Comments on: Bob Names 20 for Mexico

By: bfos7215

bfos7215 — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:12:34 +0000

GS: This isn’t the first time Landon has gone to Europe. His previous trips left him in worse shape. He came back to MLS and is now playing better than ever.

I’m not some nationalistic dweeb that is in denial believing that the MLS is close to competitive with the European leagues. I know it’s not. I have no doubt that if a player is PLAYING in Europe, that is better for him. But, when they aren’t even in shape for playing in an important game for the national team it’s pretty obvious that not only is it not helping, it is actually hurting.

When our guys find a team and get playing time, it’s great. But, it seems, most of the time, our guys can’t get off the bench and their development and game-fitness degrade.

By: JustJack

JustJack — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 03:35:59 +0000

When do we get to NOT have Brian Ching in the lineup?

I hope it snows in Columbus…. we might need mother winter as the twelfth player.

By: GS

GS — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:25:31 +0000

bfos7215: i’m sorry my friend but playing against your own team in practice every day and sitting on the bench during matches in europe probably develops players better than setting the MLS world on fire. MLS is a great place for young players to start out and make a name for themselves but once they’re ready for Europe there is almost no benefit to staying in MLS. Just look at Landon Donovan the only way he could have gotten better is by going to Europe…even if it doesn’t pan out it’s the only way he’s going to get better. The key to development is challenging the player and if a player can get a contract in europe he probably isn’t being challenged much in the MLS… That’s just the truth…sorry.

By: bfos7215

bfos7215 — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:49:45 +0000

The players would be better off playing in the MLS rather than being a part of a practice squad in Europe. Of course, it all comes down to what the player wants to do. It’s just disappointing that so many young, promising players have their growth stunted by not getting to play.

The notion that just going to Europe, regardless of playing time, makes these guys better is silly. This is just another example.

By: Agent

Agent — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 18:51:22 +0000

“Yet another example of our team being hurt, not helped, by Americans playing abroad.”

Are you saying that we’d be that much better if everyone of these guys played in MLS? There’s no reason to think that our guys shouldn’t try and play abroad to get better, that would be just plain ignorant. Sure it makes logistics complicated for international dates, but I believe the reward is worth the inconvenience.

By: bfos7215

bfos7215 — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 18:30:26 +0000

Yet another example of our team being hurt, not helped, by Americans playing abroad.

By: elle

elle — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 01:39:15 +0000

hasn’t Hejduk turned 50 and retired yet?

i’m glad torres got included and will hopefully see some minutes..same with jozy

too bad about adu. poor kid.

match prediction:
usa 2
mexico 0
brian ching’s nose bleeds 1

By: Pseudinho

Pseudinho — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 22:45:09 +0000

My Starters v. Bob’s Starters

GK Howard – GK Howard
RB Wynne – RB Hejduk
CB Onyewu – CB Onyewu
CB Bocanegra – CB Bocanegra
LB Bornstein – LB Pearce
RM Dempsey – RM Dempsey
CM Bradley – CM Bradley
CM Kljestain – CM Kljestan
LM Beasley – LM Beasley
CF Donovan – CF Donovan
ST Altidore – ST Ching

I’m a little nervous that my starters and Bob’s projected starters only differ by 3 players.

By: Marlon

Marlon — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 22:29:04 +0000

Monaco bench or not Robbie Rogers over Adu? No way.