U.S. searching for right mix against Dutch

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03/02/2010 - Amsterdam, Netherlands (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - U.S. coach Bob Bradley assembled the majority of his best players for Wednesday's match at the Netherlands, and the last few spots on the World Cup roster could be decided at Amsterdam ArenA.

The Americans snapped a three-game losing streak last week with a 2-1 win over El Salvador, but the score isn't the most important aspect of the game against the Dutch for Bradley.

Bradley left injured trio Charlie Davies, Clint Dempsey and Oguchi Onyewu off the roster and the potential holes those three could leave open if not healthy in time for the World Cup are Bradley's biggest concerns.

"There's always pressure on the coach," Bradley said.

Although the U.S. roster features 16 European-based players, three MLS players - Jonathan Bornstein, Heath Pearce and Robbie Findley - could benefit the most with strong performances.

Bornstein of Chivas USA and Pearce of FC Dallas are both in competition for a role on defense, where left back would be open if captain Carlos Bocanegra has to move into the middle to replace Onyewu.

Real Salt Lake forward Findley could find a role if Davies is not able to come back from a car accident that left the emerging star with multiple injuries.

Dempsey avoided surgery on a knee injury and is the most likely of the trio to feature in the World Cup, but Onyweu is a longshot to return from knee surgery and Davies - although he is making huge strides in recovery - needs a miracle.

Bradley is confident the U.S. will put together a team capable of competing in South Africa, whether he has all - or none - of the injured players back.

"We're confident that we're going to get a really strong group, a group that will have a great mentality and a group that's going to go and give it all a great shot," Bradley said.

The Dutch, ranked third in the world, are usually overlooked as contenders due to their recent World Cup struggles. The Netherlands advanced to the final in 1974 and 1978, but its best finish since was fourth in 1998.

Dirk Kuyt, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder highlight one of the most exciting offenses in the world, but the Oranje have not scored a goal in three straight matches.

The Dutch will give Bradley exactly what the U.S. needs, though, and that's a test for his best players, and a way to separate the final contenders for the remaining roster spots for the Cup.

Following is the complete U.S. roster:

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton), Tim Howard (Everton).

Defenders: Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday), Jonathan Spector (West Ham).

Midfielders: DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers), Alejandro Bedoya (Orebro), Michael Bradley (Monchengladbach), Landon Donovan (Everton), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Stuart Holden (Bolton), Jose Torres (Pachuca).

Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Hull City), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Eddie Johnson (Aris Thessaloniki).

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After praising his leadership and work ethic through spring workouts, the Chiefs announced Tuesday they had signed the 27-year-old Cassel to a multiyear contract. Terms were not disclosed, but he will almost certainly be one of the highest-paid members of the team.
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The signing will come as welcome news to Cassel's new coaches and teammates. Amiable and hardworking, online football betting he appeared to win over everyone at minicamp.
"I think he's got some unique leadership qualities. I think his teammates like him and have respect for him. I think he's doing a pretty good job on the field, too," Haley said last month. "He's doing everything that I'm asking him, that our coaches are asking him to do. I don't have one single complaint how he's carrying himself."
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nse to accommodate his specific abilities.
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Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli, who had been Bill Belichick's assistant in New England, engineered the trade after the Patriots became convinced that Brady would recover fully from his knee operation.
"Since Matt arrived in Kansas City, he has embraced the team and the community," Pioli said. "His work ethic, his ability and competitive presence is what we expect from our players."

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Brandon Roy Favorite to Win 2007 NBA Rookie of the Year

Portland TrailBlazer’s guard, Brandon Roy, is MySportsbook.com’s overwhelming favorite to win the NBA Rookie of the Year odds.

Despite missing 20 games due to an injury earlier this season, Roy has definitely put up the best numbers of his 1st year peers. In 32 games, Roy is averaging 15.3 PPG, 4.2 boards and 3.5 assists in over 33 minutes of play per game. While most rookies breakdown as the season progresses (see Morrison), Roy is only getting stronger as his playing time and scoring average has increased each month.

With 30 or so games left in the regular season, Roy isn’t a lock for the award by any means. Other rookies are putting together some pretty impressive campaigns and a few could give Roy a run for the award with increased playing time. Heading the list is first pick, Andrea Bargnani of the Toronto Raptors. Even though he has started only two games all season, Bargnani is averaging 10.3 PPPG while shooting 35% from deep.

Randy Foye of the Minnesota Timberwolves could be set to give Roy the best competition NBA Rookie of the Year betting lines. With the benching of Mike James, Foye looks like he could be the starter in the T-Wolves backcourt for the rest of the season. So far, Foye has averaged 9 PPG and 2.4 assists in just under 21 minutes per game. With his new role of starter, Foye’s numbers will definitely increase. In his first game as the new starting guard this past Sunday, Foye had 10 points; five rebounds and 8 assists. More importantly, he logged 34 minutes of playing time; his third highest run of the season.

Adam Morrison, of the Charlotte Bobcats, was the favorite early on in the season after averaging 15+ PPG through the first month of the season. Ever since his torrid start, Morrison’s point production has declined each month. This really isn’t surprising, considering at 6’8” he only weighs 205 lbs. Obviously he will need to hit the weights big time during the off-season in order to keep from breaking down in the future.

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