Thread: The Official 2008-2009 Soccer Thread

Originally Posted by ucsdguy1

Thought Timmy was going to beat the crap out of Ruiz.

Should be noted that Howard was awesome last night and for me is certainly a top 10 goalie in the world. He has been great for Everton the last few seasons as well. The US has developing keepers figured out, that's for sure.

Originally Posted by ucsdguy1

I get the Bradley brings in a guy like Ching in games like this for some of the defensive effort. Just didn't see much between him and Dempsey. (Dempsey looked like a crying baby when taken off)

Ching is a nice option, he is sort of like a poor man's McBride since he is really good in the air and can do an adequete job of holding the ball up under pressure, but he's not prolific enough for my tastes. He can't score regularly against CONACAF teams so that doesn't make him a reliable option during the big tournaments. Good option to have though as a sub though.

Regarding Dempsey, I'm just not a fan of the guy. He is talented but he doesn't really have a natural position. As a right sided midfielder he doesn't stay wide and in the middle he gives away the ball too cheaply. When the US has their full team he shouldn't start ahead of Donovan or Adu as a withdrawn forward. The problem is the US has never had a dependable right midfielder so Donovan is played out of position there.

Originally Posted by ucsdguy1

I can't wait for Jozy Altidore to become a mainstay up top.

He is probably our best option right now. I would make him first choice if I were Bradley, Johnson, once the great hope has been such a disappointment, and like I said, Ching just isn't prolific enough.

Originally Posted by ucsdguy1

Edu (who just signed a 5 year deal with Rangers) should be starting.

Do you think Edu should be starting ahead of Bradley or Mastroeni? Bradley hasn't been sharp but he's played a lot of soccer. I don't mind him starting. I can understand Mastroeni starting in last night's type of game because it was going to be a pretty rugged game and he's sort of an enforcer type.

I hope we see more of an Bradley-Edu partnership. I think that is our best hope as far as a midfield duo who can keep possession and move the ball.

Real Madrid to Chelsea: Robinho can be yours for 32m | Football | The Guardian

Speaking of Edu, although I am in Edinburgh, I have a few friends in Glasgow who are Ranger's fans, anyone able to give a rundown on the type of player Edu is? We do not have much info on him over here.

Originally Posted by ASUcruz

Do you think Edu should be starting ahead of Bradley or Mastroeni? Bradley hasn't been sharp but he's played a lot of soccer. I don't mind him starting. I can understand Mastroeni starting in last night's type of game because it was going to be a pretty rugged game and he's sort of an enforcer type.

I hope we see more of an Bradley-Edu partnership. I think that is our best hope as far as a midfield duo who can keep possession and move the ball.

Maybe not Bradley but I probably would be okay with him starting over Mastroeni. Nothing against the guy. Think Edu can make an impact and should gain valuable experience at Rangers doing so.

Wouldn't mind seeing Kljestan get some shots at midfield too. That guy plays with heart and isn't afraid to bury the ball when he has to. (despite my utter hatred for him being a chivas player). Perhaps try him on the wing and let Donovan back into center midfield.

A friend of mine is Guatemalan (grew up there and moved out here about 10 years ago) I asked him about the state of the field and dark lighting. He responded only by saying "it's Guatemala. That's about as good as you're gonna get"

Crazy_Ivan - on Edu. He's a pretty good defensive midfielder, breaks up plays well. yet isn't afraid to charge forward on an attack. Holds well, but has speed and tenacity to run right at (and often around) opposing defenders.
Scouting says his vision and passing ability continue to improve.
Sometimes plays emotionally and is apt to pick up more yellow cards than required. He's a young player gaining experience.
Teammates in Toronto often said he was always trying to learn whatever he could from experienced players around him, and had a strong work ethic.

He's a quick video of some goals he scored - as he was voted rookie of the year in MLS 2007
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOQDpecjdwE"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOQDpecjdwE[/ame]

Berbatov didn't make the Tottenham squad that lost to Sunderland today. He's gotta be on his way!

How about Arsenal today? They really struggled, that Denilson-Eboue central midfield duo is brutal. They need Cesc back soon.

Arsenal was brutal. Just a downright sad performance against Fulham.



AFP: Shevchenko to rejoin AC Milan

They should have sold Eboue to any takers the second they signed Sagna. He is completely useless in midfield. They should have kept Hoyte instead.

Deco's goal gives Chelsea a 1-0 win.