U.S. Mens National Team coach Bob Bradley has confirmed he is interested in the opening at Aston Villa in the English Premier League.

Bradley remains under contract with the national team until the end of the year and is currently in the midst of talking with the United States Soccer Federation about an extension.

There are many who believe that Bradley is out as U.S. coach.  Bradley has done a decent job overall with the national team, but his roster decisions at the World Cup were disastrous.

Aston Villa would be going out on a huge limb by signing Bradley, which would leave no room for error for the manager.

What do you think?  Can Bradley hang with the Elite managers in the EPL?

The U.S. Mens National Team will take on Poland in their next match on October 9th at Soldier Field .  This will fall upon an international fixture date which will allow the European based players to play with the team.  Although, there is a major MLS scheduling issue as some key players will play with their clubs two days prior to the match.

As of now, Bob Bradley is still in charge of the national team.  Let’s hope to see a new face leading this group so we can get some different players on the pitch.  Bradley has done a decent job as coach but it’s time to move in a new direction.  Bradley’s roster decisions have not been the best and his ability to get his team prepared was awful this summer.

How great would it be to never see Robbie Findlay on the pitch again?

Look for the U.S. to add another friendly match on October 12 or 13.

U.S. Men’s National Team coach Bob Bradley announced his roster that will face off against Brazil at the New Meadowlands Stadium next Tuesday night. Bradley’s roster includes 14 players who were on the U.S. World Cup squad this summer.

Key performers Jay Demerit, Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore and Stuart Holden will not be with the squad as they prepare for their upcoming league seasons.

As the USSF has yet to determine Bradley’s fate as head coach, this is a very important match for the national team. I question some of the players on this roster, as this could be a great opportunity to let some young faces get some key experience at the International level.

Bradley did however go out on a limb and call up Jermaine Jones for the match. Jones has three appearances with Germany but since he has an American father chose to play for the Americans. Since Jones had seen time with the German national team he had to persuade FIFA to let him go with the U.S.

Robbie Findlay does not deserve to be on this roster. Bradley must see something in him that the rest of the world doesn’t. Findlay was a no show this summer and has proven time and time again that he cannot score goals at this level. He has great pace but has yet to show any kind of technical ability going to goal.

Roster
Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan, Tim Howard

Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Bornstein, Steve Cherundolo, Clarence Goodson, Chad Marshall, Jonathan Spector

Midfielders: Alejandro Bedoya, Michael Bradley, Landon Donovan, Maurice Edu, Benny Feilhaber, Jermaine Jones, Sacha Kljestan

Forwards: Edson Buddle, Robbie Findley, Herculez Gomez

As the U.S. national team looks back on its performance from the FIFA World Cup, serious staff questions need to be answered.  The biggest question of all is whether the United States Soccer Federation will retain Bob Bradley or look elsewhere for leadership.  After their heartbreaking overtime loss to Ghana, the federation is going to let things settle and will wait until after the tournament is completed to start looking towards the future.

In the first match of the cup the U.S. tied international powerhouse England 1-1, to get off to a great start.  The story of this summers tournament started here even though the Americans received a great result.  Steven Gerrard punished the soft American defense in just the 4th minute of the match and if not for the biggest mistake by a goalkeeper in World Cup history, the U.S. would have lost.

Once again in the Americans second match the start was unbearable to watch.  The U.S. saw itself down 2-0 to Slovenia at the half, which made Bradley change his tactics and make some key substitutions.   After great goals from Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley got the U.S. even, Maurice Edu’s excellent finish, which would have won the match was disallowed by referee Koman Coulibaly.

It was a great comeback for the point, and yes Coulibaly screwed us, but we shouldn’t have been in that situation in the first place.  Bradley’s defense once again was soft to start the match and were punished as any team would have playing at this level.  Bradley had to come away from this match excited for how is team played the second half but worried about his squads second consecutive slow start.

Needing a win to guarantee a spot in the knockout stage the U.S. played a gritty Algerian squad who also had a slight chance to advance, but seemed to be content with a draw with the favored Americans.  After back and forth action for the last 10 minutes of the match Donovan scored one of the greatest goals in U.S. history to win Group C in extra time.

As you can see in this unbelievable video of U.S. soccer fans after Donovan’s goal, this team had finally caught the attention of the American Public.

In the knockout round the U.S. fell 2-1 to Ghana in overtime after regulation finished at 1-1.  Ghana once again got through the soft U.S. defense in just the 5th minute after Ricardo Clark lost the ball at midfield to grab the early lead.  Bradley made some key substitutions and his team took control of the match in the second half and were unlucky to not come away with the win.

Asamoah Gyan scored 2 minutes into the first overtime period  once again punishing a soft U.S. back-line.  Throughout the rest of the overtime the U.S. had some decent chances to tie it once again but didn’t have the legs to comeback.

Questions Bob Bradley will have to answer to keep his job:

1. How did you prepare your team before each match? The U.S. allowed soft early goals in 3 of its 4 matches and also just 2 minutes into overtime in the knockout stage.
2. How were you instructing your center backs to play? Throughout the tournament Jay Demerit, Oguchi Onyewu, and Carlos Bocanegra were victimized time and time again for not putting pressure on the ball and retreating as players took them on.
3. Where was Oguchi Onyewu the last 2 matches? Onyewu did not have his best performances is the first two matches but with his speed and size in the center he should have been used especially in the last match.
4. What made you think Robbie Findlay could succeed at this level? Robbie Findlay started 3 out of 4 matches at forward and never was a threat to opposing defenses.  Yes, Findlay has incredible speed but does not possess the technical ability to score goals at this level.
5. Why was Edson Buddle not used more? Buddle came into the tournament as the hottest goalscorer in the MLS and even scored two goals in their last friendly with Australia.  Looking back, Bradley has to question himself on not getting him on the pitch more.
6. Why was Ricardo Clark inserted back into the starting 11 against Ghana? Clark started and played well in the first match against England but his giveaway started the lone England goal.  In the Ghana match, Clark once again gave the ball up in the midfield and Ghana punished them.
7. Why was Benny Feilhaber not used more? Feilhaber was questionably the best player throughout the tournament for the Americans.  Why would Bradley continue to use him as a substitute?

In my opinion Bradley should be let go after the tournament is completed.  The main goal Bradley put in front of his players was to get out of group play.  Why not have the goal be to win the tournament?  At least get to the semifinals!  The American public should not stand for these results.  We are people who demand the best and demand we win international competitions.  There is NO reason why we should lose to a country as small as Ghana. I mean we have 300 million people to choose from. Why can’t we find 11 people to put on a soccer field?

Bradley has been under some heat for some time now and shouldn’t keep this prestige position.  We should go back and try to get Juergen Klinsmann or a younger coach who can relate better with the players.  The youth development here is on the right track and all we need is the right person to lead the way. NOT BOB BRADLEY!

With their World Cup fates on the line, Bob Bradley will lead the U.S. as they take on underdogs Algeria.  After coming off a heartbreaking tie with Slovenia, Bradley’s team controls their own fate.  Bradley has some key decisions to make with his roster as we are now less than 24 hours away from kickoff.  After watching Algeria draw 1-1 with heavily favored England, there are some concerns that have to be addressed.

Algeria play a very structured, defensive style of soccer that at times looks like a steel wall to opposing players.  Algeria is also very technical on the ball while in possession, rarely making a bad touch in the midfield.  The U.S. will have to counter this style by taking chances going forward with numbers on the counter attack and making sure they capitalize on their opportunities in front of goal.

Bradley needs to make sure that his outside backs are getting forward as much as possible.  Steve Cherundelo and Carlos Bocanegra both need to get involved more on the attack as the U.S. has been successful on balls served into the box.

In the central defense, Oguchi Onyewu and Jay Demerit need to make sure they are on the same page with pushing forward so they are not creating too much space in behind the midfield.  There is no room for dumb defensive mistakes like we have seen in previous matches with so much on the line.  Tim Howard in the goal will also have to be at his best to give the Americans a chance.

Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey have been good overall throughout the first two matches but both still need to get the ball at their feet more.  Dempsey has much more to contribute to his team and hopefully he will have a breakout game.  Donovan has been the best player for Bradley so far and and his leadership on the pitch as been tremendous.

Michael Bradley has been superb in the central midfield for his father but the question will be if Bradley starts Ricardo Clark, Maurice Edu, or Jose Torres.  Clark started the first match and played pretty well, Edu had a huge impact in the 2-2 draw with Slovenia as a substitute, and Torres got the start last match.  Torres has more technical ability than Edu and Clark but lacks the size and pace they possess.

Jozy Altidore missed some training today due to an upset stomach but he should be alright to start up top for the match.  Robbie Findlay has been starting along with Jozy but has been a non factor and will miss the match with two yellow cards in prior games.  Look for Bradley to start Edson Buddle tomorrow.  Buddle would be my choice, but Bradley could also move Dempsey up top or start Hurculez Gomez.

There is no excuse if the U.S. doesn’t advance to the round of 16.  They know what has to be done and what is on the line.

GO USA!

On the eve of the biggest match in recent U.S. soccer history there are still questions on who Bob Bradley will start.  For the U.S.A., Oguchi Onyewu and Jozy Altidore should both be in the starting lineup but both will have something to prove.  Hopefully he has informed the players who are in his starting 11 know so they can prepare for this epic match.

The U.S. team has consistently played in a 4-4-2 formation but with Bob Bradley you never know what he is thinking.  If he strays from the 4-4-2 he could  possibly go with a 4-5-1.  Our team is a better team with 2 strikers on the field so lets hope he sticks with what works.

Bob Bradley will start Tim Howard in goal for the Americans.  Howard is in great form and as long as he keeps his composure and remains calm in tight situations he will shine.  Howard has the potential to be a breakthrough players this summer.

The left back position will most likely be captain Carlos Bocanegra.  Bocanegra has the ability to play in the central defense if needed but shines on the wing.

Jay Demerit and Oguchi Onyewu will start together as central backs.  Onyewu is still a major concern going into the macth over his fitness level.  If Onyewu can’t go or if he struggles look for Bradley to go with Clarence Goodson.

Right back will be played by Steve Cherundelo.  Cherundelo won the job from Jonathan Spector in my opinion with his recent play.  Bradley has not stated who he prefers so we will have to see who he chooses to go with.

The starting outside midfielders will be Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey.  Donovan and Dempsey also both have the ability to move to striker or attacking midfield if needed.

In the middle Michael Bradley and Ricardo Clark will start together reuniting  the pair who did superb together at last summers FIFA Confederations Cup.  Maurice Edu and Jose Francisco Torres are also in good form and could surprisingly break into the lineup.

Bradley has confirmed that Jozy Altidore is starting up top, but  it still remains unclear on who will be joining him.  Edson Buddle is the clear choice at the moment but Robbie Findlay’s pace is also a great option.  Look for Bradley to go with Buddle alongside Altidore.

GK- Tim Howard

DEF- Steve Cherundelo, Jay Demerit, Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra

MID- Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, Ricardo Clark, Clint Dempsey

FWR- Jozy Altidore, Edson Buddle

Bob Bradley certainly will  not be pleased after The Czech Republic dismantled his World Cup tryout squad 4-2.  All was not lost in the defeat though with a few players getting much needed match time to get a feel for the speed of play at this level.  Bradley decided to not dress most of the regulars to give players on the bubble one last shot.

There were only a few players who improved their chances to make the squad.  Edson Buddle, Stuart Holden,Brian Ching and Hurcelez Gomez played their way on to the roster in my opinion.  Heath Pearce, Sasha Kljestan, and Eddie Johnson played their way off the squad with poor performances.

Here is the LiveThePitch prediction for the World Cup roster.

Goalkeepers- Tim Howard, Marcus Hahnemann, Brad Guzan

Defenders- Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Spector, Jay Demerit, Clarence Goodson, Jonathan Bornstein,Steve Cherundelo, Chad Marshall

Midfielders- Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Ricardo Clark, Benny Feilhaber, Stuart Holden, Maurice Edu, Jose Torres

Forwards- Jozy Altidore, Brian Ching, Hurcules Gomez, Edson Buddle

Players Cut

Heath Pearce

Eddie Johnson

Sasha Kljestan

Robbie Findlay

Alejandro Bedoya

DeMarcus Beasley

Robbie Rogers

Bob Bradley has announced a thirty player preliminary roster for the 2010 World Cup.  These thirty players will train together for the next few weeks trying to find a place on the final 23 player list Bradley will have to turn in by June 1.

Bradley’s picks were not very surprising but leaving Charlie Davies off the list is a huge loss to the team. Davies has been recovering from a horrific car accident but could not gain medical clearance to take the field.  If healthy, Davies would have provided a much needed speed threat up top for the U.S.

The other health question for Bradley will be the form of Oguchi Onyewu.  Onyewu has not seen the pitch since rupturing a patella tendon in his knee on Oct. 14, 2009.

Also,Bradley’s inclusion of Eddie Johnson, Robbie Rogers, and DeMarcus Beasley don’t seem to make much sense to me.

Here is the preliminary roster:

GOALKEEPERS- Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Marcus Hahnemann

DEFENDERS-Jonathan Bornstein,Oguchi Onyewu,Steve Cherundelo,Jay Demerit, Clarence Goodsen,Chad Marshall,Heath Pearce,Jonathan Spector,Carlos Bocanegra

MIDFIELDERS- Landon Donovan,Michael Bradley,Ricardo Clark,Maurice Edu, DaMarcus Beasley,Alejandro Bedoya,Clint Dempsey,Benny Feilhaber,Stuart Holden, Sasha Kljestan, Robbie Rogers, Francisco Torres

FORWARDS- Jozy Altidore,Brian Ching,Eddie Johnson,Edson Buddle, Robbie Findlay,Hercules Gomez

U.S. national team coach Bob Bradley will have some difficult roster decisions to make in the coming weeks ahead of the FIFA World Cup this summer.  Bradley will call thirty players into camp on May 11.  He will then have to finalize his roster down to 23 players by June 1.  There are serious question marks in some key positions for the U.S. due to injuries and lack of depth, especially up top.

The player the entire country is behind to make a miraculous recovery from numerous injuries that he received in a car crash is Charlie Davies.  Davies is now fully participating in practice with his club team F.C Sochaux in France.  His club team has told him he will not return to matches for the remainder of the season which is only three more weeks. Davies was on fire for his club and his country before the accident.

If Davies can regain his fitness and speed he can be a great threat to opposing defenses.  Bradley lacks options up top this summer, so even if Davies isn’t 100% I would still take him to South Africa.  Davies at 85-90% is still a better option off the bench than Jeff Cunningham, Robbie Findlay, or Connor Casey.  I would take Davies, Jozy Altidore, Edson Buddle, and Brian Ching if I were in Bradley’s shoes.

Here is a great article on everything Davies has overcome to get to this point from Jeffrey Marcus of the New York Times-

Time is running out on Davies’s Comeback

With the 2010 World Cup quickly approaching we wanted to start a list of players who Bob Bradley will get to choose from to make the trip this summer to South Africa.  As of today the U.S. roster is full of question marks due to injuries.  Bradley will announce his 30 man preliminary roster on May 11th before cutting it down to 23.  The team has three impact players coming off major injuries in the past few months.  U.S. fans are praying for the health of Oguchi Onyewu, Clint Dempsey, and Charlie Davies.

Goalkeepers

The goalkeeping position looks to be locked up by Everton FC star Tim Howard.  Howard as had an up and down season this year with Everton and the U.S.  At times Howard looks as he is one of the top goalkeepers in the world.  Bradley will need to get consistency out of Howard to have a chance this summer.   The U.S. will bring three goalkeepers this summer.

Tim Howard- Everton*-Locked

Brad Guzan- Aston Villa*Locked

Marcus Hahnemann-Wolverhampton

Troy Perkins- DC United

Defenders

The status of Onyewu remains in doubt as we speak, but he should be ready for South Africa.  If Onyewu is at 100% the U.S. defense should be a dominant force this summer.  In last years FIFA Confederations Cup the back line looked stellar.  Look for Carlos Bocanegra, Jay Demerit, and Jonathan Spector to round out the starting back line.  Bradley will take 7-8 defenders to South Africa.

Oguchi Onyewu- AC Milan*Locked

Jay Demerit-Watford*Locked

Jonathan Spector- West Ham United*Locked

Carlos Bocanegra-Rennes*Locked

Steve Cherundolo- Hannover 96

Jonathan Bornstein-Chivas USA

Danny Califf-FC Midtjylland

Heath Pearce-FC Dallas

Clarence Goodson-IK Start

Midfielders

Bradley will have to make some tough decisions in the midfield depending on the health of Dempsey and Davies.  Our ideal lineup would be Landon Donovan on the left, Clint Demspey on the right, and Michael Bradley alongside Ricardo Clark in the middle.  Donovan could very well be forced to play up top if Davies can’t go.  If this is the case look for Stuart Holden, Robbie Rogers, and I hate to say it but Demarcus Beasley getting a shot. Bradley will take 7-9 midfielders this summer.

Landon Donovan- LA Galaxy*Locked

Clint Dempsey- Fulham*Locked

Michael Bradley- Borussia Mönchengladbach*Locked

Ricardo Clark- Eintracht Frankfurt*Locked

Benny Feilhaber- AGF*Locked

Stuart Holden- Bolton

Demarcus Beasley- Rangers

Robbie Rogers- Columbus Crew

Jermaine Jones- Schalke 04

Sasha Kljestan- Chivas USA

Maurice Edu- Rangers

Forwards

Up top for the U.S. Jozy Altidore will bring a speed and size threat to opposing back lines.  The question at the moment is who will join him?  The U.S. is extremely weak in the forward position at the moment.  The ideal candidate would be Davies but no one knows if his greatest asset of speed will be the same as before his accident.  Brian Ching is another reliable option for Bradley, but is a target player like Altidore.  If Davies does not get his fitness look for Donovan or Dempsey to start up top. Bradley will take 4-5 forwards this summer.

Jozy Altidore- Hull City* Locked

Charlie Davies- Sochaux* Locked

Brian Ching- Houston Dynamo *Locked

Conor Casey-Colorado Rapids

Robbie Findlay- Real Salt Lake

Edson Buddle- LA Galaxy

Herculez Gomez- Puebla

Bradley has some key roster decisions to make before making the trip to South Africa.  If healthy this squad could surprise the world once again as they did last summer with a 2nd place finish in the Confederations Cup.  They have proven they can beat any team in the world on any given night.  Bradley should emphasize consistency to the squad leading up to their opening match versus England.

If I were in Bradley’s shoes my ideal lineup for the opening match would be:

4-4-2 Formation

GK-Tim Howard

LB- Carlos Bocanegra

CB-Oguchi Onyewu

CB-Jay Demerit

RB-Jonathan Spector

RM-Clint Dempsey

CM-Michael Bradley

CM-Ricardo Clark

LM-Landon Donovan

ST-Charlie Davies

ST-Jozy Altidore

The bench would include Cherundolo, Califf, Pearce, Goodson, Holden, Rogers, Feilhaber, Edu,Ching,Findlay,Guzan, and Hahnemann.