Player Pool for WCQ

[RS]

(I think we've done this before, but I'm just too lazy to search for it [8D])

What's our 'realistic' (ie. players that have a shot at playing/sitting on the bench) player pool for the upcoming WCQ semi-final round?

My guess:

GK

Onstad

Hirschfeld

Stamatopolous

Sutton

Zagar

Franks

DEFENDERS

Stalteri

DeVos

Watson

Jazic

McKenna

Klukowski

Reda

Pozniak

Kapos

Bartolomeu

Cann (deserves a look)

MIDFIELDERS

DeGuzman

Hume

Imhof

Brennan

Bernier

Bircham

Aguiar

Hutchinson

Nsaliwa

Ditullio

FORWARDS

Radzinski

Peschisolido

DeRosario

Occean

Corrazin

Brillant (deserves a look)

I put Cann and Brillant in there simply because of the level they are playing at (especially Brillant, who seems to have fought his way on to the starting lineup at New England). This is not to say that I want Yallop to do any experimentation during the WCQ matches, which is all the more reason why we need at least one more 'A' friendly some time before Aug. 18.

The A-Leaguers on this list (minus Watson) are outside shots at best, although Corrazin is a vet of the MNT.

[Canuck Oranje]

Nsaliwa should not drop off the list. He did play fairly regularly in the German B-2 last year..

[Ivan]

I think Stamatopolous and Detullio are as realistic as some of those on the list.

[RS]

Agreed with the both of you. I had simply forgotten about Stamatopolous and Nsaliwa, and from what I've seen, Ditullio is an outstanding prospect, although probably not ready for the semi-final round. Either way, he could be used as injury cover or to sit on the bench for a game or two.

Edited the original post.

[Joe Concacaf]

Where does Cann play?

[RS]

quote:Originally posted by Joe Concacaf

Where does Cann play?

Colorado Rapids in MLS.

[SeanKeay]

Edgar Bartolomeau plays more midfield then defence.. hes a winger at heart

[matthew]

I don't really think we're going to use/call up more than 23 players tops for the semifinal round of qualifying. The team is basically set with two players — Bent and Reda — likely getting at least a call into camp to see how they're doing and if they're ready to contribute.

No one did anything against Belize to merit being withdrawn, so that doesn't leave a lot of space to experiement.

Goal: Onstad, Hirschfeld, Sutton. Assuming Sutton has the better showing in the B friendlies and earns the right to be the emergency backup in case of injury. I don't see any of the Euros coming back for the B friendlies and I think the No. 3 in Frank's head will be whoever looks good in Vancouver.

Defence: Stalteri, Watson, McKenna, DeVos, Jazic, Klukowski, Reda and Nsaliwa. I can't see the likes of Bartolomeu, Pozniak or Kappos getting a look. Maybe Pozzy if we're really banged up. We have a lot of quality outside backs. We could use a new central defender, but I think Reda is the only one who gets a look if anyone gets a look.

Midfield: Hume, De Guzman, Imhof, Bircham, Brennan, Hutchinson, Bernier and Bent. With DeRo likely playing mid, De Guzman a lock and either Imhof or Bircham starting there's not much need to tweak.

Forwards: Radzinski, Peschisolido, De Rosario and Occean.

Since Occean played against Wales I can see him getting re-called. Especially if we want height. I also think McKenna will go in as a target forward before Occean does.

Unless Occean or Brillant do something brilliant in the B friendly I don't see any space for them.

I think our XI for Guatemala pretty much writes itself:

-----------------Onstad

Stalteri--Watson--DeVos--Jazic

DeRosario--Imhof--DeGuzman--Brennan

-------------------Pesch-Radz

McKenna could start for Watson and Bircham could start for Imhof, but I doubt it in both cases.

I'm curious to see who replaces Hume on the 18 man roster. I'm hoping it's Reda, but guessing it's Occean.

cheers,

matthew

[matthew]

I don't really think we're going to use/call up more than 23 players tops for the semifinal round of qualifying. The team is basically set with two players — Bent and Reda — likely getting at least a call into camp to see how they're doing and if they're ready to contribute.

No one did anything against Belize to merit being withdrawn, so that doesn't leave a lot of space to experiement.

Goal: Onstad, Hirschfeld, Sutton. Assuming Sutton has the better showing in the B friendlies and earns the right to be the emergency backup in case of injury. I don't see any of the Euros coming back for the B friendlies and I think the No. 3 in Frank's head will be whoever looks good in Vancouver.

Defence: Stalteri, Watson, McKenna, DeVos, Jazic, Klukowski, Reda and Nsaliwa. I can't see the likes of Bartolomeu, Pozniak or Kappos getting a look. Maybe Pozzy if we're really banged up. We have a lot of quality outside backs. We could use a new central defender, but I think Reda is the only one who gets a look if anyone gets a look.

Midfield: Hume, De Guzman, Imhof, Bircham, Brennan, Hutchinson, Bernier and Bent. With DeRo likely playing mid, De Guzman a lock and either Imhof or Bircham starting there's not much need to tweak.

Forwards: Radzinski, Peschisolido, De Rosario and Occean.

Since Occean played against Wales I can see him getting re-called. Especially if we want height. I also think McKenna will go in as a target forward before Occean does.

Unless Occean or Brillant do something brilliant in the B friendly I don't see any space for them.

I think our XI for Guatemala pretty much writes itself:

-----------------Onstad

Stalteri--Watson--DeVos--Jazic

DeRosario--Imhof--DeGuzman--Brennan

-------------------Pesch-Radz

McKenna could start for Watson and Bircham could start for Imhof, but I doubt it in both cases.

I'm curious to see who replaces Hume on the 18 man roster. I'm hoping it's Reda, but guessing it's Occean.

cheers,

matthew

[Gian-Luca]

I can see the possibility of Bartolomeu getting a look because as Sean mentioned, he's an attacking midfield winger, and not a defender at all. And we don't have a multitude of options on the left if Brennan gets injured/suspended now that Hastings is seemingly (and probably correctly) out of the picture.

[Guest Jeffery S.]

I think Matthew has done a thorough job. I agree about Occean being a possible sub for Hume on August 18, though I doubt we'll find a reason to play him. Also agree we'd be more likely to push McKenna forwards in a pinch and have a mid cover for him at the back. I don't think we can call Occean away from a club game for a B friendly, not kosher. Let's keep those call-ups to N America.

Also hoping that Reda will be the one who will get back on form in the next month and be there to help us come the qualifiers. Over Pozniak. Also has all the FIFA dates free, Poz does not.

As for Bent, that is my only question. We know he does not have a club, and if he goes to SPL at least he'll be in a top flight and will also have FIFA dates free. Relatively quick flights from Scotland to Canada help too. But I haven't heard if he is healthy again, anyone know about that?

We probably are going to have to prep matches. Wonder where those will be?

[An Observer]

I wonder if Canizales will recover from his injury and reappear for the B Canadian side for the July friendlies. If he leaves Werner Bremen, hooks up with a Div 2 Bundesliga side, and earns a starting spot, he is a possible for the later matches although realistically it would be more likely to see him in the final round. He certainly would be a more attacking option on the left than Brennan.

[Ivan]

Really Observer? I think Brennan is a much better all-round (let alone attacking) option than Canizales. That being said, I have never been a big Canizales booster so I could be a bit bias. I think Josh Simpson is a much better option than Canizales. I would add Ledgerwood as well, but I have not seen him play so that really would not be fair.

[Free kick]

The goal Canizales scored versus Libya in that friendly, kind of convinced me of his potential. If I were to judge him solely on his unconsistant performance in Argentina 2001, I could understand the reluctance. But if you could get your hands on the tape of the Canada vs Libya game. check out that goal.

[Ivan]

You could be right Free Kick. I certainly hope you and Observer are right about Canizales. But based on the U20 WC games I have seen, Simpson was much more influential on the "world" stage. I have not seen the Libya game, but recall he did score. I was not overly impressed during his brief appearances with the MNT under Holger that I did see, but give him the benefit of the doubt under tough circumstances.

[Luis_Rancagua]

What we need is the dangerous "tidal wave Occean" on the squad. You put this guy on the field and he will score from 40 yards. Mark my words!!!!!!!!

[RS]

Luis, I'm curious, have you actually seen Occean play?

[matthew]

I can't see Bartolomeu getting a call unless he really impressed in the B friendlies and I don't even think he'd start at left mid there. I expect Nash will get first crack.

If Brennan and DeRo both go down at left mid, I think we'd push DeGuzman out there to start. I also think Nash or even Canizalez (though has FY even seen MC2?) would get called in to sit on the bench before Bartolomeu.

As a side note Cann got his first run out with Colorado. Of course Colorado had seven injuries and only traveled with 13 outfield players or something, so he was the *only* defensive sub available.

cheers,

matthew

[An Observer]

I certainly was not impressed with Canizales at the U-20 World Cup but from the Libya match and the USA match (as well as some reports out of Bremen at the end of the 2003 year), he certainly showed that he could be an offensive threat. Personally, I agree that Brennan is a better option but if Canizales got himself a team and some first team action, he could be an attacking option on the left.

[Luis_Rancagua]

quote:Originally posted by Rudi

Luis, I'm curious, have you actually seen Occean play?

Yes!!!!!!!!! I have seen him play through 3 minute RealPlay scenes that have been forward to me by my Norwegian contact. In one scene, he scored this one goal by beating 2 defensemen and scoring from a distance of 35-yards. This guy has a powerful shot.

[RS]

quote:Originally posted by Luis_Rancagua

Yes!!!!!!!!! I have seen him play through 3 minute RealPlay scenes that have been forward to me by my Norwegian contact. In one scene, he scored this one goal by beating 2 defensemen and scoring from a distance of 35-yards. This guy has a powerful shot.

I'd like to have a look at that footage, if you have a link or something.

[VI]

Ivan, I think you are right on about Josh Simpson. He is very versatile. Could be used in many different situations. I am sure FY is keeping an eye on him via contacts in the MLS. I would expect him to make a good showing in the B friendlies.