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.

Bradley released the US’s 30 man roster this afternoon. The big surprise was the omission of Charlie Davies.  Rapids fans will also be disappointed to see that Conor Casey is not on the preliminary roster.

Despite reports that Charlie Davies wasn’t far enough along in his rehab to make the World Cup roster, I think everyone still hoped he’d make the cut. The young forward suffered potentially career ending injuries in October but has managed to work his way back at a miraculous pace. Although his recovery is nothing short of amazing, it wasn’t enough to get him on the preliminary roster.

Leaving Davies off the roster was a bold but correct move by Bradley. Davies was a fan favorite, but if he wasn’t ready to play he’d be occupying a spot for someone who is fit and capable of playing.

The omission of Conor Casey is a bit disappointing but understandable.  Casey has been involved with the national team for the last two years and scored the goal that gave the US its berth into the World Cup.  Unfortunately, his form has escaped him in the last few months.

Throughout the lead up to this announcement, Conor seemed like he didn’t care too much about getting the call up.  But this morning it was clear that Conor was disappointed. You could tell by the expression on his face and his avoidance of eye contact, that this omission hurt. Conor is a man of few words and likes to keep to himself.  I think it is easy to confuse that with a lack of passion.  Conor asked to pass on any interviews this morning and only stated that he was “disappointed” as he walked back to the locker rooms.

Here is the US’s preliminary 30-man roster:

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa, England), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton, England), Tim Howard (Everton, England).

Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes, France), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover, Germany), Jay DeMerit (Watford, England), Clarence Goodson (IK Start, Norway), Chad Marshall (Columbus), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan, Italy), Heath Pearce (Dallas), Jonathan Spector (West Ham, England).

Midfielders: DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Alejandro Bedoya (Orebro, Sweden), Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach, Germany), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany), Clint Dempsey (Fulham, England), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles), Maurice Edu (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus, Denmark), Stuart Holden (Bolton, England), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Robbie Rogers (Columbus), Jose Torres (Pachuca, Mexico).

Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Hull, England), Edson Buddle (Los Angeles), Brian Ching (Houston), Robbie Findley (Salt Lake), Herculez Gomez (Puebla, Mexico), Eddie Johnson (Aris, Greece).

Share your thoughts on the roster.

Bradley must register 30 players with FIFA tomorrow.  From the 30 selected, Bradley will choose his final 23 man roster by June 1.  If there is an injury after June 1, Bradley may call in a replacement up to 24 hours before their first match. The replacement does not have to be from the original 30. From the 30 registered tomorrow, 26-28 players will attend a training camp.

Here is the Green Army’s guess at the 30 players Bradley registers.

Goalkeepers (3):

Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton): Veteran keeper had a good year

Tim Howard (Everton): US #1 keeper

Brad Guzan (Aston villa): Solid #2 for the US

Defenders (9):

Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan): Back in full training after injury

Jay DeMerit (Watford): Solid center back, could push Bocanegra to left back

Jonathon Spector (West Ham): The versatile defender should start on the right

Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes): A leader for the US, Could start on the left or in the middle

Clarence Goodson (Start): Third option at center back

Heath Pearce (FC Dallas): His form has improved since returning to MLS

Jonathon Bornstein (Chivas USA): One of Bradley’s guys

Steve Cherundolo (Hanover): Veteran right back

Edgar Castillo (Tigres): Young defender looking to impress on the left

The inclusion of Steve Cherundolo brings a veteran presence on the right side eliminating the need for a guy like Frankie Hejduk.  It also opens the door for a younger option like Castillo to step in and get a shot at the final roster.  I think Clarence Goodson beat Chad Marshall for the final center back spot.  In addition, the resurgence of Maurice Edu means that the US has plenty of cover at the center back position.

Midfielders (11):

Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy): The US’s best field player

Michael Bradley (Monchengladbach): The work horse and a lock starter

Maurice Edu (Rangers): Returned from injury and in form

Clint Dempsey (Fulham): Versatile goal scoring threat

Ricardo Clark (Frankfurt): Talented but inconsistent

Stuart Holden (Bolton): Back from injury, could get the nod on the right

Jose Torres (Pachuca): Tidy player with great vision and skill

Alejandro Bedoya (Orebro): Creative and dynamic midfielder/forward

Benny Feilhaber (AGF): A possession type player, sets the tempo

DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers): He’s a veteran and gets the benefit of the doubt . . . sigh

Freddy Adu (Aris): Can make a game changing pass or run

Why Freddy Adu over Sacha Kljestan? Basically, I don’t think either will make the final roster so I’m going out on limb to say that Freddy will get a look as that creative difference maker in the midfield. He’s played well at Aris and is more likely than Kljestan to make that game changing pass as a last minute sub. I think both of them get beat out by Alejandro Bedoya for the final roster spot.

Beasley has World Cup experience and that is a huge plus for him. His latest injury spell leaves him on the bubble. Other players on the bubble are Torres, Clark, and Bedoya.  I think the forward situation will determine if there is a spot for any of these 3 players.

Forwards (7):

Conor Casey (Rapids): Big target forward

Charlie Davies (Sochaux): Working his way back from injury

Jozy Altidore (Hull): Only real option at the moment

Eddie Johnson (Aris): Getting time at Aris

Brian Ching (Houston): Returning from another injury layoff

Edson Buddle (Galaxy): MLS leading goal scorer

Herculez Gomez (Puebla): In great form, consistent goal scorer in Mexico

The race to replace Charlie Davies might be over if Davies is actually ready to participate in the World Cup.  I really hope he is. I don’t think he is the greatest forward to ever wear a US jersey but he is a lot better than other options at the moment.   I also think having him on the roster will boost morale.

The only lock in this group is Jozy Altidore.  Ching has struggled with injuries and might not be in form. Similarly, Conor Casey isn’t lighting up MLS at the moment, but is still in the mix because he can play as a target forward. Of the inform group, Edson Buddle and Herculez Gomez are the fan favorites.  It might be too little to late for these two though.  There isn’t much time to impress and Bradley might go with safer options. Eddie Johnson is on the fringe in this group, and Robbie Findley’s recent injury might keep him out of this group all together.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Bradley only took Altidore and Davies, leaving the door open for 2 more midfielders to make the roster.

Share your thoughts.

MASTER GAME REVIEW: EASTER DOMINATION

By Kurt FitzRoy

On a sun-drenched Easter morning the Masters Team came out with a game The Lord above would have been proud of. With a blitzkrieg of goals coming from all positions on the pitch and with a no nonsense defense the Masters shut out the overmatched opposition by a 11-0 final scoreline.

Tally’s came from the following players: John Wallace (2), Dennis Swanson (2), Geoff Thompson (2), Ken Wu (1), Kurt FitzRoy (1), Trent Lind (1), Chris Lujun (1), and Jeremy Thompson (1). The FC Denver Masters Team has set the tone for the upcoming season with a game of pure dominance.

COACHES Man-of-the-Match (MOTM): This game, like most, was really a team effort with goals and quality play coming from all sides. Picking a MOTM is not easy, but we’ll select Geoff Thompson for Masters Game #1 MOTM. Combine his oals with his leadership from midfield and you have a winning performance. Other notable performances were put in by Trent Lind and John Wallace.

For more game Pics, please visit our FC Denver Facebook Page here (and join group!):

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=photos&ref=ts&gid=41813366672#!/photo_search.php?oid=41813366672&view=user

PREMIER (1-0-0) & UNITED (0-0-0) did not play this weekend.

By: Eric Fulton (FC Denver)

Hello All!

We are finally here!! The kickoff to the Spring 2010 Outdoor season. Our two CASL Teams begin this weekend and our Masters team begins its quest for the CRASL (Colorado Rapids Amateur Soccer League) D2 crown next week. Each week, look back here for a blog posts on Fridays (Game Preview) and on Monday Nights (Postgame Recaps) to cover the games.

This Weekends League Matches:

FC Denver PREMIER vs. Colorado Rush @ Dicks Sporting Goods Park Field #8 at 11am.

This should be a heck of a match. When the Rush bring all of their players (which are all high-level youth coaches) they are quite a skillful team to watch, while our FC Denver team is looking better than ever. Winner of this game makes a statement to start the season. I think our boys are ready and will prove a tough test for anyone in the division. Excited to watch this match.

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FC Denver UNITED vs. TASC @ Broomfield Commons Park (approx 132nd and Sheridan Blvd in Broomfield) at 3pm.

TASC starts their 2nd season in the CASL Division 2 after a good inaugural season in the Fall. They are Metro College’s club team and with the size and diversity of that school, they have a good base to draw from (I should know, I’m an Alum!). Our United team is hands down awesome in the 2nd division and expects the best from each of its player; every game. Should be good to see a feisty TASC team against a skillful and composed UNITED Team.

See you out there!

The Rapids have organized a press conference tomorrow afternoon (2pm MST) to  “ANNOUNCE MAJOR PLAYER TRANSACTION“. I have a guess or two at what it may be myself, but we’ll wait and see what transpires tomorrow.

One thing that Rapids fans can say is that Coach Smith hasn’t been busy this off-season. He’s brought in 2 potential starters,  drafted a couple of possible roster players, brought in international trialists, plus this currently unannoced transaction. He’s definitely made moves to build the team he is looking to create.

Be sure to check back on the blog tomorrow for news and analysis.

The US beat El Salvador last night 2-1, thanks to two late strikes by Brian Ching and Sacha Kljestan.

The first 30-35 minutes were unwatchable.  El Salvador was overly casual with the ball and the US’s pressure forced multiple turnovers.  The US failed to do anything with their possession and looked like they needed someone to remind them what they were supposed to do with the ball.  Its called soccer fellas . . . the sport you get paid to play!!!!

After the “Amateur Hour in Tampa Show” was over the US started to put things together a little better.  Conor Casey  got a few nice touches and set up Kljestan with the best scoring opportunity of the first half.   Beckerman dominated the midfield for the US giving Kljestan a little bit more time to create.  The defense was rarely troubled in the first half, and Goodson, Bornstein, and Pierce enjoyed a solid half defensively. Brad Davis had a good half, demonstrating some poise and skill.

The second half was more of the same.  Brian Ching and Eddie Gaven, subbed in at the half, were creating chances for the US.  Rogers moved to the left and started to produce a little more. The US dominated El Salvador physically but a mistake by Brad Evans saw El Salvador take the lead. El Salvador’s keeper, Miguel Montes, batted away several good US chances.  The US finally leveled in the 76th minute when Brian Ching headed home a Heath Pearce cross.  Kljestan found the game winner two minutes into stoppage time. Kljestan collected an errant pass and played a quick 1-2 pass with Ching for any easy finish.

Positives:

The US was willing to attack.  It was good to see the US players aggressive and hungry to find the goal.  Miguel Montes was in great form for El Salvador and he saved them from a possible 5-1 scoreline.  I think they were also a little lucky that our finishing was poor all night.

Negatives:

I can’t believe the US can still field players with such a disturbing lack of fundamentals, both technical and tactical.  I thought we were passed these days but I guess we still have a few years to go.

Players, the good:

I thought Eddie Gaven, Brian Ching, Beckerman, Heath Pierce, and Brad Davis did themselves a favor last night.  Ching was mobile and hungry.  It doesn’t hurt that he got the tieing goal and assisted on the game winner.  Gaven was lively and showed some clever ball skill.  His final touch to pass or shoot failed him, but he had some highlight reel moments.  Beckerman is reliable and coaches love players they can depend on.  Pearce was lucky that he played on El Salvador’s weak side.  He locked down the left side defensively and put in a nice cross for Ching’s goal. Davis’s performance on the left was probably bolstered by Robbie Rogers poor play, but Davis looked sharp and dangerous in the first half.

Players, the bad:

Robbie Rogers was a mess last night.  On the right side of the field he looked like he belonged on a Wednesday night coed team.  He moved to the left and played much better but still didn’t have a good night.  Robbie Findley needs to rely on more than just his speed.  His fundamentals looked poor, and in my opinion, he shouldn’t wear the US jersey until he cleans that up.  Similarly, Jeff Cunningham might have worn the US jersey for the last time.  He started brightly but disappeared completely from the match.  Brad Evans . . . poor Brad Evans . . . he is a good player but he isn’t a right back.  I want him to get a chance at center mid and show that he can play.  It’s tough not to blame him for El Salvador’s goal but we all knew that if El Salvador was going to score, it would be down our right side.

Players, did just enough:

Conor Casey, Jonothan Bornstein, and Clarence Goodson demonstrated more of the same.  Goodson looked solid against a weak El Salvador attack.  He was also dangerous on set pieces.  Casey reminded Bradley that he can win the physical battles and play good passes up top, but he won’t work like Brian Ching.  Bornstein didn’t shine but he was steady and that is what Bradley was expecting from him.

Sacha Kljestan found the game winner last and put himself into good spots.  Before the game winner, I was going to put him in the bad category because I don’t think he did enough on either side of the ball to say he had an overall good game.  I’ve always liked Kljestan’s style and hopefully this game winner will spark his confidence and get him out of the slump.

Final Thoughts:

The season of the B-team is over. THANK GOD!!!  It was ugly, painful, and embarrassing but we survived.  As terrible as these last few games were, I still think they are necessary for the growth of our national team. Our MLS guys need to play international matches and top competition in order to grow.

I’m looking forward to our next friendly against the Netherlands.  I think Ching has earned a right to make the trip, along with Bornstein, Goodson, Perkins, and Beckerman.   I’m still hoping for Conor Casey to make the trip but if Bradley can only take one target forward, I think Ching edged him last night.

Share your thoughts on last night’s match. Who do you think should make the trip to the Netherlands?

US U-17 standout midfielder, Luis Gil, has finally signed with MLS.  It was rumoured that he would sign before the draft but when that fell through most figured he’d be headed to Europe. Gil was linked to Real Madrid and Arsenal but chose to snub those offers for MLS.  He will be allocated to a team this coming Monday after the weighted lottery. 

He’s a talented 16 year old midfielder but probably isn’t ready to make an impact right away.  Should the Rapids throw their name into the lottery for this kid or hold out for a better prospect?

Gary Smith has taken a few steps forward in the annuls of the Colorado Rapids franchise. If you are watching closely, you will see that he is about to produce a Rapids team that has direction, skill, and toughness unknown in previous Rapids sides. This focused squad will hopefully break through the Rapids enduring history of mediocrity.

Why do I feel so strongly about Coach Smith and his chosen players? It’s because I believe that he has instilled a sense of professionalism and dedication that was lacking amongst earlier Rapids sides. These previous squads demonstrated skill, but were lacking in the focus and dedication (otherwise known as “grit”) needed to become an upper-echelon MLS team. While the facts are that we (being the Rapids) once again missed the playoffs on ‘09, the honest truth is that the ‘09 Rapids edition played their best soccer in years (neigh, I say… as long as I can remember), and are set to make waves in ‘10.

But as the results from last season stacked up and painted a losing picture; the several season(s)-long (read: decade-long) frustrations of the Colorado Rapids supporters continued to grow. Of course they did! They want a winner, and they want it NOW. What else would they want?

My bold prediction is that this season will prove different. Yes! I have drunken too much of the pre-season “this is gonna be our best season ever” fan punch! I believe this because the team now  has a relative semblance of organization, and has added players that ideally fit the system (Wells Thompson and Jeff Larentowicz). We have also added a few other players that may make a difference in season #1 (college-baller Andre Akpan, Irish-youth International Danny Earls, and Colombian youngster Oscar Murillo). Things are looking up and it’s time to believe in our hometown boys.

In addition:

A good interview with Gary Smith: HERE

In what can be seen as a needed and important reversal of Marketing direction, the Colorado Rapids are focusing on reaching out to their most important constituency: Passionate Soccer Fans. Much has been made over the years about the Rapids approach to target families and groups instead of reaching out more to dedicated supporters.

This change in focus has become evident by several actions recently taken the Rapids Marketing and Management, none bigger that the news that they are building a “Supporters Terrace” (Viewing Area). The supporters Terrace will replace the bleachers on the North end of the Stadium and will house several of the Rapids Supporters organizations.

This is a bold move and shows that the Rapids are not hesitant to put down additional money for the growth and prosperity of the club. Please give these articles a read for more info about the terrace and about the Rapids new fan-friendly approach:

Rapids: Fans before Families Approach

Details on new Supporters Terrace

Cheers!

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Eric Fulton
Futbol Club Denver
fcdenver.org/blog