As you surely know by now, we are taking a brief break here at UF to enjoy the 4th of July festivities. Why did I write this post, then? Mind your own business, you ingrate! I simply thought that, in light of the wonderousness that is the United States of America, I would take some time out to opine on the boys that will be representing us next month in Beijing at the 2008 Summer Olympic games.
Who are these courageous lads, who will brave smog, food poisoning, and being spat upon by old Chinese women? Join me after the jump to find out.
Well, hurry up - you can stare at her later. Besides, it's not even proper etiquette to wear the US flag. She should probably take those off.
So, the lads are off to Beijing in a short while to compete against the best in the world in the 2008 Summer Olympics. What's that? Oh, well, yes. Technically it's true that these are U-23 teams so there will be some exciting players missing. And some countries don't care about the Olympics since they are more focused on World Cup 2010 qualifiers and the beginning of various domestic league seasons. So why should you watch? Patriotism, dammit!
The US was drawn into Group B with Japan, the Netherlands, and Nigeria. Interested in watching the games? We are playing Japan on August 7th at 5AM (yes, in the morning), the Netherlands on August 10th at 7:45AM, and Nigeria on August 13th at 5AM. Set the DVR!
The 18-man roster is not due until July 23rd, so these are some predictions for what that team might look like.
GK - Brad Guzan (Chivas USA); Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake)
DEF - Jonathan Spector (West Ham United - EPL); Michael Orozco (San Luis - Mexico); Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC); Kamani Hill (Vfl Wolfsburg - Germany); Nathan Sturgis (Real Salt Lake); Hunter Freeman (NY Red Bulls)
MID - Maurice Edu (Toronto FC); Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen - Eredivisie); Freddy Adu (SL Benfica - Portugal); Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA); Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew); Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo)
ST - Brian McBride (rights to Toronto FC); Jozy Altidore (Villareal - Spain); Chad Barrett (Chicago Fire); Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)
The biggest question mark on this roster is Altidore, as this will be his first season at Villareal, and the club is under no obligation to release him for duty in the Olympics. We'll keep you updated in the coming weeks to let you know who will be representing us.
Now, get back to eating and drinking!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
USA! USA! USA!
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3 comments:
That looks like quite a team. I know a couple, most nostably Bradley who has been amazing for Heerenveen this past season. Wynne I remember from the 2005 Youth World Cup here in Holland and he looked pretty good aswell then. Adu and Altidore of course. Anyone else I should pay particular attention to?
Also: we don't have a holiday weekend over here, so I realize I might have to wait for an answer for a while :)
@smeets - of the players on the this projected team, Robbie Rogers is definitely one to watch. He's one of the fastest players in MLS with the ball at this feet. Sacha Kljestan has been hyped for a little while now (since he played at Seton Hall University), and was the 2006 MLS Rookie of the Year. If I remember correctly, he had a goal and an assist in the Copa Libertadores.
My high school's soccer team captain was named Robbie Rogers. Think he got a full athletic scholarship to UVA.
When I first started hearing about the other Robbie Rogers, I thought it was the same guy.
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