Comments on: Jozy Altidore back in the U.S. national team plans

By: wfjackson3

wfjackson3 — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 02:29:25 +0000

Wait, friendlies don’t count as cap-ties, right?

By: tylerbetts

tylerbetts — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 01:54:06 +0000

I’ll be more convinced that Jozy is back in the USMNT plans when he’s called up for a set of games where Eddie Johnson is available. Seems clear that EJ got the Jozy spot last time, and due to both injury and club situation, EJ is not available this time. Not saying Jozy isn’t back in and that Klinsman wasn’t just going for a very short term message to the young man, but that factor adds a layer of complexity.

By: bigdinla

bigdinla — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 22:30:04 +0000

This roster has a lot of speed! Just hope he leaves captain yellow card on the bench and start Williams and Bradley in the middle.

By: dreadpirate82

dreadpirate82 — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 20:59:04 +0000

While I’m excited about the Altidore/Chandler recalls, as well as the new guys, I really like that he called Agudelo into the team. That kid’s had a tough year, what with the injury and trade to a terrible team. I feel like Jurgen is throwing him a bone because he thinks Agudelo will eventually be a big part of the USMNT. We know he has talked about current form, but you can’t always go off of current form. I like this as another example of Jurgen showing flexibility in his roster choices. Looks great to me, especially given the scheduling and travel constraints.

By: Ryan Sholin

Ryan Sholin — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 18:44:14 +0000

Chandler’s not cap-tied. Yet.

By: danielofthedale

danielofthedale — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 18:26:40 +0000

Super excited to see Mix, Gatt, and Gyau get called up. These guys could be the heart of the midfield for the next World Cup cycle with Michael Bradley.

I am more than a little surprised by Agudelo’s call up. He did not look like he had the form of a few seasons back this season with Chivas the few times I got to see him.

Do you know if Aron Johannsson got a call and turned it down?

By: Steve Davis

Steve Davis — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 18:22:17 +0000

YES! scratch that. I was in “Jozy-only” think mode.

By: wesbadia

wesbadia — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 18:10:04 +0000

I could’ve sworn Dempsey’s name was not on that roster…

By: wesbadia

wesbadia — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 18:08:45 +0000

This is the type of roster I’d expect going into the last friendly of 2012. Jurgen needs to get off the fence about certain guys, Chandler and Altidore foremost among them. He also needs to give big chances to those that have been left off in the past (Kljestan, Gatt, Gyau, Agudelo). Russia is a huge presence right now in European action, and this is a perfect chance for those “questionables” for the USMNT roster to show they can excel when called upon. Giving them some veteran presence with rocks like Bradley, Howard, Jones, and most of the back line will provide stability.

Does Altidore start? I would think so, but how does he work with Gomez? They don’t seem as complimentary as Gomez/Dempsey do together. I see the lax substitute rules in friendlies being used heavily by Klinnsman. He’s going to want to test out as many players as possible, and with four strikers (three of which are young) I think he’ll be giving all of them a chance.

By: Steve Davis

Steve Davis — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 18:04:08 +0000

If the alignment includes just one forward (with Dempsey in behind), I expect Gomez to start. But I would not be shocked to see Altidore in at the half. That’s my best guess.

By: wesbadia

wesbadia — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 17:59:26 +0000

If Chandler being cap-tied is true (and I have no reason to doubt it is), then maybe this clears up concerns from those (Taylor Twellman?) that were left wondering why Klinnsman called him up this round. Perhaps Jurgen is forcing Chandler’s hand?

By: eatcheson

eatcheson — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 17:51:56 +0000

Any guesses at the starting XI?

One wild stab at it…

4-1-3-2

Gomez–Altidore
Klejstan–Bradley–Gatt
Williams
Johnson–Boca–Cameron–Chandler
Howard

Apparently, Timmy is now ready to be cap-tied, according to the USSF. If so, that’s fantastic.

By: soccerjohn

soccerjohn — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 17:46:04 +0000

So, what’s your bet, Steve? After giving the young player a public scolding and then bringing him back in the fold, does JK start him? I’m putting my chips on “starting XI.” A fired-up, high-workrate Altidore would make everybody look good. It’d be fun to watch, too!