MLS Real Salt Lake

Today's Real Salt Lake & Fifa World Cup Articles: Friday, June 11, 2010

Published on June 11, 2010 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Real Salt Lake News Release


With Major League Soccer taking an unprecedented break during the group stage of the world's biggest tournament that starts today in South Africa, coaches and players will enjoy nearly a 2 1/2-week break between league games -- many of them are headed out of town for mini-vacations -- allowing them a chance to recover from a tough stretch of games and an unfortunate run of injuries.

"It's coming at the exact right moment," coach Jason Kreis said.

The team just finished playing four games in a 12-day span -- it stopped the Los Angeles Galaxy's record-tying 12-game unbeaten run with a 1-0 victory at Rio Tinto Stadium on Wednesday night -- while coping with several injuries.

Most notably, midfielder Kyle Beckerman has been out 2 1/2 weeks with a torn tendon in his foot, an injury he hopes will heal on its own by the time RSL returns to league action against San Jose at home on June 25.

The team also will play an international exhibition at home against Puntarenas of Costa Rica on June 19, but that won't come until after the team gets six days off and returns to training Wednesday. It won't be a throwaway game, either, the team insists. It wants to prepare for its first trip into the CONCACAF Champions League later this summer.

The time off "is good, and it's bad," defender Nat Borchers said. "We've obviously got a lot of momentum, and we don't want to lose that. But at the same time, we have a few guys banged up ... so it's going to be very important to get this break and get those guys back and firing on all cylinders."

Midfielders Andy Williams and Nelson Gonzalez have been battling hamstring injuries, along with defender Chris Wingert, who returned to action as a substitute in the final half-hour against the Galaxy.Williams was back in the starting lineup against the Galaxy, but forward Fabian Espindola strained his calf and defender Tony Beltran felt some tightness in his hamstring.

And then there's Beckerman, one of the cornerstones of the lineup. He has been able to kick a ball gently in practice, and Kreis said that "all indications" are that Beckerman is "moving forward."

But there's no guarantee his rare injury -- a torn peroneal tendon -- will heal by itself.

If it doesn't, Beckerman will require surgery, in which case general manager Garth Lagerwey said the team probably will try to sign a new player during the summer transfer window to help veteran Ned Grabavoy and young Jean Alexandre handle Beckerman's crucial role as a defensive midfielder over the long term.

RSL plans Champions League warm-up game

Real Salt Lake will take on Puntarenas of Costa Rica in an international friendly at Rio Tinto Stadium on June 19, the team announced. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. The game will be the lone competition until RSL returns to Major League Soccer action against San Jose at home on June 25.

Up next

San Jose at RSL June 25, 7 p.m.

TV - KUSG 2.2

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ESPN turns to Utah for World Cup music

Music - Highland composer and SLC studio create music for ESPN's soccer broadcasts.

By David Burger

The Salt Lake Tribune

Updated:06/10/2010 12:17:14 PM MDT

ESPN's round-the-clock TV coverage of the 2010 World Cup features an original musical theme that will run throughout all of its highlight shows, promos and match coverage.

With the tournament being played in Africa for the first time, ESPN wanted a composer and studio to write music that would capture the flavor of the continent. So, naturally, the network looked to Utah.

The theme you will hear during ESPN's monthlong soccer coverage was written by Highland composer Lisle Moore. Moore, with the assistance of Salt Lake City's Non-Stop Music, created the grand, inspiring music that melds African voices with a full orchestra.

Moore, a graduate of the Berklee College of Music and a Utah resident since 1994, has written music for TNT's coverage of the NBA, and has worked with ESPN before on golf and tennis coverage. "This is a bigger deal," said the sports buff who calls himself a die-hard Jazz fan. "This is worldwide."

Moore and Non-Stop Music captured what ESPN wanted to convey, said Claude Mitchell, coordinating director of music at ESPN. "We wanted to make sure that there was a definite feel that this was in Africa," Mitchell said. "This is arguably one of the largest sports events in the world, [so we wanted music to] reflect its grandeur."

ESPN, Non-Stop Music and Moore have had a long working relationship, with Moore creating the music for ESPN's coverage of the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

When ESPN contacted him about a year ago, asking for a proposal for 2010 World Cup music, Moore knew the network was looking for more than a traditional score for the event. It wanted a musical reflection of where the tournament was being held, while enticing ESPN viewers to keep watching throughout an entire month of programming. "I had to do a lot of listening on iTunes to see what I was up against," Moore said.

Moore is a jazz pianist and percussionist, so rhythm comes naturally to him. The first idea, which occurred to Moore while he was shooting a basketball in his backyard, was the theme he, Non-Stop vice president and senior producer Judd Maher and the Utah team eventually submitted. And it was the one ESPN accepted.

"It hit the nail on the head," said Maher, who has been with Non-Stop Music since 1988. In 2007, Non-Stop was acquired by Warner Chappell Music, a division of the Warner Music Group. The headquarters of the leading music production company is still in Salt Lake City, and its services have been heard on NBC's "Today" show, syndicated programs such as "Judge Judy," and ABC's coverage of college football.

With the go-ahead from ESPN, Moore composed 16 variations of the theme so the music could be used in multiple ways on TV, such as during the highlights show, promos, and before and after commercial breaks.

With the exception of the African choir, all of the music is performed by Utah musicians. With assistance from Moore, Maher conduced a 60-piece orchestra, with about one-third of the musicians from the Utah Symphony. Moore conducted a 16-voice choir made up of Utah singers to add supplemental voices to the theme.

When Moore needed a 16-voice African choir, he traveled to New York City and hired the Broadway cast of "The Lion King."

The challenge of writing theme music, Moore said, is creating music that is "one statement," while not making the music monotonous. What resulted, Maher said, is a "very powerful sound."

So, if by July 11 soccer fans aren't sick of hearing the music, then the composer hasn't done his job, Moore joked.

dburger@sltrib.com

How to watch the World Cup

ESPN and ABC hold the rights to broadcast the 2010 World Cup, which begins June 11 and will continue through July 11.

MLS soccer: Real Salt Lake's victory over Galaxy could carry major impact

By James Edward

Deseret News

Published: Thursday, June 10, 2010 10:55 p.m. MDT

SANDY - In the grand scheme of things, it was only three points, but Real Salt Lake's 1-0 win over Los Angeles on Wednesday could have a dramatic effect on the rest of the MLS season.

Now, the Galaxy might start feeling some pressure.

Prior to their visit to Rio Tinto Stadium, the Galaxy had been nearly perfect with a 10-0-2 record, a league-high 22 goals scored and a league-best three goals against. They'd opened up a 12-point cushion over Real Salt Lake in the Western Conference standings and, amazingly, were threatening to run away with the Supporter's Shield in early June.

One lucky bounce and a clinical finish from Javier Morales changed all that.

Now the gap is nine points, and with a game in hand, the deficit could easily be six points if RSL wins its extra game. In the English Premiere League, a six-point cushion at the top of the table is pretty significant, but not in MLS. That deficit can often be made up in a week.

A 12- or 15-point gap, however, is much tougher to overcome, which is why Wednesday night's clash was as close to a must-win situation as RSL will likely ever face in June.

"I wouldn't say must-win, but it was kind of out there that if we wanted to stay with them we needed to beat them tonight, and we have a game in hand," said RSL midfielder Andy Williams.

Despite handing L.A. its first loss of the season, coach Jason Kreis doesn't foresee a tailspin for the West leaders.

"I would hope so, but honestly I think with so many veteran players they have on their team, as experienced as they are and as well-coached as they are, I don't think it's going to turn into a waterfall situation - though I would like it to," said Kreis.

A big reason why Kreis and likely every other coach in MLS doesn't anticipate a drop-off is how good L.A. is defensively.

With four goals against through 13 games, the Galaxy are on pace to surrender just 9.2 goals over the 30-game season. It's a staggering total considering Seattle and Houston led MLS last year with 29 goals against.

L.A.'s unmatched defensive commitment can be extremely taxing for opponents who find it often impossible to break down.

"Doing the same thing for 70 minutes, it's a very different kind of game. It's frustrating, definitely, without question," said RSL's Ned Grabavoy.

With back-to-back shutouts, and just three goals against in their last six, Real Salt Lake is hoping to develop the same defensive moxie as the Galaxy. RSL better if it hopes to keep pace in the West.

e-mail: jedward@desnews.com

(c) 2010 Deseret News Publishing Company | All rights reserved

Time for world to go nuts with World Cup

Published: Friday, June 11, 2010 12:00 a.m. MDT

Even the most ardent soccer fan would have trouble pretending that the world's biggest sporting event is going to be the dominant sports story in the United States over the next month - unless of course the U.S. team surprises a lot of people and wins it all.

But it's impossible not to notice how much more popular soccer is in the United States than it was during the last World Cup, four years ago, a time during which it was much more popular than four years before that. Were the United States to host the tournament again, as it did in 1994, the atmosphere would be completely different.

And it's hard not to notice the wave of soccer interest that has begun to wash across the continent - and especially here, where Real Salt Lake is the reigning U.S. professional champion. This time around, Americans will have plenty of opportunities through television, the Internet, satellite radio and mobile devices to follow the action, which begins today.

We know many people still won't. But it's important to put this event into perspective. According to a recent Time magazine report, 715.1 million people will watch the World Cup, making it by far the biggest sporting tournament on the planet. By comparison, the last Super Bowl had an audience of 106.5 million. Of course, the World Cup is a collection of many games, and people tend to watch mainly the games involving their nation's teams. The last World Cup final attracted an audience of 16.9 million, which put it somewhere between the NBA finals and the World Series.

But while the games are in progress, the magazine notes, productivity takes a hit worldwide, and some governments come to a virtual standstill. In much of the world, this is serious business.

The World Cup, like the Olympics, is inextricably linked to both national pride and international politics. This time around, the North Korean players are the ones the politically curious will watch, if anyone can find them. The team is being sequestered at a fortress-like hotel in Johannesburg. The North Korean government is as afraid of one of its athletes defecting as it is of letting any of its countrymen travel to the games.

As for pride, the entire African continent has much to gain from South Africa successfully hosting the tournament. Security is a concern to all. Not only would terrorists find the games to be a high-profile target, South Africa's own crime wave may find fresh victims among the many visitors. And the U.S. team may need special protection, as it would be particularly vulnerable to attack. But the eyes of the continent will be on Samuel Eto'o of Cameroon, considered by some to be the greatest player in the world. By successfully hosting and competing, the African continent could draw attention to its many problems and possibly see a surge in international investments.

That's a lot to expect from a simple game with a round ball and a net. But there is nothing small or simple about the World Cup.

(c) 2010 Deseret News Publishing Company | All rights reserved

World Cup: The eyes of world - and Utah - are on Africa

By Dan Rasmussen

Deseret News

Published: Friday, June 11, 2010 12:05 a.m. MDT

Starting today, the eyes of the world will all be focused on the same thing - the World Cup in South Africa.

The biggest sporting event on the planet kicks off at 8 a.m. MDT today when host South Africa faces Mexico in the tournament's opening game and will continue with 63 more matches spread over four weeks.

Millions and millions of people from every corner of the globe will pause to watch those all-important matches, and while soccer may not be as important to as many people in the U.S., rest assured there will many, many people in this country - and in Utah specifically - whose attention will be squarely focused on what happens in South Africa over the next month.

Friends Louise Karlsson, 27, and Randolf Scott, 35, of Orem most definitely fall into that category.

Karlsson and Scott will gather with their friends, beginning today, to huddle around TVs and soak up the action.

They don't plan on missing anything.

"All 64," said Karlsson when asked how many games she'll watch. "They might be fast-forwarded through some of the games just to get a view of it. But when it comes to any World Cup event, I always watch all the games that I can get a hold of."

The reason for tuning in to all 64 games is pretty obvious for both Karlsson and Scott.

"It's (only) every four years," said Scott. "Every four years, you get to see the greatest sporting event in the world."

Throughout the state of Utah, viewing parties will be held for the World Cup. Some will be formal - like the one Real Salt Lake and Budweiser are hosting at Green Street for the highly anticipated USA-England match on Saturday - and many others will be informal.

"Down in Utah County, we have kind of a World Cup headquarters at my friend's house," said Scott. "He has a work garage that's been cleared out, has a 70-inch TV at the end, couches set up - everything.

"And then my place is set up with stadium seating so we can fit more people - the more people the better, (and) the bigger the TV, the better, of course."

Scott and Karlsson are both members of Section 8, a Real Salt Lake supporters group.

Scott was in Seattle last November when Real Salt Lake beat Los Angeles to win the MLS Cup, and he got a call afterward from a group of his friends who had been watching back in Utah.

"I got a five-second phone call once we hit that last penalty kick - no talking, I just could hear all my friends screaming and yelling in the background," said Scott. "They were yelling like, 'We're the champions.' It will be that way (again), only I'll be with my friends this time, rather than in South Africa."

Scott is particularly excited for this World Cup because he believes the U.S., a favorite to make it the second round, is going with a really good team.

On the other hand, it's a slightly different story for Karlsson, who spent most of her formative years in Sweden.

Karlsson's country, however, failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup after finishing behind rival Denmark and Portugal in its qualifying group.

"I am sad Sweden didn't make it ... but USA is my back-up team, and then Holland," said Karlsson. "I really think Holland's gonna do well. They look beautiful in their game."

e-mail: drasmussen@desnews.com

(c) 2010 Deseret News Publishing Company | All rights reserved

Real Salt Lake players pick Spain to hoist World Cup

By James Edward

Deseret News

Published: Thursday, June 10, 2010 11:29 p.m. MDT

If Real Salt Lake's players know what they're talking about, European champion Spain will add a World Cup title to its haul at this summer's gala in South Africa.

Of the 21 active players on RSL's roster, nine predicted Spain to the win the title. Brazil and Argentina each received four votes, with Holland checking in with three. Only back-up keeper Kyle Reynish went on a limb and predicted Ghana - even though he'll probably pick a more realistic champion in his three other bracket contests with buddies back in California.

As expected, Pablo Campos picked his native Brazil.

"I think we have two very important holidays in Brazil - it's Carnival and World Cup. We paint our face, we paint the street. Nobody works. It's kind of a holiday when Brazil plays. Everybody goes crazy," Campos said.

A hemisphere away, you can bet Campos will be going crazy as well.

Surprisingly, only two of RSL's contingent of Argentines picked their mother country to hoist the title. Fabian Espindola expressed doubt about Argentina's defense and went with Spain.

Will Johnson picked Argentina, admitting he almost didn't have a choice. Just a few weeks ago he was with the Canadian National Team when it was trounced 5-0 by Argentina in Buenos Aires. He got a firsthand glimpse at how good they can be.

With soccer fans around the globe giddy with excitement about the World Cup, Real Salt Lake midfielder Andy Williams said he's equally as pumped.

"It's nerd alert for all of us. We're all going to be watching pregame, postgame, online. I think I'm taping every game, even the crappy ones," Williams said.

Williams is one of two RSL players with World Cup experience. He was on Jamaica's 1998 team, and even though he only made one 16-minute substitute appearance in three games, he still counts the overall experience as one of the best in his life.

His experience gives him a bit of insight into what Robbie Findley is feeling on the eve of the U.S. National Team's match with England.

"I can imagine all the stuff that's going through Robbie's head right now. I know he can't hold out his excitement," Williams said. "I couldn't care about anybody else on the team except for him. I know they're going to lose but hopefully he does well."

First-year RSL forward Alvaro Saborio made two substitute appearances with Costa Rica in the 2006 World Cup.

e-mail: jedward@desnews.com

RSL World Cup predictions

Jean Alexandre: Spain

Kyle Beckerman: Spain

Tony Beltran: Spain

Nat Borchers: Brazil

Pablo Campos: Brazil

Fabian Espindola: Spain

Luis Gil: Argentina

Nelson Gonzalez: Argentina

Ned Grabavoy: Holland

Will Johnson: Argentina

Raushawn McKenzie: Spain

Javier Morales: Argentina

Jamison Olave: Brazil

Kyle Reynish: Ghana

Nick Rimando: Holland

Robbie Russell: Spain

Alvaro Saborio: Spain

Chris Schuler: Spain

Collen Warner: Brazil

Andy Williams: Holland

Chris Wingert: Spain

(c) 2010 Deseret News Publishing Company | All rights reserved

Galaxy say they were cheated in loss

James Edward Deseret News RSL blog | June 10, 2010 at 10:27 p.m.

While Real Salt Lake players and coaches praised the linesman's decision Wednesday night for not calling Javier Morales offside, the L.A. Galaxy completely disagreed with the decision.

Defender Todd Dunivant was quoted in an mlssoccer.com article as saying that the referee got it wrong and admitted so afterward.

Whether the ref did or didn't admit a mistake as Dunivant claims, video replays showed that it was an accidental backpass from Michael Stephens and not a pass from RSL's Pablo Campos that set up Morales' winning goal.

It will be very, very interesting to see if the goal is dissected in the Referee Week in Review at ussoccer.com .

Each week U.S. Soccer picks one or two refereeing decision around the country at various levels and painstakingly analyzes whether the ref made a correct or incorrect call by the letter of the law.

The analysis is provided by U.S. Soccer director of referee development Paul Tamberino and U.S. Soccer manager of assessment and training Brian Hall.

Morales' Perfect Game

In Section: Sports Blog - Posted By: Stephen Dark

June 10, 2010

When you sit in the Rio Tinto stands to watch a Real Salt Lake game - as opposed to the press box - you can feel the love supporters have for a player. At last night's Real's gripping 1-0 defeat of L.A. Galaxy, every time RSL's Argentine midfield genius Javier Morales went to take one of his gorgeous swooping corners, supporters would chant "Javi, Javi, Javi," as if they were in love.

Last night was Morales' night. Right from the start he shaped play after play into Galaxy's box, proving that the South American triumverate of Morales, Avaro Saborio and Fabian Espindola is truly the attacking heart of the team.

But it was those little Morales' gestures that always endure him to the crowd. He'll craftily edge the ball along when he's about to take a free kick, only for the referee to send him back. Then, as if to make a point, the moment the ref turns away, he'll edge it forward again.

When he scored in the 80th minute, memories of the agony of the 2009 MSL cup-night win when a severe Beckham challenge sent him off field in tears to the consoling support of coach Jason Kreis came fresh to mind. His revenge was a beautifully taken, opportunistic chip shot off a rebound from the goal post, and like a needle it punctured all the tension that had built up over a match worth of often beautiful play from Kreis' boys. No longer the up and down bruisers of the past, Real last night demonstrated a maturity of play and conviction that was at times breathtaking to behold.

Kreis let himself enjoy the moment, punching up in the air in a quick, discrete gesture that perfectly captured the man's restraint and yet undoubted overwhelming pleasure in Morales' and his team's success.

After the match, Morales, as is his custom, walked over to the west side of the stadium, hoisted his youngest son into his arms and went to face the TV cameras.

Bob Bradley has decisions to make regarding United States' starters against England in World Cup

BY Michael Lewis SPECIAL TO THE NEWS

Friday, June 11th 2010, 4:00 AM

JOHANNESBURG - Decisions, decisions.

U.S. coach Bob Bradley is facing some tough choices before the Americans take on England in their World Cup opener in Rustenburg Saturday.

Whom does he start in an ailing back line if central defender Oguchi Onyewu is not at 100%? And if Jozy Altidore is not match fit, will Edson Buddle take the center forward stage?

Of course, if Bradley knows, he isn't saying.

"Typically, we have an idea of what the starting lineup might be," he said. "But there's always the part that as you move through the week and prepare for the game, you keep alive different possibilities, different discussions. Ultimately, the process works where, and we have a great staff, I make sure all of them have a say and I take in the opinions, gauge some of the players as well and ultimately make the decision."

Let's get the easy part out of the way.

Former MetroStar Tim Howard will start in goal.

At midfield, the strongest part of the team, Landon Donovan is expected to be on the left and Clint Dempsey on the right. In the middle, Michael Bradley will pair with either Ricardo Clark, Maurice Edu or Jose Torres, depending on what the coach needs or wants. Clark has the most bite out of the three and Edu is probably the best all-around player, while Torres would give the attack a slower pace.

You could make multiple combinations of the back four, depending on the health of Onyewu. He doesn't have to play a full 90 minutes to be effective.

"The fitness program that we've put our players through to prepare for the World Cup has every player in our 23 ready to play 90 minutes if asked," Bradley said.

Let's assume Onyewu is healthy. Onyewu would partner with captain Carlos Bocanegra . Steve Cherundolo should patrol the right flank and Jonathan Spector, who endured a nightmare first half in the 2-1 win over Turkey in Philadelphia last month, could start on the left side. Remember, that is Spector's natural position with West Ham United .

Don't be surprised if the U.S. starts not one, but two MLS players who were longshots to make the team up front - Robbie Findley and Buddle.

Findley gets the nod due to his speed. He is this team's version of Charlie Davies, the fast forward who will miss the World Cup after a car accident in October. Davies had given the U.S. a dimension it had rarely seen - the ability to stretch defenses. Findley's resume is not as impressive. He has tallied only once this season after finding the net 12 times for MLS champion Real Salt Lake last season. But he is the fastest player the Americans have.

Altidore has not been 100% since spraining his ankle last week. Buddle, a New Rochelle product, scored two goals in a 3-1 warm-up win over Australia on Saturday. Everything that Buddle has shot for the L.A. Galaxy has turned to goal, a league-high nine tallies in eight games.

"He doesn't waste his touches, he doesn't dilly-dally with the ball," Howard said. "He has that instinct. He just seems to be simplifying things, which is probably better for him because, at this level, things go so quickly. He made it look easy."

Some speculation has Dempsey moving up front, but that would break up the midfield, where he and Donovan have performed so well.

World Cup 2010: USA's Findley Has Everything But The Goal

Young striker needs to net one.

By Andrea Canales

Jun 11, 2010 11:29:00 AM

Sometimes the phrase "doing everything but scoring," applies to a whole team, but in Robbie Findley's international career, it's a far too accurate description of him as a player.

Scoring wouldn't matter as much, perhaps, if Findley was a defender or even a midfielder, but he's a striker, and the conventional wisdom is that he needs to score to secure a spot in Bob Bradley's lineup.

Still, Findley's gifts of active play up front have seen him come on strong as a viable option for the Red, White and Blue.

"Findley has speed and pace," said LA Galaxy assistant coach Cobi Jones, a former club teammate of Findley's.

Jones was encouraged by the progression of Findley, even as it came at the expense of the Galaxy when Findley's new team, Real Salt Lake, defeated the Galaxy for the championship in Major League Socer last year.

"He's a young striker who has matured under the tutelege of Jason Kreis at Salt Lake," Jones observed. "He's become a good striker in the league and now has that opportunity on the world stage to do something amazing."

The 2010 World Cup is fast approaching, so keep up to date with all the news at Goal.com's World Cup homepage and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page !

World Cup 2010 Preview: England - USA

By Alex Young

11 Jun 2010 10:23:00

Kick-off: Saturday 12 June, 19:30 BST Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa

Memories of 1950

This is the biggest match of Group C, and arguably of the entire group stage, with both countries expected to finish in the top two places, so England and the United States will be determined to pick up a vital three points and give their World Cup campaign the best possible start.

The USA topped their qualification group with a record of six wins, two draws and two losses, but the English also excelled during qualification for South Africa with a record of nine wins from 10 matches, second only to Spain's 100 per cent record, with their only loss coming in the shape of a 1-0 scoreline against Ukraine once qualification had been confirmed.

The Americans first met England way back in Brazil in the 1950 World Cup, and they beat the Three Lions 1-0, which remains to this day one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history. It was hailed as 'The Miracle Match' by the Americans and a film, of the same name, was even made about it.

Since then, however, England hold a 7-2 record over the USA with the Americans last beating the English in a friendly match in 1993, with no film production scheduled to cover the story of that one.

England will, however, underestimate Bob Bradley's side at their peril. What the USA lack in individual quality, they make up for in tactical nous and with fine friendly wins of Turkey and Australia in the build-up to the tournament already in the bag, confidence is high in the camp.

Also, during the last twelve months the Americans have beaten Spain in the semi-finals of the 2009 Confederations Cup and were 2-0 up against Brazil in the final, before a fight back from Dunga's side saw the Brazilians run out eventual 3-2 winners .

FORM GUIDE

England

Platinum Stars 0-3 England (Friendly) Japan 1-2 England (Friendly) England 3-1 Mexico (Friendly) England 3-1 Egypt (Friendly) Brazil 1-0 England (Friendly)

USA

USA 3-1 Australia (Friendly) USA 2-4 Czech Republic (Friendly) USA 2-1 Turkey (Friendly) Netherlands 2-1 USA (Friendly) USA 2-1 El Salvador (Friendly)

TEAM NEWS

England

Steven Gerrard will be, injury-permitting, England's captain for the entirety of the tournament so will lead out the side tomorrow evening; expect him to line up in the centre, with Joe Cole on the left in the absence of the injured Gareth Barry, and James Milner waiting patiently on the bench.

Goalkeeper David James claimed the No.1 jersey last week, but Capello has insisted that the relevant shirt numbers do not count for a guaranteed starting place so Rob Green could well start between the sticks, especially if James cannot shake off a knee injury.

Ledley King is the natural choice to replace the injured captain Rio Ferdinand, but Capello could well choose Matthew Upson, who featured consistently in the qualification campaign.

Will it be Heskey or Crouch up front to partner the lethal Wayne Rooney? Goal.com UK's guess is that the much-maligned Aston Villa striker will be given the nod. After all, it is clear he brings the best out of Rooney, despite having a worse international goal scoring record than retired Colombian and Paraguayan goalkeepers Rene Higuita and Jose Chilavert.

Possible Starting XI: James; Johnson, King, Terry, A Cole; Lennon, Lampard, Gerrard, J Cole; Rooney, Heskey.

USA

v:shapes"_x0000_i1048">Villarreal striker and Hull City loanee Jozy Altidore has managed to shake off an ankle injury, inflicted in training last week, to be in contention for a starting berth tomorrow. The 20-year-old may not be risked from the off though, so Bob Bradley will have to choose from the internationally inexperienced Robbie Findley, Edson Buddle or Herculez Gomez who share just 13 caps between them.

Findley is yet to score an international goal, in six appearances, but Buddle scored his first two with a brace against Australia last week so the Los Angeles Galaxy forward may have managed to play himself into the starting line-up.

A poor season for Jonathan Spector, albeit playing out of position at left-back, may have cost the West Ham United right-back his starting place, with Bradley perhaps preferring the in-form Hannover 96 right-back Steve Cherundolo.

Another option for Bradley is to revert to a 4-5-1 formation with either Landon Donovan or Clint Dempsey operating up-front with, or just behind, Altidore. The USA have used this tactical approach a few times before, and it could bring the best out of the man chosen to play in that advanced midfield role. Both Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan have been most effective in that position in the past, and would provide a strong midfield to counter-attack the English.

Possible Starting XI: Howard; Cherundolo, Onyewu, DeMerit, Bocanegra; Donovan, Bradley, Edu, Dempsey; Altidore, Buddle.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

England

v:shapes"_x0000_i1049">Wayne Rooney will be looking to start the tournament with a bang. After 34 goals in 44 appearances for Manchester United last season, he is definitely England's stand-out player among a sea of exceptional, yet not world class, talent. His temperament has come under scrutiny again following a booking in Tuesday's warm-up game against Platinum Stars, and he must keep his cool if England are to get the result they need.

USA

David Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy team-mate, and brief Everton loanee, Landon Donovan is the USA's biggest star. The attack-minded midfielder likes to venture up field to support both the midfield and lone-striker. The 28-year-old tops the list of the national side's all-time goals and assists tallies so he is always a threat. In addition to all of that, Donovan was also crowned US Footballer of the Year last year for an unparalleled sixth time.

PREDICTION

England have the better players in every position so there will be no repeat of Belo Horizonte and the Three Lions will walk out winners, but they will have a rough ride of it though.

England 3-1 USA

June 9, 2010

Five big questions facing the U.S.

What are the big questions leading into the U.S. team's most anticipated match of all time? Our soccer experts -- Jeff Carlisle, Leander Schaerlaeckens, Brent Latham, Ravi Ubha and James Martin -- are put on the spot. Here are their answers. You can also read all the reports and musings of our writers over at the World Cup blog .

1. How far can the U.S. realistically go?

Brent Latham: A realistic upside for the U.S. would be the quarterfinals, if the team can find a rhythm and get a little luck along the way. The Americans should make the knockout rounds, and, on a game-by-game basis, anything can happen. But any improvement on that 2002 quarterfinal performance would require some serious good fortune.

James Martin: I think it's hopeful, but not ridiculous, to think the U.S. reaches the quarterfinals. The draw is favorable, and the squad should be able to draw on the experience it gained from last year's Confederation's Cup.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Realistically, the round of 16.

Jeff Carlisle: I would say that a quarterfinal place isn't out of the question, given the Americans' confidence and a group that is awkward but navigable. Getting out of the group stage is probably the most realistic goal.

Ravi Ubha: I think I'm in the minority here, but the U.S. will be hard-pressed to get past the group stage. If England beats the U.S. to start, as most expect, and Slovenia beats Algeria, which should happen, the U.S. is immediately in a hole.

2. How will the U.S. cope with Charlie Davies' absence?

Schaerlaeckens: Badly, since Bob Bradley won't alter his lineup to reflect that he has no replacement for Davies and has strengths elsewhere that he isn't catering to.

Latham: Yes; first, they'll need to stop trying to replace him. What should trouble American fans most is that Bob Bradley still seems undecided on what options are best up top. In the end, Bradley will likely have to choose piecemeal among Dempsey, [Edson ] Buddle, Findley and Gomez on a game-by-game basis, with speed, power, craftiness and timely finishing all available options -- just not all in one package.

Carlisle: Their chances would certainly be a lot better if Davies were healthy, but Bob Bradley has a couple of options. Herculez Gomez is a guy no one has heard of but who has a nose for goal. Clint Dempsey could also see some time up top, and his knack for the spectacular -- as evidenced by his goal against Juventus in the Europa League -- would give the U.S. a different kind of look. Robbie Findley is the player whose athleticism makes him the closest thing to a Davies clone, but he lacks Davies' consistency and finishing ability.

Ubha: Davies' pace will be sorely missed. Davies, Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore sound much better as an attacking quartet than Donovan, Dempsey, Altidore and whoever else.

Martin: Davies will be missed, but as long as Jozy Altidore can stay injury-free, Bradley should be able find some effective attacking options. Perhaps he combines Jozy with Buddle, who caught fire in the last friendly. I'm not keen on the idea of using Dempsey as the lone striker -- he seems to play better just off the shoulder of a striker -- or moving Donovan up, as he provides too much in the midfield.

3. Will the U.S. defense hold up?

Martin: Hard to imagine, especially with the injuries and the poor performances from the two Jonathans -- Spector and Bornstein . The key, to me, is whether the U.S. can move Carlos Bocanegra out wide. If so, the Americans stand a chance. If not, I expect to see the U.S. skinned alive by the likes of Wayne Rooney .

Carlisle: Only if the defenders get healthy. The key is Oguchi Onyewu . If he can reprise his Confederations Cup form -- after spending the past seven months recovering from a torn patellar tendon -- then all is well. Otherwise, Bradley will have to start cannibalizing other parts of his defense. Ask West Ham fans how well Jonathan Spector performed at left back.

Ubha: That's the million-dollar question. Oguchi Onyewu won't be tired, but he won't be match-fit, either. Jay DeMerit overcame his eye problems only to suffer from an abdominal strain recently. Carlos Bocanegra is fresh off hernia surgery. Steve Cherundolo had an injury-filled season at Hannover 96, and Jonathan Spector struggled at West Ham. Not good.

Schaerlaeckens: The defense won't be the problem; keeping possession and scoring goals will.

Latham: If this were one game, the answer would be yes. But defensive depth is a key to doing well in the World Cup, as injuries and card accumulation invariably test bench strength. A starting four of Onyewu and DeMerit in the middle with Bocanegra and Cherundolo on the wings looks solid enough, but the questions will come when one or more succumbs to injury or card accumulation. The backups don't seem to have the quality to perform consistently enough on this stage.

4. Does the U.S. really have an easy group?

Carlisle: "Tricky" is a better description. England? Enough said. Slovenia is organized and tough to break down, which is exactly the kind of team the U.S. struggles against. Algeria is a complete wild card; you never know which team is going to show up. Throw in the fact that the U.S. has almost always struggled when it has been the favorite, and you have a group that is anything but easy.

Ubha: It's not the hardest group, but it's not as easy as some think. It amazes me that many believe the U.S. will coast past Slovenia. Slovenia may be devoid of star names, but any side that knocks off Russia in a two-leg playoff is pretty darn good.

Schaerlaeckens: It isn't at all a bad group to be in. Slovenia won't be a pushover, though. Algeria might be, if it's been beaten in its first two games.

Latham: By absolute standards, no group is easy at the World Cup. By the relative standards you would use to judge, this is an easy group.

Martin: It all depends on how the first game goes. If the U.S. gets a point, or three, against England, it should be set -- especially with Algeria coping with its own injury issues. If, however, the U.S. comes up goose eggs against England, the pressure will mount. What happens if the Americans find themselves nil-nil in the 80th minute of the next game? The U.S. likes to play the underdog, not the favorite.

5. How important a World Cup is this for the U.S.?

Ubha: Very important. Last year's performance at the Confederations Cup got the attention of not only soccer fans but general sports fans in the U.S. The team needs a good showing to build on what happened last summer. Translated, that means advancing from the group stage.

Martin: The fact that people expect the U.S. to make it out of the group stage is proof of how far the sport has progressed in this country. And it'll continue to grow regardless of what happens in South Africa, though a quarterfinal appearance would help fire up the imaginations of the fans even more.

Schaerlaeckens: I don't really buy into the whole "This World Cup is make or break for soccer in the U.S." concept. There's more media attention than ever, which is a good thing. A good performance would help, of course, but anything short of a World Cup win won't exactly get the entire nation playing out in the streets.

Carlisle: Would a deep run in the tournament create a groundswell of interest? No question. But the game won't die if the team falls on its face. There is too much momentum on too many fronts -- from the growth of MLS to the increased number of Americans playing overseas -- to seriously hurt the game.

Latham: Americans like winners, so every World Cup is important in helping increase the fan base. In that sense, a good performance is hugely important. On an international level, the World Cup is where respect is won, and the U.S. would benefit from an improved image there, as well. But one World Cup represents only a snapshot of the fluid growth of the game in America, and, from that perspective, the seeds of progress have already been sown. A poor performance in three games in South Africa won't derail the progress of the American soccer program or the long-term promise of the game in the U.S.

Speedy Robbie Findley's World Cup journey got off to a slow start

Updated: Thursday, June 10, 2010, 6:41 PM

Geoffrey C. Arnold, The Oregonian

Looking into Robbie Findley's soccer history, it would be hard to imagine him playing for the United States in the World Cup.

Findley produced record-setting statistics in relative obscurity as a high school and college player, and did little to attract attention during the first two years of his professional career.

A year ago, few - if any - people would have mentioned the former Oregon State star as a potential member of the U.S. World Cup team . But after a breakout 2009 season with Real Salt Lake and a series of unexpected events, Findley's finds himself in South Africa with the opportunity to take his game -- and career -- to new heights when the United States begins play Saturday against England.

"He is the complete package," said Dana Taylor, Findley's coach at Oregon State . "The only thing against him was his lack of international experience."

Taylor recognized Findley's promise while recruiting him out of Shadow Mountain High School in Phoenix, Arizona. Taylor saw a skilled, but unrefined soccer player. He said Findley's now-polished skills will help him overcome his thin resume for international experience.

"He has the attributes that lend themselves for the international game," said Taylor, now the men's soccer coach at California State - Stanislaus. "He's a very racy forward. He's great on the dribble and he's got the quick move to get by you. And he has a great nose for the goal."

Few would have figured Findley, a virtual rookie in international play - six appearances -would beat out established veteran forwards such as Brian Ching and Eddie Johnson (a combined 86 appearances). And Findley has yet to find his form (one goal during the 2010 MLS regular season) after a stellar (12 goals) 2009 season in which he helped Real Salt Lake win the MLS Cup.

The 5-foot-9, 165-pound Findley was less than optimistic after he didn't play a minute the during the U.S. team's international exhibition against the Czech Republic, the night before Bradley named his 23-man squad.

"I was definitely nervous," Findley told the Deseret News after he was selected to the team.

Findley's selection was aided by the misfortune of others. If forward Charlie Davies wasn't involved in a near-fatal car accident last October, it's highly likely Findley would be practicing in Utah right now, not South Africa. And a hamstring injury limited Ching's performance in exhibitions, further helping Findley's chances.

Findley's speed is similar to Davies, and Bradley hopes Findley's quickness and acceleration will break down opposing defenses. The U.S. team has lacked some speed at the top, and Findley could be the player to provide that element.

"His speed when he comes into a match, his willingness to try and run behind a defense; we felt that those are things that when we looked at everything our team had, we could still use some of those qualities," Bradley told reporters after the final squad was announced.

Findley showed that kind of game-changing speed during the second half of the United States' 2-1 win against Turkey in an exhibition game May 29. Findley consistently stretched the defense and opened space for teammates. He blew two scoring chances during his start in the United States' 3-1 win against Australia in another exhibition game June 5, but his speed indirectly contributed to two of the team's three goals.

"The reason I'm here is speed," Findley told MLS.com. "I can be dangerous and effective in the attacking half, and defensively I work hard all over."

The debate about Findley now has shifted from whether he should be on the team to how best use him.

Bringing in Findley as a second-half substitute would allow him to take advantage of fatigued defenders.

"If you start him and you're playing against him for 70 minutes, he's definitely going to do some damage to a team that has to chase him all game long," said Kyle Beckerman, a midfielder for Real Salt Lake. "If you bring him in as a substitute, he's gonna see some tired legs and now, a fast player is going to be even faster."

Taylor said Findley's speed is obvious, but he saw how Findley made his OSU teammates better.

"He was very balanced as far as knowledge of the game and how to play the game," Taylor said. "Robbie has a great balance as far as being able to find himself in situations where he could then free up another player around the goal."

One of Findley's attributes is his ability to take advantage of opportunities.

Findley was in and out of the Real Salt Lake starting lineup during his first two seasons after the Los Angeles Galaxy, who drafted him in the second round of the 2007 first-year player draft, traded him. But he did score 12 goals combined in 2007 and 2008, then produced a breakout season in 2009. He scored the game-tying goal and another goal during the penalty kick period of the team's MLS Cup win against the Galaxy.

"It was hard for him those first few years to take the game on his shoulders. But from day one, you saw he was capable of making big plays," Taylor said. "He's very good at taking opportunities and turning them into advantages for him."

Those who know him say Findley won't flinch when he steps onto the world stage.

"He never really gets fazed too much from what I noticed. He just keeps carrying on," Beckerman said. "I don't think he'll be in awe of playing in the World Cup."

June 10, 2010

10 Questions With... Luis Gil

By Clemente Lisi - WASHINGTON, DC (Jun 10, 2010) US Soccer Players -- While most are focused on the World Cup and how the Americans will fare against England on Saturday, a future US star continues to train in this country in the hopes of playing at the next World Cup. Just 16, Luis Gil is the future of US soccer. Not yet a household name, Gil is already making fans in MLS this season and hopes to represent the US at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Gil, who is recently wrapped up training with the US Under-18 team in Carson, CA, signed with MLS champions Real Salt Lake earlier this year following a trade with the Kansas City Wizards. Considered by many to be one of the greatest youth prospects to come out of the US since Landon Donovan, Gil is using his rookie season to better his game.

The midfielder has already been approached by foreign clubs after training with Arsenal last year, but decided to stay closer to home. Gil was originally acquired by the Wizards, who then shipped him off to RSL this past February in exchange for a future draft pick after he made it known that he preferred to play for a team closer to his California home.

I recently caught up with Gil, where the budding star discussed his decision to play in MLS, the pressure that has been placed on him to try and help RSL repeat as league champions and his love for the US National Team despite his Mexican heritage.

You're a member of Real Salt Lake this season after the Kansas City Wizards dealt you to them. How amazing is it to be playing for an MLS team?

First of all, I'm very happy to be a part of the Real Salt Lake family. The whole team has been treating me well so far. I think I'm very fortunate to be in the MLS right now, especially because of my age, but I'm very excited to be a part of the league. I'm looking forward to this season.

Is it true that you could have signed a deal with Arsenal or Real Madrid, but instead opted to play in MLS?

Yes, I could have signed with Arsenal, but decided to come to Major League Soccer. I have faith in MLS and the coaches here that they will try and help me develop as a player. Since I've joined Real Salt Lake the whole coaching staff has been doing a terrific job, in my opinion, of trying to make me the best player I can be.

You are originally from California. Are you by chance either a Los Angeles Galaxy or San Jose Earthquakes fan?

I am not a Galaxy or Earthquake fan, but both are great teams.

You're playing for the league champions, and RSL fans would love to repeat. Does that put any extra pressure on you to do well this season?

It would be incredible if we get to repeat as champions, but I don't feel as much pressure as I thought. This is an incredibly hard-working team and I'm expected to put in the same type of effort as everyone else to help us win.

So will we be seeing you play for the US at the 2014 World Cup?

As of right now I'm just focusing on getting myself ready to do my best for Real Salt Lake. If the time is right and I have the opportunity to play in the World Cup in 2014, then I won't pass that up. But right now I'm just focused on improving my game to try and help RSL towards another championship.

You've had your own success with the U.S. Under-17 and Under-20 teams. What would you say was your biggest achievement for the US?

I would say my biggest achievement was playing in all of the games at last year's U-17 World Cup in Nigeria.

Your father is Mexican. Any chance you're ever going to pull a Giuseppe Rossi and commit to play for another team?

A lot of people have asked me that question, if I'd play for the Mexican National Team. I wouldn't jump now because the US National Team system was the first to give me an opportunity and I've had a lot of success with the US, so I wouldn't want to ruin the opportunities this country has given me.

The World Cup is here. How far can the US go?

The US is going to go the whole way and win the World Cup. It's our year to win the World Cup!

Do you also root for Mexico at the World Cup?

I don't root for Mexico, but I do have my dad sitting right next to me screaming and rooting for them if we watch their games together.

What players did you admire growing up and who do you try to emulate?

I grew up watching Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Landon Donovan, but these past few years I've been paying real close attention to Cristiano Ronaldo. I really don't want to emulate anyone. I just want to be my own type of player and try to bring my own style that people will enjoy.

Clemente Lisi is the author of "A History of the World Cup: 1930-2006 ." His new book "The US Women's Soccer Team: An American Success Story " will be available in June. Contact him at: CAL4477@yahoo.com . Follow him on Twitter at: twitter.com/ClementeLisi

Jozy Altidore: 'I Feel Good'

6/11/2010 3:47 AM ET By Brian Straus

IRENE, South Africa - Jozy Altidore on Thursday told reporters that his sprained right ankle has responded well as his training regimen has increased over the past few days and that he's ready to go against England -- the only question is whether U.S. coach Bob Bradley thinks the striker is a better option than fit and in-form revelations Edson Buddle, Robbie Findley and Herculez Gomez .

Speaking at the U.S. hotel in Irene, a small suburb about 45 minutes north of Johannesburg, Altidore said, "I feel good, " when asked about the ankle he turned in practice nine days ago.

He said he's been doing "Just a lot of treatments. Two-three times a day. As it got better, I'd do some fitness away from the group, just trying to keep that up. Little things like that. There's not much more I can do. I'm hopeful. Mentally I'm ready to go if called upon. My fitness level is fine. I think we've done a lot fitness throughout the week."

The question is whether Altidore is the right choice on Saturday against England. Considering dropping the burly forward from the starting 11 would have been unthinkable a couple of weeks ago, but his injury, combined with the ascendancy of the other three forwards, leaves the door open for Bradley.

Altidore has scored just two goals in 16 games in 2010, one for Hull City against Manchester City in early February, and then in the second half in the friendly versus Turkey two weeks ago. Meanwhile, Buddle has 11 in the same time frame (11 games, including two goals against Australia last weekend) and Gomez has 12 (17 matches, including goals in the friendlies with the Czech Republic and Australia).

Granted, Altidore was facing Premier League opposition during that time, but goal scoring is so much about rhythm and confidence, the ability to read the game and find the right spots off the ball, plus that mysterious force that directs an in-form player's one-timer just inside the post and a struggling striker's shot inches beyond. Right now, Buddle and Gomez have tapped that vein of form. Altidore hasn't.

Gomez has scored seven of his goals this year as a substitute, and Bradley likely will use him in the same capacity against England. That leaves Findley as the other starting option. While Findley's finishing has been poor, the coach obviously is enamored of the Real Salt Lake man's ability to stretch defenses with his speed. With Rio Ferdinand missing from the center of the England defense, it would be no surprise if Bradley called upon Findley on Saturday in a pairing with either Altidore or Buddle.

Altidore was asked about both Findley and Buddle in Irene.

On Findley: "I think Robbie's confidence has grown every time he steps on the field. He feels more comfortable with the guys, feels more like himself, and you can just tell. Each touch he takes on the ball, the way he takes people on now, his swagger's a little bit different. That's huge for us because he's a good outlet for us with long balls over the top, but not only that, he tracks back and helps us defend. So I think he's a real plus."

On Buddle: "He's a good target forward. He's that traditional guy who gets the ball, holds it up and lays it off. He gets in the box, and it's always good to have a guy like that around. I think he's been sharp in training, and in the game [against Australia] he obviously did really well.

I think he's always had it in him, it was just a matter of it coming out. But now people are starting to see his qualities, and it's real exciting."

With just one day to go, Bradley has an intriguing decision to make. Altidore's experience and familiarity with English defenders could tip the scales, but the form of the remaining forwards can't be ignored.

Note: The U.S. will wear their blue uniforms against England, meaning we'll be spared the dull all-white Nike kits in what likely will be the most watched game in American soccer history. Good news.

2010 FIFA World Cup: Can Jozy Altidore, US Forwards Get the Job Done?

by Cody Worsham

Written on June 10, 2010

Six months ago, if you would have asked me (or an actual soccer expert, for that matter) what forwards Bob Bradley would have taken to South Africa, I would have given you a list of players like-minus the obvious selection of Jozy Altidore-Brian Ching, Connor Casey, Eddie Johnson, and Charlie Davies (if healthy).

And I (and aforementioned experts) would have been absolutely wrong.

Each of those four predicated players will be watching the World Cup from home, while Edson Buddle, Herculez Gomez, and Robbie Findley could all see playing time for the Americans, especially if Jozy's ankle fails to heal in time for the England game Saturday.

While the three strikers not surnamed Altidore have done well in pre-Cup friendlies, their ascensions to the National Team were all quite surprising, and their international pedigrees are just barely more impressive than mine.

Jozy will be a crucial player for the US, obviously-but more on that later.

If the US want to have any chance of advancing out of the group stages, these three (or at least one of them) will have to burst on to the international scene, and understanding where they come from and how they play from can help fans realize the sheer improbability of where these US strikers have arrived in their careers.

Herculez Gomez

It is this featured columnist's opinion that Herculez Gomez's climb into the USMNT was the most surprising of them all.

After MLS stints in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Colorado, Herculez circa 2009 found himself on the outside looking in for-wait for it-the Kansas City Wizards.

Curt Analfo and his staff knew Gomez was talented but didn't like him as a striker, so most of his time in Kansas City was spent on the wing. In 34 appearances for the Wizards, Gomez scored only one goal. When Analfo was fired in 2009, Gomez saw little playing time as his contract expired.

In January of 2010, Gomez penned a deal with Puebla FC of the Mexican first division in what appeared to be a last-second desperation (read: cheap) signing for Puebla. Instead, Herculez earned a spot as a substitute and began showing a knack for putting the ball in the back of the net late in games.

Gomez went on the lead the Mexican Clausura-the first American to lead a foreign league in scoring, by the way-with 10 goals, most of which came in a substitute's role. It was this explosion which put his name in the MNT mix, and when Davies was ruled unfit by Sochaux, and Eddie Johnson, Brian Ching, and Connor Casey were unable to claim their stake, Gomez was named to the 30-man provisional roster.

His camp was obviously good enough for Bradley to begin considering him as an option for the final 23, and a goal against the Czech Republic likely sealed his fate in the squad.

Another goal against Australia has fans clamoring for more Herculez, but don't expect him to start any games in South Africa.

I expect Bob will use him as a late substitute, because Herculez brings energy, intelligence, and clean ball-striking to the game that is best exploited against tired defenses. He will give Jozy or another striker valuable rest while providing instant offense.

Still, can we really rely on a player who just a year ago struggled to crack the 11 of the mighty KC Wizards?

I believe we can. Gomez has a role to play, and his struggles in Kansas City were due to being played out of position and an overall lack of confidence. Going to Mexico has revitalized Herculez, and he has come back stronger than ever.

I see Gomez scoring a big goal in the group stages, likely against Slovenia, and helping the Americans advance out of the group.

Robbie Findley

Robbie Findley's inclusion in the final 23-man roster was the most surprising selection for many fans, including this FC.

It just didn't seem to make a whole lot of sense: Findley looked awful in friendlies against the Netherlands and El Salvador, played rarely in qualifying, and hasn't had an exceptional run of form in 2010 for Real Salt Lake.

Still, Bob included him, and after his play in the pre-Cup friendlies against Turkey and Australia, it's pretty obvious why he's there: speed.

Findley is a one-trick pony, and that trick is running a hell of a lot faster than the opponent's defense.

It may seem demeaning or like I'm knocking Findley, but I'm not. His speed replaces what Charlie Davies did for the US for the last two seasons.

Findley doesn't have the awareness or experience of Davies, but his first touch is about on par, and, let's remember, Davies has only scored four times for the US in his career.

Findley's run to inclusion in the final roster started in 2009, when he led Real Salt Lake to the MLS Cup, scoring a goal in the final and finishing the season with 12 goals, tied with Landon Donovan, among others, for the third-highest total in the league.

More important-yet tragic-was the injury to Charlie Davies. Davies was a lock for the squad, but his inability to regain full match fitness left the US lacking a speedy forward that is crucial to their tactical system.

Bradley's 4-4-2 works best when the forwards are willing and able to run in behind the defense. Findley provides exactly that, as seen in the spark he brought in the second half against Turkey, as well as the many chances he created against Australia.

Again, though, we're talking about a guy with only six caps, zero international goals, and, despite his solid performances in the last two friendlies, Findley's 2010 form has been, at best, average.

With that said, Findley shouldn't, and probably won't, start-at least not against England. I have my own opinions about who we should run out against England, but Robbie Findley, despite the speed he brings to the table, simply lacks the quality it takes to threaten the English defense.

Findley does have a role on this team, and if Jozy, Buddle, and Gomez fail to find their creative form, Findley's speed could be crucial in getting the US a goal or two that will make the difference between advancing and not.

Edson Buddle

If the name "Edson" doesn't ring a bell, perhaps the name "Pele" does.

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, aka Pele, is one of the greatest players to ever touch a soccer ball. While his namesake, young Edson Buddle of the United States, doesn't quite have the same pedigree, it seems he's growing into his name more and more comfortably with time.

Buddle's story is one of the most interesting of the bunch, if only for the amount of time between his first cap, which lasted all of 11 minutes, and his second-seven years.

In that seven years, Buddle battled injury after injury while being shipped to five different MLS teams. He began in Columbus, where he scored 42 times in 101 appearances for the Crew, and it seemed Buddle could be a potential star for the MNT.

However, leg injuries and a violation of a run-in with Columbus police for suspicion of drinking and driving ended his stay with the Crew, and he spent the next two seasons in New York and Toronto, scoring only six goals in 38 games. It seemed Buddle's once bright star was fading fast.

Then came the move to LA. The chance to play alongside stars like Eddie Lewis, Landon Donovan, and, eventually, David Beckham helped Buddle realize the work and effort it took to be world class. He blossomed in LA, scoring 34 goals in 70 games.

It was his rocket-hot start to the 2010 campaign (much like Gomez) that stirred up commotion about a possible slot in the World Cup side. Nine goals in seven games had Bob Bradley's eye on Buddle, and the American striker named for Pele finally seemed to be living up to the appellation.

Bradley kept Buddle in the squad at the expense of Ching, likely because of injury, but Buddle proved his coach right, scoring twice against Australia and seemingly forging a place for himself in the starting lineup.

Like Gomez, Buddle is a former MLS journeyman turned potential international starter. Will that cut it against the best in the world?

I think Buddle has what it takes to shine in South Africa. If Bradley is going to start one of the three "new" strikers, it has to be Buddle, based on form, skill set, and overall presence on the pitch.

His connection with Landon Donovan won't hurt, either.

Buddle should start at least one group game, if not more, and if he bags a couple of goals, don't be surprised-there's more to a name than you might think.

Jozy Altidore

The broad shoulders of Jozy Altidore have quite a bit of weight to carry this summer-the pressure of starting in a World Cup for the first time, leading the American attack against the likes of John Terry and Ashley Cole, a chance to make a name for himself on an international level after a season of club struggles, and, oh yeah, the hopes of an entire nation.

Most people would at least get a headache with the worry, but Jozy seems to smile it off.

Back in full training following an ankle injury, Altidore will be called upon to battle with Terry and Ledley King on Saturday's opener for both England and the US. Altidore may not have the pedigree of these guys, but ask John Terry how much fun he had marking Jozy in Hull City's 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

Though he is only 20, Jozy is far from the new kid on the block. In fact, with 25 caps and nine international goals, Jozy is the veteran of the American strike force. He began his care

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Major League Soccer Stories from June 11, 2010


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