U.S. Soccer (35 Viewers)

Bjerknes

"Top Economist"
Mar 16, 2004
116,132
He better be. Gooch is our best defender. As long as he doesn't get pulled out wide he's solid, sitting in the middle clearing crosses with his height. Against England we will be absorbing pressure anyway so he shouldn't get pulled away from the center of our 18.
 

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Bjerknes

"Top Economist"
Mar 16, 2004
116,132
So what do you guys think about the starting XI against England?

Any ideas?

Saw lots of good stuff from players who are considered secondary against Turkey. Holden, Torres, Findley.

Start Findley up top with Jozy? Start Torres?

I'd start Torres, but the starting forwards is where I get confused. I have no idea. If Findley plays like he did against Turkey, he'd be sick against their CB's. I love the thought of a fast guy up top, even faster than Davies, but can he replicate his Turkey match form? Not sure.

If we go with what has worked, the straight 4-4-2 should be the system. That means this:

Howard

Dolo Or Spector - Gooch - DeMerit - Boca

Demps - Bradley - Torres - Landy

Findley - Jozy


Counterattack the piss out of them. Have to make sure Findley works with Jozy and we get compact.
 

Seven

In bocca al lupo, Fabio.
Jun 25, 2003
39,342
I have a problem, Andy. I actually want the USA to do well, but I hate your celebrating. You'll make it about Italy and Italy fan boys again and I just can't stand that.
 

Red

-------
Moderator
Nov 26, 2006
47,024
So what do you guys think about the starting XI against England?

Any ideas?

Saw lots of good stuff from players who are considered secondary against Turkey. Holden, Torres, Findley.

Start Findley up top with Jozy? Start Torres?

I'd start Torres, but the starting forwards is where I get confused. I have no idea. If Findley plays like he did against Turkey, he'd be sick against their CB's. I love the thought of a fast guy up top, even faster than Davies, but can he replicate his Turkey match form? Not sure.

If we go with what has worked, the straight 4-4-2 should be the system. That means this:

Howard

Dolo Or Spector - Gooch - DeMerit - Boca

Demps - Bradley - Torres - Landy

Findley - Jozy


Counterattack the piss out of them. Have to make sure Findley works with Jozy and we get compact.
Do the US have the players to play 4-3-3?

England really struggled against Mexico when they played 4-3-3 because it forced England's full backs to stay back and made it very tough for England to play the ball out from defence.
 

Bjerknes

"Top Economist"
Mar 16, 2004
116,132
I have a problem, Andy. I actually want the USA to do well, but I hate your celebrating. You'll make it about Italy and Italy fan boys again and I just can't stand that.
:pado:

If we beat England it won't be about Italy or their fanboys. It would only be about our boys and their great accomplishment.

Do the US have the players to play 4-3-3?

England really struggled against Mexico when they played 4-3-3 because it forced England's full backs to stay back and made it very tough for England to play the ball out from defence.
We could play Landy and Dempsey on the sides of Jozy in a 4-3-3. Maybe add Holden into the mix in midfield with Bradley and Torres. That would be sick.

But the 4-3-3 is more complicated as you know, and we have not used it much besides in a couple qualifiers. At this point I'm not sure if I would change from the straight 4-4-2, the formation we have had success with over the past two years.
 
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Oct 11, 2005
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    Do the US have the players to play 4-3-3?

    England really struggled against Mexico when they played 4-3-3 because it forced England's full backs to stay back and made it very tough for England to play the ball out from defence.
    Not really. We don't have the fullbacks for it.

    Our attack is much more potent when Demsepy and Donovan are in the midfield. Perhaps we could play with Holden linking the gap as one of the midfield 3, but everytime we've played that formation it fails miserably or someone gets ejected (see Italy in 2006 and Italy last summer).
     
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    Tickle Me
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    I'd say so. Landy and Demps looks comfortable on the counter and with Findley's speed that could be dangerous. Granted Gomez and Buddle are fast too. I'd be happy with either Buddle or Findley starting.
     

    Bjerknes

    "Top Economist"
    Mar 16, 2004
    116,132
    Taking major chances. These guys are untapped entities.

    Findley's speed is really going to come in handy though. We will be so backed up against England that we need that counter-attacking option.
     

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