The Friday 4-4-2: aka the 6-1-3

Another week gone by, and another edition of the Friday 4-4-2. There wasn't much negative this week, though, so we meet just tweak the formation and make it more of a 6-1-3 (even though I have serious doubts that such a formation has ever actually been used in professional soccer). We're in a good mood at US Soccer Daily, and who doesn't want to get an extra dose of positivity on their Friday to help them into the weekend? With that, enjoy:

What we liked:

1) Charlie Davies released from the hospital: An explanation for this one isn't really necessary. We all know how fortunate Charlie was to make it out of that tragic car wreck alive, and it's really great to see his recovery moving along. With an estimated 6-12 months of recovery and rehab, a tough road awaits the Sochaux striker. It's good that he's finally made the first steps in what will be a arduous journey.

2) Ching's spectacular goal: For those who haven't seen it, here is Brian Ching's goal in overtime that propelled the Houston Dynamo into the Western Conference final. Ching certainly has plenty critics, but there is no denying that he showed great ability and instinct on this finish.

3) Dempsey keeps on scoring: It's three weeks in a row now that Clint Dempsey has scored a goal for Fulham after previously going goalless in the first 3 months of the season. Dempsey drew a PK against Wigan after he was cut down from behind while trying to turn and take a short range shot. He then converted from the spot, which ended up earning Fulham a 1-1 draw on the road. With Dempsey playing striker this weekend a very strong possibility, we're going to predict that the MLS product bags another one.

4) Tim Howard gets a break: When Bob Bradley named his roster, one name that was conspicuously left off the roster was Tim Howard. Bradley is giving the Everton keeper, who has had a busy year with EPL, Europa League, and international play, a break and giving the nod to Aston Villa's Brad Guzan. Not only is it good for Timmy to get a break for once, but it will be valuable playing time and experience for Guzan, who is coming off a heroic Carling Cup performance.

5) Jeff Cunningham and EJ get the call: The time to start experimenting with fringe players is now, and with a huge hole at forward requiring attention, we were happy to see that Bob Bradley called in these two speedy strikers. Whether either of them is the answer is yet to be seen, but at least Bradley is exploring his options and likely will leave no stone unturned.

6) DMB returns: DaMarcus Beasley could still very well work himself back into the conversation for South Africa if he can put in more performances like the one he had last week against St. Mirren. Beasley will probably need a transfer in the winter window to get more consistent playing time, and he did himself a favor by showing his stuff in his first league appearance of the season.

What we didn't like:

1) Jermaine Jones out until 2010: USMNT fans eager to see the Schalke midfielder suit up for the Red, White, and Blue will have to wait even longer now, as Jones has been ruled out until mid-January at the earliest. With the World Cup creeping closer and closer, time is running out to integrate Jones into the squad.

What we're looking forward to:

1) USA-Slovakia: Being as we're a site focused on the USMNT, we're obviously excited for tomorrow's friendly in Bratislava. With injuries and MLS duties affecting the lineup, Bob Bradley might get a little creative, so it will be interesting to see the starting XI tomorrow morning. Some fringe players have also gotten the call and will be looking to make a good impression. The game will be on Fox Soccer Channel at 10 AM ET.

2) World Cup qualifiers: There are a bunch of great games on tap tomorrow, including the UEFA playoffs, New Zealand-Bahrain, Costa Rica-Uruguay, and Algeria-Egypt. Get up early and enjoy a full day of intense international soccer, as teams fight for the final berths in South Africa.

3) Pacquiao-Cotto: Yes, we're also looking forward to tonight's Houston-LA playoff matchup that features Stuart Holden, Brian Ching, Ricardo Clark, and Landon Donovan. But we're also anticipating tomorrow night's bout between two of the world's best boxers in Las Vegas. Even if you aren't a huge fan of boxing, you will be in awe of Manny Pacquiao's incredible ability and Miguel Cotto's huge heart and determination. Find the fight online or shell out the cash for pay-per-view; it starts at 11:00 PM ET. We're going to predict a Pacquiao win by KO or TKO.


Well, there you have it folks. Enjoy the weekend, and if there's anything you think we should talk about it next week's 4-4-2, feel free to shoot us an email or leave a comment.