courtside

maybe 1-2 I can agree with at most. And one of those two was by Footes...until his follow up posts did a 180. And of course the obligatory who cares about soccer post...this time from SLU72...thanks for the high quality input. Only one of those...this board is getting soft. I am actually shocked there were 22 posts in response to the first one in this thread, based on the contents of the first post. But considering it is the only U.S. soccer thread going on their elimination day...others must need an outlet. Footes is on to something with the simple fact that the problem was scoring....and what is involved in scoring....finishing, and creating chances to finish. The biggest problem was the inability to create high quality chances to even try to finish. .....I will go ahead and help with at least one of your follow ups...Arena said he would take a U.S. club player who started and played all the time, over a U.S. player who sits on the bench in Europe and doesn't get to play. Obviously a HUGE difference in quotes. He wants guys to get lots and lots of playing time regardles of where.....and he would be the first to say he would GLADLY take a high level Internatioally playing U.S. player and day of the week....McBride, Reyna, Convey, Gooch, Lewis, Bocanegra, Cherundolo, Keller(and the two back up keepers), Beasley, O'Brien....on and on and on....all these players were selected by Arena, and ALL except the two back up keepers PLAYED at his choice the WC. People can debate individual performances, the team's as a whole, Arena's....etc..... Arena's track record of success speaks for itself. He is an easy target....but he didn't play. How many players left off of the roster would have 1) played, and 2) had success....? Not many. Squabbling over a couple sure.... Lineups were debatable as far as who played and formations...especially as things failed to work well.....and the effort and preparedness were questioned after the first game....deservedly so....effort wasn't an issue in last two games. And finally for Arena....not one post even hinted at the suggestion of who would or could have done better. I am not saying someone would or wouldn't have....but at least have a choice or two....He has had two World Cups....made the quarterfinals in one, and finished poorly in the other.....Who you play does matter..... This is what happens when a surly, cocky coach loses. Uninformed and informed people call for his head. Arena deserves some accountability....not as much as the players, but some... Welcome to the World Cup....Czech Republic is one of top teams in World, going home early along with some other talented countries...it happens all around.... England played poorly its first two games against much lesser competition but is moving on.... There is an encouraging disappointment and disgust for the results for the U.S.....that so many care enough about the results. Soccer is the world's game....the only true world's game. baseball, basketball, American Football, aren 't world sports...in the U.S.....if the U.S. team isn't the best at it....then MANY turn their noses up at the sport or topic in hand....and also in the U.S....there is a need for instant gratification, and soccer is about the process that so many other countries and people understand and enjoy. There are many of Americans who do as well. A soccer novice asked me why the U.S. wasn't playing its first game on a weekend....and there were multiple answers....but who cares really? The question illustrated the point above really....25 billion people were watching.....and it is a sport where it isn't about the U.S., it is about the World. Hey that is neat and great if the U.S. can join the party....but the party is going on with or without the U.S. ..... Whether some think the U.S. is the only country around or not. As for all the individual reasons for a lack of U.S. success in this year's World Cup....I will have to save for another post.

Thx for the quality post balls.

Bluecrewfinance.... The goal is to have Dado Hemzagic play up top alone or with Patterson, or whomever else emerges. And I loved the troll in this thread with the Brad Smith comments...he had a nice career as Mizzou's QB. Good luck to him.

I didn't base my opinion of O'Brien on one half.(previous games as well, and practice) If he were match fit he would be starting and playing 90. Perhaps you are not understanding what I mean by fit. He's a talented player who has missed a great deal of time due to injury. He is NOT match fit. He was a sub in first game, and did not play in 2nd game. He may see some action against Ghana. He won't be playing 90, because he isn't 100% healthy and 100% match fit. so know I don't think he is match fit based on my observations of various times seeing him in games and practice,(have had a little bit of access to practice) and by what others affiliated with the team have said in recent times... He very well may be given a green light to give it a go. Nothing would shock me at this point. And I would not have substituted Johnson for McBride. Someone else, sure, as discussed. As I said before....sure some guys have played well and others haven't. Overall the effort and result were poor v Czech's, and effort and result was quite good against Italy. There are very few people on the team who perhaps could or should have been left off vs others. The players who have performed poorly all have more than proven themselves worthy of their opportunity. However, some changes with the current mix can and should be made based on Cup performance in 2 games and play prior.....not many....but a few imo.

In case there is a small chance someone who doesn't follow soccer reads your post and believes the info....First, one class doesn't make a championship, 2nd a few of those highly talented players left after their Frosh and Soph seasons to play professionally....and last...class rankings are only good on paper, in any sport. SLU will field a competitive team that will be expected to make the NCAA's. Going anywhere with this team this season deep into the NCAA's is not expected by me based on what they have vs other teams. SLU making the NCAA's this year is no lock either...however it will be expected regardless of the level of talent on the team. My expectations....are for SLU to make the NCAA's....and after that it is likely they will get bounced in round 1 or win 1-2 games. Anything more than that would be a pleasant surprise. A lot of very strong teams out there in better situations than SLU at the moment. We'll see how they do against some of the big boys in Sept.

I'd be surprised if the back line v Ghana wasn't Cherundolo, Gooch, Conrad, Bocanegra. Only other player with possibilities is Lewis at left back only, and I would not prefer it. As I said I would have substituted Johnson for Donovan around 75th minute. With 9 players...tough to play 2 forwards. McBride played because he had played well, and did a lot of little things well, and he is going to get the benefit of the doubt from Arena every time as do players like Pope and other Arena favorites. O'Brien hasn't looked fit...would be surprised to see him again. I did think the sub for Dempsey was fine at that time. Think he will and should see some time again. More has been needed from Convey, Beasley and Donovan....the most. Would not be surprised to see Convey and or Beasley not get time Thurs. And the result was a great result against a World Power....with 9 players....sure they could and possibly should have won the game... and it is easy to second guess. People should be encouraged at that game.

Dempsey.....Overall it was solid. Not worse or better than that. An improvement from the previous game's efforts. He has no fear which is a plus and is willing to attack the defense and push forward...needs to stay wide, doesn't always do that....creates opportunities and has knack for being in right place at right time to finish and and also to create those opportunities like a Twellman, from a different position. His play faded as the game progressed but a good, solid effort and a good timely sub for him in 2nd half. Everything is also relative based on expectation. For example, expectations are much higher for Beasley and Donovan and they have disappointed so far imo. Dempsey can either be entered as a nice spark...or to start the game with that spark....eventually I would like to see him do more in time...and he will....and also be able to go full 90 at high level. The experience is great for him. And as long as he learns from what is thrown at him....(he is a stubborn dude from what I have been told)...he will do fine. Beasley has played exceptional soccer overseas at high level for high level team against high level competition...only American ever to play in Champions league final. ....etc..and at least he was inserted on the left side, after inexplicably starting on right side vs Czech's....but he seemed to disappear after the goal he scored was called back, instead of taking over the game, and wreaking havoc. He isn't alone. I have much higher expectations for Donovan as well. was a bit surprised that even considering the wide open space and down a man that Donovan was virtually walking last 20 minutes of game, and was a wasted player at that point. He ws better in this game...but not good enough. He should be U.S.'s best player on field and he isn't.

Wow....I must have watched a different game than kshoe and Nate. McBride is deservedly getting RAVE reviews nationally and internationally for his defensive effort in 2nd half, constantly getting back, and in the mix defending when the U.S. was down to 9 men. Can't say the same for several U.S. midfielders whom McBride covered for. Also...McBride is a "target" forward, not a "Space" forward. Constantly U.S. midfielders were playing the bal linto space to him, rahter than at his feet. That isn't his fault. He was the ONLY forward, and only one getting to balls. He won several balls off of long Keller punts....no one else did. When he did have the ball, he played intelligently with it. He also held the ball well....again can't say the same for others. He didn't finish well a few times on left foot on balls into space. He also imo....chased down many poor serves that were deep, back end line serves to get a head or body on it and deflect off defender for corners. Considering he was the only forward playing, his effort, and ability to do a lot of the little things many apparently don't notice...I thought he had a strong game. I wouldn't have minded a 75th minute sub to add an Eddie Johnson to play WITH him, not sub for him....and pull Beasley or Donovan. Arena had just subbed in Beasley so that would have been interesting...Had the U.S had a better goal differential...i.e. close loss to Czech's...I would have been fine with playing with what they had to finish game...they obviously wanted the result...and felt flow of game was what they wanted to at least get the draw...but game had chance to get 3 points. While we are discussing the game, Carlos Bocanegra and Steve Cherundolo were absolutely terrific. I have been a past propenent of starting Bocanegra at left back and either move Lewis to left mid or bench. I thought the Conrad for Convey sub was a terrific decision to save the game....and my guess is if U.S. had 10 men, would have ssen the Johnson sub.....but Arena right or worng just isn't going to sub in for Reyna or Donovan, even if it is late in game and they are exhausted....at least Reyna was defending a bit at that point. Losing Mastroeni will be tough...he was good against Italy after having subpar game v Czech's. The only other qualified defensive mid I have confidence in ...is the injured and unavailable Cory Gibbs. ...who would also be a good choice in Pope's spot. I would anticipate Conrad for Pope, which is fine.....but someone will be playing out of position for Mastroeni....either Reyna, O'Brien...etc...because I don't think Olsen will get the call....

As some of you know....the pressure is on Donigan...make the tourney or likely be gone. He knows it, talks about it...etc...and he has the talent to get there. SLU needs to and should dominate the A-10, unlike this past year....SLU still was tied for first and lost in pk's in conf tourney title game. This year it is NOT at SLU like last year...it is in Charlotte...so tougher to win conf tourney... Winning against the A-10 does not spark a lot of college soccer interest. SLU MUST get early season results against the non-conference big boys. SLU will get ND, UConn, IU, Santa Clara, SMU....two of those at home...and have other non-conference games....but SLU needs wins and ties against these opponents. IU is absolutely positive loaded, as usual. Getting them at home.....I would suggest ANY person who has never been to a game to attend this game. It is a guaranteed packed house...great atmosphere...very high level college soccer. SLU must get at least a draw with them. My concern for the team is scoring goals....Dado Hemzagic will play up top more...and must score goals, period for SLU to win. Usually your first year is the BIG transition year. He should be much improved off of his all rookie conference selection. Patterson needs to be fit and contribute up top as well. Midfield will be solid...I expect some Frosh to get some time. Gasporovic must improve in his 3rd year. Angus and Ream should be controlling the right and left back spots. Ream should immediately play as Frosh back there. Benne needs to be healthy for once since his frosh year. If Grazier is healthy he should start in defensive mid, with plenty of solid midfielders for SLU, Sweetin, Aranda, DiRaimondo, the new kid from Dallas...etc...plenty of midfield depth. I would say two biggest questions are scoring goals and goalkeeping. Disbennett must be healthy and must improve. Donigan wisely added several other keepers this year. If can finish and get goalkeeping....they will do fine and be in NCAA and with weaker conference could get a home game or two etc.... If one or both of those areas fail...they will scramble to make tourney and start on road against tougher teams. Hemzagic and Patterson are huge keys....and if someone else can step up and score...the Ky kid or UMass transfer...or if Jimmy Holmes from Priory, who has great speed, great attitude and great effort can have a fast learning curve.....personally I think he will do great at SLU...but not until his last two years, maybe 3 years....I just think the transition will be a steep learning curve for him...which is zero knock on him.... Too many people underestimate the learning curve from high school ball to college ball in soccer...or in any sport....take SLU hoops...it took half the season for the the highly touted Frosh to learn through experience....and improve dramatically....soccer is no different....people get spoiled with occasional Ibisevic type player...they don't come around every year.... I think SLU men will do well and make tourney, and lose in first round or win up to two rounds depending on draw. They absolutely have to get results vs IU and SMU....and a couple on road.....if they for example stumble at home to an IU....etc...which is no shame at all.....they will need to beat an ND or UConn or Santa Clara at neutral or road environment. A few years ago SLU got early season wins at Clemson, Virginia etc....which help put teams in good rankings early....then it is tough to stumble out....need a couple of wins and also a few draws....to have solid resume heading into conference...and frankly they need to dominate their conference with greater margins of victory at home...and keep a clean sheet on road with close wins and draws. SLU women are in better spot right now....SLU finally turned the corner a little bit last year...They should be a an annual NCAA team at this point....I know they have some high level recruits this year.

Apologies.... IU game is THURSDAY Sept 14th...not Friday 7pm at SLU....and SMU game is FRIDAY Sept 22nd at 7pm at SLU.....both obviously monster games....Mike Freitag(IU's coach, and native St. Louisan....gets geeked up to play at packed house at SLU...get their early for that one..)

I know some folks have posted some of the fall schedule opponents etc...found some dates and times......the season's prospectus is at SLU.EDU site...schedule is not up yet. SLU v ND Fri Sept 1 at 7pm at IU Tourney. SLU v UCONN Sun Sept 3 Noon at IU Tourney. SLU v Santa Clara Fri Sept 8 TBA at Santa Clara SLU v Navy Sun Sept 10 TBA at Santa Clara SLU v Indiana at SLU Fri Sept 14th 7pm SLU v SMU at SLU Sat Sept 22 7pm.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/st...76?OpenDocument

He was considering some strong soccer schools as well as Ivy league schools.(He is excellent student). He long ago verbaled.... He has the maturity, skill and toughness to control the midfield at SLU. As I say with most recruits....only rare ones are an immediate impact player like Ibisevic...etc...so there will always be a transition period during first season....but when all is said and done Aranda will be a big contributor, leader and fan favorite as SLU. He's nails.

Easily the signing I am much pleased about. http://slubillikens.cstv.com/sports/m-socc.../053006aab.html

Check your pm

He would be even better if he had some speed to his game. To go with his size.

Two words: Late Bloomer. He was on nobody's radar screen until he had a terrifc junior season. He was a MAC caliber player before that. Plays high school ball with former NFL player Matt Suey's son. He is about 6 feet...listed anywhere from 6'1 -6'2.....plays taller than 6 feet....very smart player, fundamentals....etc...Really improved a lot this past year.....led his unknown high scool team (Loyola Academy) to its furthest in 30 years in state tourney before falling).... I would say he is definitely a player worth recruiting. Interest has risen dramatically after this past year of huge improvement....Illinois, Marquette, Kentucky, Oklahoma St, Vanderbilt on his list...and has had previous offer from Loyola Chi. He is late bloomer...previously a mid major caliber player at best.

Check your pm. Thx.

Actually the Northwestern University Women's soccer team has had an interesting off season.

Ignore billikenmetz.....you'd be hard pressed to find any positive comments about him on this board. None.

I like Albright. He is still learning how to play in back. But his verstaility helps out, and I am fine with atht selection. HE was a good possibility to make to original 23.

http://www.jsonline.com/watch/?watch=1&date=5/3/2006&id=5629

Davis had some injury problems late last season that ended his season a bit early. Wasn't fit early on over fall/winter.... Davis will be in the mix for the next Cup. He finally received som National team experience over the past 1-2 years and is building a resume for himself to try to make the team in 4 years. Needs to produce and stay healthy....and it wouldn't hurt to stop bouncing around teams in the league. Talented left side player who should be in the mix in 4 years. Skip....I am well aware as I said in my post who is and isn't a space player or target palyer etc....but sometimes if another player is much better regardless of that you take him. Eddie Johnson shouldn't see the field unless he is second half substitute to try to rejuvenate the team in a tie or losing game. He has great talent and good size speed etc...but his work rate and concentration and often times first touch are not what they need to be at that level. Problem is...do you start him over Wolff...? And he very well might.

I have been trying to keep the posts mostly just SLU.....but since this thread is up. I would take Twellman over Ching and Ching over Wolff. Josh Wolff continues to have secret incriminating pictures of Bruce Arena....just kidding to make the point of my opinion. And I will leave it at that. (I realize the mixture of having target forwards vs guys who play better in space etc....) Arena said himself that if Ralston was fit he would be on there without hesitation. He loves Ralston. Had Noonan been a bit more fit, ....liked his chances. But with Convey, Beasley, O'Brien on left side... Noonan, Twellman, Klein, Ralston all on 13 player alternate list. None of the defender selections surprised me. I like Albright....but Lewis is already one converted player he wants to limit how many of those he chooses. Thought Twellman would have been there and was hoping for Albright and Noonan. I would say Josh Wolff has to be the disappointment for me....maybe Olsen too, to a lesser extent. But he can defend better than some others. There always seem to be one Reyna backlash post on internet boards. Reyna sits just fine with me.

If you also think Notre Dame is way above Georgetown in Academics you too would be mistaken. They are in the same class academically.