2011 Gold Cup Thread

[UnderPressure]

Let's start it with kicking some Canadian ass. USA-Canada game will start at around 5PM Pacific.

[UnderPressure]

USA get the win, 2-0. We get Panama next.

[Pagliacci]

Dempsey looked great when I was watching. Donovan needs to go play in England.

[Dawdler]

Panama got gifted their last goal and I liked the way Guadalupe fought back, too bad they ran out of time, luck and gas.

despite Altidore scoring on an error by the Canadian GK, he still looks awful. Howard was great and baby Bradley really held the MF together, Donovan sucked ass on corner kicks and Deuce IMO is replacing Donovan as the go to guy for the Nats

[ASUcruz]

despite Altidore scoring on an error by the Canadian GK, he still looks awful.

Awful is pretty harsh especially since I thought Altidore was good last night. Yes, the first goal was soft but he made a really nice run to get into space for it and took Donovan's ball well. Also he was directly involved in the second goal. He won Howard's long ball well to initiate the move. Cross across the box was perfect as well. Not sure how you could describe his game as "awful". It would have been nice if he beat his man more when he was 1 V 1 but overall a good game for him.


Donovan sucked ass on corner kicks and Deuce IMO is replacing Donovan as the go to guy for the Nats

Sucked on corners? I thought his deliveries were fine particularly early in the game were good. Whipped in the ball with good pace, beat the first man, and ball wasn't too close to the goalie. What more can you ask for? Just because goals don't come from a corner doesn't mean the delivery was bad. As a Man United fan I am familiar with poor corners and Donovan's last night were far from poor.

Dempsey is clearly our best player but I don't think Donovan is that far behind him. His workrate was good throughout the game and he helped contain Josh Simpson who gave Cherendolo trouble early. Ball for Altidore's first goal was good as well.

It will be interesting to see if Ream-Goodson continues to be Bradley's first choice central pairing. Although I think he will give Onyewu a chance in the next game.

[ucsdguy1]

I still think Altidore lacks a quality first touch. Even though the Canadian keeper probably should have made that save, I give Jozy credit for receiving the ball with his back to the defender, and making a quick turn and shot.
I think I like the pairing with Agudelo too. Agudelo's movement away from the ball seemed to create a bit more space for Jozy rather than his playing alone up top.

win is a win, but i wasn't blown away. It's the US though, so what do you expect. Give credit to Canada too for continuing to press even when down 2-0.

Big thumbs up to Tim Howard.

[ASUcruz]

I still think Altidore lacks a quality first touch. Even though the Canadian keeper probably should have made that save, I give Jozy credit for receiving the ball with his back to the defender, and making a quick turn and shot.


No doubt but the lack of a quality first touch is something that almost every American player lacks.


I think I like the pairing with Agudelo too. Agudelo's movement away from the ball seemed to create a bit more space for Jozy rather than his playing alone up top.

I thought Agudelo was average but he was at least lively. The US is clearly a lot better and more comfortable when playing in a 4-4-2 but I do understand why Bradley was experimenting with a 4-2-3-1 since we have a number of quality central midfielders particularly when Holden is healthy. Really would have been interested to see how he would play Holden, he's favored him wide right but he was dynamite playing in a midfield three for Bolton.

Anyways Agudelo is promising but I thought his runs were a bit naive especially when the US was countering. He was getting far to close to Altidore and ultimatley bogged down attacks by clogging things up. Still think he should start alongside Altidore in the next game.

[kba4life2]

Keep the Ream-Goodson pairing against Panama or put Lichaj in at LB and move Boca to CB?

[ASUcruz]

Keep the Ream-Goodson pairing against Panama or put Lichaj in at LB and move Boca to CB?

I think it's worth it to keep the same backline, of course it would be great to have a more offensive option at LB since Bocanegra obviously isn't great at getting forward but they kept a clean sheet and looked good as a unit. Ideally we would want an LB who can overlap and deliver a good ball into the box especially since Dempsey's free to drift inside. But we don't really have that option right now especially since Lichaj is natural RB anyways. Would like to see Ream-Goodson be giving another game as well. We know what Bocanegra gives us at CB.

[Pagliacci]

USA down 2-0 against Panama. Bob Bradley is getting out coached AGAIN. There's no way they can come back with no clear control of the midfield and the Panamanian players are too big and strong to get pushed around.

[kba4life2]

Ouch, pretty brutal display the first 65 minutes. Playing a 4-4-2 has been the team's bread and butter since the confederation cup run a few years ago...but damn, they just don't have the talent to consistently break down teams that bunker...nor do they have someone who can bomb it with any accuracy from distance. Trying to be reasonable and just chalk this one up as a bad day at the office for the entire team

[KHenry14]

The USMNT is playing unispired, lazy soccer and got beat because of it. They'll probably find a way to bet Guadeloupe and advance, but no way they go far in this tournament.

As I've said earlier, I believe the team is starting to tune BBradley out. Which happens a lot worldwide after a WC, which made it so surprising that he was actually rehired.

[UnderPressure]

Time for a new formation.

[Dawdler]

Awful is pretty harsh especially since I thought Altidore was good last night. Yes, the first goal was soft but he made a really nice run to get into space for it and took Donovan's ball well. Also he was directly involved in the second goal. He won Howard's long ball well to initiate the move. Cross across the box was perfect as well. Not sure how you could describe his game as "awful". It would have been nice if he beat his man more when he was 1 V 1 but overall a good game for him.

awful may be to strong of word, I guess mediocre is a bit better, Jozy hasn't impressed me and I guess I'm a bit negative towards him because of his general body of work lately has been bad and I think him not playing on a regular basis has hurt his development.


Sucked on corners? I thought his deliveries were fine particularly early in the game were good. Whipped in the ball with good pace, beat the first man, and ball wasn't too close to the goalie. What more can you ask for? Just because goals don't come from a corner doesn't mean the delivery was bad. As a Man United fan I am familiar with poor corners and Donovan's last night were far from poor.

Donovan was a lot better on Saturday, then he was the first game so yeah he sucked on corners the first game, he just seems off, not sure why though.


Dempsey is clearly our best player but I don't think Donovan is that far behind him. His workrate was good throughout the game and he helped contain Josh Simpson who gave Cherendolo trouble early. Ball for Altidore's first goal was good as well.

after watching the game again, I'll have to agree with this assesment, I guess I'm a bit hard on Landon because he is always there when he's needed and when you have high expectations, everything below that is unacceptable.


It will be interesting to see if Ream-Goodson continues to be Bradley's first choice central pairing. Although I think he will give Onyewu a chance in the next game.

after the Panama game, I hope we see Gooch and Lichaj, even though Gooch hasn't been the same since his injury I hope he can instill some confidence to the backline.

I do hope Wondolowski gets a bit more time, even though he hasn't showed much and missed that sitter against Panama, I hope he doesn't turn into Twellmen Version 2, solid in league and a bit lost on the NT

[Dawdler]

what a strike from Jozy, he should shoot from 25 yards out more often, 1-0 USA

[Pagliacci]

USA is still missing that final pass to put this away. Guadalupe suck ass.

[KHenry14]

1-0 against this Guadelupe side is a disgrace. This should have been 6 or 7 nil, but epic blown finishes cost the USMNT dearly. Anyway who thinks this team's performances of late will get them past even Jamaica? Sheesh, this is terrible.

[Dawdler]

Honduras upsets Costa Rica on PK's and Saborino is looking for a therapist at this point and Mexico struggles but pulls out a win against Guatemala, big games tomorrow USA vs Jamaica and the Sub-17 USMNT play too

[ASUcruz]

Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/ussoccer/status/82509971912261633)

USA: Howard; Cherundolo, Goodson, Bocanegra, Lichaj; Jones, Bradley; Bedoya, Kljestan, Dempsey; Altidore

Bench: Hahnemann, Bornstein, Ream, Edu, Donovan, Adu, Agudelo.

[Drop The Gloves]

Honduras upsets Costa Rica on PK's and Saborino is looking for a therapist at this point and Mexico struggles but pulls out a win against Guatemala, big games tomorrow USA vs Jamaica and the Sub-17 USMNT play too

Guatemala had all but Ruiz playing defense. Mexico missed some easy goals too.

[kba4life2]

By far the best game of the tournament so far for the U.S...with that said, Jamaica looked like they couldn't care less after the first 5 minutes or so. Pretty pathetic display on their end. Assuming Altidore is injured, Agudelo will start and they'll roll a 4-5-1 with Kljestan in the middle and Donovan back on the wing. I certainly don't want to be overconfident but I've got a feeling that this team is going to be fired up over their loss last week and really steamroll Panama

[ucsdguy1]

Jones....really?

I can't believe the jamaican just ran off without contesting or arguing. Bad stuff.

see the 3:29 mark

YouTube - ‪Gold Cup 2011 Quarter Final. USA 2-0 Jamaica Highlights 06/19/2011‬‏

[Jaygokings!]

One of the worst dives I have ever seen. Ever. EVER.

I would expect this **** in the Mexican league..but this was disgusting. Have more respect for the ****ing game..

Or at LEAST try to make it look like you actually got touched you pussy.

[ASUcruz]

Jones....really?

I can't believe the jamaican just ran off without contesting or arguing. Bad stuff.




Like it or not diving is apart of the game. Until FIFA starts really cracking down on diving nothing is going to change. I don't like it but I can't say I was upset that Jamacia went down to 10 men and Jones was easily our best player yesterday.

[ucsdguy1]

Like it or not diving is apart of the game. Until FIFA starts really cracking down on diving nothing is going to change. I don't like it but I can't say I was upset that Jamacia went down to 10 men and Jones was easily our best player yesterday.
agreed on Jones as a player. But I don't care if it's a part of the game, doesn't mean I have to accept it. I don't want to be up a man if it's through a dive. He (and we) should be better than that..

[ASUcruz]

agreed on Jones as a player. But I don't care if it's a part of the game, doesn't mean I have to accept it. I don't want to be up a man if it's through a dive. He (and we) should be better than that..

You definitely don't have to accept it, I'm just saying that at this point I don't even really care anymore. If no one is going to play by the "rules" I'm not gonna be upset if the US gains an advantage through unsavory means.

LIke I said, I don't like it either but when that Jamaican got sent off and even after seeing the replay I still was happy with the end result.

[ASUcruz]

Wow, first a great ball by Adu to Donavon to spring the counter attack then a great cross by Donovan for the Dempsey goal.

Great counter-attacking goal there.

[SuxBeingU]

USA in the finals at the Rosebowl hopefully against Mexico USA USA USA I will of course be there

[kba4life2]

Not the prettiest win but they got the job done. Adu looked pretty sharp, he could definitely be a good spark off the bench against meh-he-co

[KHenry14]

Freddy showed today the type of brillance he can bring to a game....and at the same time he'll make a bonehead giveaway in the defensive zone. But coming into a game late to be a spark? Right up his alley. Add in he's REALLY good on set pieces, and he could change a game.

[kba4life2]

Well I suppose it was inevitable for a US-Mexico final. Hopefully the Mexicans will be tired for having to go into OT today. I think the key for the US is to shut down/limit Mexico's wing play (obvious)...gotta starve service from Cheech. I think Bradley and Jones can handle the central midfield but Donovan and Dempsey (maybe Bedoya?) are going to have to come up huge. I'm going to guess this is the starting lineup:

Agudelo

Bedoya--Dempsey--Donovan

Jones--Bradley

Lichaj--Boca--Goodson--Cherundolo

Howard

Donovan has to start this game, he's been pretty meh so far all tournament but he always comes to play against Mexico. I like Bedoya's energy on the wing, it'll allow Dempsey to drift and find pockets in between the midfield and defenders. If the game is tied or the US is behind in the second half then I'm sure Adu will see some more time. Predictions?

[ASUcruz]

Freddy showed today the type of brillance he can bring to a game....and at the same time he'll make a bonehead giveaway in the defensive zone. But coming into a game late to be a spark? Right up his alley. Add in he's REALLY good on set pieces, and he could change a game.

Gutsy move by Bradley since Adu has not played at all in the Gold Cup. Bradley gets a lot of flack so he should get credit when it is deserved. His subs impacted the game.

[ASUcruz]

Agudelo

Bedoya--Dempsey--Donovan

Jones--Bradley

Lichaj--Boca--Goodson--Cherundolo

Howard

Donovan has to start this game, he's been pretty meh so far all tournament but he always comes to play against Mexico. I like Bedoya's energy on the wing, it'll allow Dempsey to drift and find pockets in between the midfield and defenders. If the game is tied or the US is behind in the second half then I'm sure Adu will see some more time. Predictions?

Bedoya had been playing on the right side of midfield and is doing a pretty good job of providing width. I don't see him playing on the left. I think it's more likely Donovan plays in the middle behind Agundelo and Dempsey starts on the left but with the freedom to play more centrally. Lichaj provides width on the left when Dempsey vacates that space.

The guy that makes me nervous right now is Bradley. He is usually one of our best players but he looks like he has little left in the tank. After a season of not playing that much it shouldn't be a surprise. I was hoping Edu would play a bit more, whenever he plays I'm impressed with him and he provides a lot of energy and physicality. Plus he is coming off a solid season with Rangers. Unfortunately it seems like Michael is always the first name on the team sheet.

Going forward the US is going to have to figure out a way to make a 4-5-1/4-2-3-1/4-3-3 since we have a surplus of solid CMs in the national team pool right now and not exactly the best forward crop. I guess the downside is Altidore seems best when playing with a strike partner(Davies).

[KingsOvAllKings]

Mexico will beat the US team in the final

[Drop The Gloves]

Well I suppose it was inevitable for a US-Mexico final. Hopefully the Mexicans will be tired for having to go into OT today. I think the key for the US is to shut down/limit Mexico's wing play (obvious)...gotta starve service from Cheech. I think Bradley and Jones can handle the central midfield but Donovan and Dempsey (maybe Bedoya?) are going to have to come up huge. I'm going to guess this is the starting lineup:

Agudelo

Bedoya--Dempsey--Donovan

Jones--Bradley

Lichaj--Boca--Goodson--Cherundolo

Howard

Donovan has to start this game, he's been pretty meh so far all tournament but he always comes to play against Mexico. I like Bedoya's energy on the wing, it'll allow Dempsey to drift and find pockets in between the midfield and defenders. If the game is tied or the US is behind in the second half then I'm sure Adu will see some more time. Predictions?

Not just overtime, the Hondurans had a kickfest and the ref let the game get out of hand. Never understood why a Central American ref calls a game for a Central American team. There should have been at least 4 red cards and only at the end did he finally take it out. Maybe borrow refs from COMENBOL.

Prediction: Penalty Kicks but roughy to call the winner. Howard may be the difference there unless Michel plays instead of Talavera.

[SuxBeingU]

Mexico will beat the US team in the final

When was the last time Mexico beat the US in the US ? been a while I see a close tight physical game with a few cards maybe even a red or two.

USA 2
Mex 1

Rosebowl is doing some work on the stadium I am not sure about attendance will be sold out for sure

[Dawdler]

When was the last time Mexico beat the US in the US ? been a while I see a close tight physical game with a few cards maybe even a red or two.

USA 2
Mex 1

Rosebowl is doing some work on the stadium I am not sure about attendance will be sold out for sure

2009 Gold Cup 5-0 Mexico

I thought Bradley did a good tactical job against Panama but lets be honest if Altidore is healthy, Adu never sees the field and doesn't perform as well as he did.

I do hope Adu gets another shot as a sub on Saturday

[ucsdguy1]

When was the last time Mexico beat the US in the US ? been a while I see a close tight physical game with a few cards maybe even a red or two.

USA 2
Mex 1

Rosebowl is doing some work on the stadium I am not sure about attendance will be sold out for sure
Already sold out. Luckily I got my tickets awhile ago.

I imagine about 85,000 Mexican fans, and maybe 2 or 3,000 US fans. Last time I went to a US/Mexico game in LA I was hit in the leg by a piss bomb amongst other insults/threats. Good times.

I really fear Mexico in this game, and just hope the US doesn't get utterly embarrassed.

[KHenry14]

The USA wont get embarrassed, but they might lose. This isn't the C team they fielded in 2009, this is pretty much their A Team. Sure, the USA doesn't have anybody like Hernandez up top (have they ever?) but this game will be won in the mid-field. Play possession, work the wings, and take advantage of the few chances they will be getting and the USA can eek out a win.

[Wile E.]

Already sold out. Luckily I got my tickets awhile ago.

I imagine about 85,000 Mexican fans, and maybe 2 or 3,000 US fans. Last time I went to a US/Mexico game in LA I was hit in the leg by a piss bomb amongst other insults/threats. Good times.

I really fear Mexico in this game, and just hope the US doesn't get utterly embarrassed.

Good times indeed! I would've loved to have gone to this game, but I planned way too late and the game was sold out. Then again, the prospect of being rained upon by urine doesnt sound all that great anyways. Nothing like being treated like dirt in your home country.

I REALLY hope Im wrong, but Im thinking Mexico 2-1.

[kba4life2]

Wow, Adu is in the starting lineup. Be a hero!

[UnderPressure]

Sick header by the coach's son!

[UnderPressure]

Mother****in Donovan makes it 2 nill

[ASUcruz]

This is an awesome game

[UnderPressure]

Our backs just suck.

[16scores]

**** a duck!

[UnderPressure]

Fire Bob Bradley?

[P. Diddy]

I can't stand this biased univision ****

[ASUcruz]

Simply put Mexico a better team

[ASUcruz]

Fire Bob Bradley?

I think Bradley had a good tournament actually. Bornstein had a shocker of a game but it's not like he had a ton of options. Spector hasn't exactly lit it up for West Ham or the national team, his best performances coming in at center mid for West Ham.

I do think it's time for a change but what options are out there? I don't think the US is a job that most international coaches will desire.

[kba4life2]

Fire Bob Bradley?

He's definitely going to get criticized for lineup decisions as well as subbing in Bornstein for the injured Cherundolo. I think he does a pretty good job given the talent that's in the pool. The US is a pretty good team but their depth is atrocious...that's not the coaches fault. Once Cherundolo went down the only options were to sub in Bornstein or put in Ream and move Boca to left back....either choice is scary.

The one big positive from the gold cup for the US is Freddy Adu. He absolutely has got to get his club situation under control but he was the best player for the US today...even though he was rusty.

[Pagliacci]

Coach Bradley sucks. Once Mexico got their first goal it was over, US needed to keep it 2-0 going into the half to have a legit shot.

[ASUcruz]

He's definitely going to get criticized for lineup decisions as well as subbing in Bornstein for the injured Cherundolo. I think he does a pretty good job given the talent that's in the pool. The US is a pretty good team but their depth is atrocious...that's not the coaches fault.

Agreed my criticism of Bradley are that sometimes he is too rigid (tendency to only play 4-4-2) and he sometimes shows too much loyalty to certain players, but in this tournament he changed formations and had the guts to bench Donovan. Also playing Adu, Lichaj, and Bedoya were moves I didn't expect that worked out. He should get credit for that. Sometimes he picks the wrong starting 11 but more often than not he gets his subs right (Bornstein was a mistake but like KBA and I have pointed out he didn't have many options due to our lack of depth especially at fullback).

Everyone is quick to blame Bradley when things go wrong but as I have said many times the United States job is not really a coveted job. What options are out there? Everyone wants like to bring Klingsmann up? Well is he bringing Low with him? Because he was the mastermind behind 2006. Also find it interesting that Bayern fired him and he hasn't gotten a top job since.


The one big positive from the gold cup for the US is Freddy Adu. He absolutely has got to get his club situation under control but he was the best player for the US today...even though he was rusty.

There's a few positives to take from this tournament.

1. Eric Lichaj

Lichaj had a good tournament and is easily our best option for the left back question that we have never really answered. Lichaj fits that modern fullback's role of making runs forward and providing width. Essential to our team as Dempsey usually occupies the left side of the attacking third but tends to play very narrow. If he continues to develop the US will finally have a first choice LB instead of having to experiment with a variety of options. Between Lichaj and Timothy Chandler (injuried for the Gold Cup) the fullback quandry could be solved.

2. Freddie Adu

Adu's re-emergence into the national team picture is a pleasant surprise, one I thought would never have. He definitely is one of the more skilled players in the pool and has the vision and touch to make a difference in the attacking third. He just needs to get the hell out of Europe. I hope Adu comes back to MLS and plays regularly. MLS is a solid league and is a hell of a lot better than the Turkish second division. Since he has been hyped for so long it's easy to forget he is still only 22.

3. Alejandro Bedoya

Did not have a great game against Mexico but a breakout tournament for Bedoya. The US tends to play very narrow so it's nice to discover a nice wide option in Bedoya. Workrate is good and he definitely has speed. Didn't get to see much of his crossing but an option for the right wing if the US ever decides to play with more width.

[Bowtothecrown]

I was gonna say something mexican fans but ill just shut it ..
Posted via Mobile Device

[ASUcruz]

Along with the positives that came from the Gold Cup a number of questions still surround this team. As we go into the next qualfying cycle it will be interesting to see if these issues are resolved or continue to haunt our national team.

1. Strikers

Many of us were hoping the Altidore-Agudelo partnership would have flourished and become the first choice strike duo for this cycle. Unfortunately Altidore got hurt early in the Jamacia game and Agudelo never got going. He was unlucky not to score against Panama but overall I thought he struggled. His work rate was good but I can't recall him winning many 1 V 1 battles and he never got the opportunity to create space to shoot.

The partnership didn't really work out as the two didn't play well together. I would have liked to have seen how Altidore would have played as the lone striker, he has not looked good in that role before but the guy just needs more games. Let's all hope he finds a club where he can play regularly.

Missing that sittter early on in the tournament doomed Chris Wondolowski but he should get more opportunities. The good news is Charlie Davies is back playing and should get back into the fold. The Altidore-Davies duo was productive and is still probably out best option going forward.

2. Center Midfield

Overall the first choice CMs - Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones had up and down tournaments. Jones was our best player in the crucial Jamacia game but his play is too inconsistent for me. Bradley had an average tournament, he clearly was not sharp after not playing at all for Aston Villa. Both were completely overrun in the final which I think was due to fatigue and rust.

I like what Jones brings to the table as he is definitley our toughest and most combative CM but he is close to the wrong side of 30. He will be a useful player in qualfiying since he will be needed in those tough away games against the likes of Mexico, Costa Rica, etc. but I'm hoping that we give Edu more time in CM. I like the energy he brings and he plays regularly for Rangers. His athleticism and speed could have helped today especially since Bradley struggles when the game gets to be more hectic.

Bradley will continue to be a first choice CM, he just needs to get back to playing regular club football. He is our best passer out of central midfield and probably the best positionally.

At some point the US will need to find a way to accommodate Stuart Holden into the midfield picture. Up until he got injured he was one of Bolton's best players playing centrally in their attacking 4-4-2. Assuming he recovers fully from his knee surgery his speed, workrate, and passing range will be a welcome addition to the team. Bradley has used him on the right side of midfield in the past but it is clear his best position is a center mid. He also strikes the ball well and could bring more goals from CM which the US lacks.

3. Central Defense

The Bocanegra-Goodson partnership was servicable but will clearly struggle against speed. I think Bocanegra has two more good years in him and will be essential for qualifying because of his experience but we need to probably phase him out by the time the World Cup comes around. I think Goodson is a good squad player but probably not a guy I would pencil in as a first choice CB. Tim Ream struggled this tournament but he should continue to get looks as he has the attributes to succeed.

Gooch is still a viable option but he's another guy that just needs to simply play. He clearly was not fit for this tournament. However even if he is fully fit it does not solve the problem the US has with fast/quick fowards. We need to hope we can develop a fast CB for the next cycle as this will continue to be an Achilles heel for the national team.

[Drop The Gloves]

I was gonna say something mexican fans but ill just shut it ..
Posted via Mobile Device

Oh really, like what?

[kba4life2]

There's a few positives to take from this tournament.

1. Eric Lichaj

Lichaj had a good tournament and is easily our best option for the left back question that we have never really answered. Lichaj fits that modern fullback's role of making runs forward and providing width. Essential to our team as Dempsey usually occupies the left side of the attacking third but tends to play very narrow. If he continues to develop the US will finally have a first choice LB instead of having to experiment with a variety of options. Between Lichaj and Timothy Chandler (injuried for the Gold Cup) the fullback quandry could be solved.



Absolutely. The offense looked much better in the tournament after Lichaj took Boca's place at LB. Chandler was a huge loss. The few times I've seen him he's looked dynamic as hell, he definitely could have spelled Cherundolo a bit during the tournament. A bunch of games clustered in a short amount of time after a long european season is a lot to ask of a 32 year old RB.

Losing Holden to injury was a big blow too. He hasn't had a chance to play midfield for the US like he does at Bolton but man, he was playing very well in the EPL the first half of the season. He's got Bradley's motor except he is better in just about every aspect of the game. Going forward, with a full/healthy roster (Chandler, Altidore, Holden) and implementing Adu into the starting lineup (depending on his club situation) this team should be trending upward in terms of their level of play.