Abdul working defenders

United  Game Review by: Lucas Elbin - Pictures by: Destiny Fernandez

Sorry folks for the delay, your weekly United CASL game wrap up is finally here. Last Sunday FC Denver United took on Mile High Arsenal at Dicks Soccer Park. This match up looked to be an uneven one, as both squads stood at opposite ends of the table going into the match. However, given the history between some of the players on the pitch, and Arsenal’s ability to hang with anyone this season, nothing was guaranteed.

Arsenal came out playing a compact and conservative formation. This caught United off guard a little, as they were prepared for a physical match. United took advantage of Arsenal’s approach by moving the ball patiently around the field, waiting for the right moment to strike. However, after time, United became a little flustered and realized that the only way to break the game open was to begin to take players on one on one in the final third. And that they did.

The first half ended 2-0 and was highlighted by a beautiful diving header by Langston Anthony. Another goal came from Abdul Kareem Mamdu in which he cleaned a ball up nicely in the box and found the back of the net.

Xisco gets some field time

Things got worse for Arsenal as the game progressed. They were under a steady barrage of shots and crosses. FC Denver would score on four crossed balls on the day. Including a beauty from Brandon Best. Brandon showcased his attacking skills throughout the second half. The game was capped off nicely when goal keeper Cisco Villagrana scored on a header. The final score on Sunday: FC Denver United 6…Mile High Arsenal 0.

Man of the Match: Brandon Best

Played excellent on both sides of the ball all game. He was solid in the back and his wing play opened up the offense in the second half.

Here is Bob Bradley’s final 23-man roster for the World Cup.

Goalkeepers (3): Tim Howard, Marcus Hahnemann, Brad Guzan

Defenders (7): Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu, Jay DeMerit, Steve Cherundolo, Jonathan Spector, Clarence Goodson, Jonathan Bornstein

Midfielders (9): Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, Stuart Holden, Maurice Edu, Ricardo Clark, DaMarcus Beasley, Benny Feilhaber, Jose Francisco Torres, Clint Dempsey

Forwards (4): Jozy Altidore, Herculez Gomez, Edson Buddle, Robbie Findley

No surprises at goalkeeper.  These were the only three keepers called into camp and the only issue that needed sorting is determining the #2.

Normally the seven defenders selected by Bradley wouldn’t raise too many eyebrows. But the recent injury of Carlos Bocanegra and the current form of Oguchi Onyewu leaves me wondering if Chad Marshall shouldn’t be on the roster. Hopefully this means that Bradley and the doctors are certain both Boca and Gooch will be ready for the World Cup.

There is no real surprise in the midfield.  Beasley looked ready to make his return to the national team after a strong outing against the Netherlands.  Out of Bedoya, Kljestan, Torres, and Rogers; Torres was the most refined player.  Bedoya and Rogers, 23, and Kljestan, 24, should start focusing on 2014.

Seeing Herculez Gomez and Edson Buddle on the roster is a big surprise. I expected one or the other but not both. Both looked good, not great, against the Czechs.  Brian Ching’s omission is surprising but understandable, and a little risky. Although Ching has struggled with injuries, he was the most experienced striker in the pool.  Bradley can always move Donovan or Dempsey to forward, but the fact that Bradley is taking four forwards to South Africa leads me to believe he wants Dempsey and Donovan in the midfield.

The mystery that is Robbie Findley.  Findley must have some dirt on Bob Bradley . . . incriminating pictures perhaps.  Although he’s put in some lackluster performances, Bradley still believes Findley can help the team in South Africa. I have taken my fair share of shots at Findley in the lead up to this final roster, but I’m happy that Findley’s hard work has paid off.  Findley didn’t convince me but who cares what I think, he convinced the only man that matters . . . Bob Bradley.

Share your thoughts on the roster.