SC Soccer Forums SCSoccer.com Forums College, Pro & International Soccer USA vs. Costa Rica (Salt Lake City, UT)

R1C--I remember Bocanegra doing a stellar job as the center back in Chicago for a stint, but his style of play doesn't fit Arena's. Watch how Bocanegra seems to stick out defensively during games, and how often the announcers pay attention to it. Though the way he plays is a benefit to the team, Arena will surely want to control the center back. Hopefully Gooch will develop his own style that Arena will agree with.

Arena gave him the nod last night at centerback and from all I gather, he did well. Pope was given the role of sticking to Panama's big gun, and I'm sure that was the right thing to do as they were shut out.

Pope scares me a bit in the middle, but my confidence has been building as of late. Negra out wide lacks some pace, so it just seems (to me) the right thing to do is keep him in the middle.