socceraddictnews.com

Due to a bad case of the sniffles and flu-like symptoms, relegating me to the bench (bed), SAN returns to full production to bring you the latest and greatest.

 .

.

Soccer Goals: Jermain Jones will not undergo a second surgery

For all of those losing sleep over the injury status of Schalke 04 midfielder, Jermaine Jones, who was rumored to undergo the knife a second time to correct complications with his leg after surgery to repair a hairline fracture, team spokesperson Christoph Pieper confirmed to Yanks abroad that he will undergo three weeks of physical therapy.

The additional therapy confirms that the tenacious midfielder will not be available for the two US qualifiers in October against Honduras and Costa Rica. If his FIFA paperwork processes timely and he recuperates from his injury, Jones could be available for a FIFA date scheduled in November, where the USMNT would play in either a friendly or a qualifier against a CONMEBOL opponent depending on their performance in the October qualifier.

.

.

Eddie Johnson scores against Birmingham City Reserves

Just when you thought that Eddie Johnson would find him way behind on the depth charts after failing to make the roster for Everton and UEFA Cup action, Eddie Johnson scored the equalizer against Birmingham City reserves in the 80thminute. With news that Dimonasy Kamara could go on loan to Newcastle, the US internationals prospects could improve, showing good preseason form and a solid late-game cameo against Aston Villa. Since the Whites drew with SK Sofia away on Thursday and Coach Hodgson could elect certain players, it is very likely that EJ will make the game day roster against the Wolverhampton Wolves. These soccer videos preview Fulham vs Wolves on Sunday.

.

.

Lee Nguyen trains at Arsenal

After moving to Vietnamese club, Hoang Anh Gia Lai, and scoring nine goals in 24 appearances, the former PSV midfielder was extended an invitation to train with Arsenal by Arsene Wenger.

"I'm just going over there to train with Arsenal right now for two or three weeks and then maybe going elsewhere after that to another club,” said Nguyen to Yanks Abroad. "First I'm going to see how I do these upcoming weeks over in London and go from there," he concluded.

A strong training stint with Arsenal could lead to several European suitors for the 22-year old talented Texas play-maker.

What do you think of Jones news? WIll EJ earn playing time this weekend against the Wolves? Do you believe that Nguyen will sign with an English club or move to Holland or Germany? Share your thoughts.

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Jones out another three weeks, EJ scores, and Nguyen trains at Arsenal

.

Soccer Goals: Edgar Castillo's nationality change to the USMNT has caused major controversy over the past three months. With such a glaring weakness at left back, as Jonathan Bornstein recently played himself out of contentition, the New Mexico native offers an element, that the other left back options have failed to provide: earning consistent playing time in a strong league, speed, attacking prowess, and good distribution. Although I do not advocate or expect that he should be an automatic starter, I do make a case in this recent article, as his inclusion will offer Coach Bradley more versatility on his back line options.

These soccer videos feature reactions of Edgar Castillo's inclusion on the USMNT.

These soccer videos feature Edgar Castillo's 1v1 dribble penetration.

Considered a defensive liability by many, Edgar Castillo has gone on the record stating that he needs to improve his defensive skills and discipline. What has been overlooked in this whole debate is that Castillo can hold possession and create flank imbalance with his speed, coupled with Donovan's attacking accumen. In short, teams will no longer be able to key soley on Landon Donovan, who ploys his trade on the left side and has been void of attacking support.

With Castillo able to provide crosses and distribute calmly under pressure, the offense should hold possession better under pressure. With his speed and propensity in the attack, paired with Landon Donovan's attacking qualities on the left wing, opponents must pick their poison: Will they apply high pressure and be vulnerable to the counter attack or will ease their pressure fearing the quick break away? His pace and distribution will offer another element the US can ultilize to exploit opposing defenses.

If you would have asked me this question two months ago, I would  have not suggested calling the Tigres defender until the USMNT had qualified for South Africa. But, Jonathan Bornstein's horrible performances has convinced me that Castillo, playing at a poor level is still a better option, as the left back position continues to weaken the US' formation.

After watching his play in the Olympic qualifiers, his presence and game changing movements warranted more interest, leaving me disappointed that we did not entice him to the USMNT. However, now he humblely recognizes his recent errors and sincerely wants to represent the USA.  Everyone makes mistakes: he deserves another chance.

Do you believe that Bradley will call him to the next camp? Will he earn playing time in the qualifiers? Share your thoughts.

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals and soccer videos: Should Edgar Castillo be called in for the October camp?

.

Soccer Videos: Lack of club playing time has reared it ugly head for the American's Abroad, as the USMNT played poorly but earned the six points. A victory in Honduras or a tie at home against Costa Rica will secure advancement for the USMNT to the 2010 World Cup.

Major League Soccer has produced players for the USMNT that have been in form and able to step in when needed. In these soccer videos, there are rumblings of an Eddie Johnson siting? Will he earn any callups in the ensuing months?

These soccer videos feature discussion of the American's Abroad.

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Videos and soccer goals: American's Abroad Review

.

Soccer Goals: Just as the USMNT left back options have produced a disgraceful pile of poor showing in recent qualifiers, hope and a possible remedy could be brewing south of the border in Mexico, where Michael Orozco scored a goal against Chivas de Guadalajara in a 4-0 route. His speedy Mexican counterpart, Edgar Castillo, earned a full 90 in a 2-1 loss to Morelia on Sunday.

Out-of-favor and out-of-form left back, HeathPearce found redemption and a club, signing a deal withFC Dallas for the remainder of the season, after a promising deal fell through withTurkish side, Bursaspor. Tempted to bring him in for the Galaxy match, Coach Schellas Hyndman though twice, using his common sense, as the Hoops dismantled the Galaxy 6-3. His move to FC Dallas will pull him out of the fiery flames of the relegated players list, at least, for now.

In England's League One, Mike Grella, Jemal Johnson, and Jon-Paul Pittman scored over the past 13 days. Alta IF defender Jay Needham scored an equalized at Sparta Sarpsborg in Norway's first division. All in all it was a poor week for the American's Abroad in the top leagues. The Yanks abroad in Mexico made the biggest statement.

Without further Adu, Soccer Addict News presents to you who impressed and did not dress in the American's Abroad Top Five September 1-13th - Michael Orozco scores in a route.

1. Michael Orozco (San Luis - Mexico): Playing a full 90 minutes last Saturday and holding a scoreless sheet against the explosive Atlas, Michael Orozco scored his first goal of the season against Chivas deGuadalajara, winning 4-0. Withan ability to distribute, strong defensive attributes and versatility to play centrally and out-wide at left back, coupled with his playing time in the competitive Mexican Primera Division, it would be suggestible that Coach Bradley call him up for upcoming friendlies or January camp.

If Coach Bradley is willing to play Carlos Bocanegra at left back, the California native would be an additional option who possesses strong distribution and defensive tenacity. In short, he would be Bocanegra 2.0, a potential upgrade at left back.

2. Edgar Castillo (UNAL Tigres - Mexico):  Playing a full 90 minutes against a America in a 1-1 draw and a 90 minute performance the following week in a 2-1 loss to Morelia, coupled with Jonathan Bornstein's very poor USMNT performances, the New Mexico native has been spotted on the radar at Camp Bradley. With the USA needing a victory against Honduras, will Coach Bradley call him to camp and would he consider deploying him on the left against Honduras? His speed would pose match up problems, but his defense could open cracks for the Honduran attack.

3. Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC): After playing two exhausting qualifiers against El Salvador and Trinidad & Tobago, scoring a goal, the Deuce returned to London to face his Everton goal keeping buddy, Tim Howard. Playing withpassion and plenty of work rate, the creative midfielder willed his team to a 2-1 victory with a 90 minute performance. Although he has performed inconsistently for the USMNT, delivering moments of brilliance and head scratchers at the same time, Dempsey proved his worth with a tidy effort that saw his normal edition of tricks, 1v1 attacking, and solid possession, while mustering enough energy for some defense.

4. Alejandro Bedoya (Obrero SK -Sweeden): Starting and playing 90 minutes in a 1-0 victory over Charlie Davies' former team, Hammarby, would have been a joy to watch, but Davies has moved to greener Pasteur, while Alejandro Bedoya has represented America's presence in Sweeden very admirably. After scoring two goals as a substitute back in July, Alejandro Bedoya has been earning consistent playing time for his team. His decision to bypass MLS and move to Europe is now paying dividends.

5. Mike Grella (Leeds United - Englands League One): Opened his scoring account in league play, netting the game winner against Stockport on September 5th. On Saturday, he came off the bench and played eight minutes in a 0-0 draw against Southend.

Soccer Goals: A litttle bird told me that the USMNT needs left backs. Perhaps, another option emerges from the most unlikely place, Mexico. Who I am speaking of? And, no, I am not thinking of Edgar Castillo, who I believe will be a good option.

The answer is Michael Orozco who scored an efficient finish against Chivas de Guadalajara, defeating them 4-0. The left back version, Bocanegra 2.0,  kept it gangster for the American's abroad by scoring the first goal of the weekend. Who will be next?

These soccer videos feature Michael Orozco's soccer goals at the 0:48 mark.

What did you think of his performance? Should receive an invitation in the January camp or upcoming friendlies? Share your thoughts.

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals and soccer videos: Michael Orozco scores in 4-0 route of Chivas de Guadalajara

.

Soccer Goals: In hopes of properly identifying the players that should be included in the 2010 World Cup Roster, several players have ascended up the ranks while several have fallen.

Just when you though Jose Francisco Torres was consigned to the Bradley's cold and eery dungeon, Jose Francisco Torres earned playing time against El Salvador, where he almost scored a header from a Stuart Holden cross. Speaking of the blond haired Dynamo, he tallied two goals and three assists in six appearances in the Gold Cop. In addition, the former Clemson midfielder has earned the nickname "Energizer Bunny" for his surging runs and instant offense in the form of crossing and long-range striking.

One player who suffered from a poor stretch was Jonathan Bornstein, a left back option that I feel should not even receive call ups, laid a major stinker in El Salvador and provided an average performance against Trinidad & Tobago. The other left back colleague, Heath Pearce, appeared poised to make a European splash with Turkish Club Bursaspor, but the deal fell through at the last minute, leaving Pearce currently unattached.

While were on the topic of left backs, New Mexico Native, Edgar Castillo, earned an assist, goal, and a FIFA switch to the USMNT. His emergence could not come at a better time now that both left back options are struggling with club and country.

When composing the roster, SAN included Maurice Edu, a central midfielder, for his versatility and ability to play as a center back, as well. Both Bocanegra and Spector can play at center back which will allow for greater versatility and the ability to add more talent and versatility at the midfield and forward positions. Numbers 1-11 indicates the starting Xl, and their number distinguishes their ranking withing the starting Xl. After the starting Xl, the player have been listed according to their ranking and worth to US Soccer.

Enjoy the second version of Soccer Addict News - The US Depth Chart for the World Cup 2010 Roster.

What do you think of the US depth chart? Do you have any suggestions, omissions, or inclusions? Share your thoughts.

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: The USMNT Depth Chart for the 2010 World Cup Roster

.