New Gnus

So, this is a gnu (a.k.a. wildebeest). Notice that the one on the right is a new-born, thus a new gnu.

Some comments on recent news:

Zacarias Moussaoui: So he was spared the death penalty, and I think that is good. First, it shows that despite his arrogance and lack of remorse, we are sometimes a country of logic and reason. Emotions would have told these jurors to string this guy up, but they looked at reason instead. Plus, this guy thinks he's getting 71 virgins or whatever once he dies, so he'll have to wait for that. He'll only be out of his cell for 1 hour a day, and I think that could be the riskiest one hour of his life. A great quote from the judge: "You came here to be a martyr and die in a big bang of glory...but to paraphrase the poet T.S. Eliot, instead you will die with a whimper." On his way out of the courtroom, Moussaoui said "America, you lost. I won." Really? If getting life in maximum security prison for not actually carrying out your mission is winning, then I guess Angola really has a shot at the World Cup.

May 1 Protests: OK, so there really isn't much more in the news about this, which is essentially my point. Immigration as an issue will stay in the news, but these weak attempts at protest will never stick around for too long. I'm trying to think of ideas for immigrants to make their opinions count. Besides the obvious - voting - I'm short on ideas, but I will think of something.

U.S. announces World Cup roster: Some surprises, many not. I'm actually going to go through each player and give my opinion on their role, plus what I think about those that were left out. If you are not interested, just keep reading because there is more exciting news to come.

Chris Albright: He wasn't on the first roster, but replaces Frankie Hejduk, who is injured (ACL). Chris started his career as a striker, but now starts as an outside defender for the LA Galaxy. He can play other spots, which is why I thought he would make the original roster. He needs more time to develop and I don't think he'll get much time on the pitch in Germany.

DaMarcus Beasley: At 145 lbs., DMB is a little small, but he is seriously quick. Teams have taken to the tactic of beating him up, but he usually gets up and presses on. Some say that he has not done well this season with PSV, but that club seems to like him. He is a big threat on the wing and will be very beneficial in getting behind some of the slower defenses (i.e. Brazil). He will be in the starting 11.

Carlos Bocanegra: One of the Americans that regularly starts in England, Carlos is a strong defender, but often makes the small mistakes that could cost a US team at the World Cup. I think he's 50/50 to start, but I'm sure he'll get some time.

Steve Cherundolo: Not a guaranteed starter, but will fight with Bocanegra to get time. Cherundolo is not my favorite player, but is quietly consistent. He is short (5'6") and little (145 lbs.), which makes me wonder how effective he can be at a bigger stage.

Brian Ching: I am stunned that he made this roster over Taylor Twellman. I'm not a big fan of either player, but Twellman puts away opportunities where Ching misses absolute sitters. He has been hot to start the MLS season and his height and size are pluses, which is the only reason why I think he made the roster. I don't see him getting a minute of playing time unless there is an injury.

Jimmy Conrad: I'm not surprised that he made the list, but I'm pissed that he did. Yes, he was the MLS Defender of the Year in 2005, but he looked completely overwhelmed and out of place during international competition. With the other quality defenders on the roster, I don't think Conrad will do much besides bring Gooch some water.

Bobby Convey: Convey has had a great season bringing Reading into the Premiership next season and I hope that he gets some time in Germany. However, we are deep in the midfield and he may only see time with injuries or in a blowout. However, in my opinion, he could be the breakout player this year in the midfield for the U.S. He has lots of international experience and seems to be loaded with confidence.

Clint Dempsey: The worst rapper in MLS completely deserves this spot. During our boring 1-1 draw with Jamaica last month, Dempsey came on and brought tons of energy and hustle. He is aggressive and skilled with his feet. Only 23, he will be a starter in South Africa 2010 (I think) and may get a European contract in a few years.

Landon Donovan: This guy is pretty good. I think he has accepted his role as an attacking mid instead of a scorer. Landycakes has faced a great deal of criticism over his decision to leave Leverkusen in Germany and come back to MLS. However, people that deny his ability are just kidding themselves. A sure starter, he will be the playmaker for this team and maybe the leading scorer. Although Landon has a tendency to dive internationally, he has moved away from that a bit. Look for him to make his place as an international superstar again and possibly re-gain the respect and eye of some European clubs.

Cory Gibbs: I really have not seen a lot of Gibbs on the field, but can say that he is relatively inexperienced. Don't expect to see much of him.

Marcus Hahnemann: The English Championship's keeper of the year seems to be the likely heir to Keller's throne. The US has tons of great keepers and Hahnemann is one of the best. He will become a star next year in the Premiership. Unfortunately for him, Kasey Keller has been there and done that. If Keller were to get injured, we don't lose much with this backup.

Tim Howard: What can you say about Timmer. Great keeper that looked to be the new guy for the U.S. has lost his spot at ManU and who knows what is in his future. However, I'm not sure that too many countries can say that their 3rd keeper is as good as ours.

Eddie Johnson: If he gets a shot and stays healthy, EJ just might have a break-out cup. He's super fast and has a knack for finding the net. He scored 7 goals in 7 games during qualifying, but has been battling a foot injury. Really, though, he is the next big thing up front for us.

Kasey Keller: Some (like me) were surprised that he did not start in the 2002 World Cup, but there is no doubt that Keller is the #1 guy for the U.S. and one of the best in the world. He has posted clean sheets in almost 50% of his international appearances. Kasey is a great shot-stopper and has all of the tools to stare down Italy's Francesco Totti and Czech's Milan Baros (not to mention any other striker in the world.)

Eddie Lewis: Old man Lewis is one of Arena's favorites, and why not? A bit old at 32 (old in soccer years), Eddie is still quick and has a great left leg - ask Mexico's 2002 WC team. Defensively, he could be a weak spot against quicker attackers, but his ability to push up the wing makes him a likely starter, or at least a regular sub.

Pablo Mastroeni: I hope Andrew reads this since he doesn't think much of Mastroeni. I, however, think that he is one of our better players. He is tough in the middle and has enough speed to chase down attackers. You will not see him play much of a role in the attack and his name isn't called a lot by ignorant American broadcasters, but there will be some attackers who remember his name the next morning when they see the bruises. He does need to keep his cool, although he also has the ability to get under the skin of the opposition.

Brian McBride: This will certainly be McHead's last cup, but he will for sure be the starter up front for the Americans. He is strong in the air and can set up goals as much as he can score them. Watch for him on set plays and when we get a player open for crosses on the wing. However, we need the midfield to give him quality service. If that service comes, though, he will finish.

John O'Brien: I'm also surprised to see JOB on the squad since he has been injured for most of the last year. Many of the players on the national side consider him one of the best US players. John was part of the Ajax organization (a world-famous Dutch team) since he was 17 and it has showed. Now he is a member of the shite ChivasUSA side, and we'll see if he can gain match fitness before June.

Ben Olsen: I'm a bit surprised to see Ben on the roster. He may play more into the 2010 and 2014 cups. I would be surprised to see him play this time around.

Oguchi Onyewu: During this cup I will be wearing a #22 Onyewu US jersey. Gooch is big and strong, everything that a defender should be. During the qualifying match with Mexico, he made Jared Borgetti his bitch and then stared him down. I predict that this will be a break-out cup for Gooch and that he will have some offers from one of the major European leagues. I really want to see him knock Baros out of his shoes.

Eddie Pope: Pope will likely start in the middle of the U.S., but he's not my favorite player and would not be surprised to see him benched in favor of another defender should he make a mistake or if Arena is forced to go to a 3-back formation. I'm not saying that Pope sucks, but I just think he's a bit overrated.

Claudio Reyna: The skipper is respected by players all over the world, and deservedly so. Although he has been injured a lot in the recent years, Reyna is the leader of this team and provides a calming voice of experience in the middle. Claudio is a classy player and I will miss seeing his monkey-ish face coming out of a U.S. kit after this cup.

Josh Wolff: Another player that is not a surprise, but who is not, in my opinion, the best option up front for us. He will likely be the starter though. Wolff does have the ability to create chances, but isn't much of a goalscorer himself.

Players that I am surprised to not see: Steve Ralston, Taylor Twellman, Gregg Berhalter, Conor Casey, Pat Noonan, Chris Rolfe

And don't be surprised to not see Freddy Adu on the list. He is only 16 (turns 17 next month) and still lacks experience playing with the big boys. He is almost a sure thing on the 2010 squad.

In any case, we are only 36-37 days from the first game on June 9 and the US opens its tough group stage with the Czech Republic on June 12th at 9am. It will be the highlight of my summer. OK, I've made that joke a few times and it doesn't get old for me.

Oh, and there is nothing else to read in this post, I just said that to get you to read all of the soccer stuff.