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        <title>US Futblog</title>
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            <title>US Play The Klinsmann Way, Donovan Scores Three in 5-1 Win</title>
            <link>http://www.usfutblog.com/2012-articles/may/us-play-the-klinsmann-way-donovan-scores-3-in-5-1-win.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[<p>When Sunil Gulati and Jurgen Klinsmann shook hands last July, this is exactly what both men had in mind.</p>
<p>For months now we have heard a lot about the philosophy Klinsmann is trying to instill in US Men's National Team. We’ve seen glimpses of it on the field, but in tonight’s 5-1 victory over Scotland, it all came together, and for a full 90 minutes.</p>
<p>The "Where’s Waldo" XI ran rampant from the off, scoring after just four minutes. The USA opened the scoring through hat-trick hero Landon Donovan after winning the ball with heavy pressure in the Scottish end twice in thirty seconds.</p>
<p>When Scotland did maintain possession, the US defense did one of two things. They either hunted in packs to win the ball with two to three (apparently numbered) jerseys swarming around the attacker or by getting back and squeezing the game. Making the field as small and narrow as possible, limiting the space for the Scots to attack.</p>
<p>The second goal from Michael Bradley was a blinder, but the set-up was just as delicious. Quick clever passing on a counter opened up the space for the volley after a smart knockdown from Jermaine Jones.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3Hp2E6DdIvk" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>With that second goal, Scotland sat back and tried to pack it in but throughout the rest of the first and into the second half, the US showed a new facet of their game. With confidence, vision, and poise, the US found space where none seemed to exist with quick and sharp combinations. It was from this devastating inter-passing that the next three goals originated.</p>

<p>The understanding between the triangle in the middle of Mauricio Edu, Bradley, and Jermaine Jones was tremendous as was their ability to link with Donovan in the attack.</p>
<p>Torres also looked very smooth on the ball and had the confidence (of which every US attacker should aspire to) to take on the defense and create off the dribble.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Despite this being the best performance for the US under Klinsmann, there are still a few concerns.</strong></span></p>
<p>Boyd was solid with his positioning and willing to work. His holdup play was also impressive, but his finishing and snap decision-making needs to be cultivated a bit more.</p>
<p>The defensive lapse which led to Scotland’s lone goal was a combination of allowing a cross that should have been blocked and the center backs losing sight of the Scot’s most dangerous attacker. There were also instances where the US could have doubled in the corners but the midfielders didn’t seem interested in coming all the way back, allowing more preventable crosses.</p>
<p>Finally, there were times in the beginning when the USA lacked width in the attack with the outside defenders slow to get up flanks. Once the defenders began to get forward and open that space, the US had another dimension and became exponentially dangerous.</p>
<p>Make no mistake about it. It will take something VERY SPECIAL for the USA to look like this against Brazil, but this is a huge step in the right direction and should be a massive confidence booster for the Stars and Stripes. An indication to both players and fans that they should try to play this way, no matter the opposition.</p>
<p>One thing is for certain. This is the kind of game US Soccer fans have pined for. The kind of entertaining high tempo soccer the fans crave and the beautiful game deserves.</p>]]></description>
            <author> usfutblog@gmail.com (Marc Serber (@SoccerSerber))</author>
            <pubDate>Sun, 27 May 2012 02:15:08 GMT</pubDate>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.usfutblog.com/2012-articles/may/us-play-the-klinsmann-way-donovan-scores-3-in-5-1-win.html</guid>
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            <title>Live Chat- US vs. Scotland Friendly</title>
            <link>http://www.usfutblog.com/2012-articles/may/live-chat-us-vs-scotland-friendly.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[<p>Jurgen Klinsmann and the US Men's National Team begin a critical 5-game stretch tonight that will culminate in two important World Cup Qualifying matches against Antigua &amp; Barbuda (June 8th) and Guatemala (June 12th). Scotland is the first foe that will face the Yanks during this stretch and this match-up will serve as a critical preparation game for a team who has not played since late February.&nbsp;<br /><br />With Clint Dempsey's injury and Jozy Altidore's club refusing to release him until Monday the Yanks might be without two critical offensive weapons. Who will step up in their absence? Come join our live chat 10 minutes before the 8pm EST kickoff and share your thoughts as the match unfolds.&nbsp;</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.coveritlive.com/index2.php/option=com_altcaster/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=8ed46a8d58/height=550/width=470" width="470px" height="550px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></p>]]></description>
            <author> usfutblog@gmail.com (Matthew Spitz)</author>
            <pubDate>Sat, 26 May 2012 18:09:52 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>Klinsmann Adds 11 Additional Players To Camp Roster</title>
            <link>http://www.usfutblog.com/2012-articles/may/klinsmann-adds-11-additional-players-to-camp-roster.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[<p>USMNT coach Jurgen Klinsmann added 11 more players to the camp roster that will be training in Orlando until May 25th for the upcoming 5 matches. Our boys have put together four straight wins, most recently against the always powerful Italian squad. Things have been quiet recently and Klinsmann is excited to get the ball rolling again as players will be reporting as they complete their club duties. This month long training schedule will simulate that of a tournament schedule, with additional focus on team ball movement and nutrition.</p>
<p>“We are excited now to get towards full numbers with the MLS guys and also the players from Europe who are coming in with great form," said Klinsmann. "We want them to pick up the rhythm as fast as possible and make them understand that we are taking the next couple weeks very seriously. We will continue with our rhythm of two trainings a day and see where the players are really at before we make our final decisions on the 23-man roster for the upcoming games."</p>
<p>With Landon Donovan back in the mix for the first time since September 2011, exciting things are sure to follow. The player pool has certainly grown and many players’ stocks are on the rise due to club team successes. After this training camp concludes the USMNT will head to Jacksonville to face off against Scotland on May 26th and the match we have all been waiting for against 5-time World Cup champions, Brazil, will take place on May 30th in Landover, MD.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">ROSTER ADDITIONS BY POSITION </span></p>
<p>DEFENDERS (4): Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Oguchi Onyewu (Sporting Lisbon), Michael Parkhurst (Nordsjaelland)</p>
<p>MIDFIELDERS (1) : Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)</p>
<p>FORWARDS (6): Juan Agudelo (Chivas USA), Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), Terrence Boyd (Borussia Dortmund), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Herculez Gomez (Santos), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)</p>

<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br />REPORTING DATES </span></p>
<p>May 20: Agudelo, Boyd, Cameron, Donovan, Wondolowski, Zusi</p>
<p>May 21: Onyew</p>
<p>May 23: Gomez</p>
<p>May 24: Goodson, Parkhurst</p>
<p>May 28: Altidore</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">UPDATED U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION</span></p>
<p>GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)</p>
<p>DEFENDERS (8): Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers), Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Alfredo Morales (Hertha Berlin), Oguchi Onyewu (Sporting Lisbon), Michael Parkhurst (Nordsjaelland)</p>
<p>MIDFIELDERS (9): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Chievo Verona), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Jose Torres (Pachuca), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)</p>
<p>FORWARDS (7): Juan Agudelo (Chivas USA), Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), Terrence Boyd (Borussia Dortmund), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Herculez Gomez (Santos), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)</p>]]></description>
            <author> matt.liebhaber@gmail.com (Matthew Strachman)</author>
            <pubDate>Tue, 22 May 2012 01:46:39 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>Two Debuts Equal Three Points in the Super Classico for Chivas USA </title>
            <link>http://www.usfutblog.com/2012-articles/may/two-debuts-equal-three-points-in-the-super-classico-for-chivas-usa.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[<p>
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<p><b><i>Juan Agudelo:</i></b></p>
<p><b><i> </i></b></p>
<p>For 19-year-old Juan Agudelo, this by no means was a “dream debut.”</p>
<p>Traded to Chivas USA from the New York Red Bulls this week, the Colombian born US International started out wide on the left in a 4-3-3 formation. At first, Agudelo looked a bit isolated as the Goats continuously elected to attack down the right through the very dangerous Miller Bolaños.</p>
<p>It was Bolaños that gave Agudelo the chance to mark his arrival at the back post midway through the first half, but the new recruit headed the Ecuadorian’s cross tamely into the arms of Galaxy goalkeeper Brian Perk.</p>
<p>In the second half, Agudelo switched over to the right side so he could have more room to go forward after Galaxy right back Sean Franklin forced him into a more defensive role throughout the first 45.</p>
<p>On the right, Agudelo found the ball a bit more and always looked to run at his defender (something American attackers don’t do enough of) but usually lost the one v. one battle.</p>
<p>Despite keeping his position well, strong running and having the confidence and desire to create off the dribble, Agudelo’s debut was looking a bit inauspicious.&nbsp;</p>
<p>That is until the 70th minute when he marked his arrival by displaying his talents, strength and ariel ability. Agudelo beat Perk in the box&nbsp;to Oswaldo Minda’s floated ball and won the header that put the Galaxy shot stopper in no-man’s land. Fellow Goats forward, Jose Correa soon found the ball and struck a volley at the empty net. Galaxy defender David Junior Lopes saved the shot on the line with his hand, leading to a straight red card and a penalty, which Correa finished not once, but twice. Correa's first PK conversion was called back as one of the Chivas players crossed into the box too soon (before Correa made contact with the ball).&nbsp;</p>
<p>Six minutes later, Agudelo’s night was done, but he had marked his arrival by making an impact at the most vital moment of the match.</p>
<p>So much had been made of the New York Red Bull’s hesitation to use Agudelo and the lack of minutes hindering his development. With Chivas USA, however, the prodigious talent feels he finally has a place where he can grow.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“What they [the coaching staff] want out of me is exactly what I was looking for. Freedom. They told me to play with a smile on my face and that just sets me off,” Agudelo said in the locker room after his first game in the Chivas USA stripes.</p>

<p>Despite being inserted straight into the starting XI, Agudelo knows that the minutes, and a system which offers a newfound freedom to attack and run at defenders is a privilege and not a right. There are still adjustments that need to be made.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“It’s a different playing style, a different team. I just think over time it will get better and better with me finding those pockets of space and getting used to the way other players play so that I know where I should be when I receive the ball.”</p>
<p>The next question for Agudelo is whether he is going right back to New York to face his old club for Chivas' next MLS match, or to the National team who are preparing for upcoming World Cup qualifying matches. Either way, his potential is no longer limited.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Danny Califf:</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>Danny Califf had a very quiet debut, which is EXACTLY what you want as a center back. In his first game since joining in a midweek trade from the Philadelphia Union, the former Galaxy man looked like he had been a member of the Chivas back-line since preseason.</p>
<p>Always in position and in unison with the other three backs, Califf and his charges forced the Galaxy offside on four occasions and never looked suspect in playing the trap. His spacing with central defensive partner Rauwshan McKenzie was spot on. The two were only carved open twice (albeit briefly) around the hour mark.</p>
<p>Just like the youngster Agudelo, a trade to Chivas offered the veteran an opportunity to escape a toxic situation in Philadelphia where his relationship with Union head coach Peter Nowak turned sour.</p>
<p>“There was a lot of stuff that went on [in Philadelphia]. A lot of thing’s I wasn’t to happy about, but I’ve come here and I feel like its almost a new lease on life,” a smiling Califf told the media while standing next to his new locker after the game. “A new chance to step in and play for some guys I really respect as players, because I played with them, but also as coaches. A staff that I am extremely comfortable with.”</p>
<p>The 32-year-old played for the Galaxy from 2000-2004, lining up alongside Robin Fraser, Greg Vanney, and Simon Elliott, now the Chivas USA head coach, assistant coach, and technical director/head scout respectively.</p>
<p>“I feel like it’s almost an old Galaxy reunion when I walk in the door so that has made the transition a whole lot easier for me.”&nbsp;</p>
<p>After dealing with Nowak's drama, Califf sees no similar issues playing for Fraser because unlike his old boss, his new one tells it like it is.</p>
<p>“I think honesty is probably one of the most important qualities. As long as he [the coach] is honest with you, you don’t have to agree with it. You don’t have to necessarily like what he says, but you have to respect the fact he is man enough to tell you how he feels. He [Fraser] is not afraid to tell you how he feels even if he knows you might not like it or you might not agree with it. I think that’s the very least you can ask of a manager. Just be honest with me. If you’re going to make this decision, okay, I’m a professional. I have to live with that whether I agree with it or not, but just be honest. It’s quite refreshing.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Quite refreshing indeed, not only for Califf and Agudelo in their new surroundings, but also for Chivas USA who won the Super Classico (1-0) for the first time since August 23rd, 2007. The Goats now head to pastures outside the Big Apple feeling that tonight’s three points, spearheaded by their new recruits, may just be the turning point in their season.</p>]]></description>
            <author> usfutblog@gmail.com (Marc Serber (@SoccerSerber))</author>
            <pubDate>Sun, 20 May 2012 10:02:47 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>Reaction: Juan Agudelo Moves From One Coast to the Other</title>
            <link>http://www.usfutblog.com/2012-articles/may/reaction-juan-agudelo-moves-from-one-coast-to-the-next.html</link>
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<p>By now everyone has heard that US National Team starlet Juan Agudelo has been shipped from the bright lights of "New York" to sunny California in another blockbuster, media shattering deal orchestrated by the Red Bulls. Chivas USA the recipient of a potential MLS MVP did not come without a price as NY received veteran defender Heath Pearce along with allocation money and a piece of Agudelo's future European transfer fee. According to Soccer-by-Ives the allocation dollars could be as large as $200K while the transfer fee percentage is more or less 1/3rd of the total transfer value.&nbsp;<br /><br />There is a number of moving parts and interesting developments as a result of this deal which I will now rant to you about...<br /><br /></p>

<p>1. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Why did NY Pull the Trigger?&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><i>Hans Backe and Erik Soler made this move for a few reasons. First, they needed to solidify the backline which has been disorganized to say the least this season despite their recent winning streak. Between Wilman Conde's arrest, Rafa Marquez's injuries,&nbsp;Markus Holgersson's inconsistent form, and Roy Miller's positioning woes the Red Bulls have had very little continuity along the backline. <br /><br />Second, Juan Agudelo wanted out. Whether Agudelo deserved it or not Backe was not starting him and as any ambitious player that story gets old after awhile. This becomes especially apparent when you are a young player that is excelling at the international stage and receiving minutes from a coach of&nbsp;Jurgen Klinsmann's pedigree and then you return home to ride the pine. <br /><br />However it was definitely interesting to read that Backe said Agudelo wanted to move clubs as early as last season. To me this means frankly that emotions were building for quite awhile and NY should have been more strategic with this prized asset. In essence, if they knew this problem existed last year, Agudelo should have either been on the pitch or traded, and if a trade went down I believe NY would have received even more than they did this time around.&nbsp;<br /><br />Third, Red Bulls perceived forward depth. Yes, NY is stocked at the </i><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>starting</em></span><i> forward position. Thierry Henry in my mind, when healthy, is the best forward in the league and Kenny Cooper is playing like the man that was once a highly regarded forward prospect for the national team. Then you have Backe under the impression that he may get Luke Rodgers back, which I do not believe will actually occurr, but if it somehow does, those 3 are a nice 3 to have up top. <br /><br />When you look under the covers though, especially beyond this year, you are left with an aging, injury prone star in Henry and a man that has seen his form fluctuate quite a bit over his career in Cooper. Yes, Dane Richards can play a speed forward role now and then but he's not dynamic enough to succeed in this position day in and day out. Red Bulls do have their first round draft pick to lean on, Corey Hertzog, when it comes to a future goal-scorer but knowing NY's track record with young players it's hard to think of Hertzog as a future centerpiece of this team. As a result, you have to question the statement that NY is STACKED at the forward position.&nbsp;<br /></i><br />2. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Long-Term Risk for NY&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><em>For this move to truly not burn the Red Bulls completely they must win NOW and by win I mean win an MLS Cup this year or next. They really don't have an option here. They just gave up a MEGA MEGA prospect for quality parts but in the end these parts do not come close to amounting to Agudelo's future value on the field or off of it. Don't forget NY lost about two thirds of Agudelo's transfer fee if he heads abroad. Just think about the Revolution trading away Clint Dempsey and you will get an idea of how massive a mistake this could be. It's not quite at that level but it definitely falls under the same category. </em><br /><br /><em>Agudelo could have been the future face of the franchise, taking the mantle from Henry in a city that desperately needs a star player to get buts in the seats and instead they put all their eggs in the short-term basket which frankly is not that sturdy. Red Bulls must win now and win in style, LA-like style.</em><br /><br />3. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">New Future for Juan Agudelo&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><em>The clear winner of this trade is not NY, not Chivas USA, it's Juan Agudelo. Agudelo gets a clean slate, a slate in which he can start every day and get those much-needed minutes that will help him develop. Despite all the hoopla over his potential, the kid has to play. There's not a secret sauce here, the more Agudelo plays, the better he will get. <br /><br />This is exactly what the doctor ordered for Agudelo and I'm excited for him to turn around the Chivas franchise and help them put together an LA Clippers-esque resurgence to compete with their winning older brother, the LA Galaxy, just as the Clippers did this season as they stole some of Hollywood's spotlight from the Lakers. <br /><br />Somewhere Jurgen Klinsmann is smiling.<br /><br /></em><strong>What did you think of the move? Would love to hear your thoughts...let's start the debate!&nbsp;</strong></p>
&nbsp;]]></description>
            <author> usfutblog@gmail.com (Matthew Spitz)</author>
            <pubDate>Sat, 19 May 2012 00:31:14 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>Videos: USMNT Begin Critical 5 Match Run</title>
            <link>http://www.usfutblog.com/2012-articles/may/videos-usmnt-begin-critical-5-match-run.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[<p>Jurgen Klinsmann and the US Men's National Team embarked on an important journey this week as camp in Orlando kicked off ahead of 5 crucial matches (3 Friendlies, 2 World Cup Qualifiers). <br /><br />Jurgen Klinsman....&nbsp;</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ra_SNOKtiEs" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br />Brad Guzan and Jose Torres....<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/N7As3V9wdig" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>]]></description>
            <author> usfutblog@gmail.com (Matthew Spitz)</author>
            <pubDate>Sat, 19 May 2012 00:15:33 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>Klinsmann Announces Prelim WCQ Roster, Chandler Turns Down Call-Up</title>
            <link>http://www.usfutblog.com/2012-articles/may/klinsmann-announces-prelim-wcq-roster-chandler-turns-down-call-up.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[<script src="http://fotoglif.com/embed/Embed.js?imagehash=mn3858ewazom&amp;pubhash=ua4nfch8y50v&amp;creator=MIKE SEGAR%2FReuters%2FFotoglif&amp;width=468" type="text/javascript"></script>
<p> </p>
<p>The exciting World Cup Qualifying spring/summer for the US Men's National Team began yesterday when coach <a href="http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Mens-National-Team/2012/05/Jurgen-Klinsmann-Discusses-Roster.aspx">Jurgen Klinsmann announced an initial squad of 16 players</a> to join the upcoming US camp in Orlando. Klinsmann has only called in 16 players thus far but may make as many as 13 additions on Sunday, May 20th to round out camp.</p>
<p>This group of Yanks will train in Orlando until May 25th and then the US boss will cut down the roster to 23 for the upcoming 5 US matches.</p>
<p>"All the players coming now for this very special four-week period represent our core," said the man in charge of the US National Team, Jurgen Klinsmann.</p>
<p>One noticeable player has decided for now that he would not like to be a member of Klinsmann's "core" and instead would like to take a "break" from competition, which put the US soccer community into a frenzy yesterday. This infamous player would be Timothy Chandler. Chandler who was born in Germany to an American father has appeared in 8 matches for the US, but has yet to cap tie himself to the US by appearing in an official FIFA competition. This has left the door open for a possible switch to the German National Team.</p>
<p>Despite repeated declarations from Chandler to the media that he has chosen to emblazon the stars and stripes and has no interest in Germany, his actions have spoken louder than his words recently. Dating back to last summer when former US manager Bob Bradley failed to recruit Chandler to the all important Gold Cup many fans have questioned Chandler's loyalty. Compounded by this most recent decision to not join Klinsmann and company for the start of World Cup Qualifiers, which would tie him to the US for life, fan paranoia has officially transformed into a bleak reality that does not include Chandler.</p>
<p>However the US has more than enough fire power to qualify for the 2014 World Cup and Jurgen Klinsmann is ready for the real games to begin.</p>
<p>"It's a clear signal to other players that right now it's down to business. We're playing World Cup qualifiers. It's not about experimenting or seeing different players, it's about who we think are the best," Klinsmann added.</p>
<p>The announced 16-man US roster and the upcoming US schedule can be seen after the break...</p>

<p><strong>US Roster</strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">GOALKEEPERS (3)</span>: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake) <br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">DEFENDERS (4)</span>: Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Alfredo Morales (Hertha Berlin) <br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">MIDFIELDERS (8)</span>: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Chievo Verona), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Jose Torres (Pachuca), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim) <br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">FORWARDS (1)</span>: Clint Dempsey (Fulham)</p>
<p><strong>Upcoming US Schedule</strong></p>
<p>US vs. Scotland - Saturday, May 26 (EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Fl)</p>
<p>US vs. Brazil - Wednesday, May 30 (FedExField in Landover, Md)</p>
<p>US vs. Canada - Sunday, June 3 (BMO Field in Toronto, CA)</p>
<p>WORLD CUP QUALIFIER - US vs. Antigua &amp; Barbuda - Friday, June 8 (Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, FL)</p>
<p>WORLD CUP QUALIFIER - US vs. Guatemala - Tuesday, June 12 (Estadio Mateo Flores in Guatemala City, Guatemala)</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Noticeable Players Likely To Join:</span></p>
<p><em>Terrence Boyd</em>- the young Borussia Dortmund forward that showed great potential during Olympic qualifiers announced on twitter that he will join the US side.....enough said!</p>
<p><em>Oguchi Onyewu</em>- Gooch and Sporting will play Academica in a domestic cup final on Sunday so he should be arriving late to the squad.</p>
<p><em>Herculez Gomez-</em> Gomez, arguably the US striker in the best form, is in Mexico's two-leg Clausura Final vs. Monterrey which wil also conclude on Sunday.</p>
<p><em>Clarence Goodson/Michael Parkhurst</em>- Both players are still playing club ball in Denmark. Parkhurst has a chance to win the title and automatically qualify for the Champions League group stage as his club is 1 point from the top spot with two to play. The season is to end next Wednesday, May 23rd. Ironically, Parkhurst will take on Goodson on Sunday. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Noticeable Player to Rest:</span></p>
<p><em>Jozy Altidore</em>- Altidore who is coming off a career long season (since he finally played consistent club ball) is reported to take a break this summer and thus will miss the first couple of US World Cup qualifiers. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Thoughts on Chandler's Decision:</span></p>
<p><em>Time to move on. As a fan, analyst, head coach you have to treat Chandler as no longer part of the team. You don't turn down World Cup qualifiers and a chance to officially position yourself as the starting wing defender at the international level if you are serious about playing for that team. Chandler simply made this move because he wants to keep his options open, as Germany is still his preferred choice.<br /></em></p>
<p><em>However this does feel like a Carlos Tevez-light situation, especially with Chandler seemingly not in Germany's short- or long-term plans. Just as Mancini proclaimed Tevez would never return to City and then instead welcomed him back to secure an EPL title, Klinsmann will take Chandler back if he were to return with his tail between his legs. If you look at every great National Team, a dynamic wing back is always putting pressure on the opposition, which is exactly the role Klinsmann hoped Chandler would fill. Chandler isn't irreplaceable but Klinsi realizes his high value in the system and will be more than happy to bring him back into the mix if it comes down to it. </em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></p>]]></description>
            <author> usfutblog@gmail.com (Matthew Spitz)</author>
            <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 23:05:56 GMT</pubDate>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.usfutblog.com/2012-articles/may/klinsmann-announces-prelim-wcq-roster-chandler-turns-down-call-up.html</guid>
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            <title>LA Galaxy Steal A Point from FCD In Stoppage Time</title>
            <link>http://www.usfutblog.com/2012-articles/april/la-galaxy-steal-a-point-from-fcd-in-stoppage-time.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[<p>Direct or ‘route 1’ futbol is often derided in this day and age, especially in an era when the Barcelona tiki-tak (RIP Pep’s Barca 2008-2012) is the standard bearer of footballing beauty.</p>
<p>When played correctly, however, direct soccer can be just as exhilarating. Any purist can appreciate a goal created in three passes just as he or she can in 25.</p>
<p>On of my biggest pet-peeves of the MLS is that at times it can be too slow, but on Saturday most MLS games surpassed expectations. The LA Galaxy v. FC Dallas match was no exception with Bruce Arena’s and Schellas Hyndman’s sides clashing at break neck speed.</p>
<p>Brek Shea struck first for FC Dallas from the spot just past the hour mark, but Pat Noonan rolled back the years with a neatly placed finish in injury time to salvage a point for the home side.</p>
<p>The Galaxy will feel that it was more a case of two points dropped rather than a point gained after creating the better of the chances, but failing to put them away against an opponent playing its third game in eight days.<br /><br /></p>

<p>Despite FC Dallas having two clear-cut opportunities in the first minute and Donovan hitting a post, then finding himself wide open a second time from five yards out, the first-half somehow remained scoreless.</p>
<p>Both defenses were bypassing the midfield, finding the feet of the forwards first. The midfield then joined the attack after strong hold-up play from the target men.</p>
<p>FC Dallas should have been ahead first when the Galaxy failed to deal with the evening’s first long ball. With the Galaxy defense in a panic trying to deal with Blas Perez, the ball fell kindly for Brek Shea on the left side of the box. The angle was tight, but a player of his caliber should have buried it rather than blazing over.</p>
<p>Less than a minute later, Fabian Castillo should have given the Texas club the lead, but he put his effort wide with Galaxy goalkeeper Bill Gaudette left stranded on his line.</p>
<p>Gaudette was playing in place of Josh Saunders who, according to Arena is, “out for personal reasons and we don’t want to go past that.”</p>
<p>The Galaxy woke up and came into the game with both teams making frantic last ditch clearances, but the post came to FC Dallas’ rescue in the 11<sup>th</sup> minute. Robbie Keane played a delightful through ball for Landon Donovan. America’s all time scoring leader did the first part right, rounding Hoops keeper Chris Seitz but somehow contrived to put his shot off the outside of the post with the goal gaping.</p>
<p>George John and Shea were both denied by solid Gaudette stops before Seitz was called into action again to deny Keane from point blank range.</p>
<p>The FCD shot-stopper was the hero once again when he scurried across his line to deny Donovan. Captain America was perhaps a bit too casual as the ball fell kindly to him following a scramble from a corner kick and he tried to pass it in rather than smashing home.</p>
<p>“The first one got away from a little bit. I was a little in-between steps, but I should’ve done better. I’m frustrated I missed that,” Donovan said in the locker room after the game. “The second one, I just kind of reacted and Seitz still made a good save.”</p>
<p>The question at halftime was whether or not both teams could keep up this pace in the second half?</p>
<p>We got our answer just two minutes in as David Beckham played a picturesque ball with the outside of his right boot to put Donovan in behind the FCD backline. Jair Benitez brought down Donovan and the Referee pointed to the spot setting off a strange sequence of events.</p>
<p>First Benitez was only yellow carded, while Landon Donovan went over to talk to Bruce Arena and Kean stepped up to the spot. It was the first time since June 23, 2007 that someone other than Donovan (Kyle Martino) took a penalty for the Galaxy. With something feeling off, Keane smashed his penalty wide right.</p>
<p>Donovan later explained why it was Keane who took the penalty. “I just told Robbie I wanted him to take it. Just to get him going. It’s been a little while since those guys have hit the net. We’re trying to get them more chances. We’re not doing a good enough job getting them chances in front of the goal so I thought it would help.”</p>
<p>In the 61<sup>st</sup> minute Shea showed the Irish international the correct way to take a penalty. In a crowded box, Galaxy center back David Junior Lopes inexplicably tried to chest the ball back to Gaudette.&nbsp; FCD forward Blas Perez took full advantage stepping to the loose ball and Gaudette had no choice but to bring him down.</p>
<p>Shea blasted his penalty into the lower left corner to give the visitors the 1-0 lead.</p>
<p>The teams traded chances with both Gaudette and Seitz called into action. Buddle had a goal called back for a handball and Beckham came close with a trademark free kick.</p>
<p>When it looked like the Galaxy were going to rue yet another night of missed opportunities, Arena’s three second-half substitutes came thorough two minutes into stoppage time.</p>
<p>Donovan floated the ball into the box. Adam Cristman fought for the first ball and kept it alive for Chad Barrett. The former TFC man laid it back for Noonan to sweep it into the far post and send the Home Depot Center into raptures.</p>
<p>“We can be happy because we finished the game well,” summarized Galaxy defender Sean Franklin after the game. “We got the goal and we got the point, but its also bittersweet because we knew there was three points out there to gain and we thought that we could have got that tonight by the way we played.”</p>
<p>While Galaxy players and fans may be a bit frustrated after failing to finish their chances and FC Dallas fans will rue giving up two points so late, the mutual should be delighted with the style and effort displayed by both sides. After a high tempo Saturday in the MLS, one thing is for certain. Somewhere, Jurgen Klinsmann is smiling.</p>]]></description>
            <author> usfutblog@gmail.com (Marc Serber (@SoccerSerber))</author>
            <pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:18:48 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title>U-20's Continue Positive March Toward World Cup</title>
            <link>http://www.usfutblog.com/2012-articles/april/u-20-continue-positive-march-toward-world-cup.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[<p>Tab Ramos and the U-20 MNT closed camp in Portland, Ore. with a win against the University of Washington on a single goal from US midfielder, Victor Pineda, in the 89th minute. The three day camp from April 9-16, included a match against University of Portland and the US squad consisted of a mix of professional and collegiate players.<br /><br />The evaluation process will continue for Ramos, as the U-20s look to begin a <a href="http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/leading-u-s-under-20s-ramos-likes-what-he-sees/">South American trip in May</a> which will include three matches. The four camps under Ramos’ leadership have primarily acted as an opportunity for players and coaches to familiarize themselves with the new "Klinsmann" set up. But also, the camp allowed Ramos and his staff to evaluate the diverse talent pool available for selection.<br /><br />Some notable names absent at the April camp were Luis Gil (Real Salt Lake), Villyan Bijev (Liverpool FC), William Packwood (Birmingham City), Anthony Brooks (Hertha Berlin) and Cody Cropper (Ipswich Town) due to club commitments.<br /><br />Although the players missing from the April camp are most likely going to figure into Ramos’ plans for the future, an effort was made to begin the process to narrow down the talent pool toward 2013. Additionally, 8 players from the April camp play professionally and 10 players are in college, while 6 players are currently involved with an Academy club.<br /><br />“We’ve had three camps this year and taken advantage of the opportunity to cast a wide net in evaluating the player pool,” said Ramos before this last camp.<br /><br /> “This is the last time we plan on calling in a large number of new players. From here on out, we’re really going to really focus in the players we have identified who we think will be competing for spots on this team moving forward,” Ramos added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>CONCACAF qualifying for the U-20 World Cup will likely begin in early 2013 and will be held in Puebla, Mexico. The dates will run from February 18th through March 2nd at the Estadio Cuauhtemoc and the Estadio Universitario Lobos BUAP. &nbsp;<br /><br />The tournament will qualify four teams for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey 2013.<br /><br /><em>The players selected to each of the last few camps may give us an indication of what the US U-20 MNT roster will look like during the 2013 World Cup. As with the U-23 team, it would appear that players who are involved in a professional setting will be preferred due to their obvious experience. </em><br /><br /><em>However, given the recent disappointment of the U-23s, Ramos may be more inclined to choose a player performing at the highest level rather than an out of form professional player. It is clear that players who play professionally, will need to see playing time with their clubs if they are to see the national team field, which has been Klinsmann's mantra since he took the reigns of the US program . &nbsp;</em><br /><br /><em>This line of thinking adds nothing to the ‘Pro vs. College’ argument, but simply emphasizes that if you are going to play at the international level, you need to perform and earn playing time first and foremost at the club level. Perhaps sitting on the bench will no longer be rewarded.</em></p>]]></description>
            <author> usfutblog@gmail.com (Andrew Arellano)</author>
            <pubDate>Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:56:56 GMT</pubDate>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.usfutblog.com/2012-articles/april/u-20-continue-positive-march-toward-world-cup.html</guid>
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            <title>Support The OSA World Juggle-A-Thon!</title>
            <link>http://www.usfutblog.com/2012-articles/april/support-the-osa-world-juggle-a-thon.html</link>
            <description><![CDATA[<p>Our good friends over at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usfutblog.com/onlinesocceracademy.com">Online Soccer Academy</a> are hosting the 2nd annual OSA World Juggle-A-Thon on World Malaria Day, April 25th. Proceeds will benefit Nothing But Nets, a wonderful organization that provides life saving nets. Last year they raised $7,000, saving 700 lives!<br /><br />"Every 45 seconds a child dies from Malaria - that is why we created the OSA World Juggle-a-thon. On World Malaria Day - April 25 at 6pm their standard time, soccer players, fans and coaches all over the world will juggle to get better, juggle to save lives and raise money for Nothing But Nets leading up to the event."<br /><br /></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qDJ_hHBO1vU" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm participating in OSA World Juggle-a-thon to benefit Nothing but Nets to insure that all future soccer players are healthy and Malaria free. The Juggle-a-thon also helps me improve my juggling skills which hopefully means more playing time! I'm hoping I can beat my record of 16 this year. :)</p>
<p>- US Women's National Team player Lori Lindsey</p>
<p>I'm happy to be participating in the Juggle-a-Thon because it gives me the chance to help raise awareness and funding for Nothing But Nets, which directly helps children avoid contracting malaria. It's a fun way for kids to be a part of something important while giving themselves a challenge with the ball.</p>
<p>- Chris Rolfe of Aalborg BK in Denmark</p>
<p>I'm really excited to be participating in the OSA World JUGGLE-A-THON again this year. Juggling to raise money is a fun and perfect way to participate in such a special cause! It's even extra practice time for me to improve my juggling!</p>
<p>- Carli Lloyd of the US Women's National Team<br /><br /><br />Please visit the<a href="http://www.usfutblog.com/onlinesocceracademy.com"> Online Soccer Academy</a> for more details!!!</p>]]></description>
            <author> matt.liebhaber@gmail.com (Matthew Strachman)</author>
            <pubDate>Sat, 21 Apr 2012 20:31:23 GMT</pubDate>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.usfutblog.com/2012-articles/april/support-the-osa-world-juggle-a-thon.html</guid>
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