Soccer: USMNT vs. Azerbaijan, 10:00pm EDT, EPSN2/UniMas

Submitted by Wolverine In Iowa on

US should thrash the Azeris.  This is of course a run-up game to the World Cup, which starts in about two weeks.  Tweaking of the line-up is on the menu tonight, plus maybe a couple of different formations.

GO USA

MichiganTeacher

May 27th, 2014 at 10:06 PM ^

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:

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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.

los barcos

May 27th, 2014 at 10:54 PM ^

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...

IndyBlue90

May 27th, 2014 at 11:17 PM ^

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.

MichiganTeacher

May 27th, 2014 at 10:27 PM ^

If he makes a couple more plays like that, I'll be very happy to have been wrong about him.

Needs

May 27th, 2014 at 11:13 PM ^

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

los barcos

May 27th, 2014 at 11:31 PM ^

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.

IndyBlue90

May 27th, 2014 at 11:49 PM ^

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. 

Helloheisman

May 27th, 2014 at 11:44 PM ^

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.