OT: [Soccer] US vs. Slovenia
US vs. Slovenia right now (Noon EST) in a World Cup re-match. This will be an interesting game because it's one we really should win. The commentators are talking in the pre-game right now and really pissed that the US hasn't looked any better under Klinnsmann so far.
It's streaming online on ESPN3.com, and on TV, I think, on ESPN2.
I don't have a line-up but I'll post one if I can find it.
November 15th, 2011 at 12:24 PM ^
A couple notes:
- US in red jerseys
- Crap weather: very cold and foggy.
- US in a 4-4-2.
- US Starters: Howard, Cherundolo, Goodson, Bocanegra, Chandler, Beckerman, Bradley, Johnson, Dempsey, Buddle, Altidore.
November 15th, 2011 at 12:22 PM ^
wearing their "Charlie Brown" kit.
November 15th, 2011 at 12:29 PM ^
Edson Buddle with a wonderful strike after a Slovenian mistake. 4-4-2 looks good. U.S. with a lot of chances early.
November 15th, 2011 at 12:29 PM ^
GOOOAAAALLLLL
Buddle puts US up 1-Nil
8:40 into 1st.
November 15th, 2011 at 12:32 PM ^
was sick
November 15th, 2011 at 12:53 PM ^
This broadcast is not exactly doing wonders for the slovenian tourist industry.
Slovenia. Come for the fog, stay for the drizzle.
November 15th, 2011 at 1:01 PM ^
Dempsey at 40:29 with a header off a corner kick.
US 2
Slovenia 1
November 15th, 2011 at 1:02 PM ^
And now a penalty.
Altidore makes it 3!
November 15th, 2011 at 1:02 PM ^
Altidore on a pentalty kick at 42:27
US 3
Slovenia 1
November 15th, 2011 at 1:08 PM ^
Surprised they had Altidore take the PK instead of Dempsey, but it worked. Altidore has a rep as a poor finisher but I suppose he could be better from set pieces.
November 15th, 2011 at 1:43 PM ^
His has been finishing better for his club this year. Hopefully that translates to international play.
November 15th, 2011 at 1:22 PM ^
Any soccer tacticians out there? Is the 4-4-2 a major change for Klinsmann? From my laymen prospective, we seem to be opening up the backline a bit in exchange for more push on offense.
Any analysis of Chandler/Goodson's play? Another chance for Slovenia there...
November 15th, 2011 at 1:39 PM ^
He played a lot of 4-4-2 when he coached Germany. Teams have moved away from it because with most teams now playing 4-5-1 / 4-2-3-1, it's easy to get overrun in midfield. But Altidore plays much better with someone else up high, so it seems to be worth it for a US team that's struggled to create offense.
Not really sure what's going on with the US defense right now. They're just not winning any balls.
November 15th, 2011 at 1:46 PM ^
I think the 4-4-2 is our best formation. Sometimes it takes more of a 4-2-2-2 shape when both Donovan and Dempsey are on the pitch. This is the most effective especially when our fullback are getting good width down the flanks when Donovan and Dempsey cut in.
November 15th, 2011 at 1:37 PM ^
Slovenia goal after hitting the crossbar and post just beforehand. 3-2 USA.
November 15th, 2011 at 1:42 PM ^
I honestly was a bit surprised with Buddle's finish. I'm not going to lie, I haven't been able to watch much second division German soccer this season, but he seems to be in a bit of better form than the last time we saw him in an American jersey.
November 15th, 2011 at 1:47 PM ^
Is it just me, or is it funny how Americans automatically adopt British-speak when talking about soccer i.e. "better form." You'd never hear anyone say "Martavious Odoms looks to be in much better form than earlier in the season." You'd just say he's playing better.
Anyways, I'll let you guys put your EPL scarves back on and watch the footie match.
November 15th, 2011 at 1:52 PM ^
i'll admit, I sometimes adopt a british accent when playing soccer
November 15th, 2011 at 2:55 PM ^
You definitely are correct, I know I adopt a more British way of saying things when discussing soccer. I also use "side" rather than "team" when discussing the, well, side. Pitch instead of field, match instead of games. I'm fairly certain it's because I watch more EPL than anything else.
November 15th, 2011 at 1:48 PM ^
For some reason he has a knack for finding the back of the net. He isn't the most athletic or skilled, but he just seems to get the job done. I wish the LA Galaxy still had him, but since we got Keane I can't really complain.
November 15th, 2011 at 4:25 PM ^
While as a Tottenham Hotspur fan I am heartbroken that he lost form so completely, I am really glad Keano is doing well in MLS. That guy is amazing, if you haven;t seen his goal against Blackburn(and American keep Brad Friedel) in the 2005/2006 season you need to do so. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uv27IhvOqm8 Go to 4:45 in the video and enjoy.
November 15th, 2011 at 4:50 PM ^
I'm really glad that he came to the MLS. I was under the impression that he was really old, but he is still only 31. I think this helps get rid of the notion that the MLS is a retirement league. I know that the in the MLS is not up to par with the Euro leagues, but I still love watching the MLS.
Also Keane has one of the best celebrations. I love the finger guns.
November 15th, 2011 at 1:47 PM ^
Is Dempsey the best offensive player in US national team history? Definitely the most creative.
November 15th, 2011 at 1:53 PM ^
Brian McBride.
He was the leading goal scorer for the US until Landon Donovan passed him up (while playing in more games, I might add). Brian was a pure scorer, great in the air, and tough through pain.
I'm also biased because he's from my hometown and was my assistant coach while he was recovering from a blood clot he had in his leg. But seriously, he was a monster and played on worse teams than Landon did. In WC'98, the US only scored one goal. Guess who scored it?
November 15th, 2011 at 1:56 PM ^
Good choice. He's definitely the best pure finisher the US has ever had. The case for Dempsey is that he does a lot more away from goal and is more versitile, able to play midfield, in the hole, or up top.
November 15th, 2011 at 1:58 PM ^
He was also very popular while he played at Fulham. The club re-named their bar in the stadium to McBride's to honor him after leaving the club.
November 15th, 2011 at 1:53 PM ^
Edu for Buddle....getting nervous?
November 15th, 2011 at 2:01 PM ^
I don't know is nervous is the correct word, but it seem slike JK wants to control play in the midfield for the last 10 min.
November 15th, 2011 at 2:00 PM ^
What the hell's Edu doing? Get your hand down.
November 15th, 2011 at 2:00 PM ^
November 15th, 2011 at 2:12 PM ^
Winning definitely beats losing.
November 15th, 2011 at 2:19 PM ^
im shocked we haven't seen Bradley until now...
November 15th, 2011 at 2:24 PM ^
Whether it was simply the fact he was the old coach's son and perhaps Jurgen thought some time away to transition was appropriate, Bradley is definitely our best box-to-box type guy.
He wins balls on defense and pushes the attack going forward. I liked the diamond set-up in the midfield and wonder if this is what we see in big matches...
---------------Altidore---------------Donovan-----------------
-------------------------Dempsey--------------------------------
Shea----------------------------------------------------Johnson
-------------------------Bradley------------------------------------
Chandler------Bocanegra------Goodson----Cherundolo
We desperately need some younger guys on the back line because it's no guarantee Cherundolo and Bocanegra will be good in 2014 and I'd like to see us work Stuie Holden in somewhere as well.
November 15th, 2011 at 2:49 PM ^
with Donovan and Dempsey playing behind Altidore with freedom to run and switch, should terrorize opposing backlines.
November 15th, 2011 at 2:52 PM ^
Any thoughts on calling up Omar Gonzalez?
November 15th, 2011 at 3:31 PM ^
I think he will get his shot. He was just named the MLS defender of the year and named to the MLS best-11 in both 2010 and 2011.
He has a big game this Sunday for the MLS Cup Championship. One of the reasons why Donovan asked to be left off the roster for the European friendlies.
November 15th, 2011 at 4:27 PM ^
Unfortunately the big ugly Center back role is nailed down by Gooch(on a nice run in Portugal) and backed by Goodson. It's going to take Gonzalez a while to get his shot behind those two.
November 15th, 2011 at 2:57 PM ^
I'm sincerely hoping that Tim Ream can make the strides necessary between now and 2014 World Cup to become a starting center back. He's young and makes quick, smart passes, and I believe and hope he will be a better option than Goodson or Boca.
November 15th, 2011 at 3:21 PM ^
There is still lots of time and he is going to be on trial (training) with West Brom this offseason.
I'm not sure is Bocanegra is going to be part of the national team equation once 2014 rolls around. By the 2014 WC he is going to be around 35 years old.
November 15th, 2011 at 3:17 PM ^
I'm not shocked at all. Jurgen has basically said that players need to be getting regular playing time to be called up. During the first round of international friendlies he was still looking for a club. Now he is getting regualr playing time with Verona, hence his inclusion into the lineup.
November 15th, 2011 at 2:36 PM ^
we're not talking Brazil or Germany here. Hell, I couldn't think who "SVN" could be on the score board....
November 15th, 2011 at 4:29 PM ^
Beating a European team in Europe is progress and a good sign. Excitement is appropriate.
November 18th, 2011 at 11:34 PM ^
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