Read it and weep
June 23 – 2007
Nothing against these guys personally, but I can’t quite believe this is the roster we’re sending to a South American championship. Why these guys didn’t get a run out in the Gold Cup is beyond me…though it probably has something to do with Sierra Mist.
Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Kasey Keller (Borussia Moenchengladbach, Germany), Carrot Top (Luxor)*
Defenders: Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Bobby Boswell (D.C.), Dan Califf (Aalborg BK, Denmark), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City), Jay DeMerit (Watford, England), Drew Moor (Dallas), Heath Pearce (Nordsjaelland, Denmark), Marvell Wynne (Toronto), Jeff Agoos (retired)*
Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Colorado), Ricardo Clark (Houston), Benny Feilhaber (Hamburg SV, Germany), Eddie Gaven (Columbus), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Justin Mapp (Chicago), Lee Nguyen (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands), Ben Olsen (D.C.), Misplaced Priorities (US Soccer)*
Forwards: Charlie Davies (Hammarby, Sweden), Herculez Gomez (Colorado), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City), Taylor Twellman (New England), Herculez Gomez (no, seriously, he’s on the US National Team)
*unsubstantiated
that’s good stuff
Comment by Josh — June 23, 2007 @ 2:10 pm
We’re going to get the hell kicked out of us. The question is, do I risk pissing off the missus by going to the bar to watch 5-0 the train wreck Thursday.
On the glass-half-full side, I’m a big fan of Kljestan’s hair, and I’m excited to see Nguyen and Davies, though I would much rather it have been in a friendly. And maybe Mapp will show some more spark and get noticed by a European squad.
Comment by wink — June 23, 2007 @ 9:18 pm
We will never lose by less than 3. This is going to be a bloodbath.
Comment by Mike — June 23, 2007 @ 11:54 pm
I find it funny (not ha-ha) that US Soccer feels the need to lie and continue to put ‘Borussia Moenchengladbach’ by Keller’s name even though he’s been released and is no longer with the club. An obvious PR move, as they couldn’t possibly have a name on their roster that says ‘unattached’ next to it.
Then again, Onyewu and Beasley are almost in a similar boat, unwanted by their clubs after failed loan spells, but they’re still actually under contract.
But, honestly, if I were a European-based player (who actually played for his club), there’s no fucking chance I’d be willing to play in Copa America. You only get, maybe, a month off and (assuming you’re not a youngster) that time would be much better spent letting my body heal.
Taking the kids, although it’s much like leading a lamb to slaughter, isn’t that bad of an idea.
But, yeah, the roster is a fucking joke. Much like US Soccer’s leadership.
Comment by Scott — June 23, 2007 @ 11:58 pm
if I were a European-based player (who actually played for his club), there’s no fucking chance I’d be willing to play in Copa America. You only get, maybe, a month off and (assuming you’re not a youngster) that time would be much better spent letting my body heal.
What????????
I think Argentina and Brazil have many European based players who are showing up and playing….who by the way are starters for major clubs and play in many more competitions. Excuses for stupid moves and players who don’t care about representing their country.
Comment by Juan — June 24, 2007 @ 8:40 am
What is Kasey Keller doing? Playing beside players like Guzman, Gomez, Gavin, and Wynne. I’m a little embarrassed for the guy. Either he hates spending time with his family or he’s playing to find a contract, but come on goalie…whach u doin? To finish…prior to the CA roster being released I really cared little about “the future of American soccer,” but now that we’ve decided to send our D squad I care even less. What’s less then not caring at all? Oh, nothing.
Comment by hose B — June 24, 2007 @ 10:47 am
I think Argentina and Brazil have many European based players who are showing up and playing….who by the way are starters for major clubs and play in many more competitions. Excuses for stupid moves and players who don’t care about representing their country.
I agree it’s a lame-ish excuse, but those are the same players who will hit a wall come October because they’ve been playing for over a year. You hear it from top-level players after World Cup’s and Euro Championships all the time. There are going to be some seriously jaded Argentinians and Brazilians come the fall of La Liga and Serie A.
I was thinking more in American-specific terms, as the Gold Cup is a joke and we’re only guests in Copa America. Let me make it clear I’m not backing US Soccer here. I was just musing that if I’d come off a World Cup and then a season of the Premiership, I’d be more than willing to skip those two tournaments.
Comment by Scott — June 24, 2007 @ 11:44 am
The sad part is, Misplaced Priorities is actually our best midfielder.
Comment by JP — June 25, 2007 @ 12:18 pm
OK, maybe not best the way Lando is playing but certainly the most consistent.
Comment by JP — June 25, 2007 @ 12:25 pm
I agree with half of the decision – the US needed to send its best squad to Gold Cup. Qualifying for the Confederations Cup is much more important than a strong (read: slightly less weak) showing in Copa America. No matter what team the US brought down to Venezuela, I can’t see them going far in that tournament, but I agree I’d like to see a B rather than D squad.
Comment by Ian — June 26, 2007 @ 2:48 pm