Soccer analyst, member of US team partake in brief war of words over Twitter

The U.S. soccer team was eliminated in the World Cup’s Round of 16 earlier this week following a 2-1 loss to Belgium in extra time.

While the Stars and Stripes aren’t still on the pitch in Brazil, that doesn’t quite mean all is quiet on the homefront.

During the Saturday’s first quarterfinal matchup, one the Americans would have been playing in had they beaten the Belgians Tuesday, ESPN analyst Alexi Lalas and Fox Sports’ Rob Stone decided to have a little fun on Twitter — spurred on by the former.

@AlexiLalas Yes…but where? Stay strong. Home stretch.

— Rob Stone (@RobStoneONFOX) July 5, 2014

@RobStoneONFOX If you put him at RB then no Yedlin. If you put him at DM then no Beckerman. If you put him at CB then no Gonzalez.

— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) July 5, 2014

The two-man conversation played out on social media quickly became a three-person conversation when the subject of Lalas’ question, Geoff Cameron, took exception to the analyst’s suggestion that the United States would be weaker going forward with him as a starter.

So the Stoke City defender did what any agitated athlete would do when their credentials are being called into question?

Dish it right back.

@AlexiLalas do you have a soccer camp this summer? I would really love to go since apparently your a soccer expert

— Geoff Cameron (@GeoffCameron) July 5, 2014

Not one to back down from a little friendly fire over Twitter, Lalas shot right back.

Beginners session is full. RT @GeoffCameron You have a soccer camp this summer? I’d really love to go since apparently your a soccer expert

— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) July 5, 2014

Settle down boys, we still have four more years until Russia.

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