ExtraTime Radio Podcast
LISTEN: The US are on to the quarterfinals at the Gold Cup and Andrew, David and Ben discuss the key takeaways from an up-and-down group stage. Did Bruce Arena learn enough? And should he have brought some of the big guns for the knockout round? New England's Kelyn Rowe also drops in to discuss his time with the club. Then it's on to the return of MLS, Dynamo GM Matt Jordan calls in to give the lowdown on their new DP and The Baer's Lair debuts! Subscribe now so you never miss a show! Download this episode!
Welcome to another edition of "Discuss," in which MLSsoccer.com editors debate the topics of the moment in MLS. This time around, we ask: Was Bruce Arena right to shuffle the US roster ahead of the Gold Cup knockout round?
The topic got ExtraTime Raido's Andrew Wiebe, Benjamin Baer and David Gass all riled up on Monday's show, which you can listen to above or on iTunes. Senior Writer Matthew Doyle also chimed in on a topic that could have far-reaching consequences as the Americans attempt to qualify for Russia 2018 then make history should they get there. You can check out the roster moves here.
What are you waiting for? Share your opinion in the comments section below.
Doyle: Winning is a habit
Winning is a habit — pretty much any coach in any sport will tell you that. And now that Bruce had some fringe players in camp for a few weeks, learned some good here and some bad there, it’s time to rebuild that habit in this core group of guys. So yeah, unleash the hounds because it’s time to win the damn thing.
Gass: Arena should have doubled down
Arena is working on short time after taking over in January. Ideally, he would already have a couple Gold Cups in the bag to 1) solidify the core of the World Cup roster and 2) blood some fresh faces. This isn't an ideal world. Arena is trying to accomplish both tasks in this tournament, and I'm not sure there is enough time or enough games to really make progress on either front. I would have liked to see him double down and stick with the new guys. Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard already know how to win the Gold Cup.
Wiebe: Win it for Russia 2018
Gold Cup trophies don't grow on trees. It's easy to forget that the United States "A team" hasn't won one since Benny's volley against Mexico in 2007. Bruce Arena had weeks with the squad that just barely won the group. He saw what he needed to see. Now that it's win-or-go-home territory, it's time to for a Russia dress rehearsal with the best team available (sans European-based players) that ends with a trophy lift. These players could make history next year. Why not give them another opportunity to prepare?
Baer: We've got a copy cat
Doyle walked into the office this morning claiming he didn't listen to Monday's ExtraTime Radio. After reading his blurb, I'm pretty sure he's lying. As I pointed out on the show, confidence and cohesion are crucial to any team dynamic. Winning games (and a trophy) in an international tournament is arguably the best way to build those pillars, and by bringing in his A-team regulars, Arena gave his squad a better shot at lifting a cup and creating valuable momentum for World Cup qualifying and Russia 2018.
