If Guzan can't go, and we agree that none of the U-23 goalkeepers are what we need, why not pick another overage goalkeeper? Tim Howard is out, and Kasey Keller is supposedly looking for a new team, so how about Matt Reis?

El Guzano needs to be in the pipes - unless he's really out to start in his first year at Villa.

Goff, you keep feeding my addiction. Keep up the great work.

Nowak will not take two overage players from the same team (Parkhurst, Reis). Too much burden on the club for a long period of time.

what about Bush as a keeper? He's very talented, and in his current form he can't be thinking of barret

If Bocanegra is a possibility, why on earth wouldn't he be chosen over Parkhurst in the first place?

They don't want to have to take Bocanegra because of the qualifier, but if Guzan can't go, perhaps they feel they need defensive reinforcement in front of Seitz

Bocanegra is also transitioning to a new club, so it seems unlikely that he'll go.

If Messi, Ronaldinho, Eto'o and the other soccer gods are convening at the Olympics, then why not Donovan? I know we have a qualifier, but I'd love to see him go.

Argentina brings Riquelme, Mascherano, and Burdisso.

Brazil brings Ronaldinho and Robinho.

USA brings Parkhurst, Guzan, and McBride. Doesn't that just feel depressing.

And while mentioning McBride, I wonder how he'll affect the Adu/Altidore combo we saw play so well at the U-20's.

McBride is crucially needed with the dearth of scoring by the U23s.

Seitz is steady enough in the back - as demonstrated in the U20. The problem is that if Seitz is hurt, GK backup is very weak (Cervi, QWest). If Guzan is available from AV, he should be selected.

Central Defense, Boca, Parkhurst, Gooch, Heydude (hopefully not), is needed to replace Spector. I'm still worried about wide defense, too.

Also remember while the Olympics are going on, we still have to qualify for the World Cup. That will rule out Boca, imo.

Guzan looked to be the sure keeper, but now that he will be transitioning to Villa and possibly starting, that could have some issues as well.

Parkhurst seems like a good candidate for a defender. Don't forget about Conrad either. As for the goalie, there's always Keller.

Parky and McHead are great selections. Would like to have seen LD make the list as well.

If they take a second CB, I would nominate Eddie Robinson.

yeah i got some thoughts. that sucks! i know the world cup is more important than the olympics but you're telling me that no one on the senior roster can afford to miss one qualifer against guatemala for the olympics? tim howard? onyewu? donovan? bocanegra?

there was an interview with Donovan where he came out and said he really wanted to go to the olympics. Do you know if LA didn't him gone that long, or if Bradley didn't want to lose him for the qualifier?

If we can't beat Guatemala without Donovan then we've got bigger problems. But, it's really stupid of FIFA (or CONCACAF?) to schedule qualifiers during the Olympics.

Chicago is going to be tough to beat with Blanco serving to McBride.

Goff, now that you are back have you heard anything about Boca coming to train in the Washington area? I hear that is still going to happen.

Is that true? And if so do you know where they might train?

Those make sense as they avoid the WCQ conflict. But Guzan isn't going to go. He's got a shot to start at Villa and he should already be in England now.

As for the deal being reached on McBride. I assume that is a deal between McBride and the Fire/MLS not the Fire and Toronto?

so if Guzan doesn't turn 24 until september, why is he an overage player?

Seitz is a good keeper. Why does the coach want Guzan. Save the oeverage player for a field player. He needs to pick LD.

As a REVs fan this is horrible news. Missing a player like parkhurst will seriousy hurt us

WCQ #1 Priority
Oly #2 Priority (for U23)
Making starting lineups #3 Priority (for >U23)
Oly #4 Priority (for >U23)

Whining about losing players #1 priority for club fans.

Seitz wasn't that good at the U-20 WC. He kept spilling the ball and it resulted in several goals, including one that knocked the U.S. out of the tournament. I fear he's not nearly experieced enough to start at the Olympics. Why's nobody mentioning Hahnemann? He nearly kept Reading in the EPL single-handedly last season.

Completely off-topic.
Goff, can you ask Soehn what he sees in Dyachenko? I was all for him coming back from TFC, not so much anymore..

If Seitz isn't up to starting in the Olympics, it shouldn't just be Guzan or nobody. Hahnemann, Friedel, and Keller should all be options of past MNT keepers. Or how about another MLS keeper like Reis or Hartman? Troy Perkins? Nick Rimando? Any one of them would start ahead of Seitz at the club level.

I read that Boca is in town (Boca Jr official website) unfortunately not much info is there..Does anyone knows something? training session? someone told me they are using Maryland Soccerplex facilities, any game scheduled with DC United?
Thanks!!

Pat, the last time we beat Guatemala *in Guatemala* was sometime in the '80's. So I would strongly disagree with you that we have problems if we can't beat them without Donovan. I'd say we should be doing cartwheels if we *do* beat them, regardless of who is on the roster.

so if Guzan doesn't turn 24 until september, why is he an overage player?

Posted by: | July 14, 2008 3:41 PM
=========================================

Under 23 means just that. If you're 23 years old, you might as well be 37 years old for the purpose of the Olympics.

I think Perkins would be a superb pick for the Olimpics.

Nowak should take a look at Zach Wells for the Olympics...

Weren't we talking about Bocanegra, not Boca Jrs?

He should take Bobby Convey as an overage player...

Yes, Perkins would be a superb pick..

Perkins, Convey, Mcbride....I'd go for those 3...

Take Beasley! Oh wait, he's hurt again...

How about Adin Brown for GK?

DoB Jan. 1, 1985 was the cutoff date. All 1984's are overage for U23/Olympic purposes.

Adin Brown can score them too....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOMbDwSwWmA

I wish Neven Subotic would make up his mind and decide to play for the US. We could use him for sure (but not if he is not going to be committed to us). I'd rather Parkhurst's spot go to either Convey or Beasley.

I believe the cutoff date for age eligibility is January 1, 1985. Anyone born before that has to use one of the 3 over-age slots.

Goff, last night in Chivas USA - Pachuca SuperLiga game sideline announcer Fernando Scwhartz said Pachuca midfielder Francisco Torres (from Longview, Texas) had decided he wouldn't represent the United States. He was reported to be under consideration for the US Olympic team.

Schwartz didn't go into detail but that's the first time I'd heard anyone in the media say that Torres had decided whether or not he'd play for USA.

Maybe he meant with regards to the Olympics, and not permanently?

garbaggio,
Sideline Views has an interview with him from last night after the game where he said he hasn't decided and it sounds like he would welcome the opportunity if it came.

Scott Sealy to San Jose:

http://www.centerlinesoccer.com/

I'm very disappointed. We need Donovan and Bocanegra at the Olympics.

Nowak could chose an MLS goalie: Hartman or Reis or Jon Bush.

garbaggio,
Sideline Views has an interview with him from last night after the game where he said he hasn't decided and it sounds like he would welcome the opportunity if it came.

Posted by: CACuzcatlan | July 14, 2008 4:47 PM

**************************

Thanks.

Apparently (as RK suggested) Torres turned down (or maybe he let Nowak know in advance) a callup to the US Olympic team for this summer Olympics. But he hasn't ruled out playing for either country in the future.

Sideline Views is LA writer (can't remember which paper) Luis Bueno's blog.

Nowak can only take 15 of the 20 players who were responsible for getting the USA through qualifying (19 if you count alternates). Considering someone outside that group, such as Torres, at this late date might remind some people of l'affaire David Regis.

Isn't Bobby Convey out with his knee?

>Isn't Bobby Convey out with his knee?

I'm assuming that he's bringing it with him.

He played this weekend in a friendly in some UVA-tastic unis.

Isn't Bobby Convey out with his knee?
-----------------------------------------
That kind of knee love shouldn't be discussed in public...

Is Beasley hurt again?

Im glad torres is not on the team, I really can't stand players on our team that question the country they should pay for. Its bad enough to have orozco. IF someone questions what national team they should play for they really should think long and hard whether or not representing the country that they have doubts about is the right thing to do. I was born in south america and I know what country I would choose no matter how much money or fame is through at me

US

Mr Goff,

Have you heard the rumor or maybe have some in on a possible friendly at RFK between El Salvador & Trinidad & Tobago for August 13th??

It's pretty obvious that the Euro clubs don't want to release their players to a kids tournament and may hold it against the players if forced by FIFA to release them. So it's MLS to the rescue. Remember in MLS they don't play important games until October so anybody and everybody is available.

Someone please tell me why they picked an aging, slow as molasses, about to retire striker?

are we that thin on that position? what happened to Donovan? i think CONCACAF can do without Donovan for a month.

Heck, if we can't win a couple of Concacaf games without Donovan then we don't deserve to go to World Cup.

http://www.elcomercio.com.pe/ediciononline/HTML/2008-07-14/nolberto-Solano-haria-dupla-David-Beckham-angeles-Galaxy.html

Nolberto Solano to Galaxy???

Take Conrad.

Im glad torres is not on the team, I really can't stand players on our team that question the country they should pay for. Its bad enough to have orozco. IF someone questions what national team they should play for they really should think long and hard whether or not representing the country that they have doubts about is the right thing to do. I was born in south america and I know what country I would choose no matter how much money or fame is through at me

US

Posted by: dc fan | July 14, 2008 6:28 PM

*****************************************

Suit yourself, dc fan.

Torres didn't say anything about choosing Mexico over the US it was more about choosing club over (maybe) an invite to the US Oly team.

I think whoever compared his situation to David Regis stretched it a bit in so far as Torres was raised in the US and started a pro career, as an adult, in another country (where he may also be able to claim citizenship).

Regis got US citizenship (if I remember correctly) through his wife and it seemed to be expedited to make him available for the US Nat team.

Other players like Adu, Altidore, maybe even Donovan, Dempsey or Onyewu and others are likely to see conflicts of deciding whether to keep their club teams happy or compete in Beijing.

Seitz wasn't that good at the U-20 WC. He kept spilling the ball and it resulted in several goals, including one that knocked the U.S. out of the tournament. I fear he's not nearly experieced enough to start at the Olympics. Why's nobody mentioning Hahnemann? He nearly kept Reading in the EPL single-handedly last season.

Posted by: slugger | July 14, 2008 3:56 PM
===========================================
I disagree with your assessment on Seitz. As someone who was at every USA game amongst many other U20 games in Canada. Seitz was one of the best 3 goalies in the tournament (Toscelli and Seitz - Honorable mention) with Blanco (Alphonso, that is, from Mexico) taking top honors.

Without Seitz, USA doesn't get out of the group. His play against South Korea was critical. Even while injured, he was a wall against Brazil. Against Austria, without Seitz (even an injured and decidedly less mobile), the USA would not have taken the game into extra time. He stopped 2 point blank shots with his face.

Hahnemann is an over-age player. Reading would have to agree to let him go. Do you think that they'd want to let there 1st string GK and the only thing that kept Reading with a possibility of staying in the EPL in 2007 to miss the first part of the season while they try the difficult task of regaining a slot in the EPL? I don't think it's realistic.

If Hahnemann were available, I'd welcome him on the Olympic team.

USA is three-and-out in this Olympics.

I think whoever compared his situation to David Regis stretched it a bit in so far as Torres was raised in the US and started a pro career, as an adult, in another country (where he may also be able to claim citizenship).
=========================================

I'm the one who mentioned Regis. I'm afraid you're missing my point entirely. I couldn't care less where Torres (or Regis) was born and raised. My point is simply that Nowak is already faced with the difficult task of declining the services of at least five of the players whose play resulted in the invite to China; considering Torres would make it six. Similarly, Regis did not contribute to the effort to qualify for France in '98, and he displaced someone who did. At least Regis had the excuse that he wasn't yet eligible, so he couldn't have helped at the CONCACAF stage even if he wanted to. For whatever reason, Torres didn't get involved with the U23 squad at an earlier stage, so it is best to keep his name out of the discussion at this point.

I read that Boca is in town (Boca Jr official website) unfortunately not much info is there..Does anyone knows something? training session? someone told me they are using Maryland Soccerplex facilities, any game scheduled with DC United?
Thanks!!

Posted by: DG | July 14, 2008 4:17 PM
____________________________________________

Really?? Any confirmation on that? How long have they been here?

I am totally down to go watch and see if i can meet any players! How long are they around here?

____________________________________________

Mr Goff,

Have you heard the rumor or maybe have some in on a possible friendly at RFK between El Salvador & Trinidad & Tobago for August 13th??

Posted by: Ben Canada | July 14, 2008 6:45 PM

____________________________________________

Goff, i heard bolivia vs. El Salvador is in August also. They are reporting that Bolivia is playing Costa Rica in a friendly too. Is this going to happen at RFK too?

I know is off-topic but is a must no? Bolivian DC Fan.. yes Boca is here..from the official web site:
http://www.bocajuniors.com.ar/english/2008/07/07/1748.php
"...During the pre-season Boca's president Pedro Pompilio, the club's team and its technical staff will travel to Washington DC (U.S.A), where they will stay from July 11 to 23. .." and I am totally going there - wherever it is -

Dude do you know when?

I will sooo go down there just to watch them train, they are right there in my heart with DCU and Bolivar!!

Really?? Any confirmation on that? How long have they been here?

I am totally down to go watch and see if i can meet any players! How long are they around here?
-----------------
Boca Jrs are training at Maryland Soccerplex in the mornings and evenings save (I think) Wednesday when they have something planned. No match with DC United, which is a real shame.

vasoccer,

More meaningless games to United's schedule? You must be new.

Defense wins championships.

I think Nowak should take Conrad, Parky and Bocanegra. Or maybe two defenders and Perkins.

Boca Jrs are training at Maryland Soccerplex in the mornings and evenings save (I think) Wednesday when they have something planned. No match with DC United, which is a real shame.

Posted by: vasoccer | July 14, 2008 11:04 PM
____________________________________________

YEa its a shame, one of the greatest teams in SA' would probably bring out their first team too to start.

Do oyu have an exact time or say a guess? How early?

I probably can make it out there friday, beyond that i have class though....grrrr

For me Hejduk has to be the defender. The Olympics is a tournament that is all about athletes giving it their heart, and thats exactly what Frankie would do. He always plays the hardest and this is probably his last chance to do anything significant for the US

Does anybody know, and why nobody has any answers as to: "Why does Soehn keep using Dyachenko???? " It was a mistake to give up a 1st round pick for this player. Why do they keep using him? Do they think he will automatically learn to control the ball and pass to the correct teamplayer by having him play as many games as possible?
Who was the 'olt that gave up a 1st round pick for Dyachenko---Soehn, Kasper, who??
Please loan him to any USL team!!

For all you guys that think Guzan doesn't have a chance with his transfer to Villa to play at the olympics. Of course this is all rumor on the english sites, but Villa are also looking into getting Brad Friedel possibily to help mentor him. Now if I were Villa with those two keepers I would undoubtedly have Friedel starting and that would leave Guzan able presumably for a couple weeks at the start of the season if they let him go

The United play on telefutura tonight, is that available on Cox Cable. Thanks.

For me Hejduk has to be the defender. The Olympics is a tournament that is all about athletes giving it their heart, and thats exactly what Frankie would do. He always plays the hardest and this is probably his last chance to do anything significant for the US

Posted by: Connor B | July 15, 2008 12:40 AM
_______________________________________

I'd say Frankie has a shot at the 2010 WC side. And, in terms of significance, US WC qualifying is pretty big. Mostly, as unfair as this may be to Frankie, assuming he's interested in playing in the Olympics, the Crew would probably be out three starters if Frankie's chosen (Rogers and Ekpo). Gaven has also been mentioned, but he's been out with an ankle injury recently.

I think I'm playing for a norweigian club side whose season goes all summer long..hhhmm..

Stephen, Ives is now reporting that a deal between the Fire and Toronto is dead and that Mcbride won't be coming to the Fire. Is that true and if so what went wrong?

I don't understand the Parkhurst selection. He's not that great. The overage selections should be solid nat team contributors who will make a significant impact on games at the youth level. I'm sure Parkhurst will be solid at the youth level, but he's not going to be a rock. If we don't have a defender of that caliber to choose from I would rather see 2 middies in the selection.

BTW, those bashing on McBride didn't see his solid performance in the EPL late last season, after returning from injury no less. ANYBODY who can start in the EPL is light years away from being too old or slow to play in either MLS or the olympics.

Dominic Cervi is a talented keeper. With Chris Seitz the USA's netminding is in capable hands. Increasing our scoring punch would seem more in order than worrying about bringing in overage keepers

I'm a bit surprised that no one has commented on the heading, "Parkhurst to China?" My first reaction was that it meant that he was being pursued by a Chinese pro club.

I'm another voice for Perkins.

Also, I hear Villa was only talking about taking Friedel *if* they couldn't get Guzan. That will be moot if his work permit is approved.

Stephen, Ives is now reporting that a deal between the Fire and Toronto is dead and that Mcbride won't be coming to the Fire. Is that true and if so what went wrong?

Posted by: Victor | July 15, 2008 12:10 PM
==========================================

I wonder how much the parties involved have felt any real sense of urgency, given that McBride won't be available until after the Olympics. Even under a best-case scenario, he would have been able to get in only a couple of games with his new club (presumably Chicago) before leaving to join his fellow Olympians later this month.

U.S. should take Donovan, Bocanegra and may be Mcbride. I know there is the Qualifier but if the U.S. can not beat Guatemala without Donovan, well they do not deserve to even advance, when you enter a tournament you try to win it with your best available players. Not just to participate. In that case stay home.

...when you enter a tournament you try to win it with your best available players.
=========================================

Are you referring to the Olympics or the WC qualifiers? This statement would seem to apply equally to both.

referring to Olympic tournament

referring to Olympic tournament
=========================================

So the Olympics are more important than the World Cup? (One should never take WC qualification for granted.)