August 2002

US Soccer Four Years Down The Road- Plenty to Smile About

Another summer has slipped by, another World Cup has been cast to the memory banks. US fans across the world have witnessed, celebrated, and finally come to terms with our boys’ meteoric rise to the sport’s elite. As the excitement quells and world soccer takes a well-deserved break, it appears the flame of football-itis is starting to wane a little. This month’s commentary should give you reason to re-ignite that flame.

What follows is Williams F.C.’s very own US National Team guide to Germany 2006 – you heard it from us first! If 2002 has introduced football-itis to our country, 2006 looks set to sweep us off our feet. The countdown begins now, and there is plenty to smile about…

Williams F.C.'s 2006 Prospective U.S. National Team

Starting Line-up

(Note: Only one of the following players is older than 25!)

Goalkeeper -

Tim Howard
Tim led the league in saves this year and has starred for the US at U-20 and U-23 levels. He is arguably the best keeper in the MLS and has youth on his side.

Defenders -

Eddie Pope
The 6’0 center back will be 33 in 2006, but expect his experience, leadership and unquestionable talent to make him a key figure in the US’ bid for glory.

Cory Gibbs
Currently plying his trade in the German Bundesliga with F.C. St. Pauli. Gibbs is one of the most promising young defenders in the country. Has already starred at both U-20 and U-23 levels.

Ryan Suarez
A finalist for rookie of the year in his first season, it was no fluke that the Dallas Burn defender was picked for this year’s MLS team after only his second season. His maturity is beyond his years and his talent is unquestionable.

Midfielders -

DeMarcus Beasley
If the World does not yet know about DeMarcus, they need only ask Portugal. Beasley is undoubtedly one of the brightest prospects our country has seen in years, flaunting his speed and trickery down the left flank.

Pablo Mastroeni
Also a success at the World Cup, Pablo seems to have what it takes to replace Chris Armas in the heart of midfield. A hard-tackler and commanding presence, Mastroeni falls somewhere between the elegant Fernando Redondo and the gritty Edgar Davids.

John O'Brien
While Reyna was hailed as our World Cup hero, it has often been O’Brien who has reigned in the midfield. Coming off a brilliant tournament, O’Brien will look to continue his assured, confident performances for both club and country.

Brian West
While Brian only just missed out on World Cup 2002, he will be a certainty in ’06. Watch the promising young striker tear up opponents’ defenses for the Columbus Crew this year.

Strikers -

Landon Donovan
No need for introduction here, as Donovan has become the new poster child for American soccer. Able to perform both in midfield and up top, Donovan’s vision, finesse and lethal finishing will no doubt be even more polished by ’06.

Clint Mathis
Currently America’s most prolific goalscorer, Mathis is a lethal finisher and invaluable asset. If he can remain healthy, he should play a key role in America’s next World Cup bid.

Taylor Twellman
Following a stint with Germany’s 1860 Munich, Twellman led the MLS in goals in his rookie season for the New England Revolution this year. A true goal-poaching machine, it will be very hard for the MLS to hang on to this talent for too long.

Other Great Contenders…

Josh Wolff - It hurt us not to have this tremendous striker in the starting group!

Steve Cherundolo – An injury kept this poised defender from seeing action at the Cup.

Zach Thornton – Has been tremendous in goal for both club and country. He may be older than 25, but we all know the life of a goalkeeper is a little bit longer than the rest!

Bobby Convey - Only persistent injuries kept him from vying for this year's squad.

Ben Olsen - We haven't forgotten, Ben, though many others have. We just pray he can conquer the injury bug!

Danny Califf - If he controls his disciplinary record, he will be an invaluable asset in defense.

Santino Quaranta - 18 year old D.C. United star.

Brad Davis - Rookie who owns the MetroStars left midfield.

Carlos Bocanegra - Chicago Fire defender.

Nick Garcia - Kansas City Wizards defender.

Pete Vagenas - We previously pegged him as the heir to Reyna's throne.

Kyle Martino - Potentially another great attacking midfielder!

Robbie Russell - Remember the name, because we think he will return from Norway as much stronger than we ever could have anticipated!

Adin Brown - We still have our money on Brown. He demonstrates tremendous potential and should feature for the national team soon.

On the Age Bubble

Jeff Cunningham - This 26 year old Crew striker has skill galore!

Greg Vanney - Only a last minute injury kept him out of this year's Cup! He’s talented, and has already showed improvement since joining French First Division club Bastia, but age is not on his side.

Commentary Written By Ned Brown
(With special input from Irving Williams, II & Michael Williams)