Quote:
>Point #1: If Sampson doesn't start Brian McBride with Wynalda then he
>should be replaced. During the Columbus Crew's four >playoff games,
>McBride won just about every 50/50 ball he contested. You will NEVER see
>Wegerle or Lassiter do this. With Wynalda/McBride The US could probably get a
point in Mexico.
I agree that McBride is superb in the air. He is not as clever with his feet,
though. Sampson would like to have someone who can play the ball with his
back to the net. Unfortunately, Brian has not shown this. In addition,
Sampson puts a premium on match fitness and Mc Bride just came from a long
injury layoff. Also, he didn't play well in China (I think) or in US Cup97.
Heck, I like him. I almost had a heart attack when he nearly scored on his
first international touch (against Scotland US Cup 96) but he's got some work
to do before he's a "can't miss."
Lassiter is not the answer. He only plays through balls, misses good chances,
he's impatient and always offside when it counts.
It's clear the US is very short on quality strikers.
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>If Sampson choses Jeff Agoos, Mike Burns, or Alexi Lalas over
>Mike Lapper. Then he REALLY sucks. Lapper played in the England with
Southend last season. Sampson always wants players with experience
abroad...well here you go. Lapper has all the "skills" of Agoos,
Burns,AND Lalas plus decent pace and ball skill and the ability to score some
Quote:
>goals, which the US always needs.
Sampson's biggest critique of Lapper's play in England was that it didn't suit
the US style because he didn't come forward enough. He has surely shown
quality defense with the Crew and an ability to come forward. He's certainly
more mobile than Lalas (which is to say he's more mobile than a gas pump) and
more skilled than Burns. Agoos, despite his stupid blunder, is a quality
defender.
Sampson has his back against a wall and won't gamble with wild cards. Lapper
and McBride have a bright future and, as a Crew fan, I love em. Let's hope
that the US side's heads have shrunken enough to extract them from their
arses. They are an average side that have the ability to play above
themselves when motivated.
Cheers
Mark Hill