I agree with KDawg wrt MB/Edu/Jones decision.

I mentioned in the Gold Cup thread that we might see a variation of the 4-3-2-1 Xmas tree shape formation to make use of our 3 center mids, but without Chandler, that is probably out the window. We would lack width in that formation without capable attacking fullbacks.

WRT Spain I tend to agree with shinguardian's preview that Bob will go with a 4-2-2-2 like he did in Confed Cup. What I'd expect to see for a half:

Dolo ---------- Gooch ---------- Goodson -------- Boca

---------------- JJ ------------------- Bradley-----------

--------Deuce----------------------------Landon--------

---------------Wondo------------------------------------
---------------------------Jozy---------------------------


In the second half all bets are off but yeah, I feel we'll prob see Bornstein on for Gooch and Boca sliding in. Edu/Adu/Kljestan (in that order preferably) for Wondo at half depending on score and what Bob wants to accomplish second half. Also Agudelo for Jozy at some point.

honestly think this would get wrecked vs an in form Spanish team. Too much room on the ball, too little defensive pressure from Deuce/Landon in this formation. Would rather see a flat 442 with them playing deeper and releasing through counters.

The season tickets seem reasonable.

Are you expected to pay more for the national side?

honestly, playing against spain is the perfect chance for us to do some experimenting with our midfield and attacking shape. I would be disappointed if we do the empty bucket against spain

Yeah, paying for quality and such. Also, the MNT has a much deeper following than MLS teams. Additionally, it's not like a Euro country where you can hop on a train for a few hours, see your team play, and then go home. When they get close enough to see the prices can be a bit ridiculous because of perceived demand.

Also, most MNT "home" games. Aren't really by crowd standards. Every CONCACAF team we played in the hex minus T&T had huge numbers at the US games. Immigration and such.

You'd expect tickets to be more for a USMNT, but the 111 price is pretty steep imo.

ikes,

I got tix in the Sam's Army section off Ticketmaster today. Section 136, something like 55 after fees.

I didn't consider the size of US and opportunity to watch them.

Avg England friendly tickets are £30-£50ish, Failing to sell out is a regularity.

Quite frankly I want us fielding the exact team and shape we hope to use during the gc. Spain is a great test, plus the team, needs to be comfortable. While an empty bucket had been the norm, I don't want mb to assume everything is fine.

Yeah I can't go, wife has to work until 3 in chicago.

boothisman.jpg

I don't really like Edu, MB, and Jones in the same midfield. If Holden were healthy it'd be a different conversation.

As of right now, I'd prefer MB/JJ over the other pairings. This also gives us the opportunity to use Edu in the back in a pinch, and we can bring him on later for a striker to clog up the midfield, or for his versatility in general (see for instance, the Slovenia game, where we went to 3 in the back when chasing the game, and then slotted Edu back into a 4 man backline once we'd levelled IIRC).

I think MB/Edu is better than JJ/Edu as well, as I think a healthy MB should basically be the first name on the team sheet.

I agree that playing regularly at club level is and should be important, but it shouldn't be the be all end all imo. I mean, if you swap them, MB's probably playing every match and playing very well for Rangers and Edu probably isn't getting a game for Aston Villa.

Well I mean trying it out in the first half against Spain to both audition the three of them for potentially picking two to go in the empty bucket in earlier rounds, and also seeing how we play in the 4-5-1 for potential use against Mexico.

Got an extra ticket to the USA/Canada match Tuesday night at Ford Field. Section 136, Row 1 (Sam's Army section). PM if interested.

We all like to moan about Bob sometimes, myself included, but he really does have quite a difficult task today.

For me it's poor scheduling to be playing Spain today , as we open up the GC on Tuesday.

At any rate, it's important that we don't get run off the field for morale reasons, and it's important that we learn some things about form and fitness...but it's most important that we escape from the game healthy and not overly exhausted.

As such, I'd like to see Bob go with whatever he thinks his "Mexico lineup" is right now, and see it for one half. Then use the second half to get guys who need minutes and fitness the time, and to get guys who are coming off long seasons a rest for Tuesday and to hell with the result.

It's really odd scheduling in that it is great preparation for the Mexico game, but that game is a long way away (if it even comes). This Spain game is going to be almost the exact opposite of the group stage games we are going to play, so it's a strange choice for a tune-up game.

In the end though, we should be able to make it through the group regardless, so I guess I can see the wisdom. And whatever else you say about Bob, you have to admire his continuing willingness to schedule the Spains, Brazils, and Argentinas of the world.

It's difficult though. For instance, if you plan on playing all of Edu, MB, and JJ against Mexico, surely you'd want to play it today. Unfortunately, that won't necessarily help you make the decision on who you want starting against Canada on Tuesday. Sure, you can evaluate form and fitness to an extent, but playing in a two man midfield is way way way different than playing in a three man midfield. So starting all three against Spain and then picking your best two is not the right way to pick a squad.

I'm rambling, but just highlighting some of the many difficulties with coaching a National side as opposed to a club side.

In the end, I'm not really bothered with what happens today one way or another. I expect a mediocre performance and a 2-0 loss although of course I always want to see the team do well.

If we come out the other side with no injuries I'll be happy.

landycakes out tonight due to illness

spain ftw

SoccerByIves Ives Galarcep
USA lineup vs. Spain: Howard; Spector, Onyewu, Ream, Lichaj; Rogers, Edu, Jones, Kljestan; Agudelo, Altidore #usmnt"

projected spain lineup

casillas; capdevila, albiol, pique, sergio ramos; xabi alonso, bruno, cazorla; villa , llorente, david silva.

weird to see spain without xavi or iniesta, they are the brain of the team.

We're about to find out! Although maybe he'll have Rogers playing wider than expected. Kljestan out wide is not leaving me with confidence. I'd honestly not mind him sliding up as a 10. Again, I'm an admitted Kljestan homer so I REALLY hope he shows well today. I think he's had a seriously poor run of luck (and form, obv) wrt his chances recently.

Is it just me or is every important ESPN soccer match I ever want to see that isn't WC preceded by a softball match with a rally occurring...

i predict usa loses.

Note to ESPN: if any of your analysts ever favorably compares Ream to Agoos again I'm going to take a huge **** on your Bristol doorstep every day for a month.

you're really steppin out on a ledge here