The Yanks Are Coming - Latest Comments

Re: State of the Union: With Howard Injured, Brad Guzan Gets Chance to Prove US Still A Goalkeeper Factory

AmericanSoccerJunkie — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:33:22 -0000

So, Guzan did perform heroically, but I doubt Howard is going the way of Wally Pipp. That said, I could most certainly see a real fight for the No. 1 jersey before Brazil 2014.

Re: State of the Union: US Midfield Still A Position of Strength, But Must Provide More

The Yanks Are Coming — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 20:28:04 -0000

They've played him at center back only once. He's seen action at fullback a bit, and at the "6" a good amount. He's a natural CB, but Stoke obviously see more.

Re: State of the Union: US Midfield Still A Position of Strength, But Must Provide More

R. Garrett McInnis — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 22:01:34 -0000

That's a decent point. Now that you mention it, I seem to remember Stoke using Cameron in a defensive mid role very, very early in his time there. Maybe for 1 game or so. Could be wrong, though.

Re: State of the Union: US Midfield Still A Position of Strength, But Must Provide More

The Yanks Are Coming — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 21:06:13 -0000

Certainly agree that Bocanegra should be the starter at CB, and wouldn't mind, really, if Besler or Omar held the other spot.

One option I didn't explore was Geoff Cameron at the 6-- again it isn't what he's asked to do at Stoke but if Klinsmann wants responsibility he'd get it there. I'm inclined to believe that you are right about the conservative defensive approach making 2 the most viable, at least short term.

If and when Donovan returns, we can reevaluate.

Re: State of the Union: US Midfield Still A Position of Strength, But Must Provide More

R. Garrett McInnis — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 19:28:57 -0000

I lean to option 2.

First, I think we need some more surety back in the 6 role. I thought Danny or Beckerman might maintain such but it's just not happening. Someone like Jones will, at the very least, play with a confidence. It may turn out to be over confidence, but at least it won't be shy.

Second, as I advocated in my defensive piece for a more conservative, stable defense, this would hypothetically give Jurgen a bit more freedom to take a risk on Jones.

Maybe most importantly, I think we gotta get some action going in the transition area between the offense and defense. I'm inclined to believe that a Sacha-MB90 pairing just might be the best option to find that 'action.'

My persona second choice would be number 1.

Damn if I don't hate that we're having to sort through all these problems right now, though.

Re: State of the Union: US Midfield Still A Position of Strength, But Must Provide More

The Yanks Are Coming — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 18:12:02 -0000

Thanks. And I think this, or 1, are my preferences too.

Another reader suggested Gomez on the wings, which he has done at Santos recently. That too is intriguing, if only because we know we can trust Gomez's work rate to track back, and it might be enough to keep Jozy from roaming too far back to find the game-- I'm convinced this is his largest problem with the national team at present.

Either way, Klinsmann will need to figure it out, and in a hurry, especially if the Americans only draw Costa Rica next week. Keep up the good work at American Touchline!

Re: State of the Union: US Midfield Still A Position of Strength, But Must Provide More

John Halloran — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:18:41 -0000

Well thought out. Well written.

Personally, I like Solution #3. Jones and Bradley are both good enough/smart enough to be destroyers, roam forward when appropriate, find their wingers and forwards with good service and cover for one another when their opposite goes forward. Plus, Edu is there if one of them goes down. (I realize JK would probably play Williams instead of Edu, but Edu would be my preference.)

From there, you can play a pure attacking midfielder underneath the striker with two wings, or two wings and two forwards as BB did. And, we have loads of options in either of those set-ups.

John D. Halloran
@AmerTouchline

Re: State of the Union: US Defense Desperately Searching for Right Combination, Continuity

luckypablo — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:26:45 -0000

Great article and analysis. Back line with Besler and Gonzalez should be what we move to with Cameron finding another spot because he never plays center for his club. We need to nail down our center backs with guys that regularly play at that position. Maybe Cameron or Chandler or Johnson on left or right backs. With one of them moving to mid since they all have experience and play there for there clubs. Castillo is playing very well now in Copa Libertadores games, so he may now be ready for left back as well.

Re: State of the Union: US Defense Desperately Searching for Right Combination, Continuity

Maxwell — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:10:25 -0000

Took the words out of my mouth. When did we go from "Who the hell is gonna play left-back!?" to "Who is the hell is gonna play defense?!" About the same time Jozy started scoring in droves for AZ and disappeared for the USMNT. This is probably a coincidence. Probably. Anyway, I digress...

I hope JK realizes he needs to eliminate inconsistency in the Hex, eliminate the NT games as a Gold-Cup tryout (Besler,Morrow), and deliver results we expect. Flashes of defensive prowess should sit fundamentally upon the example of a blue-collar heart we love so much in someone like Bocanegra, the hearth of the American back-line. I'll never forget that yellow card he earned against Scotland. We all know why he did it, and it only instilled within the rest of the defense a limitless confidence from their fearless leader to put an American effort into an American win. It doesn't have to be Boca to lead the backline, but it probably should be.

I'm not worried about the confidence in the midfield, or even the forwards ability to score. If we are really going to play a progressive, attack-minded game that JK wants, the American game needs be begin with a strong defensive effort end-to-end. We all want to watch the USA score lots of goals (a la vs. Scotland), which starts by not letting in any goals against us. Easiest way to do that? Put them on their ass.

So if we want a three-squares-a-day sort of consistency from the backline, the question becomes:

Who is hungry?

Re: Robbie Rogers’ Announcement Was Honest, Brave, and in the Larger Context, It was Necessary

Faith — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:53:46 -0000

Hear, hear! Great article. As I said over on TSG, both Robbie Rogers and the people who've responded so positively to him make me proud to be a fan of US soccer.

Re: Thriving in Belgium, Sacha Kljestan Sits Down for an Interview

The Yanks Are Coming — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 08:21:13 -0000

Appreciate that Daniel. We're happy to be back too.

Re: Thriving in Belgium, Sacha Kljestan Sits Down for an Interview

Daniel Huffman — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 22:39:47 -0000

Just dropping in to say: thanks for all the new pieces lately. I'm glad to see you guys are back from hiatus, and providing such great content.

Re: Honduras 2, USA 1: Vexing Opener to Hex For Klinsmann’s Men

The Yanks Are Coming — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 22:42:08 -0000

He is needed. And it appears now he'll miss the next two qualifiers. But if he wants to come back after that, Jurgen might not be able to risk being bitter.

Re: Honduras 2, USA 1: Vexing Opener to Hex For Klinsmann’s Men

Alex Klein — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 22:02:11 -0000

Great article! I know some people are tired of hearing this, but this game was just another reminder that Landon Donovan is greatly missed in the team. He's no Messi but he certainly is a game-changer. I'm sure i'm not alone in this one...

Re: Honduras 2, USA 1: Vexing Opener to Hex For Klinsmann’s Men

The Yanks Are Coming — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 18:36:03 -0000

We shall see. What's disappointing of course is that if you are going to use an experimental or new backline- you should probably do it on home soil. Just a much safer play. And Klinsmann should have known that before after Jamaica.

Re: Honduras 2, USA 1: Vexing Opener to Hex For Klinsmann’s Men

disqus_fAD6bCz0Ls — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 16:18:23 -0000

So does Boca start against Costa Rica? i certainly hope so.

Re: Super Bowl And Soccer: NFL Teams, and their Soccer Counterparts, Part II

Brandon C. — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 20:29:01 -0000

Another good comparison for the Bill is NE Revs. for the same reasons posted, but also for losing 4 championship games.

Re: In Mind-Numbing Draw, Few Positives, Plenty Questions

The Yanks Are Coming — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:42:27 -0000

The years-- they all blend together!! Thanks for the help!

Re: In Mind-Numbing Draw, Few Positives, Plenty Questions

disqus_fAD6bCz0Ls — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 01:06:16 -0000

Gold Cup *07* magic. glad i could help

Re: USA-Canada Preview: Texas Sized Appetizer Precedes Hex

Alex — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 09:27:39 -0000

I just want to see a dancing bear. GIVE ME A DANCING BEAR TONIGHT

Re: USA-Canada Preview: Texas Sized Appetizer Precedes Hex

Know Thy Enemies — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:10:25 -0000

I resent the statement that "nobody watched the Denmark v Canada game", because I wasted 90 minutes of my life doing that. 90 minutes gone, just like that. Poof.

Bekker had some bad passes but was very composed and tidy with the ball - dribbled his way out of some sticky situations. I'd make him the "Canuck to Watch", over DeRo. DeRo didn't assert himself at all against Denmark, and the Canadian youth didn't seem to have the good sense to get the ball to him, and I could see that happening again. Canada's two CBs - their whole back line, really - got torched over and over.

My prediction: 3-0, good guys.

Re: USA-Canada Preview: Texas Sized Appetizer Precedes Hex

The Yanks Are Coming — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 22:51:08 -0000

test...

Re: For the 2012 USMNT Performance, Klinsmann Deserves Great Praise

The Yanks Are Coming — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 17:50:04 -0000

She gets results.

Re: For the 2012 USMNT Performance, Klinsmann Deserves Great Praise

THomas — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 10:13:32 -0000

Good read and all great points that I'd have to agree with. I knew there was progress, but this helped point out exactly where and why. And after reading and thinking of it, it all makes great sense.

Re: For the 2012 USMNT Performance, Klinsmann Deserves Great Praise

randomhookup — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 09:53:27 -0000

Why does a photo of Hope Solo accompany the article?