Comments on: Arena Names 18 for Jamaica

By: nicholas ohio

nicholas ohio — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 20:37:17 +0000

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.

By: mike

mike — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 02:11:17 +0000

tony, watch the near post!

By: Os

Os — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 06:03:22 +0000

Tony Meola?

Dude, 1990 flashback…

In the words of Keanu Reeves: “Whoa.”

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 05 Apr 2006 22:53:28 +0000

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.

By: Chuck

Chuck — Wed, 05 Apr 2006 18:43:04 +0000

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…

By: Ethan

Ethan — Wed, 05 Apr 2006 13:37:32 +0000

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.

By: D

Wed, 05 Apr 2006 13:35:59 +0000

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.

By: Seamus

Seamus — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 22:47:25 +0000

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.

By: Jason

Jason — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 22:46:54 +0000

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: eric

eric — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 21:49:43 +0000

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.