Albright and Olsen Helped Chances

I fully agree with the Albright point. Hejduk is finished.

I’m really not crazy about Albright, Olsen, Hejduk, or Noonan. I can think of a number of players I’d rather see on the World Cup squad. Albright showed well at times, and other times looked — well, not lost, but outclassed. Hejduk is like an ADHD kid hopped up on Ho-Hos and root beer. His reckless tackles are simply ridiculous, as is his aimless darting. Olsen had the goal, and looked semi-solid, but certainly I would like we have better options. I hear Noonan is a nice guy, and the coach likes him. There **is** something to be said about a positive influence on the team and in the locker room. And he had a few good moves at times on the field. But based on what he’s show on the field (not much so far), that doesn’t seem like enough of a reason to bring him to Germany.

I too agree about Hejduk, although I am skeptical that Arena will leave him behind. He’s the same player he has always been, just a little slower. I will say, the threat of him drawing a red in a WC match is a very scary thought.

Q: how many alternates do we expect to be named? Will it only be a few – basically the bubble players – or will there be a whole slate of GK’s, D, M, and F’s?

I’m also intrigued by the possibility that Arena will bring other players into the pre-WC camp, for fitness and scrimmage purposes. To me, that would be a great way to use younger players, like Spector and Adu.

Agree about Hejduk; he’s past his, err, prime. I think Olsen goes. Olsen will have one role in Germany (barring injuries), which suits him very well: 10 minutes left, we are tied or ahead, one of the starting midfielders is dead tired and has maybe picked up a yellow card, Olsen comes in with fresh legs, doesn’t try to do anything spectacular, plays mostly under control, and runs his ass off (not spasmodically like Hejduk). Plus, he’s a UVA guy…

Still think Hejduk goes… I think his energy is what keeps him on the team. And he’s been to a WC before. Frankie is not a world class athlete. Never has been. But you need that kind of fire and energy on a team, sometimes… Provided he doesn’t do something stupid. He got a lot of flak for that tackle, but he came away with the ball, and made minimal contact with the Jamaican player. It wasn’t as bad as it first seemed. And in the event that Cherundolo gets tired late in a game, you could bring Hejduk in and run that side of the defense silly for 10-15 minutes, after they’ve been chasing Cherundolo all game.

I think Albright may have a chance, and I liked the way he played on Tuesday, but he’ll have to continue to play well. “Almost” scoring goals doesn’t really amount to much…

I think Olsen will make it. He’s scored twice in the tune-ups…(admittedly, against GUA and JAM, but still…) He is distinctly average… but you KNOW exactly what he’ll give you. You may or may not get anything from Noonan or Ralston.

Based on everyone’s comments, what I’m sensing here is that Olsen is Bruce’s upgraded Anklebiter (Richie Williams, Ankle Biting Munchkin of Death aka ABMOD). I don’t follow DC United so much, so maybe I’m off on that. Feel free to set me straight. He’s an obvious improvement over Williams. I just feel like, if we have room for players like that on a World Cup selection, the we clearly have NOT arrived yet….

These two are excellent alternate choices but a little depressing when considering a final 23 squad.

First and foremost please forget about the fact that Olsen scored and Albright probably should have on at least one of his decent headers. These guys would be smoked bacon against WC competition.

Albright certainly proved that early in the first have by getting turned around by an inexperienced Jamaican attacker. We’re talking fundamentals here people. And as lacking as Hejduk is in those categories as well, at least he still has the pace to keep up, whereas Albright looked like he was running in sand. Hejduk – or even Spector – goes before Albright but won’t set foot on the pitch.

Albright and Olsen seem like great guys though, and I think there’s plenty good to say about them (flip side being I feel bad bashing them just because there not WC caliber). For starters, Olsen could be the right alternate to make the squad if someone breathes on O’Brien (sorry Johnny). Both guys would have been great for the U.S. in Lexi Lalas’s day, and they’ll no doubt continue to be the great MLS contributors. These guys are great for the American game at home.

I certainly agree with the last two comments… its not that these 2 guys are bad or anywhere near as bad as we once were but, the fact taht we are even considering them for our 23 man squad after watching them recently is the saddest truth of all… Hejduk, while being better than Albright, (and that doesnt say much) at least can keep up and has some experience… Olsen, he is simply pitiful giving the ball away and he looks so lost for long strands of important time… at home, they are fine and good people and better than we will ever be on a field and yet, i know my place and theirs is not on a WC, quality team…

that being said, I was VERY confident in our abilities, even after the Germany game… more and more now though, I am beginning to buy into our probably exit after 3 games in Germany… Donovan is out of place it seems right now and with guys like Olsen and Albright even getting a serious look, it appears we are probably in some trouble… good luck 2010.