Dear Coach Bradley,
I have been giving a lot of thought to the upcoming World Cup. Now that we are 113 days away from the kickoff of this blessed event, I want you to know who your starting roster should be. As time progress and updates are needed, I want you to know that I am there for you Bob. Here's who should start against England as of today:
Forwards:
Charlie Davies - Though written off ever since his horrific accident in the fall, he is leaving today to return to France to continue rehabilitation with his club team. His return to play in April now looks likely with Sochaux. Davies at 50% is better than any other option to partner with Altidore.
Jozy Altidore - Scored with Hull City over the weekend. Has the starting role for now. The only scoring threat from striker we have that can match up physically with England.
Midfield:
Landon Donovan - No brainer, extra experience with Everton will give more for England to deal with.
Jose Fransisco Torres - Been waiting a long time to see the pairing of Torres/Bradley in the midfield. Creative attack that has been missing from central midfield, Torres can hold the ball and defend well when needed. Though he seems to have been on your hit list, Bob; with Jermaine Jones becoming a more unlikely option, you need to give Torres are real chance.
Michael Bradley - Finding better form in Germany, needs to keep a cooler head against England.
Clint Dempsey - The only member of the USA team that has a long-term, established role with a big European club. Left knee and match fitness a big question mark.
Defense:
Jonathan Bornstein - This is a tough one. Spector has experience against the England wingers and is much less mistake proned. Bornstein is faster and can add spark to our attack. Go with Bornstein and you might get 1 or 2 chances at England that you didn't get with Spector. You might also give up an easy goal.
Carlos Bocanegra - Hasn't been as solid as of late, but when you look at who is behind him "competing" for this spot his selection is a no-brainer. Hope for better form as we get closer.
Oguchi Onyewu - If he isn't back then we may as well spot England one goal from a well placed header. Please get better Gooch.
Steve Cherundolo - Has experience, speed and still gets beat too often. Does do well in the attack.
Goalkeeper:
Tim Howard - Outspoken commander on the field. Needs better form. Maybe watch out from a sneak attack from Brad Freidel (who is in great form) from retirement.
I know a lot more thinking needs to be done here, Bob. Just know I am working on it.
Love,
Mike
8 comments:
you're obsessed! love you babe!
you're obsessed! love you babe!
Aww, Mike blogged. Special.
Apparently you have more time on your hands now that you're doing the plastic surgery rotation! Let me know if you hear from Bob. He's a fool if he doesn't give some consideration to your team picks. Love, your adoring mother
I thought this was great! I know next to nothing about soccer but Nate is really excited- to the point that he might arrange work around games. You guys are nuts!
Gee Mike. You know lots about soccer.
Janel told me to read your blog and this could be the first time I sat down and read a post word for word, great job. I agree that we need Davies back. He was the difference maker from sucking against Italy & Brazil to beating Egypt & Spain and hanging with Brazil. When he was in the starting line up Donovan finally had some one fast enough to make a quality counter attack.
The one disagreement is Bornstein. I don't know much about Bornstein but if the only down side of Spector is his play up front, he gets the nod. He connected twice with Dempsey for goals and had multiple other quality crosses. I believe those were Dempsey's only two goals in the confederations cup, right. Why split up a quality tandem?
great analysis,
Derek
I like soccer.
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