Top 5 USMNT World Cup Roster Dark Horses

As defined by NSC reader Mike, for our purposes, a "dark horse" is basically anyone outside the 23 guys that USMNT coach Bob Bradley would choose if the roster deadline was tomorrow.

At this late stage, he my well be right about that. However, it wasn't that long ago that a youngster came seemingly from almost nowhere to win a World Cup place. It is not out of tribute that his names appears below; still, I'm sure he'd rather it didn't.

I'm picking these based on the likelihood they grab a spot in South Africa. Naturally, I've factored in which positions are most likely to need the help, but I did manage to cover the entire field.

I've excluded naming anyone recovering from injury that would normally make the cut, such as Mo Edu or Jermaine Jones.

Our honorable mentions: Freddy Adu, DaMarcus Beasley, Brad Davis, Robbie Findley, Eddie Gaven, Cory Gibbs, Frankie Hejduk, Eddie Johnson, Michael Orozco, Chris Rolfe, Frank Simek, Zak Whitbread.

#5 - Marcus Hahnemann

Not only is he one injury from starting in the Prem again, he is the best "blend of experience and quality" option if for some reason Timmay couldn't go.

I'm not sure his chances literally are better than some of the honorable mention field players, but I figured it would be best to include a keeper.

#4 - Geoff Cameron

I very easily could have given this spot to Adu as a #10/natural lefty attacking option. He very well may catch fire at Belenenses and I wouldn't be shocked. However, coach Bradley has two central midfielders in rehab and this model also plays wide, it plays defense, it tackles, it crosses, it's good on set pieces, it slices, it dices... you should see what it does to cole slaw!

But seriously, physical versatility is a big plus when tourney rosters are built - especially when injuries are taking a toll on regulars. I must say it's a somewhat major surprise that Cameron has never been capped. He seems a prototype Bradley player to me.

Is it because the Dynamo always already have 2-3 players plucked on FIFA days? Hmmm, could be. But let's not get off on a separate tangent; if you want a 2010 "Beasley" in the team, this may be your man.

#3 - Jeff Cunningham

If Cunny is still torching nets weekly next spring, he will get at least a friendly call-up. If he gets a friendly call-up and busts out his net torching kit... well... we all know how this works.

Productive 'n fast often beats out productive 'n slow when it comes time to face the world's best.

#2 - Jimmy Conrad

The Kansas City Wizards captain has a lot going for him when the "pro" list gets drawn up. He is a set piece scoring threat, can dribble from the back to distribute and has very high quality World Cup minutes on his résumé.

Yes, Gibbs could look twice as strong in his second full season back from the knee troubles. I hope that does happen, but as of now, this is my veteran guy when one of the top four goes down.

In fact, I'd tell you that Conrad should be in that top four right now.

#1 - Heath Pearce
He is the most natural two-way left back in the pool. He is also the most cultured. He can play three other positions.

Most of all, Pearce has suffered from the lack of sharpness that tends to come with a lack of matches, and he has now found a regular job in the same time zone as U.S. Soccer headquarters.

This is a no-brainer.


- Greg Seltzer

Today I'm gonna...

I'm gonna riff a Top 5 List. Now, I just need to decide the topic. If you have a suggestion for one, you know what to do. I'll let you know when I make the call.

UPDATE: Mike called it... Top 5 USMNT World Cup Roster Dark Horses. I'll make a new post for it in a couple few hours.


- Greg Seltzer

Video Tuesday

Let's begin with ESPN's Derek Rae and Janusz Michalik with their weekly Americans Abroad two cents.




Also from ESPN, Tommy Smyth busts out with his world Top 25. As you might imagine, I have a laundry list of complaints with his list.




The British Special Olympics have taken to an unusual fundraising drive. How can things get any worse for Newcastle?

Hunt for Football mascots – Newcastle United
von Getyourmascotback

UPDATE: Now, we have a ransom note from the kidnappers!



As we always do, let's check in with MOTD's 2 Good 2 Bad (love the tie, Arsene).

2 Good 2 Bad - Week 7
von footballove

With the USMNT back in camp, we flip the switch on Studio 90.




Finally, we hear politicans and pundits pay tribute to "soccer moms" all the time - but is it merely lip service? How are they really treated in society? Steven Colbert submits a shocking report.

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Current Events - Trucker, Soccer Mom and Taser X3
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Michael Moore

- Greg Seltzer

A few things...

I have a non-soccer question for my regulars: what is the best comedy movie you've seen so far this calendar year? Is it just me or do they not make enough comedies anymore? I think that is the fact, Jack...

#1 - Today I called Fulham. Then I called the 'Nats. Then then 'Nats ran their own story. Urgh.

Anyway... Clint Dempsey has been ruled out of next weekend's World Cup qualifier at Honduras due to a bum shoulder (picked up late in Fulham's draw with West Ham), and is in doubt for the hex closer against Costa Rica.

So who steps in? My money is on Stuart Holden.

#2 - You won't believe the story behind Matthew Dallman's Arminia Bielefeld exit. The good news is he's signed on with Sportfreunde Siegen, who stand fourth in the same league as his old reserve side, and scored the winner on his debut.

I've heard it was sweet and Siegen clips do pop up sometimes. I'll keep my eyes open and hopefully have it for Video Tuesday.

#3 - Oh dear. NSC pal Andrea Canales reports that it looks like we may have a serious USMNT v Mexico derby over rapidly improving rookie L.A. defender Omar Gonzalez.

#4 - MLS is leaving their MLB-based web company to work it from in-house. I applaud this move, as well as the hiring of The Offside Rules all-star Shawn Francis.

#5 - Daily Fix ace Steve Davis ranks MLS stadiums. You just know it'll be good.

#6 - Dallas superstar 3rd Degree found a site that tabulates the possibility a team will make the playoffs, broken down by all sorts of variables. It seems FC Dallas are nearly assured of a spot if they win out the last three games. Crazy stuff for numbers geeks like me, check it out.

#7 - ESPN game breaker Jeff Carlisle catches up with former USMNT star Hugo Perez.

#8 - Finally, and I probably should apologize for sharing this: perpetually beleaguered France coach Raymond Domenech is now the subject of a super-sexy tribute song by a female pop singer. No... really.


- Greg Seltzer

So, how did I do with group play?

I have a quick look at how my pre-tourney Under-20 World Cup predictions have done so far, plus my second chance knockout predictions.

If you recall, this is what I had for the round of 16 match-ups (correct bracket slot = blue, correct knockout qualifier = green & big fat oops = red):

Paraguay over USA (extra time)
Ghana over Costa Rica
Spain over Korea Republic
Czech Republic over Hungary (extra time)
Brazil over Uruguay
Germany over Italy (PK's)
Honduras over Venezuela (extra time)
Egypt over England

And then the real outcome:

Paraguay over Korea Republic
Ghana over South Africa
Spain over Italy
Czech Republic over Hungary (extra time)
Brazil over Uruguay (extra time)
Germany over Nigeria
Venezuela over UAE (PK's)
Egypt over Costa Rica

As you can see, I missed on three qualifiers, England, Honduras and the USA. That may sound great, but do remember it was only possible to get a maximum eight wrong - so great it was not. The better news by my estimation was picking 10 of the 16 bracket slots correctly. Calling groups A and E entirely spot on gave me six of those 10 picks.

So now, here we are. Nothing that happened in the group stage changed my final four picks of Brazil, Egypt, Paraguay and Spain. In fact, I'd only change one round of 16 winner: Venezuela.


- Greg Seltzer

Barnburner of the Week

Instead of hopping the pond this week, we head south for Argentina, where Boca Juniors used some persistence and a little Martin Palermo magic to score a badly needed win against derby rivals and defending champs Vélez Sársfield.




- Greg Seltzer

Who likes goals?

Sorry it took me so long to change the Cut...

Let's begin with the week's finest from MLS.




Nicklas Bendtner caps Arsenal's thrashing of Blackburn with a wicked drive.




I'm sorry... how does Ronal-flippin-dinho get the space to do this 10 meters from goal when Atalanta are protecting a 1-0 lead in the late going?




Yeah, Man United's Dimitar Berbatov scores on a terrific scissor kick and that would be good enough - but just check out the body control to guide the shot instead of smashing it. Crazy stuff for a big man.




Ajax ace Luis Suárez continues his white-and-red-hot start to claim our sick free kick slot.




Finally, we go to the Under-20 World Cup for a double dose of princely Samba. I'm highlighting the first and third Brazil goals, which would be Ciro going all wiggly in the box and Paolo Henrique with a nasty snap shot from outside of it.




- Greg Seltzer

U20WC Advancement Watch

Did you notice how I capitalized the whole title, as if it was some sort of official organ, and not just literally what this post was doing? Wicked.

Okay, so it all comes down to Group E, and the Czech Republic v Costa Rica game in particular. Mladá Boleslav strike sensation Jan Chramosta put the Czechs up 1-0 in the 11th minute, and we are now just past the half hour.

If I'm not mistaken, should this score hold or the Czech Republic beat a scoring Junior Ticos by at least two, the U.S. Under-20's would advance to play tourney hosts Egypt on Tuesday. I believe a 1-0 loss putting Costa Rica on three points with a -3 goal differential would favor the U.S by virtue of having score one more goal.

I think that's right. And I should add that this is all dependent on Australia not beating Brazil by two... which I highly doubt will happen. That game is 1-1 near the break.

I will update major events as the game unfolds, switching to a game clock...

--

44'

Estrada misses just over the bar from outside the area, nearly a Costa Rica equalizer.

HALFTIME

--

46'

Game(s) on...

49'

An Estrada spot kick ties the game 1-1... está no bueno.

62'

It's gone from bad to worse. Martinez nods home and Costa Rica now lead 2-1.

68'

Costa Rica are getting stronger and chasing a third against a Czech side resting a few top guys. Meanwhile, Brazil are now up 2-1 on Australia.

78'

The U.S. have a new glimmer of hope as Vohsalik ties the game 2-2. A moment later, Alvardo makes a huge save on Chramosta as the Czechs take momentum.

81'

The Czechs have what seems an obvious penalty gripe ignored. Meanwhile, Brazil are no ahead 3-1.

86'

Chramosta slots another, and it's now 3-2 to the Czechs. I need to go verify what the situation is, but as I said, I think the U.S. may need one more Czech goal. Let me dig...

90'

I was correct, the U.S. need another Czech goal, Costa Rica are trying to deflate the ball as four minutes AT begin...

90+2'

And now the Czechs are taking the air out under no pressure from Costa Rica. This looks a lost cause, but frankly I would have been a little embarrassed about it had the U.S. advanced.

FULL TIME

The U.S. Under-20's are going home early.



- Greg Seltzer

U.S. Under-20's revert in form

Again, pardon my sudden departure. We had something of a "broken glass oops" here which required attention. Everything is fine, though, and thanks for the concern notes. Didn't mean to frighten anyone. Since you all were still chatting on the comments, I'll leave that post up and get by to answer your questions when I get a chance.

Anyway... as you know by now, the Baby 'Nats look like backing into the round of 16 big time after a depressing 3-0 loss to Korea Republic (yes, I've seen most of the game now). We all now wait until tomorrow to find out the fate, hoping that Australia loses to Brazil and/or Honduras beats South Africa.

UPDATE: Oh yeah, one more thing... Blues 4 Red Things 3.

UPDATE UPDATE: A quick peek at the standings and brackets tells me that the U.S. would face tourney hosts Egypt in the round of 16 if they qualify. Yeah, I think that's right.

Have a look at today's "highlight" reel, if you dare...




- Greg Seltzer

U.S. v Korea Republic

South Korea, that is.

Coach Thomas Rongen runs the same eleven:

Perk; Williams, Opara, Agbossoumonde, Flores, Arguez, Jeffrey, Duka, Cruz, Shea, Taylor

We're under an hour from kickoff, back in a spell...

--

1'

Game on...

7'

After Cruz fires wide from outside the box, South Korea attacks down the right and into the area - only to see the pullback run through everyone.

11'

Perk handles a Yung shot from distance.

--

Ugh. Problem. The TV station is switching from this game to the other. I didn't realize. I will still update, but I can't do it as a normal LIVE because I now need to watch on the computer. Sorry, all.

--

21'

After a close range Korea shot hits the bar and caroms almost straight down to the line, the U.S. break and Arguez draws a big save from long range.

--

Okay, now I feel even worse. I need to leave immediately, there is a personal emergency-type situation. I feel awful, I'm really sorry to everyone. I will simply delete this when I get back.


- Greg Seltzer

On tap: U.S. v Korea Republic

Sadly, I am beyond swamped with work, so I won't go into great detail explaining my prediction for today's game. I will keep it simple.

The Baby 'Nats will win a tough scrap and finish second in the group. Bam.

The reading room awaits:

- U.S. U-20 match notes
- FIFA match preview
- FIFA profiles So. Korea F Cho Young Cheol
- Cameroon v Germany match preview
- U.S. v Cameroon photos


I will be back around noon ET with the line-ups to start the LIVE post.


- Greg Seltzer

U-17's tune up with Chelsea win

While we have our eyes fixed on the U-20 World Cup, let's not forget that the U.S. Under-17 National Team is also preparing for their World Cup, which begins later this month in Nigeria. On Wednesday, that prep took the form of a 3-1 friendly victory over Chelsea's U-17 team. Enjoy the highlights...





- Greg Seltzer

Who likes midweek goals?

This is a special birthday edition as my wonderful grandmother is 96 years young today!

Let's begin with a pinpoint drive from Ghana U-20 skipper Andrew Ayew lashing home the second goal (at the :40 mark) in a rout of England.




Also in the U-20 World Cup, Hungary's Adam Presinger curls home a beauty to cap Hungary's blasting of South Africa.




If you've been down about Lyon having to now go without the free kick wizardry of Juninho forever, Miralem Pjanic has something to cheer you up.




And now, FC Zürich's Hannu Tihinen is... Michael Flatley. Uncanny.




Dacian Varga bags the first ever Champions League point in the history of surprise Romanian kings Unirea Urziceni (whose manager, Dan Petrescu, is one of my all-time favorite players) with a cold-blooded curler.




Finally, in Europa League play, Nacional's Riben Micael fires a "Fine, if you're not going to close me down" cracker.




- Greg Seltzer

USMNT calls 22 to camp

And just when I post that stall so you didn't think I'd forgotten about you all, news has come in... classic.

U.S. coach Bob Bradley has named 22 for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Honduras and Costa Rica.

G: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa: 5/3 SO), Tim Howard (Everton: 14/8 SO)

D: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes: 24/3), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA, 4/0), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96: 19/0), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards: 1/0), Clarence Goodson (IK Start: 1/0), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan: 18/1), Jonathan Spector (West Ham: 3/0)

M: Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach: 13/4), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo: 7/1), Clint Dempsey (Fulham: 20/5), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy: 33/11), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus GF: 4/0), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo: 3/0), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew: 0/0), José Francisco Torres (Pachuca: 6/0)

F: Jozy Altidore (Hull City: 11/6), Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids: 5/0), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo: 16/6), Kenny Cooper (1860 Munich: 1/1), Charlie Davies (FC Sochaux: 5/2)

*numbers indicate all-time World Cup Qualifying caps/goals


- Greg Seltzer

Stalling 'til my next post...

Actually, I'm gonna do a midweek Who likes goals? after tonight's games finish because it would be a crime to miss some of the beauties scored during European play and the U-20 World Cup. I'm also busy cranking out my first Euro-Top 10 of the season for S365. On top of that, me and a few pals are now working on a fun Premier League supporters post for you, should take a handful of days.

But for now... a stall and a song. And all because I think I have Amy Winehouse figured out.

While leaving the market today, I was singing the Winehouse '60's-style version of the Zutons gem "Valerie" in that way one sings aloud without really noticing. This, combined with the monstrous St. Louis Blues practice jersey I was wearing, tipped off a couple of vacationers from Missouri that I was American.

After greeting pleasantries and directions given, the lady commented how surprising it all was; an American in the Netherlands wearing a Bluenote, singing soul songs out loud while unlocking his bike. I replied 'What? You've never seen a smart person before?' (with a grin so they'd know I was just joshing around).

And back to figuring Miss Demeanor out, it's so simple.

That voice, that surreal voice, that purrs and growls all at once, that obscenely blessed natural instrument with the musical sensibility to churn pure soul from her gut... it just comes too damn easy to her, easier than breathing, and she doesn't think she deserves it.

Check out how casually she sings like a soul volcano, offering enough charming vocal tics and improv riffings to make Mariah Carey feel insecure. She actually seems to mock her exquisite skill a few times, especially at the end. It's just too easy and too much innate quality for someone with self-esteem issues.

Ta-da.

Here, you watch this. Ajax is back out for the second half.




- Greg Seltzer