I liked what Reyna did for us, but always thought Pope/Keller/Freidel/McBride (esp.McBride) should have had the captains ban instead. Reyna could still have worn the #10 Jersey though, I have no problem with that since none of the other players are mid-fielders.

Landon has not shown himself ready yet. Inconsistancy is a MAJOR problem as is his heart and work ethic. All of these things are very importat if you are to be the one main representative of US soccer players.

So who should get it?

Even though a lot like Dempsey, I think it is still too early. Maybe just before qualifying starts in a year or two he could get it if he improves some things (including being a bit more of a team leader, which will be easier if the other things improve).

Who else? I can't think of anyone, but don't think that is a good enough reason for Landycakes to get it. He should have to earn it, and in my opinion, he never has. He had one good world cup as a kid, did well to help us qualify, but fell off in the end and has never truly recovered. Besides his diminished skills, he has major leadership flaws that I don't think he can ever overcome. I guess the main reason for taking the captains ban away from him is his lack of focus and passion for the sport. In the comfort zone of his called the MLS, he doesn't try unless he feels like it, but can't get away with it
internationaly. He even admits these flaws, but doesn't seems to want to do anything to fix them.

"I can get in World Cup shape and mentality in two weeks working at the USMNT camp"
-Landycakes before Germany '06

Earth to landon, no you can't, and if you are to be the Captain of the team you should know this and actually work on your game at all times.


[This message has been edited by aggiebird02 (edited 6/24/2006 7:25p).]

I hate to say it but Landon has pretty much been the captain every time Claudio wasn't and was the captain against Ghana after Claudio went off. He'll be the captain for the forseeable future and I don't think there's any chance a coach would take it away from him.

As far as who should be captain, that's a tough question because a lot of that depends on who the vocal leaders are on a team and that's hard to tell 100% just by looking at the play on the field. Ideally, you'd look at a person who is the captain for their club team but other than Donovan, I can't think of anybody for the US who is.

I'm thinking if Landon doesn't improve, the next coach will have him sitting on the bench. Hard to wear the band there. There are better attacking mids in the pipeline, and Landon should be already looking over his shoulder. I know I bash him a lot, but that's because he has soo much potential, and used to be one of my top players. Hopefully some honest competition will spur him to snap out of this funk. But based on his past, I doubt it will motivate him, if anything it'll make him just want to crawl back to mommy, sister, and girlfriend in SoCal.

Landon - might inspire him

Mastro - he's my clear second choice

Gooch - got potential to be great for next 10 years.

freddy adu!

Gooch hasn't been around long enough or even proven himself fully.

Pablo I like and would be ok BUTT, he has a temper that will only backfire with refs (Capt. needs to have a good relationship with the ref) AND he isn't american, he's from argentina.

OH ****, I GOT IT!!

Cherundolo! He's already Co-Captain of his German team, has the skills, and is vocal on the field. The only draw-back is he is very feminine. By no means gay; he has a hot German girlfriend, but he doesn't have a strong presence.

Maybe, anyway.

quote:

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he isn't american, he's from argentina

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So was Reyna...well, at least half. Who cares if he's of Argentinian descent. He plays for the US and is American through and through. Besides, being bilingual is an advantage as a captain...easier to communicate with a South American ref if you are fluent in Spanish.

This is not an endorsement for Mastroeni however as I really don't know who I prefer to be honest.

quote:

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he isn't american, he's from argentina.

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Please tell me you're joking. You think you have to be born in America to be American?

On the bandwagon since birth. Raised in the bleachers of Kyle, Olsen, and G. Rollie White

Mastroeni is the obvious choice based on tenure, big-game experience, position, and demeanor. Spanish skills are also a plus. I don't know why being born in Argentina makes a difference. The guy is as American as they come, as far as I can tell.

However, Donovan has been the captain for several years when Reyna's not playing. Heck, even when Reyna WAS on the pitch, it was Donovan who talked to the coaches and relayed organizational instructions to the team when we went down to 9 men against Italy. A new coach would have to have a very good reason to take the position away from him.

He was born in Argentina from Agrentinian parents. I just think the Captain of the US Mens National Team should be a man from the US.

I actually don't like how you can play for whoever you want as long as you're given citizenship. I believe EVERYONE on every team should be from what country they play for, or if they're born in another country they should still be citizens due to their parents nationality (and that last one is still iffy).

Edit: As it is right now in some countries (I'm looking at you Japan) if you play in the league, are good enough, and aren't tied to another national team, they give you citizenship and then put you on the national team. Doesn't that seem wrong? And if you think it is, then where do you draw the line?

This is one of the many reasons that I'm not a fan of Adu. That and he feels no shame in diving, is overrated, and loves to dive. Did I mention he dives?

[This message has been edited by aggiebird02 (edited 6/25/2006 2:48p).]

adu is awesome. i agree

FIFA has drawn the line. A couple years back Qatar wanted to pay some Brazilians to play for the national team and FIFA passed legislation to ensure that players couldn't play for a country unless they had a clear connection to that country. But as long as the players meet the normal requirements for citizenship for a country, what's the problem?

Mastroeni came to the US when he was 4 years old. If you don't consider him American or don't think he has any business playing for America, that's borderline xenophobia.

On the bandwagon since birth. Raised in the bleachers of Kyle, Olsen, and G. Rollie White

America is about Immigrant success stories as much as anything else. If the team want Maestro, then I don't have a problem with it.

America is a melting pot yes. But the rest of the world? No. I knew that would be an argument (and it's a good one (for us the USA)), but it really only applies to the USA.

A lot of Mexicans are mad as hell that their coach took a nationalized player, a lot where calling for him to get fired afterward because of it. It's not just me.

ps- I really like Pablo. A lot. I think he is a great player and one of my favorites, so I'm mixed about the situation. I just feel that a lot of countries push it WAY TOO FAR. Club teams can pick whoever they want, I just think national teams should represent the nation (Once again, I know it does now for America, but not 95% of the other countries).

I hope you don't actually think the US is the only melting pot.

On the bandwagon since birth. Raised in the bleachers of Kyle, Olsen, and G. Rollie White

Ching.

that is all.

Go Dynamo!!!

if you ever head pablo talk, you'd know he was american...I mean, they were playing van halen in their hotel rooms on acoustic guitars for christ's sake