The person who has not scored in 18 matches is not a forward but a midfielder. I am sorry, did Pope not play in 02? did we not play in front of 300000+ crowds in 02? I thought Conrad did an excellent job in the minutes he played. he plays in the mls. so why does someone else need a look. by the way, bocanegra is not a centerback at the international level.
So you listed 9 players who Bruce should have given a look too. Do you know how many players have earned their first cap under Arena. I do not know the number off the top of my head, but its alot. Have you ever seen these guys play or just read stuff from the internet? Arena has had a policy from day one that if you are not playing regularly for the first team, regardless of division, then you are not going to get a look period. Not saying I agree with this policy, but its his and he stuck by it. please tell me in the last 2 years the chances that Arena has had to bring in an unproven player? you are about to say friendlies. however, european based players find it hard to make it over to the US to play during their season.
I am just as disappointed as the next guy, but the bashing of Bruce Arena is absolutely uncalled for. Why did we have such lofty expectations coming into this cup? Because of 02. Was Bruce in charge then, I do not remember. we were in the hardest group possible. even if we play well, we might not get out. not to mention we had some very questionable calls go against us.
I believe that the US would have advanced from Mexicos group. but hey, thats how the draw works.
Just so you know, Klinnsmann or Myernick will be the next USA coach (in my opinion) if and when Bruce Arena decides to step down. To clarify somethings, Klinnsmann is now the head coach of Germany and Mynernick is the asst for the US. did not want to confuse anyone.
however if the two above do not work out, maybe we should hire a South Carolina High School Coach, teach the team to play the ball 60 yds down the field on every possession and run like hell. We can play a 3-5-2 (which the US proves does not work at the international level, but yet some people still are saying we need to play it). Maybe we can win a few that way in 2010.
