USA 3-2 Slovenia

**Cloned92** · 11-16-2011, 12:18 AM

The drake game was a big downer today, but the US soccer team put on quite a show vs. Slovenia earlier today in the 3-2 win. Anyone else watch it? It was great to see some goal scoring for once, especially from Buddle. Goodson is still having some major liability moments on defense but is improving no less. I was really concerned about world cup qualifying this summer, but I fell somewhat better after today. The team appears to be growing slowly but surely with Klinsmann.

**dmb341** · 11-16-2011, 12:33 AM

Goodson didn't look nearly as lost as Chandler. Interesting experiment going to the 4-4-2. Hopefully another legitimate striker steps up who can play up top with Jozy. I'm kind of hoping it will be Agudelo, but Buddle looked good today, and Davies looked comfortable playing with Altidore two summers ago. Even if there's no clear front runner, I think the 4-4-2 will work better for the US than going at it with a lone striker. There were numerous times the defense was caught out today, which is something that wasn't such a problem playing the 4-1-3-1-1.

**Trainer** · 11-16-2011, 12:33 AM

I caught the last 10 minutes. I really do nto know a lot about soccer or the US's development. To me it looks like they have the talent and the tools, it is just getting used to each other and working together. Nonetheless it was entertaining to watch.

**NATEizKING** · 11-16-2011, 04:43 AM

Didn't get to watch but glad to get a W. I have watched some of the past few games and we did not look very good.

**IowaClone** · 11-16-2011, 08:06 AM

I think we really really really need to keep with the 4-4-2, we do so much better in this formation instead of some stupid diamond etc.

**ianoconnor** · 11-16-2011, 08:16 AM

Agree with keeping the 4-4-2. It may not be sexy, but it seems to get the job done for us. Michael Bradley HAS to be in the starting lineup going forward. Dempsey, as always, was top class. I still love Chandler, but his natural position is right back. It'd be nice to find a natural left back, but he is definitely not a slouch over there.

Overall, a good win in Europe (which for us is hard to come by) and a definite confidence booster heading into 2012. There are still some guys who haven't been called in under Jurgen (Omar Gonzalez, Herc Gomez, Sacha Kljestan, etc.) that I believe deserve a shot.

For anyone in Des Moines or willing to travel to DSM, there are game watches for every USMNT game at Victor's in Urbandale. We'd love to have you. They are put on by the Des Moines chapter of the American Outlaws. The American Outlaws – US Soccer Supporters

**IowaClone** · 11-16-2011, 08:22 AM

Honsetly if we attack undder the 4-4-2 like we did last night, and other times we have employed it, we could be very dangerous. Though yes, bradley needs to be in central midfield, Preferably with Holden when hes healthy along with dempsey and donnovan on the wings. Give me Altidore up top with who ever is hot at the time be it buddle , etc .
Though i agree, finding a natural left back would be great but we haven't had much luck with that. so if chandler is doing a servicable job thats a step up from where we have been.

**Senolcyc** · 11-16-2011, 08:33 AM

Why do soccer fans get excited when the USA slips by some third world country? In no other international sport would a narrow victory over freakin' Slovenia be something to get excited about. In fact, it would be an embarrassing failure to only beat Slovenia by one score in pretty much any other sport. In soccer, it's a resounding triumph.

**timhisu** · 11-16-2011, 08:42 AM

Originally Posted by Senolcyc

Why do soccer fans get excited when the USA slips by some third world country? In no other international sport would a narrow victory over freakin' Slovenia be something to get excited about. In fact, it would be an embarrassing failure to only beat Slovenia by one score in pretty much any other sport. In soccer, it's a resounding triumph.

You must not know much about soccer with that statement.

**ianoconnor** · 11-16-2011, 08:47 AM

Go find another thread.

First off, Slovenia is far from a third world country. Look it up: Slovenia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Second -- they are currently ranked 27th in the FIFA world rankings. We are ranked 34.

Third -- 3 goals in soccer is pretty much universally impressive no matter what team is in question, especially away from home. Other sports don't have the same scoring. It's stupid to try to compare it.

Fourth -- The US team is in a sort of rebuilding mode right now. We have a new coach, who has been experimenting with new players, not to mention we were missing two of our best players in Stuart Holden and Landon Donovan.

Feel free to post any other idiotic thoughts you'd like me to refute.

**Senolcyc** · 11-16-2011, 08:56 AM

Originally Posted by ianoconnor

We are ranked 34.

Exactly. USA is awful in soccer. You have to be awful to get excited about wins over postage stamp countries.

**ianoconnor** · 11-16-2011, 09:10 AM

Being ranked 34 out of over 200 nations, while going through a coaching change, and being a consistent World Cup qualifier makes us awful? Okay.

Your ignorance is clearly evident.

**Senolcyc** · 11-16-2011, 09:19 AM

Of those 200 nations, how many have two coins with holes in them to rub together and spend on soccer? 40? Maaaaaaybe 50. USA is awful in context.

World Cup qualifier........where it always loses to the rich and powerful side from Ghana.

Originally Posted by ianoconnor

Being ranked 34 out of over 200 nations, while going through a coaching change, and being a consistent World Cup qualifier makes us awful? Okay.

Your ignorance is clearly evident.

**cyclone13** · 11-16-2011, 09:52 AM

If you want to see it from the rich vs third world nation, then you're completely wrong. You have to see the tradition: a lot of countries poorer than US have soccer tradition and US doesn't have the tradition. There was a 40 year gap between 1950 and 1990 appearance and even, in 1990, a lot of players in the team played abroad.

In those countries, their best athletes play soccer. In the US, the best athletes play football or basketball.

So I would say the US is pretty good in soccer. Does it make the US great power ? No but are they awful ? No. There are other countries that will gladly trade their spots in soccer world with the US.

**Senolcyc** · 11-16-2011, 09:55 AM

Originally Posted by cyclone13

In those countries, their best athletes play soccer. In the US, the best athletes play football or basketball.

This is absolutely right, thank you. The best soccer players in America are thousands and thousands of rungs down the ladder from the best athletes in America. It's a game for those who can't do sports.