Comments on: Jonathan Spector: Making the Right Choices

By: Ace

Ace — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:38:05 +0000

Those who seem to believe anyone in CONCACAF is better than us better run for cover after tomorrow. We proved this summer that we can beat anyone, anywhere.

We are going to prove that we not only are CONCACAF’s best but belong among the world elite.

By: CleartheBall

CleartheBall — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:05:05 +0000

I agree completely. Spector did not play a perfect game, but it wasn’t bad. He came forward and crossed the ball well. His ball handling was generally good. We may not be able to pencil him in as a guaranteed starter, but he should be in the conversation. On the other hand, Bornstien was BAD. We shouldn’t see him in the lineup for a while.

By: Brazilian G

Brazilian G — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:34:23 +0000

Carlos Bocanegra or Heath Pearce @ Leftback is way way better than Bornstein

By: CC83

CC83 — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:43:58 +0000

I wholeheartedly disagree with some of your assertions. For the record, Spector is my new favorite US MNT player.

First, Steve Cherundolo has gotten forward as well as any RB for years now and contributes with crosses and dangerous runs better than Spector. The fact that you’re overlooking that puts your opinion into perspective. Let’s think past this summer.

Second, Spector was TERRIBLE against El Salvador. I was at the game and made a point to pay attention to him. He was beaten in the air – again – on a goal (no matter who allowed the cross into the box), he gave up the ball by being dispossessed and with errant passes to no one, his marking was off, he didn’t push forward when he should have, and some of his crosses were junk. You’re just brushing these problems aside as if they don’t matter because apparently “he’s better” than what we saw on the field.

I think you’re right in that Spector does present some skills unique for an American player but you’re also speaking of him as if he brings those qualities or a consistent performance to every game. Even when healthy he has not been able to find a starting position for WH unless someone else is injured. He struggles against speedy players and he still loses battles a 6′1″ player should not in the air. There are things for him to work on.

Steve Cherundolo has been playing (and starting) in Europe for much longer and he brings a different skill set to the table. Neither one are, for me, the runaway superior option. Spector has not been able to maintain or replicate his run at the Confed at WH or for country and, therefore, doesn’t warrant this blind faith.

Specs is the future at RB for the Nats. I love the guy and I think he is great. But, right now, the USA has another great option – who is just as good at most of the things you praise Specs for – in Dolo.

By: CC83

CC83 — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:25:01 +0000

Um, his name is Steve Cherundolo and he’s been playing the ball forward from RB for years now.

By: francesco

francesco — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:38:03 +0000

kartik with spector playing as well as he has, and gooch and demerit forming a formidable tandem in the middle, and castillo perhaps providing the option at left back, would bob bradley ever not start bocanegra? could you see him ever being left out? obviously for the USMNT to improve there needs to be competition at every spot.

By: Kartik Krishnaiyer

Kartik Krishnaiyer — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:34:45 +0000

You are joking, right? Sarcasm, I hope.

By: gmonsoon43

gmonsoon43 — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:59:37 +0000

Spector played a good game overall. It seems like the main complaint against his play is he seemed lost a bit. I attribute this to Dempsey who disappeared on the right most of the evening. Once Holden came in the game Spector seemed to have a much better sense of purpose.

By: Joey Clams

Joey Clams — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:00:16 +0000

H John: Slow down, pal.

By: Shane

Shane — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 02:30:36 +0000

Amen Kartik. Now Spector needs to stay fit and keep his spot in the West Ham first eleven to make the progress he needs to make as a defender. He is never going to be blazing fast, but a bit more experience coupled with his natural smarts and mind for the game and he won’t get burned as he has done by elite wingers. And there is no other option anywhere close to him for what he brings going forward. Plus his utility as a squad player….