Comments on: U.S. Names Squad For Mexico Match

By: Magnakai Haaskivi

Magnakai Haaskivi — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:30:09 +0000

Ah, you’re right…for some reason I thought he’d played a lot more in the Gold Cup.

I will give him this: I always notice when he’s on the field.

By: Adam

Adam — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:27:54 +0000

he did also say the defense is spain is better than it is in england so…

By: Rory

Rory — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:29:58 +0000

Conor Casey did not start “many games” in the Gold Cup. Check out his minutes played and you will see hasn’t played much for the US.

By: Magnakai Haaskivi

Magnakai Haaskivi — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:17:33 +0000

FWIW, Eric Wynalda said that we’ll probably lose on FFF last night. Although he also said he wouldn’t start Landon Donovan every game, so he might be an idiot.

By: Magnakai Haaskivi

Magnakai Haaskivi — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:11:43 +0000

Awww, thanks.

On Casey: Now that you mention it, no, I can’t. HOWEVER: I do remember him making a pass in one of the Gold Cup games that resulted in Quaranta almost scoring, and I remember thinking it was maybe not the worst thing I’d seen it that game.

By: In Mexico, a Soccer Stadium Where Visitors Gasp « Scissors Kick

In Mexico, a Soccer Stadium Where Visitors Gasp « Scissors Kick — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:41:47 +0000

[...] U.S. Names Squad For Mexico Match “With all the Premier League excitement going on lately, it’s easy to forget that there’s also an important World Cup qualifier on Wednesday. This game is, of course, Mexico vs. USA; it’s kind of a big deal for both teams. This time out, though, it’s a particularly interesting match. Mexico is sitting in fourth place in CONCACAF; they need a win just to keep their dreams of qualification alive and kicking.” Avoiding the Drop [...]

By: Two Yellows

Two Yellows — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:46:52 +0000

NO BRIAN CHING. NO NO NO NO NO NO.

I’m fine with your lineup, and I’d like to see the US get as much speed on the field as possible, because the likely Mexican lineup will be fast as hell. All I know is I’m on pins and needles for this match and I haven’t felt that way for quite some time about a US match. Excited yes, but not like this.

By: The Rookies » Blog Archive » Last Call: Legs

The Rookies » Blog Archive » Last Call: Legs — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 22:39:36 +0000

[...] How to examine the USMNT ahead of Azteca. (Avoiding the Drop) [...]

By: Adam

Adam — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 22:29:06 +0000

They’re basically the same thing, a 4-2-2-2 is really just a more descriptive way to describe where everyone is. The 4 is obviously defenders, the first 2 is your holding midfielders, your next 2 is your attacking midfielders, and the final 2 are strikers.

Using 4 numbers gives you a little better breakdown of where everyone is. Saying you’re playing a 4-4-2 could mean you’ve got 3 holding mids hanging back a little more and one hanging behind the strikers, or it could mean one guy hanging back with the defenders, 2 wings and 1 central attacking guy (what could be called a 4-1-2-1-2).

Also, saying a team played a 4-5-1 looks to mean that there is a clog in the middle, but if they’re playing it 4-2-1-2-1 then its probably a little more like what would be called a 4-3-3 but the two wings would be withdrawn more.

Not that using the traditional 3 number system is outdated, more that 4+ gives you a better idea of how the team is playing. Make sense?

By: Rockabye

Rockabye — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:42:46 +0000

Help me out on this: Why is this a 4-2-2-2 and not a 4-4-2 with two defensive midfielders? I’m probably just stupid, so you might need to go slow.