Now that the World Cup is over, thoughts are turning to 2018 and Russia.
There were no players on the U.S. roster with ties to Atlanta in Brazil. Will there be any in the next World Cup?
There could, but much would have to go right for them.
Two goalies, Sean Johnson and Joe Bendik, are having solid seasons in MLS. However, they would have to beat out a talented group that could include Tim Howard, and will likely include Brad Guzan and Cody Cropper, who has ties to Athens.
On defense, fullback Chris Klute impressed last year in Colorado. He’s not having the same impact this year, but his speed and aggressiveness are important. However, for a starting spot on either side he would likely have to beat out Fabian Johnson, DeAndre Yedlin and Timothy Chandler, among others.
There aren’t many established midfielders with ties to the metro Atlanta area who could break into the U.S. roster.
At striker, Jack McInerney got a cup of coffee with the national team during last year’s Gold Cup. It seems he would really need to maintain the scoring pace he has this year to catch Jurgen Klinsmann’s eye. He could become a Chris Wondolowski-type player who seems to only do one thing well: score goals.
TV ratings
Great video
Learning from MLS
Another great video
Schedules
TV schedules
Silverbacks’ changes
The Silverbacks sent Eric Wynalda out a 1-0 winner over Edmonton in his last game in charge as manager. As far as the team goes, he will now continue as technical director.
In some ways, it’s a shame that Wynalda couldn’t spend more time with the squad, but his change of jobs at Fox Soccer prohibited him doing so.
In the few games I saw, the Silverbacks mostly played well, with a clear a gameplan and confidence. But too often Wynalda couldn’t be there and the results weren’t secured.
It will be interesting to see if any MLS team will take a chance to hire Wynalda in some official capacity. He has an eye for talent and tactics.
He is outspoken, which rubs some the wrong way, but I would rather see passion and honesty than milquetoast and empty cliches.
Transfer winners, so far
Other than the bankers whose coffers will grow large from the outrageous fees teams are paying for talent, there are a few clear winners so far:
Liverpool: Yes, they lost arguably the greatest goal-scorer in the Premier League last year when they sold Luis Suarez to Barcelona, but they also got more than $100 million for him and don't have to deal with the annual headaches he caused. Plus, it appears they are buying every forward and winger available so the goals Suarez scored will be replaced.
Tottenham: They are winners because they haven't made too many signings. They went bananas with the Gareth Bale money last year, bringing in buckets of new players. With so many new faces coming in, the team failed to find chemistry and an identity. Many of those players struggled, which isn't uncommon for players in new leagues. This year, a perhaps-settled Spurs team may be able to challenge for a top-four spot. Sometimes, not doing something can be considered doing something.
Bayern Munich: They sold midfielder Toni Kroos, who was heading into the last year of his contract, to Real Madrid. Munich is so deep – they already signed Robert Lewandowski – that Kroos may not be missed, even though he is a world-class talent.
Real Madrid: It's difficult to tell what last year's Champions League winners are trying to do. They did buy Kroos, but are planning to sell Angel di Maria. They are also trying to buy James Rodriguez from Monaco. The Colombian is a fine player, but beware buying those who have good World Cups.
Transfer losers, so far
Barcelona: How will Barcelona manage a system that features Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi? It will either be amazing or redundant.
Juventus: It is just a matter of time before the Serie A champs are forced to sell some of their best players – Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba — now that manager Antonio Conte has resigned and Massimiliano Allegri has replaced him – a move that is being panned by many soccer experts.
Southampton: The Premier League's darlings have lost their manager to Tottenham, two of their better attacking options to Liverpool, their best defender to Manchester United, another to Liverpool, and few faces have come in to replace them.
MLS and Atlanta
How MLS players with ties to the metro Atlanta area did this week:
Joe Bendik, Toronto, GK, Kennesaw
Played 90 minutes and made one save in team’s 1-1 tie with Vancouver on Wednesday. Followed that with 90 minutes and five saves in team’s 2-2 draw with Houston on Saturday.
Next game: Will play at D.C. United on Wednesday.
Mark Bloom, Toronto, D, Marietta
Played 55 minutes in team’s 1-1 tie with Vancouver on Wednesday. Did not make the 18 for Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Houston on Saturday.
Next game: Will play at D.C. United on Wednesday.
Alex Caskey, D.C. United, M, Dunwoody
Made 18 but didn’t play in team’s 3-1 win over Chivas on Sunday.
Next game: Will host Toronto on July 30.
Ricardo Clark, Houston, M, Jonesboro
Did not make the 18 for Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Toronto..
Next game: Will host D.C. United on Aug. 3.
Warren Creavalle, Houston, D, Acworth
Played 90 minutes in team’s 2-2 draw with Toronto on Saturday..
Next game: Will host D.C. United on Aug. 3.
Sean Johnson, Chicago, GK, Snellville
Played 90 minutes in team’s 1-1 draw with Philadelphia on Saturday.
Next game: At San Jose on Wednesday.
Alec Kann, Chicago, GK, Decatur
Did not make the 18 for team’s 1-1 draw with Philadelphia on Saturday.
Next game: At San Jose on Wednesday.
Steven Kinney, Chicago, D, Norcross
Did not make the 18 for team’s 1-1 draw with Philadelphia on Saturday.
Next game: At San Jose on Wednesday.
Chris Klute, Colorado, D, Silverbacks, Clayton State
Played 90 minutes and had one shot on goal in team’s 2-1 loss at Portland on Saturday.
Next game: Will host Chivas USA on Friday.
Jack McInerney, Montreal, F, Alpharetta
Played 90 minutes and had one shot on goal in team’s 2-1 loss to Columbus on Saturday..
Next game: At Real Salt Lake on Thursday.
Joe Nasco, Colorado, GK, Silverbacks
Was loaned back to the Silverbacks last week.
Michael Nwiloh, Chivas USA, D, Conyers
Didn’t make the 18 for team’s 3-1 loss to D.C. United on Friday.
Next game: At Colorado on Friday.
Walker Zimmerman, Dallas, D, Lawrenceville
Made the 18 but didn’t play in team’s 2-0 win over New England on Saturday.
Next game: At Vancouver on Sunday.
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