Soccer: USMNT vs. Azerbaijan, 10:00pm EDT, EPSN2/UniMas
MOAR GOALZ PLZ
Per @USSoccer, tonight's lineup: Howard; Johnson, Cameron, Besler, Beasley; Jones, Zusi, Bedoya, Bradley; Dempsey, Altidore DOH - Dempsey out; Wondo in; groin sprain in warm-ups.
Graphically:
This is a fairly aggressive formation. A lot of people think that Bradley is going to be super effective up top of the midfield diamond, but there are a few who disagree. I like it, myself. I think Bedoya on the left is crap. I'd like to see any of three or four other players there. Also, Beasley worries me very much. IMO, the US needs to find a replacement for him.
IMO, Beasley is fine at LB. There are other spots that would worry me very much.
Dempsey not starting - Wondo in.
Tweaked his groin in warm ups.
Dempsey out apparently
D'OH! Dempsey has a groin strain. Wondo in.
DEMPSEY PULLED FOR WONDO. PULLED GROIN STRAIN
Damnit.
Not enough consonants Azerbaijan. You are my 3rd or 4th favorite former Soviet Socialist Republic at best
Their national anthem sounds extremely depressing.
That US anthem seemed off from what the fans were singing
Well, that's because they started before the music did.
Dempsey out with groin problem
and that's what I get for trying to post from my phone lol
C'mon students, get there for kickoff.
Well played sir.
Damn, right at the goalie!
Wondo needs to finish that
Wondo is one of the mysteries of this world.
Argh! Stop turning the ball over!
Uggg...Besler
Should've been a yellow there on Azeri
Dope save by Azeri GK
Another chance for Wondo, another save.
I'll admit I'm a Wondo hater, but it's hard to ignore how often he gets great position and creates scoring opportunities.
Scoring opportunities.....
... but doesn't score....
Snark aside wondo had two uncontested point blank headers. One was a nice save, the other was right to the keeper. He needed to have put one of those in the back of the net...
And that's part of the reason why he won't ever start on the "A" squad. He also contributes next to nothing outside of the opponents 18 yard box. Still, it's pretty amazing how often he finds himself in those positions, at some point it's not just luck.
May not start but he will get a run at the World Cup-- he's the first guy off the bench up top.
And that's the difference between a finisher and wondolowski...
If he makes a couple more plays like that, I'll be very happy to have been wrong about him.
Jones is doing well staying put at the back, making it possible for Bradley to make runs. He's been in good position so far
I was skeptical since he loves to get forward, but I've been happy with how discipline he has been so far.
Are you Alexi Lalas?
Bleah. 0-0.
Jozy seems like he just doesn't really give a shit.
He's drawn some fouls.
Huh? He's been doing a ton of defensive running and has been in the middle of a bunch of promising moves.
This team keeps playing like this and they will get pantsed in Brazil
Come on. Of course they're going to get pantsed in Brazil.
Ive been in and out but thought they looked good. Very good ball movement and have had a number of good chances. Doubt anyone in Brasil's going to give as much space on the flanks, but they look on the same page
Ref, get your eyes checked.
Touch has been off all night.
Gonzo looks a step slow...against Azerbijan...I wonder if he's a candidate to be left off for injury.
Brad Davis... Still confused about that one.
Jones hasn't looked bad as a defensive mid. If he can stay disciplined that's a huge upgrade in athleticism.
Yeah, I'm not impressed, he's had some moments. He brings a very specific skill set; crossing, corners, a long throw, but he seems pretty physically limited and his touch limits his quickness on the flanks.
Is the wind that bad? Or do we really think the net is 40 feet tall? That was the third time we sent a shot into orbit.
Diskerud!
But, Beasley might as well be using a walker out there (old as hell), wondo can't finish his breakfast, altidore can't crush a grape (he's soft up front). All of this = were in trouble in Brazil.
Come on Cobi Jones! Put the ball in the net!!!!
In the similarities in Jermaine Jones and coby jones.
That's racist!