The criticisms and compliments of Dempsey are on the mark, but most important among them is the realization that his talents truly shine when competent coaching plays him in the right role. Dempsey isn’t schizo. This just brings us to a key issue: can BB coaching the USMNT get out of Deuce what RH can get out of him at Fulham? This is the key to what everyone here has been talking about. And give BB credit because he answered that with a resounding “YES” at the Confederations Cup. The question now is whether he can get that back for South Africa?

Almost as important is whether BB work similar magic with Damarcus Beasley, who has been absolutely on fire lately at Glascow Rangers. Having Beasley back in the midfield and playing well makes it not only easier, but outright viable to “lose” Dempsey to play forward. This arrangement – with Beasley in midfield (where he belongs) and Deuce up front – not only can soften the blow of losing Davies – but it outright gives the USMNT another offensive option which opponents will have to respect.

It can happen. The talent is there. Deuce, Donovan, Beasley & Co. make it all possible. The bottom line is simple: the coaching must deliver at the same level that the players must, and it must do so just as consistently.

For Cup, if Ching or Casey starting up top – we have lost b4 game begins.

Real issue for team is not dropping Dempsey, it is why not play to his strengths more – if the guy can rise to #12 on EPL scoring list playing mid & 2nd striker roles, USMNT should treat him equally to Donovan and get him ball as often as possible. Half of USMNT team is not good enough to play with him is real problem.

Re Fulham Clint vs USMNT Clint, the obvious differences are….not Clint. Duhh. It’s Hodgson v Bradley Sr.; we know who a poll of fellow coaches would pick there, hands down. Not B. Following from that, we have players of a lesser caliber playing a game without style or good positioning….and Clint looks disgusted at times I admit.

But Clint’s a pro and holds his tongue and just keeps playing, scoring key goals after key goal, for both USMNT & Fulham. The criticism from know-nothing MLS fan-boys I don’t take seriously; the criticism from former USMNT players counts a little more; but yeah they’re jealous, and I do agree Clint plays better with a better coach. Too late to do anything about that before SA, but…there’s always hope, for 2014! (By then let’s hope Clint is just a USMNT second half sub, maybe still scoring the key goals though!

as for our backline, i hate it when bocanegra and onyewu play together. they are the same player, big, little to average speed, they’ll win everything in the air but their positioning is off and mistakes are annoying…i’d rather see demerit in