France bombs, a New Partner for Vermie, and US Squad Breakdown Part II

Mais Non! Les Bleus lose 0-2 to Mexico. Vela looked bright enough at the start but ended up getting subbed off early due to what looks like a pulled hamstring. Shame. And yet not totally unexpected. He seems to be keeping on par for the course in that regard. Anyway, those French Arsenal players showed little enthusiasm. Diaby was back to looking average. In fact, no one on that team look like they want to be there at all. Sad really. I'm thinking the next round of games on that group - especially Mexico vs. Argentina - could be tasty.

Onto transfer news...according to the Daily Mail, Arsene is planning on signing a defender before July. Well, before the end of the World Cup anyway. Here's the link. I could have just included Wenger's quotes but wanted you to get a chance to see Vermie's picture. It reminds me how much I missing watching him play and growl around the pitch. Anyway, Sol's probably out and Gallas as well so we need at least one defender. Which is a surprise to... no one.

Okay. Onto Part II of US Player Breakdown. Let's move up the pitch to the midfield.


Up first...the Coach's son Michael Bradley. He's originally from Princeton, NJ (where Dad got his college education as well) and plays for Bolrussia Monchengladbach. No, that is not a typo. It is a team in the German Premier League (Bundesliga). He went to Europe in 2006 which made him the youngest US player to be signed by a European club as he currently is only 22 years old. Mike doesn't seem to be afraid of much, including being suspended as his temper has gotten him into trouble. He looks to channel that ferocity into his feet as well as his mouth and is known for being versatile at both offense and defense. I have to say, I like the look of Mike in this photo as opposed to his current choice of shaving his head bald. He's too white to be bald. Makes him look like Casper the Ghost....a scowling Casper.


Clint Dempsey is an attacking midfielder who is my favorite on the squad. Not only can he have some tremendous game-changing moments, but he also is a decent defender not scared to slide into tackles to win balls back and has a bit of an attitude. He plays for Fulham in the English Premier League and has been there since 2007 having transferred from the New England Revolution of the MLS. Go Clint!


Landon Donovan is probably the best known player on the squad. He's the star of the L.A. Galaxy and spent a few months recently on loan to Everton to keep his match fitness for the World Cup. Before the Galaxy he did try Europe by playing briefly in the Bundesliga before settling in the States. Donovan is doing well and could seek to play out a couple of years in the EPL as the Everton crowd seemed to appreciate him. He's fast and can shoot with either foot. Plus, he's kinda pretty.

Last up for today is Jose Torres. Torres plays professionally in the Mexican League for Pachuca but being birthed in Texas allows him to play for the US although he could have chosen Mexico due to his father's heritage. Torres is known for being cool and composed with a good first touch allowing the US more time of possession. At 5'5" perhaps he's the smallest player on the squad but a low center of gravity can be useful to a midfielder who has to twist and turn to hold onto the ball.



These four started against Slovenia today in the 2-2 draw against Slovenia. I know the disallowed goal was controversial, but the US putzed around the whole first half and have only themselves to blame for not earning all three points.

That's it for now. More players tomorrow and perhaps some more transfer gossip as the Cesc-Gate has been less active since Spain got kicked in their collective arse by Switzerland. Until then.