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In the latest soccer news: US Soccer highlights the pregame preparations, the game, and post game interviews. The USMNT will need another strong performance traveling to play Costa Rica and facing Honduras three days later. This soccer video captures the essence, spirit, and different perspective that produced a Jozy Altidore hat trick.

 

This soccer video features behind the scene footage of the T&T qualifier.

April 1, 2009: USA vs. Trinidad & Tobago - Behind the Scenes from ussoccerdotcom on Vimeo.
 

Did you like the video? What was your impression of the game. Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss US Soccer takes a behind the scenes look at T&T and the latest soccer news

 

 

 

In the latest soccer news: Coach Bradley speaks of Altidore's improvement since his move to Europe. His maturity is evident, and Bradley hopes that his progress will continue. If the USMNT receives a similar contribution by the young forward, future performances will provide a scoring element that has been missing for several games.

 

Click this link that features soccer video features interviews and reactions after the 3-0 victory.

 

 

What did you think of the interviews and post game reactions? Will Jozy start next game?

 

Included are blogs that discuss Post Game Interview with Coach Bradley and Altidore and the latest soccer news

 

 

 

In the latest soccer news: Timidness, poor spacing, lack of effort, and errant passing describe the USMNT in the first 70 minutes of the game. Effort, increased intensity, productive passing, and a valiant comeback offered a glimpse of what took place after the USA conceded their second goal trailing 2-0. If entering a stadium filled with crazed fans and annoying sirens wasn't intimidating enough, conceding an early first half goal proved to be an uphill battle giving momentum to the Salvadorian fans who wreaked havoc all night.

 

The hard-fought qualifier demonstrated both the good and bad of the match. Although the US battled back from a 2-0 deficit, the defense featured a unfamiliar pairing at center back, the passing and movement off the ball offered little inspiration, and the overall effort level did not exist. It is understandable that Califf and Bocanegra lacked the chemistry that Gooch and Boca have displayed over the past two years. However, Calif fouled in untimely situations and areas on the field exposing the defense in several situations. Was his Argentina performance an aberration? His performance should raise speculation that other center backs must be utilized in the rotation to determine their status amongst Bradley.

 

The defensive blame should not lye on just one player considering the whole unit inspired the same organization of 6 pm traffic. Although the back line performed below national team standards, Hejduk redeemed himself with a great pass resulting in the first goal. His header salvaged a point for a team that did not deserve to leave that rowdy stadium with any points.

 

The midfield passing and off-the-ball movement proved frustrating as the team hesitantly waited for an inspirational play to mystically take place. Passing options were limited by El Salvador's proper man-marking and hustle. The US' insistence to funnel the ball to the middle of the field resulted in various costly turnovers leading to counter attacks. After failing from the same tactics repeatedly, the US offensive unit began to utilize the flanks resulting in more space and scoring chances. In the final 25 minutes, Hejduk's flank play proved crucial as he created space for his teammates. In the upcoming game, the midfield must return to the basics of movement without the ball and proper spacing.

 

The absence of hustle and willingness to out work the opponent validates that the US still needs to bring these intangibles in order to win in CONCACAF. Simply wearing the US soccer crest does not determine the outcome of games as many US supporters witnessed during their uninspirational effort. Suffering from bad touch, poor passing, and suspect striking can be tolerated by some fans, but an unwillingness to fight and scrap is unacceptable to most.

 

In previous posts, I have mentioned that Landon Donovan needs to  drop farther back in the midfield to receive more touches since he proves the inspirational figure who provides creativity to the US attack. In my opinion, Donovan has performed well on the flanks particularly in the games played against Mexico and Poland in 2008. The more touches that Donovan experiences throughout the game delivers a different dynamic to the offense proven by his passing, speed, and vision. I understand that Donovan plays well for his club team in the withdrawn striker position, but many teams shadow him excluding from the offense for stretches during the game. With Beasley playing poor on the left wing, Coach Bradley could insert Dempsey at left wing, where he plays for Fulham, slot Donovan at the right wing, or could switch their flank positions if needed. Whatever tactical decision is administered, Donovan needs more touches for the USA to succeed during away qualifiers. 

 

After struggling for most of the game, the US learned that a high level performance is required for every game regardless of the opponent. Although Jozy Altidore suffers from limited playing time and less than stellar fitness, his late game insertions offer a scoring dynamic that Ching's play fails to produce. Despite demonstrating the hustle and hold-up play that Bradley demands, Ching proves reliable but lacks the scoring prowess of Altidore. Francisco Torres contributed in a positive manner possessing the ball under pressure and switching the point of attack when it proved necessary. His clever move down the left flank to allow for a dangerous cross in the box demonstrated that the youngster bolsters a unique ability to the team. With his second-half inclusion, Gringo Torres offered a cool-collective perspective in the midfield.

 

Bob Bradley's roster selections and tactics surprised many with the exclusion of Freddy Adu who would have provided the creativity to break down the bunkering Salvadorians. Adding both Mastroeni and Edu to the roster seemed like overkill considering that Bradley had Torres who can play both centrally and slotted left. Freddy Adu's skills would have been ideal for the situation and scenario of the game. I understand that Adu does not offer the work-rate of other players, but while playing away in hostile environments, Freddy Adu, a potential super-sub in these instances, adds that extra dimension against teams that employ defensive oriented and counter-attacking strategies.  These qualifiers demonstrate a learning experience for fans, coaches and players. In Bradley's case, let us hope that he can learn from these experiences and gain a better understanding of his team for the remainder qualifiers. Upcoming away games in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Honduras will provide a huge challenge. A similar performance could be costly.

 

In conclusion, the USA were fortunate to earn a point in El Salvador. Their play resembled a team in reverie, but the final twenty minutes proved that all was not lost. A similar performance will more than likely end in a less favorable result.

 

What did you think of the performance? Who was the Man-of-the-match? Will the USA still qualify first in the Hexagonal? Who would you like to see start in the upcoming game? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss  Latest Soccer News: USMNT draws El Salvador and escapes defeat.

 

 

 

In the latest soccer news: Studio 90 covers the first practices of the United States Mens National Team. Beasley, Dempsey, Coach Bradley, and Tim Howard discuss their opponent, El Salvador, and the conditions that they will face.

 

Click this link that provides this soccer video features the USMNT training in Miami in preparation for their qualifier against El Salvador.

 

What is your starting Xl for the El Salvador game? Will the the USA defeat El Salvador? Will the crowd create a super hostile environment? Who is your favorite to score? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Latest Soccer News: US Soccer features a new addition of Studio 90 and this soccer video.

 

 

 

In the latest soccer news: Bob Bradley announced his 22-man roster for the El Salvador and Trinidad & Tobago qualifiers. Besides calling in his core-group of players, Bradley looked to several European based players who have been injured or obscure from recent USMNT games. Let's take a look at the inclusions for Bob Bradley's roster.

 

Defender Jay Demerit has not received a call-up in quite some time and desire to make an impression in central defense. Jonathan Spector benefits from Cherundolo's recent injury and lack of fitness. Look for Frankie Hejduk to start against El Salvador and Spector against T&T. Spector, the consumate defensive utility player could see time at left back, as well.

 

Pablo Maestroni receives the call after serving his suspension. Will he start either game?  Freddy Adu might be asked to break down the bunkering El Salvadorians in the second half if the game is a stale mate. Freddy continues to ride the bench at AS Monaco. Will he demonstrate the rust that he collects in France or will he prove to both coaches that he can play? Eddie Johnson hits the USMNT scene again after various exclusions due to lack of playing time. His recent Cardiff City performances caught Bradley's eye over the past two months. With EJ being fifth forward, it appears difficult that he will be playing an extended amount of minutes.

 

This is the 22-Man roster.

 

 GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa: 4/3 SO), Tim Howard (Everton: 8/6 SO), Marcus Hahnemann (Reading: 1/1 SO)

 

DEFENDERS (7): Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes: 17/2), Danny Califf (FC Midtjylland: 3/0), Jay DeMerit (Watford: 1/0), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew: 15/1), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege: 13/1), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock: 8/0), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United: 2/1)

 

MIDFIELDERS (7): Freddy Adu (AS Monaco: 5/1), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers: 22/6), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach: 7/4), Maurice Edu (Glasgow Rangers: 3/0), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA: 7/0), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids: 12/0), José Francisco Torres (Pachuca: 2/0)

 

FORWARDS (5): Jozy Altidore (Xerez C.D.: 4/1), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo: 13/6), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC: 13/4), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy: 26/9), Eddie Johnson (Cardiff City: 9/8)

 

What will USA field for the El Salvador game? WHat will the USA field for T&T? Who would your starters be? Are you happy with the rosters? Were you surprised not to see Wynne, Rogers, Cooper and Bornstein?

 

Included are blogs that discuss Latest Soccer News: Bob Bradley announces 22-Man Roster for El Salvador and T&T

 

 

 

In the latest soccer news: Entering the mind of Coach Bob Bradley and attempting to predict his lineups for the Gold Cup and Confederations Cup presents a difficult task: much like creating ideas to rejuvenate our nations economy. Although Bob Bradley is blessed with the largest and deepest player pool in USA's history, it will be interesting to observe the strategy that will be implemented for these two major tournaments.  Soccer Addict News will attempt to forecast a potential squad and Best Xl for the Gold Cup.

 

The Confederations Cup will take place from July 3rd -26th and will receive the greater importance this summer. The top players will be prepare for this event because it will be a great barometer to measure how the USA compares against the other group competition: Brazil, Italy, and Egypt. Who will be the players included for this tournament? It is safe to say that the roster that prepared for Mexico in Columbus could be a possibility. Adu, Cherundolo, and Edushould also be included in the lineups omitted due to injury or lack of playing time. With the basic roster established for the Confederations Cup, let's examine the options ahead for the Gold Cup.

 

With the Gold Cup taking place June 14th-28th, Bob Bradley encounters many options and alternatives to compose a competitive team.  Will he give rest to the European players who played all season? Will he opt for bubble players? Will MLS players that are going to play in the Confederations Cup be used in the Gold Cup? It is probable that the US coach will blend players from MLS but will rely heavily on players from Europe that have not tired from the rigors of a full season. This roster selected could be competitive and formidable in the Gold Cup.

 

Who's is resting for the Gold Cup?: American's Abroad, exposed to the long European season, will receive rest and relaxation during the Gold Cup. Bocanegra, Onyewu, Howard, Cherundolo, Bradley, and Dempsey will spend time recovering from an arduous season. Adu, Edu, Johnson, Altidore, Spector, Simek, Sztela, Beasley, Pearce and Zizzo will benefit from lack of playing time and should be showcased during the Gold Cup. Of these players, Adu, Edu, Johnson, Altidore, Spector, Zizzo, Pearce and Simek will confront concerns of their club form, conditioning, and or in some cases injury concerns. Francisco Torres and Michael Orozco will jump into the mix withtheir Mexican league concluding.  With this strong base of European and Mexican players starving for international game time, Bradley will embrace the options provided and evaluate the upcoming talent available. Experimentation should be a common theme: Bradley will utilize this core group and sprinkle in his favorites from Major League Soccer.

 

Experimentation- The Mad Scientist: If you ask those in MLS circles about a coach not afraid of experimentation, Juan Carlos Osorio, coach of the NY Red Bulls, would enter the minds of most being that he does not shy away from experimenting, altering, and changing formations and tactics. Although it is highly unlikely that Bradley calls Osorio for advice, the US coach can deviate from his normal regimen and experiment with players that could be useful for the Confederations Cup or qualifiers. Sacha Kljestan benefited from several opportunities that Bradley bestowed upon him during his trial transitioning from a bubble-player to a potential starter. During this opportunity for experimentation, it would be excellent if Bradley identifies players that translate well to the international game in the same way that Kljestan flourished in 2008.

 

What players would I like to see more of in the 2009 Gold Cup? Freddy Aduhas demonstrated that he plays well on the international level. Unfortunately, his club team yields little playing time, and Freddy and US fans are frustrated because he possesses the talent to excel. His presence provides a different dynamic, and the USA boasts a more explosive and creative offense when he is playing. The wonder kid and champion of most US soccer blogs, Kenny Cooper, yearns for the opportunity to play and make his name in the international game. His good foot skills and powerful striking exemplifies the traits of a good forward, but his critics believe that he lacks the target-forward qualities and work rate that has made Brian McBride and Brian Ching, household names for the USA.

 

Another canidate in US soccer obscurity, Jeremiah White, pleas for the chance to prove himself. Since Moving to Europe in 2004, the Wake forest graduate has appeared in 104 matches scoring 26 goals and has plied his trade in Denmark for AGF Aarhus since 2007. Despite being diminutive, White offers pace, steady playing time for a good Danish club, and plays right wing,a position that always needs reinforcements in US circles. The Danish League schedule and availability might interrupt his opportunities as he appears to be a long-shot, but Coach Bradley should consider him as an option.

 

Major League Soccer options: The MLS fills the void of remaining players adding its own flavor of veterans and upcoming young prospects. Many factors will determine the roster selection from MLS while Bradley works with all teams to ensure that a quarter of their seasons are not ruined through the international fleecing process. Robbie Rogers, Kenny Cooper, Ricardo Clark, Stuart Holden, Chris Rolfe, Chad Marshall, and Marvelle Wynne feature as the most likely to be called up for evaluation and consideration for the Confederations Cup. In addition, certain veterans could impress during the June camp: players like Jimmy Conrad, Igo Ihemelu, Pablo Maestroni, and John Harrington offer viable options. The bigger question will be: will the MLS clubs release their players for the Gold Cup or camp?

 

The 24 man Gold Cup Roster camp: This list identifies potential players on the radar. But injuries, lack of playing time, poor form, or limited availability by clubs could change the roster.

• Keepers:Brad Guzan, Dominic Cervi, and Marcus Hanneman.

 

• Defenders: Michael Orozco, Heath Pearce, , Marvelle Wynne, Igo Ihemulu, Frank Simek, Jay Demerit, Jonathan Spector and Chad Marshall

 

• Midfielders: Jeremiah White, Francisco Torres, Danny Sztela, Maurice Edu, Robbie Rogers, Ricardo Clark, Pablo Maestroni, DaMarcus Beasley, Sal Zizzo, and Kamani Hill.

 

• Forwards: Kenny Cooper, Eddie Johnson, Charlie Davis, Chris Rolfe, and Freddy Adu.

 

Note: Michael Bradley and Sacha Kljestan will probably rest, but it would not be alarming to see either of the two players suiting up if needed. In addition, Either Clark or Holden will make the squad, but not both. Their inclusion would deplete the Houston Dynamo's squad. Under this scenario, Clark or Mastroeni will be omitted from the actual Gold Cup roster.

 

Potential Starting Xl: For experimentation purposes, I will attempt to predict an uncommon formation to evaluate the talent pool.

 

-----Altidore----Adu---

Rogers-Torres-Edu-Beasley

Pearce-Orozco-Demerit-Spector

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

 

Another Variation for Fun: Bradley did use the Christmas Tree in the Gold Cup. Speed would exist on the right wing, ball possession and defensive coverage in the midfield, and Beasley at LB.

----------Cooper----

-------Adu-------Rolfe

Torres----Maestroni-----White

Beasley-Demerit-Marshall-Wynne

 

Not many US coaches have received the luxury and VIP Treatment that Bradley will encounter in the next few months boasting such a large player pool. US Fans and bloggers would like to test our player pool to determine who demonstrates the abilities to shine during qualifiers and possibly during the World Cup. Bob Bradley must relish this opportunity and illustrate to the non-believers that he possesses an open-mind to experiment and find a potential diamond in the rough. His legacy and perception could depend on it.

 

Who would you like to see starting? Who are your favorite players on the USMNT? Will Jeremiah White receive a call-up? Can the USA win the Gold Cup? Or is Mexico, Costa Rica or Honduras poise to lift the monstrous cup? What are your thoughts? Let us know.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Latest Soccer News: What team will Bob Bradley field for the Gold Cup?