If you don’t follow Eric Wynalda on Twitter (@Wynalda11), you probably should be. Eric has been as outspoken as it gets lately on all sorts of US-centric soccer topics, and he never fails to entertain. Now, yes, this is the second “Wynalda on Twitter” column I’ve written, but at least he says SOMETHING. A lot of the other known US media-soccer personalities on Twitter are not really in the mindset to come out and say things like this.
I think most realize the significance of today’s USA-Slovenia friendly. It’s a rematch of one of the more controversial matches in USA World Cup history, one that had everyone talking about it for days. Now, granted, the USA is ranked 33rd and Slovenia 27th in the FIFA rankings, but still, it’s the REMATCH. Without reading his entire timeline, I think there’s a bit of Klinsmann weariness that’s crept in from the early results. The USA has not been particularly productive in terms of scoring goals since Klinsmann took over for Bob Bradley. They have been more entertaining and more wide open, for sure, but it has been the goal drought that’s been first and foremost in most observer’s eyes. I commented during the France match last week that I am still not sold on Jozy Altidore at the international level, although he did do okay in the journo ratings post-match. I know that Klinsmann is currently running through his potential options for the next World Cup qualifying group during these friendlies and that’s fine, but why not a further look at Juan Agudelo or bringing back Charlie Davies?
At any rate, I am sure Eric Wynalda will be watching today (ESPN2, 12:00 PM EST) as will all who are keen observers of this side. This match feels like it is winnable, and given how the USA will likely have the “we owe you one” mentality thrown at them before the match, I would expect a good effort. A couple of goals would certainly help lift everyone’s mood, that’s for sure. In terms of Eric Wynalda, well, he will have to watch and comment like the rest of us today, since ESPN has the broadcast. It will be interesting to see if Alexi Lalas has a lot to say today, as he has been mostly quiet on Twitter about the USMNT (Alexi is pretty eclectic and funny, so you should follow him too). He is in Bristol today, so expect a few opinions from him. Wynalda, though. Voice of the people, that one.
