Archive: United States
Overnight Group E Prediction Thread
Ok, who do you like and by what score Thursday? I have been saying the U.S.-Italy parlay has a 60-40 chance of coming in. Winners in each game will score twice. U.S. 2, Ghana 1 Italy 2, Czechs 0...
By Jon DeNunzio | June 21, 2006; 08:41 PM ET | Comments (14) | TrackBack (0)
U.S. Offensive Woes
I just worked on some data that will probably run in tomorrow's Post as part of the U.S.-Ghana preview. Now, I realize stats are not as illuminating in soccer as in, say, baseball, but these are striking (no pun intended). The U.S. attack has been BAD. The worst four teams so far in four key offensive categories: GOALS PER GAME (not including own goals) T-29: Croatia: 0 T-29: Serbia-Mont.: 0 T-29: United States: 0 T-29: Trinidad and Tob.: 0 SHOTS ON GOAL PER GAME T-28: Tunisia, 2.5 T-28: Saudia Arabia, 2.5 T-28: Serbia-Mont., 2.5 31: Trinidad and Tob., 2.3 32: United States, 0.5 SHOTS PER GAME T-29: Poland, 7.3 T-29: Trinidad and Tob., 7.3 31: United States, 7.0 32: Tunisia, 5.0 CORNER KICKS PER GAME T-29: South Korea, 2.5 T-29: United States, 2.5 31: Tunisia, 2.0 32: Trinidad and Tob., 1.7...
By Jon DeNunzio | June 21, 2006; 01:40 PM ET | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
USA lineup vs. Italy
Here it is: Keller Cherundolo, Pope, Onyewu, Bocanegra Dempsey, Mastroeni, Reyna, Convey Donovan, McBride...
By Steve Goff | June 17, 2006; 02:18 PM ET | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
Bruce Arena Speaks
Steve Goff has filed an early piece on the U.S. Tuesday news conference. Bruce Arena had plenty to say ... On the overall play: "I don't think it was as bad as the scoring line tells you. We weren't good on the attacking end, we weren't dangerous enough. Our set pieces were poorly executed. Technically, probably it's the worst I've seen our team play in a long time. We didn't pass well, we weren't good in serving crosses, hitting set pieces. On whether midfielder DaMarcus Beasley should acknowledge that he didn't play well: "If he's any kind of a player or man, he understands it. If he doesn't, he's not going to be able to help us in Games 2 or 3 either." Asked if he feels the need to talk to Beasley individually after Beasley's sharp comments after the match, Arena said, "There may be."...
By Jon DeNunzio | June 13, 2006; 09:38 AM ET | Comments (47) | TrackBack (0)
Enjoy Being an Underdog
Another great link sent to me by loyal reader RMT from Richmond ... the Guardian's Steven Wells predicts that the United States will not be an underdog in men's soccer for long. And, he says, many Americans soccer fans will miss the current climate when "overdog" status arrives. And when that happens this intensely patriotic country will - for the first time ever - have a men's sports team that can consistently kick international ass (the US women's soccer team has been doing it for years). And that's not going to be pretty. There'll be nothing 'plucky' about it. Just the brutal application of raw demographic power. I'm with him -- because when the U.S. turns into an "overdog," it will bring a whole new set of fans. For me, part of the appeal of following soccer in this country has been its underground status -- like a good college...
By Jon DeNunzio | June 6, 2006; 02:00 PM ET | Comments (42) | TrackBack (0)
The Unknown Goal-Scorer
U.S. 1, Angola 0: Not a whole lot of detail available to any member of the MSM (mainstream soccer media). The AP account has this gem: Even Angola coach Luis Oliviera Goncalves wasn't sure who scored. "They didn't wear numbers, and the United States didn't want to give names of players," Goncalves said. Yet, the reporter felt secure reporting: United States captain Claudio Reyna was the best player for the Americans, who also tested backup goalkeeper Tim Howard later in the match. I guess Arena likes it this way, but the degree of secrecy seems a little silly to me. UPDATE: The Associated Press has sent a new story out -- a "write-thru," in newspaper talk. It starts with this note to editors: Eds: UPDATES with McBride scoring goal, other details. Also includes this: Angola team spokesman Arlindo Macedo said U.S. captain Claudio Reyna was impressive for the Americans, though...
By Jon DeNunzio | June 5, 2006; 03:40 PM ET | Comments (35) | TrackBack (0)
Morning Kick-About
There are four days till the first game, and it's time to kick it into a higher gear ... we'll start the day with the kick-about: - Friendlies that made news: Brazil 4, New Zealand 0: Saw some highlights on Sky (thanks to Fox Soccer Channel); Adriano's goal was quite nice. Kaka scored late on a long run that made you wonder how hard New Zealand was trying at that point. Australia 1, Netherlands 1: Again, saw some highlights. Good for Australia: GK Mark Schwarzer made some gigantic saves, and hey, it's a very respectable result. Bad for Holland: three Dutch players were hurt in the game; MF Wesley Sneijder seems to be worst off. "It's like an episode of M.A.S.H.," said Holland Coach Marco van Basten said. "It was some sight in the dressing room. But I don't regret the match because it is good to play physical football."...
By Jon DeNunzio | June 5, 2006; 08:00 AM ET | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
On the Cover of the ... Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated's cover story this week is on the U.S. World Cup team. They have four American players on the cover ... anyone want to guess who they are? Speaking of SI, Grant Wahl's insider column is worth a read. He speculates (as many of us have) that the midfield formation vs. Latvia on Sunday was a preview of sorts, and Bruce Arena could be preparing to use DaMarcus Beasley on the right side. Moving Beasley to the right might allow Arena to start, say, the in-form Bobby Convey on the left while making use of Beasley's excellent two-way play to help defend Czech midfielder Pavel Nedved. But it would also mean that most of the crosses on the right would come from Cherundolo moving up on the wing. Ok, if you're impatient, the SI cover is available for viewing here....
By Jon DeNunzio | June 1, 2006; 12:40 PM ET | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0)
Team USA: Where The Yanks Stand
If nothing else, the Americans' two weekend friendlies had to make U.S. fans feel better after the Morocco game. If you missed them, here are Steve Goff's stories on the games: - Friday: U.S. 2, Venezuela 0 - Saturday: U.S. 1, Latvia 0 From my seat ... The Good - John O'Brien looks sharp. - Goalkeeping is not an issue. Tim Howard made a great save Friday; you have to feel pretty good with him as a backup. (I do not agree with the TV guys' assertion that Keller is the top keepers or one of the top two keepers in the world, however. He's great, but come on ... ) - Bobby Convey. After the Venezuela game, many wondered if he should replace DaMarcus Beasley. Sunday, Arena found a way to get both on the field at the same time. Maybe we'll see more of that in Germany? -...
By Jon DeNunzio | May 30, 2006; 01:20 PM ET | Comments (40) | TrackBack (0)
The Stretch Run
Ok, after a nice holiday weekend off, it's time to get geared up for the Cup. If you're curious what's going on inside The Post's Soccer Central (aka "at my desk"), today most of the stories for the World Cup preview section are due. I'll be editing those over the next couple days, as well as planning some other stories you'll see in the paper over the next 10 days. Steve Goff leaves for Germany on Thursday, and Camille Powell and Jason LaCanfora leave Sunday. It's really hitting all of us that the big event is upon us ... Enough about us. Here are a couple newsy items I've spotted recently: - Injuries: Spain's Xabi Alonso, Italy's Gianluca Zambrotta, England's Michael Owen (!!), Holland's Rafael Van der Vaart, - Good news on the injury front for the Czechs (bad for the U.S., I suppose). Also good news for Tunisia's Hamed...
By Jon DeNunzio | May 30, 2006; 12:55 PM ET | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)
Morocco 1, USA 0
For a few reasons (ask me if you really care), I did not get to watch much of the game. I have the second half on TiVo and hope to get to it later. So, my analysis will wait. But a few big-picture thoughts: - It's easy to get fixated on results. There are more important things at this stage. - Maybe Morocco isn't so bad? - Hmmm, Reyna hurt already. I was watching a bit when he went off. Did not seem too serious, right? Some game accounts: - Steve Goff from TWP. "It just really tightened up on me and I just kind of stretched out for a ball and just precautionary came out," said Reyna, who was sidelined for long stretches this past season in England with ankle and shoulder injuries. "It's close to the [World Cup] game so obviously it's not the best timing, but I'm...
By Jon DeNunzio | May 24, 2006; 09:15 AM ET | Comments (45) | TrackBack (0)
U.S. vs. Morocco
Ok, it starts to get serious tonight, with the friendly in Nashville vs. Morocco (on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET). I am planning to watch, but have TiVo set up as well, just in case I get held up here at work. After some consultation with Steve Goff (who's in Nashville to cover the match), here are a few things we think are worth watching: 1. Who starts? There are a few obvious candidates: Keller, Cherundolo, Onyewu, Reyna, Donovan, Beasley, McBride ... but there are a lot of questions at other spots. I am espeically interested in the central defender Bruce Arena pairs with Onyewu. 2. John O'Brien. Is he ready to play? How much and how well? 3. The attack. Who starts alongside McBride? What formation does Bruce use? Will Donovan play as a midfielder or a forward? Goff wonders whether a big-man pairing of McBride and Ching is...
By Jon DeNunzio | May 23, 2006; 02:35 PM ET | Comments (39) | TrackBack (0)
I'm Still Here
Sorry about the lack of posts today ... my "other" job is killing me! So, to make up for it, three links and discussion questions: 1. How much can Bobby Convey contribute to the U.S. team? What's his role this summer? 2. What was your favorite World Cup goal celebration? 3. Togo's ready for the tournament. Are you?...
By Jon DeNunzio | May 16, 2006; 05:26 PM ET | Comments (13) | TrackBack (0)
Who Do You Like in Group E?
Today's the big prediction day -- the Americans' group. Although I'm sure most of you don't need a primer, here are the basics: - Steve Goff's group analysis (written the day of the draw) - The Post's team profiles (also written in December). BBC.com on - The Czechs - Ghana - Italy - The U.S. Ok, so what happens here? What I want to see happen is Italy and the U.S. finish 1-2, accomplished by: - The U.S. surprising the Czechs with a tie, while Italy crusies past Ghana. - The U.S. keeps it close with Italy but loses; Czechs beat Ghana. - The U.S. blows out already-eliminated Ghana and Italy beats the Czechs ... allowing the U.S. to get through on goal differential. That would be sweet. I'm not saying it's likely, but a guy can dream, right? More probable: Italy and the Czechs tie at 7 points, the...
By Jon DeNunzio | May 12, 2006; 11:15 AM ET | Comments (79) | TrackBack (0)
Bonus Bruce
Sports Illustrated had a nice profile of U.S. Coach Bruce Arena a week or two ago (here's the link, but you need to be an SI subscriber to view the whole thing). And the SI website also has "outtakes" from Grant Wahl's reporting here. Really good stuff -- and lots of it. For instance: Arena has regrets and satisfactions from 2002. "I regret not playing David Regis in Game 3 against Poland," Arena says. "I wanted to sit Frankie Hejduk because I didn't think Frankie would have the discipline not to get a yellow card, and naturally he didn't and sat out against Mexico. I also regret not playing Kasey Keller in a game. It's completely against the norm, which says you only play one goalkeeper. But I know Kasey, and he could easily have played in any of those games, and we would have been equally successful." As a...
By Jon DeNunzio | May 6, 2006; 05:00 PM ET | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
Guarding Team U.S.A.
The bus the U.S. team will use in Germany does not have an American flag painted on the side or back. All the other 31 team buses will bear the country's colors. It's a security measure: At the 2002 World Cup, the United States was among the most heavily guarded teams. When the Americans arrived at Incheon International Airport, about 500 police formed a corridor the players walked through as they came out of customs, with SWAT team commandos mixed in. That's not so fun. On the lighter side, check this out....
By Jon DeNunzio | May 4, 2006; 03:59 PM ET | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0)
Hejduk Out, Albright In ...
It turns out Frankie Hejduk tore his ACL on Saturday, so he's out of the World Cup. No matter what you think of Frankie's ability, this is a heart-breaker ......
By Jon DeNunzio | May 3, 2006; 07:21 PM ET | Comments (23) | TrackBack (0)
Bruce's Boys
Ok, good to see that live announcement on ESPN (did anyone catch Fred Hickman screwing up Eric Wynalda's last name (Wynlanda????)?). Anyway, here's the scoop on the U.S. roster. Biggest surprises: Taylor Twellman left off; Jimmy Conrad gets a spot. Too bad for Albright ... and I'm not sure how I feel about Hedjuk making it. He scares me ... Your thoughts?...
By Jon DeNunzio | May 2, 2006; 06:51 PM ET | Comments (57) | TrackBack (0)
What Will Bruce Do?
I forgot to point you all to Steve Goff's fearless predictions of who will make the U.S. roster. Official announcement due tonight on SportsCenter....
By Jon DeNunzio | May 2, 2006; 02:30 PM ET | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
DMB ... DUI
Colleague Micah Pollack just alerted me to this: U.S. MF DaMarcus Beasley charged with drunk drivng. This isn't the first time the 23-year-old Beasley has had a run-in with Dutch authorities. Last October, he reached an out-of-court settlement with the justice ministry after failing to declare several items at customs after returning from a trip to the United States. Not exactly what we want our soccer stars doing overseas ......
By Jon DeNunzio | April 20, 2006; 05:56 PM ET | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)
Celtic and Liverpool to Washington?
Goff here.... D.C. United is in talks with both Celtic and Liverpool about friendlies at RFK this summer. If they reach a deal, United would play Celtic on July 19 and Liverpool on August 2. Still a VERY LONG WAY to go before a deal is reached on either match, but they are talkin'. They could get both games, they might get just one, just might get neither. Stay tuned......
By Steve Goff | April 15, 2006; 06:51 PM ET | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
USA roster news
Okay, so Bruce Arena and the U.S. Soccer Federation have moved things around again. Here's the latest: *No announcement today about the 35-man preliminary roster. That has been cancelled. *The final roster announcement, originially scheduled for May 1, then May 2, then May 3 or 4, is now MAY 2 at 6 p.m. It will take place live on ESPN's SportsCenter and on ussoccer.com When that changes again, we'll let you know. (sigh)...
By Steve Goff | April 12, 2006; 09:28 AM ET | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
U.S. 1, Jamaica 1
The report from Cary, N.C.: - The Associated Press account. - A not-so-glowing report from FIFAWorldCup.com. On a night when their European-based stars were missing, the draw against their unfancied Caribbean opponents will have left very few in the US locker room brimming with confidence, particularly with the memory of their 4-1 hiding against Germany last month still fresh. - The local paper's account. I found this Bruce Arena quote curious: I don't want to be critical of the league, so please don't interpret it that way, but some of our guys lost some fitness and sharpness since we saw them last [at training camp] in February," Arena said. The N&O also has some audio clips and a small photo gallery. I did not have a chance to watch last night. So, fill me in -- who looked good? Albright? Anyone else? How was O'Brien?...
By Jon DeNunzio | April 12, 2006; 09:12 AM ET | Comments (14) | TrackBack (0)
Two Good Reads
Almost all my links so far have pointed outside The Post. Allow me to shill for my own paper for a sec ... Steve Goff wrote two good stories over the past few days on Team USA players: - D.C.-area product Oguchi Onyewu, in today's paper. This summer, his life -- and bank account -- could undergo a dramatic transformation. Onyewu probably will start for the United States at the World Cup in Germany and, if he performs well and reinforces the favorable reviews he has already received throughout Europe, he could become the subject of a multimillion-dollar transfer to a prominent club in England. Manchester United, Middlesbrough and Charlton reportedly are among the suitors. - Goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann and former D.C. United midfielder Bobby Convey, from Sunday's paper. With Hahnemann in goal and Convey patrolling the left wing, Reading has run away with the second-division title and earned promotion...
By Jon DeNunzio | April 11, 2006; 09:15 AM ET | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
USA roster, continued
Goff here.... Bruce Arena will get a final look at his MLS candidates for the World Cup roster tonight against Jamaica in Cary, NC, and then tomorrow, name his pool of 35 players for the 23-man final roster. Now consider: He has already stated that, in addition to the 23, he'll name as many as 10 alternates. So there really won't be any huge surprises when he unveils his final list on May 3 or 4. The question then becomes: Who does he take to Germany? And who is on call in case of injury? Here are my picks for the WC roster AT THE MOMENT (things could change based on tonight's performances and injuries): Goalies: Keller, Hahnemann, Howard Defenders: Cherundolo, Lewis, Onyewu, Gibbs, Pope, Bocanegra, Hejduk Midfielders: Beasley, Donovan, Convey, Reyna, Mastroeni, Dempsey, O'Brien, Ralston, Zavagnin Forwards: McBride, Wolff, Twellman, Johnson What do you think? Does Olsen sneak in?...
By Steve Goff | April 11, 2006; 06:59 AM ET | Comments (38) | TrackBack (0)
USA World Cup roster
Greetings, Steve Goff here. Just wanted to pass along that the announcement of the U.S. World Cup roster looks like it will be moved back a day or two to May 3-4. It seems SportsCenter wants to show it live and is looking for the ideal time slot. Another example of how ESPN rules the world! Training camp still scheduled to open May 10 in Cary, N.C. Where's Cary? Just outside Raleigh. Home to SAS Soccer Park, a new complex that once hosted the WUSA franchise in Carolina. (Moment of silence for the WUSA.)...
By Steve Goff | April 8, 2006; 10:03 AM ET | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
