Other Sports ***Official CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier Thread**

**penguinz** · 06-16-2008, 08:49 AM

USA starts off looking good with a 8-0 win over Barbados.

My question is what is up with Donovan? He has looked like a much better player the last two games than he ever did under Arena.

Friendo · 06-16-2008, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by penguinz

USA starts off looking good with a 8-0 win over Barbados.

My question is what is up with Donovan? He has looked like a much better player the last two games than he ever did under Arena.

you pegged it--Bradley--I noticed it too, but the whole team is looking sharper, and I don't even think we've seen the best from Adu yet.

Spicy McHaggis · 06-16-2008, 09:16 AM

I'm glad the US started off on the right foot. I would say both Donovan and Beasley have both looked improved over the last few games. Landon is playing smart and with confidence and Beasley seems to be shaking the "I'm fast so I should try to take everyone on" idea and using his speed rather to spread the opposing defense and open them up.

**penguinz** · 06-16-2008, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spicy McHaggis

I'm glad the US started off on the right foot. I would say both Donovan and Beasley have both looked improved over the last few games. Landon is playing smart and with confidence and Beasley seems to be shaking the "I'm fast so I should try to take everyone on" idea and using his speed rather to spread the opposing defense and open them up.

Beasly is coming back from an injury so that may be helping him get over the fact he is fast.

As far as Donovan it is really good to see him actually try and take on a defender. In the past it seemed as though he was always in the mode that he had to lay the ball off to someone else.

Silock · 06-16-2008, 10:12 AM

I don't think it's Bradley. Is it a coincidence that Donovan is also leading MLS in goals? I don't think so.

**penguinz** · 06-16-2008, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silock

I don't think it's Bradley. Is it a coincidence that Donovan is also leading MLS in goals? I don't think so.

Someone had to get him to start attacking a defense. Whether it was Bradley or Gullit I don't know. It is just nice to see him attacking.

**Baby Lee** · 06-16-2008, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by penguinz

USA starts off looking good with a 8-0 win over Barbados.

My question is what is up with Donovan? He has looked like a much better player the last two games than he ever did under Arena.

It's a shame that, after the amazing Czech/Turkey game, the subpar opposition, and pedestrian nature of the goals [I mean that free kick goal of Donovans, while impressive in it's accuracy and in his heads up decision to go quick was like watching a career backup against Vermiels career day efense], I couldn't get more pumped about their showing. They took care of business, on to the next opponent.

Friendo · 06-16-2008, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

It's a shame that, after the amazing Czech/Turkey game, the subpar opposition, and pedestrian nature of the goals [I mean that free kick goal of Donovans, while impressive in it's accuracy and in his heads up decision to go quick was like watching a career backup against Vermiels career day efense], I couldn't get more pumped about their showing. They took care of business, on to the next opponent.

and he didn't give it a second thought--did you see the keepers reaction on replay, lol?

**penguinz** · 06-16-2008, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

on to the next opponent.

The next opponent is Barbados again.

Spicy McHaggis · 06-16-2008, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by penguinz

The next opponent is Barbados again.

Think they'll let me suit up?

POND_OF_RED · 06-16-2008, 12:43 PM

Imagine what a good team could have done to Barbados.

Silock · 06-16-2008, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SEA_OF_RED

Imagine what a good team could have done to Barbados.

A good team beat them 8-0.

BTW, back to Donovan: $10 says it was Ruud. Donovan has played under Bradley before this year, and he didn't really start playing up to the potential of his game until this year.

It's a damn shame he's too pussy to go play in Europe.

Friendo · 06-16-2008, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silock

A good team beat them 8-0.

BTW, back to Donovan: $10 says it was Ruud. Donovan has played under Bradley before this year, and he didn't really start playing up to the potential of his game until this year.

It's a damn shame he's too pussy to go play in Europe.

could it be that Beck's has had an influence?

Silock · 06-16-2008, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Friendo

could it be that Beck's has had an influence?

Maybe, but I think it's more Ruud than Beckham.

Even Edson Buddle is playing well, and is now in 2nd place behind his teammate Donovan in goals scored.

Friendo · 06-16-2008, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silock

Maybe, but I think it's more Ruud than Beckham.

Even Edson Buddle is playing well, and is now in 2nd place behind his teammate Donovan in goals scored.

I followed Dax McCarty (Dallas FC) some in his brief time at UNC--any chance he finds a place on the WC team in the future?

06-16-2008, 08:49 AM
penguinz Supporter Join Date: Mar 2003 Casino cash: $3077626	*Official CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier Thread USA starts off looking good with a 8-0 win over Barbados. My question is what is up with Donovan? He has looked like a much better player the last two games than he ever did under Arena.
Posts: 16,315

06-16-2008, 09:16 AM	#3
Spicy McHaggis Keep 'er Movin' Join Date: Sep 2004 Casino cash: $9905359	I'm glad the US started off on the right foot. I would say both Donovan and Beasley have both looked improved over the last few games. Landon is playing smart and with confidence and Beasley seems to be shaking the "I'm fast so I should try to take everyone on" idea and using his speed rather to spread the opposing defense and open them up.
Posts: 4,963

06-16-2008, 10:12 AM	#5
Silock MVP Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Overland Park Casino cash: $10020882	I don't think it's Bradley. Is it a coincidence that Donovan is also leading MLS in goals? I don't think so.
Posts: 19,908

06-16-2008, 12:43 PM	#11
POND_OF_RED The talking stonehead Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Blue Springs, MO Casino cash: $1733146	Imagine what a good team could have done to Barbados.
Posts: 5,693