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Arena Names 18 for Jamaica

April 4th, 2006 | By: Daryl | 13 Comments »

The Bruce has named his 18 domestic players for the April 11 game vs. Jamaica in Cary, N.C.

Clint Dempsey is back, Bruce having made his point (”no hitting each other”) by excluding him against Germany, and an unemployed but healthy John O’Brien makes a welcome return to the midfield.

Tony Meola (do not adjust your screens, you’re reading that right) has also been called in, and will earn his 100th cap.

The 18 are:

Goalkeepers (2)

Tony Meola (New York Red Bulls)
Matt Reis (New England Revolution)

Defenders (5)

Chris Albright (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Nick Garcia (Kansas City Wizards)
Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew)
Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids)
Eddie Pope (Real Salt Lake)

Midfielders (7)

Clint Dempsey (New England Revolution)
Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Pat Noonan (New England Revolution)
John O’Brien (out of contract)
Ben Olsen (D.C. United)
Steve Ralston (New England Revolution)
Kerry Zavagnin (Kansas City Wizards)

Forwards (4)

Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo)
Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards)
Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution)
Josh Wolff (Kansas City Wizards)

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Comments

By Seamus | April 4th, 2006 at 1:34 pm

I see a squad list like that and I wonder what is the point of the match? MLS season is off-and-running, so getting people match fit isn’t really the issue.

I guess getting some work together between Donovan/Dempsey/Twellman/Johnson could help down the line.

I don’t think there’s gonna be any major questioned answered next Tuesday

Posted from United States

By Bob | April 4th, 2006 at 1:42 pm

After the match can we bury Tony Meola in the north end of Giants Stadium?

By Ethan | April 4th, 2006 at 4:41 pm

Seamus…
I respectfully disagree.

We’ll get to see Mastroeni work as a defender.

We’ll get to see if someone can step up and claim one of those midfield spots (Noonan? Ralston? Olsen?)

And we’ll get to see which of the forwards are for real.

I think we’ll get something out of it. Plus some nostalgia for Tony Meola…

Posted from United States

By eric | April 4th, 2006 at 4:49 pm

I agree we get to see if Noonan or Ralston claim that last spot in the middle and then we will see what hope we have for O’Brien actually contributing.

Posted from United States

By Jason | April 4th, 2006 at 5:46 pm

Do y’all really think Mastroeni will play defender? I doubt it.

Anywho, what are your starting 11? I think the best lineup is a 4-4-2 as so:

——–EJ—Twellman——
–Donovan———Dempsey–
——O’Brien–Mastro——
Hejduk-Pope-Garcia-Albright
———–Reis————

where Donovan and Dempsey would have lots of freedom in attacking i.e. not necessarily playing the wings or any specific side of the field.

By Seamus | April 4th, 2006 at 5:47 pm

Ethan,

1) It’s obvious from prior friendlies against second- and third-tier teams that performances don’t translate. If Noonan has a monster game, what exactly does Arena know, that Noonan can compete against the 5th or 6th best CONCACAF team.?

2)What good is evaluating Mastroeni as a defender? The squad for Germany is loaded with defenders. I’m afraid Mastroeni is slotted as a defender due to a lack of options.

Posted from United States

By D | April 5th, 2006 at 8:35 am

Seamus,

Once again, I think you’re right on. That said, and to use an anooying gimmic, the three uses of this game for me are:

John O’Brien
John O’Brien
John O’Brien

I want to see how fit he is and give him a chance to touch the b all, even if it is against Jamaica.

Posted from United States

By Ethan | April 5th, 2006 at 8:37 am

I think that right now… You’re looking to see who is in the best form… And you’ll be able to see that separation, almost regardless of the competition. I think this will be more of a three game trial for that last midfield position.

I think knowing where you stand with Pablo as a defender is a good thing. If he plays well in central defense, he may provide a more stable reserve option if Berhalter’s shaky play continues.

I also think these games will determine who is going to get the starting nod between O’Brien and Mastroeni.

Posted from United States

By Chuck | April 5th, 2006 at 1:43 pm

Does anyone think it is a mistake to include J.O’B on this team?

I thought he was going to be left off, for the purpose of sending a message to him that his roster spot is no sure thing…

Nevertheless, I’d be happy seeing him play the last 30 minutes or so…

Posted from United States

By Matt | April 5th, 2006 at 5:53 pm

Personally I think J.O’B’s roster spot is a certainty. He’s got experience, and the quality of his competition for that spot leaves a lot to be desired.

But he has to know he’s not guaranteed a first team place. He’s been out injured for forever. What he really needs now is playing time.

Posted from Ireland

By Os | April 6th, 2006 at 1:03 am

Tony Meola?

Dude, 1990 flashback…

In the words of Keanu Reeves: “Whoa.”

Posted from Hungary

By mike | April 7th, 2006 at 9:11 pm

tony, watch the near post!

Posted from United States

By nicholas ohio | April 12th, 2006 at 3:37 pm

Do you guys think Tony Meola has a chance to make the world cup squad as the third keeper. Tim Howard has not played much all year for Man Utd. Meola is a veteran from 90 and 94, he has had some bad hair, bad outfits(the tights in Italia 90 come to mind) and had some bad goals scored on him(what keeper hasn’t). He is going to get a nice run of games in MLS before June. This begs a question for Howard, Would a loan to MLS serve him well now to get some matches in? Also this proves not only can Fabien Barthez screw is own career up, but the career of others as well.

Posted from United States

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