What will happen with Chivas USA?

A bomb dropped on Major League Soccer yesterday. The league is buying Chivas USA from Jorge Vergara and plans to keep the team in LA, for now. But let's not kid ourselves--we saw this coming.

If anything, a Chivas rebrand might be the best thing that could happen to the league if it really wants to move on to better things. Since 2005 the expansion side has tried to turn LA into a city of two soccer teams. For a time it worked and Chivas had serious quality when Preki was coach. Since then, however, the team has struggled and has been a type of "assured-points game" for stronger teams whenever they played.

The original intent with Chivas USA was to provide the significant Mexican presence in Southern California with a team they could truly call their own. The "Rebaño Sagrado" was the perfect fit, it seemed, since it is one of the most prominent teams in Mexico. 

One of the more curious things about the early Chivas USA was the inclusion of a heavy Mexican developmental contingent, which in retrospect was more of a stunt aimed at the local population than dealing with soccer reality. It was believed that Mexican players had an advantage being developed in a soccer community but this never translated into quality on the pitch. This, in addition to a parade of coaches, added to the misery experienced by the LA team.

But does Los Angeles really need a second soccer team? Are there really enough Chivas USA fans out there or were they always de facto Goats fans because their main team was Chivas Guadalajara? The latter is more likely to be the case.

Indeed, a case can be made that The American Goats was an experiment and that, however flawed, offered something fundamentally different from the glamor of the LA Galaxy and all that it means to the city. Chivas was often an afterthought only to be brought up for the so-called SuperClasico. And yes, at times those games were fun when Sacha Kljestan, Jonathan Bornstein and Brad Guzan played for the Rojiblancos, but the "derby" never quite caught up and was overshadowed by the Portland-Seattle rivalry when it arrived.

A move away from the LA area would serve the former Chivas team best and would benefit both the Galaxy and the league as a whole. And the team need not move too far. San Diego has been hoping to land a tier 1 soccer team for a while now, and deservedly so. It is a town rich in soccer culture and a strong market with Mexican influence that would provide a great fan base.

Los Angeles continues to run the soccer world in this country.  From Galaxy II's development in USL to the rebranding of Chivas. What else can the City of Angels give to American soccer?

Bob Bradley versus Ghana

Photo credit: Sports Illustrated

If you are a US Men's National Soccer Team fan, then you remember the second round of World Cup 2010, an ill-fated, 7th minute yellow card for Ricardo Clark and the eventual defeat of Team USA versus Ghana. Bob Bradley was blamed due to his starting of Clark over a much steadier (and fan-favored) Maurice Edu.

It was America's second time to be booted from the tournament by the Ghanaians. The first one occurred in 2006 with Bruce Arena's 4th-ranked US team and although Clint Dempsey almost made things interesting, the Americans bowed out of the tournament with only 1 point and one goal scored.

Most people will undoubtedly remember Boateng's goal in the 5th minute and Donovan's penalty in the second half. However, it was Gyan's game-winner in extra time that will forever haunt Bradley and still gives him nightmares to this day. His ubiquitous choice of Johnny Bornstein at left back also opened up the most dangerous side of the field for most opposing teams, as we also learned with the 2011 Gold Cup final versus Mexico.

So what can Bob Bradley come up with this time around with his Pharaohs? He has an entire country dreaming of the World Cup and players hungry for the tournament and a chance for redemption after the 2010's cycle's games versus Algeria. There was some drama with those matches (3-1 Algeria win in Algiers; 2-0 Egypt win in Cairo; 1-0 Algeria playoff win in Sudan) and it included frozen diplomatic (not soccer) relations between the two nations.

But Bob Bradley has been almost spectacular for the Egyptians during this qualifying round. With an unmatched 100% record in the qualifiers, signs would point to certain victory for his team. But Bradley must be cautious in picking his squad and avoid the Clarks and Bornsteins. His side is heavily domestic-based and reliant on Al-Ahly players, especially at defense. At forward he has some quality in players like Koka (Rio Ave) and Salah (Basel). 

Should Bradley defeat Ghana it will be twice the victory. One for America versus their African nemesis and two for Egypt and making it to the World Cup after 24 years of absence. And, oh yes, an American coach qualifying for a World Cup with another nation's squad. Hard to beat. We are all cheering for you.

Reset: US loses to Mexico in Gold Cup final

Photo credit: CONCACAF

USA lost to Mexico by the score of 4-2. With it went the ticket to the Confederations Cup and a bit of pride. But now is not the time to put our heads down. Now we can press the reset button and start anew.

We press the reset button because the US can no longer subject itself to giving away early goals. In today's case it was in the second half when Barrera scored the go-ahead goal.

We reset because we can't give up promising players to club intentions. This is about Timmy Chandler, arguably the best prospect in the young US defense. Bradley had the chance to bring him in but decided to waive the idea when the club and player requested extra resting time. How important would he have been when Cherundolo got hurt early in the game?

Reset the defense more. Bornstein has had spotty playing time in Mexico and hardly ever at left back. Why not players like Loyd or Pearce that are actually playing every game with their clubs.

Reset because some players need to be considered higher in the pecking order even if they are nursing injuries. Charlie Davies is having a great comeback season with DC United but Bradley chose Wondolowski over him but still called up Onyewu (also nursing an injury coming into the Gold Cup). Davies was back on the pitch the weekend the Gold Cup restarted. Again, judgement call but one with considerable weight behind it.

Reset the location. Why does CONCACAF continue to play the Gold Cup only in the USA? Further, why does US Soccer go ahead with this? It's better for the players if they play in other countries. But somehow the final is set for the Rose Bowl. Chicago was a more neutral location four years ago. I'm scratching my head with this one still.

Reset for the fans. We know this country has great athletes. We know they are playing more soccer these days. Having Thomas Rongen miss a chance with the most talented U-20 in a decade only thwarted development further. That team never made it to the U-20 World Cup and players like Agudelo, Salgado, Kitchen won't be exposed to the elements. Rongen was let go. Should Bob Bradley?

Howard....................5
Cherundolo.............N/A
Bocanegra................4
Goodson...................5
Lichaj.......................4
Adu...........................8
Jones........................5
Bradley.....................6
Donovan...................6
Dempsey..................5.5
Bedoya......................4

Subs: Agudelo (4), Bornstein (3), Kljestan (N/A)

The US Gold Cup team: Missed opportunities?

Photo credit: Sports Illustrated

On Monday of this week we learned the names of the players chosen by Bob Bradley to represent the United States at the Concacaf Gold Cup. There were certain omissions and also some surprising additions. Out: Timmy Chandler, Alejandro Bedoya, Mixx Diskerud, Teal Bunbury, Charlie Davies, George John, Herculez Gomez. In: Robbie Rogers, Jonathan Bornstein, Freddy Adu, Chris Wondolowski, Oguchi Onyewu, Juan Agudelo.

Bob Bradley gave several reasons/reasoning for his choices: (a) Chandler is too exhausted from his first season as a starter for top-flight German team Nurmberg. (b) Rogers is a better fit than Bedoya for the team on the flanks at this point. (c) Adu has shown progress with Rizespor this season and merits a call-up. (d) Dempsey can cover as a second striker next to Altidore. (e) Onyewu is a stalwart with the team and is recovering from an injury perhaps in time for the tournament.

These are all very real and valid responses. Perhaps the most glaring one is the inclusion of Rogers over Bedoya when the latter has had a stellar season for Orebro of Sweden. The former has had an average start of the season with the Crew and was a bit disgruntled with the team early on.

Another important absence is that of Timmy Chandler. He is a two-way, multi-faceted player that can be shifted from defense to midfield at a mid-game notice. He was perhaps the best player during the last two games versus top opposition from Argentina and Paraguay. His ability to unravel the opponent's attack and his significant pace to get around players was a welcome sight for the American squad. While we may understand the reasoning behind his absence, a player of his caliber should welcome the advantage of being in a top-tier international tournament. His break-out season would be complete with another standout performance at the Gold Cup. Why not have him as a substitute at least?

The American attack should be concerned not just with the absence of a resurging Davies but with the production of top-striker Altidore. We all love him and believe in him but our forwards should be in top form. This leaves Dempsey as our top candidate to be our go-to scorer. Not a bad choice, but the midfield suffers as a result. This, compounded by the absence of Holden due to injury and Bedoya's exclusion, should leave us reason to worry. Will we see goals only from our midfield as we did at the World Cup?

Perhaps more important is the state of our defense. No DeMerrit and struggling Onyewu leaves two voids at center back. Yes, we can include Bocanegra alongside Goodson or Tim Ream. And left back? Bornstein? Bocanegra? Right back could be covered by Cherundolo/Spector/Lichaj. The latter two could play left back but aren't naturally left-footed. How do we defend against the fantasy of Chicharito Hernandez or the speed and abilities of Andres Guardado?

And this is where we end today. It will be up to Edu, Jones, Bradley to decompose the Mexican attack, and to Bocanegra and Ream or Goodson to counter the Manchester United ace. Chicharito is the X-factor in this tournament. Can this team overcome his magic as it did against Argentina? Or will we fall apart and be frustrated as we did versus Ghana (World Cup) and Paraguay (friendly)?

The players:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
DEFENDERS (8): Carlos Bocanegra (Saint-Etienne), Jonathan Bornstein (UANL Tigres), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Eric Lichaj (Leeds), Oguchi Onyewu (FC Twente), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)
MIDFIELDERS (9): Freddy Adu (Rizespor), Michael Bradley (Aston Villa), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Benny Feilhaber (New England Revolution), Jermaine Jones (Blackburn Rovers), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)
FORWARDS (3): Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls), Jozy Altidore (Bursaspor), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

Back to the future: USA defeats South Africa

USA defeated South Africa in Cape Town today thanks to 17-year-old Juan Agudelo. It was a clear message. Youth is the answer for the United States. Bob Bradley may not be the first choice for many fans and critics, but he had the right ideas today when he picked a youthful squad and had it pay off.

What a match indeed. The defense was stout with Ream-Goodson in the middle and an infallible Eric Lichaj at right back. Guzan showed why he deserves to be playing for Aston Villa...or perhaps another team. Bornstein struggled a bit on the left but still kept the Bafana Bafana from scoring. Up top Findley found little space as the lone forward. Gaven couldn't get through to him and Rogers took his own chances. Bedoya was also impressive on the left.

Enter the substitutes. Bunbury was a spark plug when he entered the game. Spector struggled some on the left (that's not his usual spot) but still got the work done. Borchers and Agbossoumonde would enter the match later in the second half to get some experience in defense at the international level. Then came Diskerud and Agudelo. Agudelo was dangerous from the start but it would take Diskerud's inventiveness for the teenager to make history. And history was made indeed. Diskerud did some fancy footwork in the area late in the game and provided an excellent pass to a streaking Agudelo. The youngster gave placement and pace to the ball. The shot hit the cross bar and bounced in behind the goal line.

Agudelo thus became the youngest player to ever score for the national team. At 17, he is in prime position to start fighting for minutes as a striker. Given the US' recent lack of scoring by forwards, his time with the national team may continue to rise. Expect him to be present at the January camp. Indeed, he and Diskerud are likely to be together early next year and may be featured in the match versus Chile (first international game of 2011).

We have seen the future today and there's plenty to be excited about. Agudelo, Diskerud, Lichaj and Ream comprise the next level of US soccer. Best of luck to them and also plenty of credit for Bob Bradley.

Player ratings:
Guzan........................8
Lichaj........................8
Ream.........................6
Goodson....................7
Bornstein..................5.5
Bedoya......................7
Rogers.......................6.5
Carroll.......................5.5
Gaven........................6
Pause.........................6
Findley......................4.5

Subs: Bunbury (6), Diskerud (7.5), Agudelo (8), Agbossoumonde (N/A), Spector (5.5), Borchers (N/A)

photo credit Schalk van Zuydam

The goal:

Observations: US vs Czech Republic

It was a disappointing end to an interesting and eventful night. Czech's go-ahead goal shouldn't have been and the defense should have done better. But, instead of looking at the game, I'd like to focus on the players:

• Guzan: Very rusty, and it showed at times. He also showed why he's on the team. Quick saves and good positioning.
• Onyewu: Was at fault for the first Czech goal, looked rusty at times but very good on the ground. May not start in South Africa but in the 23.
  
• Bornstein: Speedy recovery in plays but many errors that caused trouble for the defense. In 23, could be replaced by Pearce/Bocanegra/Spector.
  
• Goodson: Excellent game for the central defender. Assisted on Gomez's goal. In 23, may start ahead of Onyewu/DeMerrit.
• Pearce: His play was weak tonight and didn't outdo Bornstein. Good going forward. Not in 23.
  
• Cherundolo: Beaten in Czech's second goal. A bit lost at times but had generally good positioning throughout the match and very good going forward. In 23, Spector may get the nod ahead of him at right back.
  
• Edu: Opportunistic goal, his new trademark. He was steady and dangerous in the midfield and broke up play by the opossing team. The 4th goal was his fault. Not a great switch to D. In 23, starter alongside Bradley.
• Holden: Excellent match. Assisted on the first goal. His crosses were great. His defensive play could improve, however. In 23, probably a supersub or interchangeable with Dempsey.
• Beasley: This was the Beasley we all know and remember. Quickly to the attack and defense, great passing. In 23, supersub and/or interchangeable with Donovan.
• Torres: Had a quiet night but impressed enough to remain in the team. In 23, substitute mainly.
• Sacha Kljestan: Not a bad night, but he's still behind many others in the initial 30. Not in 23.
• Alejandro Bedoya: Not very effective and this may have cost him the trip to the World Cup. Pearce's faults could put him into the 23.
  
• Robbie Rogers: Lively and speedy but not enough to replace others in the squad. Not in 23.
• Edson Buddle: Worked hard but was unlucky going forward. Could make 23 in favor of Johnson/Gomez/Bedoya.
• Eddie Johnson: A bit more effective than Buddle. His play set up Edu's goal in the first half. Could make the 23 in favor of Buddle/Gomez/Bedoya.
• Herculez Gomez: Golazo! Always dangerous but needed to pass the ball better. A great supersub in South Africa. In 23 unless Pearce/Bedoya/Johnson combination doesn't work for him.
• Brian Ching: Possession and experience. In 23 and could start along with Donovan/Altidore/Dempsey.

The 4-2 score is tough to swallow. Treat this as a pre-season withouth the starters. However, about 3 or 4 that played tonight might actually start in the World Cup. Tonight was about showing us who can still cut it and who has lost their chance. Gomez, Beasley, Holden, Edu and Goodson stepped up. In any case, we'll learn tomorrow who will actually go to South Africa. Saturday will showcase more, if not all of the starters.

Truth be told: Why the US won't beat Trinidad tomorrow

At the danger of sounding pessimistic, I'm simply stating this: the US lacks the arguments to beat Trinindad and Tobago at Port of Spain. Why? Lack of communication in the defense. With DeMerrit out, it will be interesting to see what Bob Bradley does with the back line. Pearce is very far from the left back position at this point. Bornstein showed he can't quite cut it internationally and showed that vs El Salvador. Beasley was atrocious at the Confederations Cup. Bocanegra is needed to pair up with Onyewu in the center. Castillo has just been cleared to play for the US but too late for this match. Of the above, we know that Pearce, Castillo, and Beasley weren't even called up.

There is the possibility of switching Spector to the left as he's used in West Ham, but that would introduce Cherundolo on the right, where he showed difficulties in Mexico. Putting Bocanegra out wide and inserting Marshall reintroduces some of the miscommunication seen last Saturday. There's no clear winning solution here against a fast-paced and physical T&T side.

In the middle of the pitch, it might advisable to reintroduce Clark as a holding midfielder with Bradley. If he can regain his form things might fare better. Bradley needs to keep composed also. Dempsey requires more impetus from the defense in order to work as a valid option in the attack. He showed glimpses of that in the last game. Up front, barring injuries, Davies and Altidore should be the starters.

It will be a difficult match. T&T is likely to take advantage of the US early-score-by-the-other-team bug and the stars and stripes will go down 0-1 at the half. Some heroics are possible in the second half with Donovan as the orchestrator. We should also take note on the fact that a good majority of the players are carrying yellow cards and may be unavailable for the Honduras match in October, were they to get another yellow. Prediction: 1-1.