Maurice Edu was no surprise -- a no brainer to be on the list. The difference between Clarence Goodson making the team and Robbie Rogers getting cut has everything to do with the US team's relative health -- or lack of it on the backline and up front. There were just too many good players ahead of Robbie Rogers up front; a shame that happened but the same thing happened to Taylor Twellman in 2006 when he was beaten out by Brian Ching at the last cut. Robbie is younger though and will have another shot in 2014. Ironically, Ching was among the last cuts today.
As far as Goodson is concerned, the US backline is so banged up right now that Bob Bradley had to take him among seven defenders. And with the defenders Bradley did take, enough of them have had recent health issues that Goodson might have to play, at least as a sub. Edu probably has a better shot at seeing the field, albeit the fact that Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, and Michael Bradley seem likely starters. The wild card in the midfield would seem to be DeMarcus Beasley who is among those with the most experience and athleticism but has not been on form.
I realize that for US Soccer fans, hope springs eternal, but I was most definitely NOT impressed by the team's performance last night against Czech Republic. Too many goals allowed; too many health issues pending, too many mistakes. They have to come together as a group over the next two weeks or they will suffer a 1st round exit at El Mundial.
As they say, vamos a ver.....
As far as Goodson is concerned, the US backline is so banged up right now that Bob Bradley had to take him among seven defenders. And with the defenders Bradley did take, enough of them have had recent health issues that Goodson might have to play, at least as a sub. Edu probably has a better shot at seeing the field, albeit the fact that Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, and Michael Bradley seem likely starters. The wild card in the midfield would seem to be DeMarcus Beasley who is among those with the most experience and athleticism but has not been on form.
I realize that for US Soccer fans, hope springs eternal, but I was most definitely NOT impressed by the team's performance last night against Czech Republic. Too many goals allowed; too many health issues pending, too many mistakes. They have to come together as a group over the next two weeks or they will suffer a 1st round exit at El Mundial.
As they say, vamos a ver.....
