"Don't Read Too Much Into This..."

For the 2 or 3 of you that have followed my work over the past 10 or so years, that was a quote from Bruce Arena to me back in May of 2002.

I was one of a handful of journalists who were able to get to Cary, North Carolina, to watch a scrimmage between the U.S. Men's squad and the USL's Richmond Kickers. The U.S. was about a month from participating in the World Cup, and the team had just looked very uncomfortable and unorganized in the 2-2 draw. In fact, only a late goal from a WAY offside Cobi Jones even salvaged the draw.

So, when we all went out to the field to talk to Arena and some of the players about what had just happened, he opened his statements with the above quote.

He went on to say that the team had only been together for a few days (3 to be exact), and there was rustiness and fatigue as several of the players had literally flown in from the end of their European seasons day or so before.

"We'll be ready for Portugal, trust me."

As history told us, he was right.

Going into Wednesday's game with Mexico, I think we need to remember not to read too much into the result. The U.S. will field several young and inexperienced players on the international scene, while Mexico is bringing a large contingent of the team that won the Gold Cup in June.

As a result, I wouldn't be totally surprised if the U.S. gets thumped at home for the 3rd consecutive time by El Tri.

But in the bigger picture, does the result on Wednesday really matter? If the team loses 4-0, will people already call for Juergen Klinsmann's head? No, the smart ones won't. It's a time to see what Brek Shea, Zach Lloyd, Robbie Rogers, and Kyle Beckerman can bring to the table.

It's a chance to see what the Mexican contingent of Michael Orozco Fiscal (when did he add "Fiscal" to his name, by the way), Edgar Castillo, and Jose Torres can add to the mix. These are players Bradley has not even considered over the past year or so. You can't tell me these guys weren't relieved when Bob was removed as the Coach. Now they get a chance to show what they can do. Imagine that, players who actually play in Mexico being brought in to face the players they play against on a weekly basis. Apparently, this was something Bradley was unable, or unwilling, to grasp.

Sure, there are some mainstays like Donovan, Bocanegra, and Howard, but I believe those guys were more brought in for leadership roles, which no doubt they will continue to have under Klinsmann. He knows these guys are his bread and butter players; now he has to fill out the rest of the roster with guys who will also contribute.

And I wouldn't be surprised if he brings in another slew of players for the Costa Rica game September 2nd, and then all European players for the Belgium game September 6th. Again, wouldn't surprise me at all if several European players not previously capped are brought in.

While Bob Bradley did a good job his first year or so of bringing in new players, he wound up with largely the same group of guys over the past 3 years.

Klinsmann might do that as well, but I can guarantee that between now and the 1st World Cup qualifying match against Jamaica next June, we'll see people not even on the radar right now. That's the beauty and excitement of bringing in some fresh blood in the coaching ranks; we know he'll be bringing some of his own.

So as Arena said more than 9 years ago, "Don't read too much into this..."

We would be wise to remember that after Wednesday's game as well.

Other, yet still related, news:

Just got back from my annual summer visit to Vegas, and we were a few days into the trip when my phone started lighting up about Bradley's removal and Klinsmann's hiring. Everybody, and I do mean everybody, was excited. Yes, we all realize this thing could be a spectacular failure, but hats off to U.S. Soccer for making what was obviously a tough call, and for doing something that has, at the very least, shaken up something that had become quite stagnant.

That was proven as I talked to numerous folks in Vegas who were wearing U.S. jerseys. Not a single person was upset or concerned about the change.

The most common quote? "Watching the U.S. play was SO boring! At least we have an offensive coach who will make us more exciting."

So, Mr. Klinsmann, the ball is in your court. Liven things up!

Other, other news:

1. Walsh's text to me yesterday after Manchester City blew their 2-0 halftime lead to United, after giving up the game-winner in stoppage time. "And THAT is why City can't win the Title." He's right; until City knows how to win games like those, they can't really expect to contend.

2. Another Walsh text, this one after the guy next to me at the Aria sportsbook told me he put $100 down for the MLS All-Stars to beat Manchester United. "Tell him to kiss that money goodbye." About 20 minutes later, the guy got disgusted and walked off, saying "I don't even like soccer." Wow, betting on a sport you don't like and obviously don't follow? Vegas was built on guys like that.

I'll hold off on commenting on yet another controversial MLS referee call, this time affecting the DC United game. If you haven't seen it yet, look for the highlight of Toronto's 3rd goal Saturday night.

For what it's worth, I'll try to blog more now that I'm done with the PDL and W-League seasons. But to be honest, this 1st season has been the most fun I've had with soccer in 20 years. Already looking forward to next year!

Thanks for reading, with a special thanks to Pat for helping to keep this thing going in my absence!

See you next time!