Pope ready to go against Mexico?

jasoncox · 03-25-2005, 03:48 PM

I'd heard that Pope was still nursing his injury but would probably play with RSL today. Then I saw this:

Quote:

5. REAL MOVES: Striker Clint Mathis has left the national team to return to Real Salt Lake, but not announced was the return of defender Eddie Pope. Coach Bruce Arena allowed Pope to be examined by the team's doctors and they gave him a clean bill of health, so Pope is back in camp preparing for Sunday's match against Mexico at Azteca Stadium.

http://www.socceramerica.com/article.asp?Art_ID=562135683

Aero · 03-25-2005, 04:06 PM

Well, that's an interesting development. Just when we thought we'd have Pope, but no Cleatus, it gets reversed on us. I wonder how much Pope will play, if any, on Sunday.

jasoncox · 03-25-2005, 04:15 PM

He'll be about as fit as Reyna who will also be playing. I think he'll start but might get sub'd out later. He's an important component to the backline and I think BA really likes his leadership.

Deuce · 03-25-2005, 08:58 PM

Eddie Pope played tonight in Oklahoma against the Wizards.

In an autograph session after the match Pope was asked if he would be playing in Mexico, his reply was "No".

clarette · 03-28-2005, 08:56 AM

Um, I wish Eddie had played in Mexico now. Apparently he is the only center-back in the country capable of marking.

jasoncox · 03-28-2005, 10:04 AM

Perhaps he'll play against Guatemala? After not gaining any points in MX, a loss to Guatemala would be disasterous.

Czar Jake · 03-28-2005, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasoncox

Perhaps he'll play against Guatemala? After not gaining any points in MX, a loss to Guatemala would be disasterous.

Agreed. It was painfully clear that the USA needs Pope back there.