US vs Spain

I apologize for the recent lack of posts, between coaching and playing obligations I have been quite busy and there haven't been any Earth-shattering events to write about. I will try to make up for it over the next few weeks between the US friendlies against Spain and Argentina, the kickoff of Euros and transfer rumors.

For the time being I want to know your thoughts on the match against Spain tomorrow. The United States will again be without Landon Donovan who continues to be frustrated by the groin injury, as well as Jonathan Spector. I fear the worst, as with limited attacking options we may be doomed to witnessing another start by Eddie Johnson. Is it time for Adu to get his first start for the senior team? I expect another match where the United States will not enjoy much possession, but without Donovan the defend and counter tactics aren't as effective. Playing for 0-0 seems likely (again, I contribute to the poor tv ratings for US Soccer...) but if Beasley, Dempsey and Adu can find some magic anything is possible. One change I expect is Rico Clark removed from the starting lineup. Pablo Mastroeni (with a chance of Maurice Edu) will probably step in to provide more defensive bite for winning the 50/50 balls in the midfield. This may allow Michael Bradley to attack more from the center mid as he did with great success for Heerenveen in league play the past season.

Ultimately I expect the quality of Spain to prevail, and I will go with a scoreline of 2-0 once again. Torres and Villa will be a difficult pair for our central defenders who can look a bit slow at times, and a midfield featuring Fabregas and Iniesta to name just two, will probably force our midfielders to defend for a large portion of the game.

What do you expect from this game? Who would you like to see start? Will you be watching? The game is only live on espn360.com (if you have Rochester Roadrunner go to espn360.com anyhow and when it says your company doesn't support viewing, fill out the card telling roadrunner you'd like to have them support espn360). If you are unlucky like me and many from Rochester, you'll have to watch on tape delay at 5:30 PM EST on ESPN2.

Bonus picture for the day: Fernando Torres wears capris... and apparently in Europe that gets you girls.