Long Summer Ahead

Hopefully we will see more posts this summer, as the Sons of Thomas Dooley have a full slate of games ahead, starting tonight with the second (maybe third) toughest match of the final round of qualifying.

Besides the cauldron that is Mexico City, playing in Saprissa stadium has caused the US Men's National team the most difficulty. Still without a win in 7 games played (0-6-1), the Sons look to break the golden goose egg tonight. Already the same old excuses are being trotted out: artificial turf, hostile crowd, boiling temperature, deadly smog, and elevated altitude. Okay, I threw in the last two just to make sure everyone was paying attention.

Forgive my ignorance, but when you dream of winning the World Cup, playing the 41st ranked team in the world shouldn't lead you to alter your game plan as drastically as the Sons do when they go on the road to La Rica. Sure, the Sons are a little delusional when it comes to Project 2010, but the point still stands. The Nats are the biggest baddest boys on the CONCACAF block, and they don't need to go conservative when they travel.

Here is the lineup I want to see: Howard; Wynne, Charlie Blackmouth, Gooch, Beasley; Torres, Bradley, Adu; Donovan, Deuce; Ching.

Here is the lineup we will see: Howard; Spector, Bocangra, Gooch, Beasley; Dempsey, Bradley, Mastroeni, Kljestan; Donovan; Ching.

Instead of an attacking lineup that can hold the ball, Bradley will opt to pack the midfield, hope to soak up the pressure and hit back when the chances arrive. I find this strategy strange because when you let the home team play with the ball, all it succeeds in doing is making sure the home fans stay in the game. I would much rather see Bradley come out with an offensive team, smack Costa Rica in the face, and see if they wobble. My guess is that they would topple over. Alas, with Bradley at the helm, we won't ever get the chance to know.