Stock Watch

The three friendlies provided an opportunity for us to evaluate some old faces and some new faces heading into the first round of qualifying against Barbados, kicking off this Sunday at the Home Depot Center.

Here’s who’s moving up and who’s moving down.

Freddy Adu->UP: Here’s the obvious one. It seems that everyone from Augusta, Main to Spokane, Washington knows that Freddy Adu should have a starting spot from now until anyone else shows that they can hold the ball, run at defenders, and put a little electricity into the USA’s attack. As Pretty Ricky put it best, “age ain’t nothin but a number”. Time to take off the kid gloves Bob. This kid could be the best we have.

Eddie Lewis->UP: Bless the fountain of youth, because this man seems to have found it. Not even a full year at Derby County could bring this left winger down. Lewis put together a strong showing over the past two weeks, creating chances from the left wing position and even holding down the fort for the USA as a left back sub against Argentina. Versatility and veteran leadership will keep him a staple on the road to qualifying for South Africa 2010.

Pablo Mastroeni->UP: Mastro’s showing as a sub against Spain and then match controlling performance against Argentina definitely put him in line to pair up in the twin destroyer formation with the younger Bradley. Mastro showed he still has the ball winning skills and determination to keep him a fixture on the national team until someone like Maurice Edu or Benny Feilhaber is ready to mount another charge.

Heathe Pearce->UP: Three solid showings at left back puts Heathe Pearce in the driver’s seat for the foreseeable future. With Coach Bradley favorite Jonathan Bornstein living on the trainer’s table, Heathe looks like the man for the job. Very strong defensively, and good with his passing out of the back.

Carlos Bocanegra->DOWN: As for Gooch’s CB partner, Boca did not have the best of showings against England and Spain. He looked constantly stretched and uncomfortable with the ball at his feat and showed lots of trouble keeping possession out of the back. Not qualities you want in your captain. He most certainly did not help his case in looking for a new club, and the arm band is anything but permanent. Boca has been re-called for the qualifying round, and hopefully he will show the form that he was showing consistently last summer.

Michael Bradley->DOWN: Another player who didn’t exactly help his transfer value, although it still looks like he will make his move to the premiership for either Middlesbrough (likely) or Everton (less likely). This could just be down to a young player showing signs of exhaustion. None the less, he is going to need to step up his game to get the BigSoccer hounds off his, and his dad’s, behind.

Eddie Johnson->DOWN: 3 games played. 253 minutes. 0 goals.

Who do you think is moving up?…moving down?