WAGs 'n Things

Some thoughts about the U.S. men's national team and it's preparation for SA2010. First, hats off to the MLS based players for putting together a "W" against a feisty El Salvador. Realistically, the game meant nothing, but for a roster of players trying to impress for a ticket to the World Cup, the game meant everything. I think forward Brian Ching needs to be considered. He made an immediate impact upon his entrance into the lineup. His physicality could help as a substitute against European teams like England and Slovenia who the U.S. will definitely see in group play. I was not impressed with Casey, he looked slow and lethargic, the international game is too fast for him. As for the game winner, Sacha Klejstan, he has been in most of the national team's plan the past few years. Klejstan has been given his chance, he has scored some goals, but if El Salvador is any indicator, he likes to squander chances as well. Good thing for him, he managed to bury the injury time winner when it counted. When all is said and done, I think Klejstan makes the World Cup squad as a squad player.

Now, for the fun stuff, this Wednesday the U.S. has a major "friendly" against the Dutch on European soil. The Netherlands is no secret to winning as their lineup features a who's who of some of the continent's best club teams. The roster named by Bradley will include European based talent to match-up proper. Landycakes and the rest of the top drawer Americans will be on hand for a nice tune-up before they hit camp in May. More to come on this fixture.

Now, for some really fun stuff.


As the title of this post suggests, there will be some thoughts and information about WAGs (that's wives and girlfriends to the dummies out there.) Before I go any further, check this out... Dempsey did well for himself. <---- If you haven't checked out the link, stop reading, and click it.

Okay, now that we are focused again, it's time to talk WAGs and not just look at them. I'm thinking something along the lines of our famous friends from across the pond. Our brethren from West London. The Chelski cheaters! Yes, John Terry and Ashley Cole are single-handedly helping the U.S. gain in confidence ahead of the summer festivities. Landon didn't need any extra assurance in his abilities following his Everton's (and his own personal drubbing of Cole) drubbing of Chelsea a fortnight ago. At any rate, England offered us some concessions. Cole is injured, physically and emotionally (he cheated on his WAG, everyone knows it, so does she, it's splitsville for the famous pairing). Terry scared off the next best England replacement at left back. Wayne Bridge took his name out of consideration for international duties after scandal broke concerning Bridge's ex-WAG and Terry putting in some extra practice and I don't mean skill drills. What does this all mean? Donovan, Dempsey, and hopefully Davies (keep your fingers crossed) could be facing a depleted, possibly third choice left back. Even if Cole is back in time, there will certainly be those teammates that have lost faith in the former England captain, maybe his WAG will too!

In all seriousness, I hope England is able to field their best lineup, because that will make knocking them off come June 12 that much sweeter.