USMNT goalkeepers

clarette · 07-27-2005, 12:45 PM

I'm feeling like a nice abstract footballing debate, so here are a few questions for discussion:

Keller or Friedel (I know Friedel's retired from international play but I have some very strong feelings on this one and am curious as to what others think)?

Who do you think will be Kasey Keller's successor with the USMNT?

What exactly is the deal with Marcus Hahnemann?

Holla at ya boy · 07-27-2005, 01:29 PM

1. KASEY KELLER is the best goalie ever for the USMNT and one of the best in the world and friedel is good but he just is not as bilingual as Keller 😉 and worse reflexes

2. kellers succesor is howard hopefully because he is really good for man u at times or hartman or reis would be pretty good too

3. I have not a clue about mr. hanamen obviously because I cant spell his name

SoccerPrime · 07-27-2005, 01:34 PM

Tim Howard who?
Keller #1 and Hahnemann is #2

No offense DJ, but Keller is the best.

huntingfool12 · 07-27-2005, 01:59 PM

Kasey Keller is the best USA goalie, one of the top goalies in the world. Tim Howard has his moments at keeper 🇺🇸

Deuce · 07-27-2005, 02:49 PM

Ka-sey Kel-ler!!!!

I cannot support Brad Freidel because he plays for Blackburn Rovers.. :signgrrrr
as much as I enjoyed watching Freidel in WC02 he plays for Blackburn Rovers!:signgrrrr
and not only that... as if that were not enough, he retired from International play because he felt his team needed him more... and who were they?
Blackburn Rovers :signgrrrr

clarette · 07-27-2005, 02:58 PM

As well as Friedel played in '02, I'm still bitter about Keller not getting much to do.

Of course, he buggered off to Sp*rs to sit on the bench behind Neil Sullivan, so I could see why Arena gave Friedel the playing time.

I really don't know who will be The Chosen One after Keller retires though. I know next to nothing about Hahnemann, Howard's having difficulty getting playing time, and the young MLS keepers will take years to develop.

Stucki · 07-27-2005, 06:10 PM

I think Howard is probably the most talented, but he has got to get some playing time to develop into the US #1. I think Hahneman would be a good choice, but there are a number of quality US keepers, so I'm not sure it matters that much.

I'm more worried about developing more central midfielders and players that can finish.

Thow · 07-28-2005, 01:06 AM

Can't sleep, so I'll add my 2-cents to the discussion.

Friedel: A moment of reflection for his unbelievable performances at the 2002 World Cup. This guy was seriously unreal at that tournament. "IMPOSSIBLE stop by Friedel!" was Jack Edwards' call after Friedel's great penalty stop against Korea.

Keller: Obviously, this guy's the undisputed No. 1 U.S. goalkeeper right now. Barring a collapse, he'll probably maintain the No. 1 jersey in Germany next summer. My only worry with him is actually the fact that he's playing at such a high level right now. When you've had the form that he's had, which has been tremendous, there's only way to go, folks. Having said that, he's been playing very well for club and country, and there's no reason to think that Arena can't milk another solid 12 months from him. Also, I think Keller still really wants to prove a point on the World Cup stage.

Howard: I did a story on him a while back, and I talked with him about the fact that 12 months ago everyone said that the U.S. had three No. 1's (Howard, Keller, and Friedel). My, how things can change in a year! He's tremendously talented and had a great run during much of his first season at Manchester United. For all his struggles in his sophomore season, Sir Alex Ferguson still has confidence in the American and sees him as United's long-term No. 1 goalkeeper. Here's hoping that Edwin Van Der Sar can mentor him during the next couple seasons. BTW, I personally still think Howard's far ahead of away else for the No. 2 slot. He hasn't been on the squad recently for the WCQ's or the Gold Cup because he's been trying to rest his shoulders, which have enduring the wear-and-tear of playing non-stop for two-straight years.

Marcus Hahnemann: Has had a great spell playing for Reading FC of the Coca-Cola Championship in England. Before that, he played for Colorado in the MLS. Has a decent shot at making the World Cup team.

MLS 'keepers: Too many to list, really, and I'm not in the mood. Several of them have had their moments with the U.S., and we'll see if they can continue that success.

SoccerPrime · 07-28-2005, 05:39 AM

Let me add that everyone expected DJ Countess to be the next great US GK in 2002. I wonder if he is expected to be this any more?
Matt Reis and Joe Cannon could be possible contestants against Hahnemann and Howard for the top spot.
The biggest recent drop off for US GKs is Jonny Walker. Everyone was talking like he was the Friedal2 last year. Not any more.

clarette · 07-28-2005, 08:43 AM

I'd forgotten all about Joe Cannon.

I'm surprised he hasn't gotten more opportunities with the NT, since everyone was like fawning all over him last year.