Not that the United States Soccer folks asked us here at Sports By Fletch to help out, but we thought we'd go ahead and throw our thoughts into the ring and they can do what they want with the suggestion. You honestly want to fix soccer in the States? How about you put our BEST athletes on the soccer pitch. I am thinking that you could get these guys prepped with the soccer basics in a three-week training camp, and since it is for the good of American, the other sports will just have to give them a vacation. I realize that three weeks wouldn't be enough to get the average athlete ready to compete on a global scale, but the guys I am proposing are already the best-of-the-best in terms of world-class athletes.
This was our starting lineup against the Reeans of Ghana....
United States: G Tim Howard; D Jonathan Bornstein, D Carlos Bocanegra, D Jay DeMerit, D Steve Cherundolo; M Clint Dempsey, M Michael Bradley, M Ricardo Clark, M Landon Donovan; F Jozy Altidore, F Robbie Findley.
OK, here is my lineup
G Rajon Rondo (OK, so I stole this one from ESPN's Bill Simmons) but at 6'1 and with plastic arms and huge hands, he is so quick that you would think he could smother up any shot coming at him. (Back-ups would be Dwight Howard and Tim Howard. One real goalie and one guy that swats shots like it is his JOB in the NBA. Wait, it is...)
D Darrelle Revis, Jets CB. The best lockdown corner in the NFL. You think some Ghana-rian is running past him? Like white on rice, BABY! (Back-up: Champ Bailey. I know he is getting up there in age, but he's crafty and PS he did a bit of EVERYTHING at Georgia. He could do a bit of everything here too)
D Ron Artest, LA Lakers Forward. You need a little bit of crazy, right? If someone tried to flop, wouldn't Artest murder them? And PS, just imagine telling Artest, "All I need you to do is stick to Messi. Nothing else. Just shut him down!" you don't think he'd take him out like he did Durant? (Back-up Josh Smith. He is an athlete and a bit crazy too)
D Tim Tebow, H-Back/QB Denver. No one will work harder...... He is pretty fast and if he puts his heart and mind into it, I bet he really could do this. (Back-up: Michael Vick. Just keep him away from the dogs.)
D Adrian Peterson, Minnesota RB. All Day. He could start the break and he is big enough that folks aren't going through him. He can catch up to speedy forwards and if he starts going, watch out. (Back-up: Ray Rice.)
M Derrick Rose, Bulls PG. Faster than you might think. And strong too. (Back-up: Deron Williams, PG Utah Jazz. Just as strong and you know he can move. Always looking to pass. He could work...)
M Clint Dempsey, USA MF. He is pretty magical with the ball and his moves are outstanding. We can keep this guy. (Back-up: John Wall or Chris Paul. Both athletic point guards that can score or get others involved. AKA A MIDFIELDER!)
M Landon Donovan, USA MF. OK, so we need ONE soccer guy to do the free kicks and corner kicks. (Back-up: Carl Crawford, OF Tampa Bay Rays. That guy is an athletic freak. He could play WR in the NFL, or guard in the NBA.)
M DeSean Jackson, Philly WR. The quickest guy in the NFL. He can go from one end to the other, complete with spins and he would be strong enough to overcome a silly slide tackle. (Back-up: Percy Harvin, though is he healthy?
F Chris Johnson Titans RB. Maybe the fastest guy in the NFL. No defender could keep up with him. Just kick the crud out of the ball and watch him run down. (Back-up Julio Jones, Alabama Wide receiver. Big dude that can control his body well. Calvin Johnson of the Lions could also be an option.)
F LeBron James, NBA free agent Point-Forward. You cannot stop this guy on a breakaway in the NBA. You just cannot. Factor in his height and you can just sky a corner kick and he'll outjump EVERYBODY. Also, could you imagine somebody trying to move him out of position when setting up for a corner? Didn't think so. (Back-up: AJ Green, UGA WR. Fast, tall and can jump like a mother. Did you see that field goal he blocked against Arizona State?)
You are telling me our athletes couldn't beat Ghana? I think they would. And just think, Artest would totally take out Wayne Rooney. And Slovenia would probably pee their pants going up against LeBron.
Think about it US Soccer guys.
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