear the red, white, and blue. Knowing that Carlos Bocanegra could shift to left back, US Soccer is currently accepting applications. Paired with Clarence Goodson in the Swedish friendly, the obscure Revolution defender read the game well, seemingly unoticed throughout most of the game. His major criticism has stemmed from his adequate-but-non-inspiring play in the 2008 Olympics and, also, due to his lack of international experience. If injuries prevent Jay Demerit and Danny Califf from filling the roster, as the left back position drawing Bocanegra out wide, Parkhurst could seize a World Cup spot in 2010.

 

As Run DMB depletes the left wing pool and Sacha Kljestan's form drops like the US Gross Domestic Product, several vacancies suggest a wide open race. Perhaps, these candidates will experience a 2008 Obama-esque finish earning a spot on the 2010 World Cup Roster.

 

Who is your favorite to make 2010 roster? IS Run DMB's national team career finished? Do you agree with the article. Who would you like to excel in this Gold Cup. Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: USA Gold Cup Prospects embrace the opportunity

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