Jozy Altidore scores three more, putting at scoring four goals in two games and a total of six goals in 9 games for the U.S.--and all that based on getting absolutely no playing time for his club team. The U.S. looked good, but should have won this game. Trinidad did not provide as tough a test as say Costa Rica will. I am happy for Altidore, but I really don't expect Bob Bradley to continue with this kind of set up going forward.
First, Altidore and Brian Ching are not going to work well together unless Bob Bradley sets Altidore free to roam, pick the ball up and carry it forward. The problem is that Altidore, who has the strength, speed and gumption to take players on, is wasted in that kind of a role. Altidore is a goal scorer and a poacher. He needs to be playing up top, holding the ball and dishing it off and going to goal to poach the net. But Altidore would be competing with Brian Ching for that role. Now, I think that over time, Altidore will prove better at the target striker role than Ching, if based on nothing more than age and size. But Bob Bradley has not shown any inclination to give Altidore that shot on a regular basis. Ching has demonstrated that he can do the job and take the abuse that is dished out by CONCACAF back lines, but I don't think Ching is going to be able to perform that role against stiffer international competition.
Second, the 4-4-2 set up Bradley used last week puts a massive burden on the outside fullbacks. With Landon Donovan on the left and Clint Dempsey on the right, what the U.S. has are not traditional wingers in any sense. Both men like to roam inside a little bit too much. Such a mindset robs the American attack of any width from their midfielders (and with Bradley's insistence on keeping his central midfielders pulled back with defensive responsibilities) and a great big hole is opened up in the midfield. The hole is either filled with Donovan and Dempsey or it is left open. When Donovan and Dempsey start moving in, the pressure is on the right and left backs to provide that width. So far, Frankie Hejduk has proved up to the task, literally running like the energizer bunny. I think Hejduk has the form to make it to the 2010 World Cup and has easily supplanted Steve Cherundolo as the number 1 right back, but the man is 35 and will be 36 next year for the World Cup, it is a risk.
On the left side was DaMarcus Beasley, not a natural left back, although he did play well. Beasley has a boat load of speed, the ability to take players on in the attack and the necessary defensive skills to play the position--if he could last 90 minutes making the regular overlapping runs and then getting back to defend, time and time again. By the end of the match Beasley looked knackered and did not contribute much on attack or defense. He is not going to be the solution for the long term and Heath Pearce is not the solution either. Can Jonathan Bornstein make the jump? What about Marvell Wynne? Alternatively, the U.S. might want to cosider putting Clarence Goodson into central defense and move Carlos Bocanegra (who plays left back for Rennes) to the flank. What about moving Hejduk to the left and slot Wynne into the right? There is not winger on the planet, including Gabby Agbonglahor or Theo Wolcott, who is going to out sprint Wynne. The problem with Wynne on the flanks is that his crossing ability needs some real work. Simply put, left back is one of the biggest positional concerns for the U.S. and I don't see a solution on the horizon.
But last week in Nashville, the U.S. fans were treated to a "what could be" display, with the combination of Donovan and Altidore, the best U.S. player combining with what could be the future best player that America has produced and it was a treat to watch them hook up and score goals. But really, it is little more than a what if display. I simply don't see Bradley giving up on Ching, although I think Altidore could do the job of being a target striker. Likewise, I don't really see the future of Donovan on the left wing. I would think that even if Altidore is playing up top, Donovan is more creative when given license to play all over, off of the target striker and that boils down to a 4-5-1. In the 4-4-2 we saw last week, there is simply not enough width to the U.S. and without the width, they become very easy to defend. Unless Bradley is prepared to play a 4-4-2 with more of a diamond midfield, i.e. a single holding midfielder and an attacking/playmaking central midfielder, the U.S. doesn't have the left back position solidified enough to make it a viable threat and option.
Showing posts with label U.S. Men's Soccer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label U.S. Men's Soccer. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
USA 2:0 Mexico World Cup Qualifying
Last night in Columbus, the U.S. Men's National Team kept alive their unbeaten streak against Mexico and World Cup qualifying at home with a 2-0 win over El Tri. On the strength of two goals by Michael Bradley, the U.S., for the third straight game won 2-0 and the Mexicans look even further a shambolic mess. Mexican coach Sven-Goran Erikson might be for the sack this week.
The game included its usual beating up on each other, particularly in the second half with Marquez's karate kick against Tim Howard's left knee which earned him a straight red card in the 65th minute. There were some hard tackles and a little gamesmanship, but I have to give the Referee credit for calling a consistent game but keeping control and not letting the cheap shots get out of hand. I didn't see the Referee as being in the game and that is the best compliment I can give.
The U.S. line up was ultimately quite predictable. I would like to have seen Marvell Wynne at right back, but as the game wore on, I could see why Frankie Hejduk got the call. Bocanegra and Onyewu showed why they will be the starting center backs for the U.S. until the World Cup. I was surprised at the quality of DaMarcus Beasley, who hasn't gotten any real time with Rangers in the past months, and the strength of Brian Ching up top. Howard was just his normal consisten self and it is clear why he is one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League and if not the world.
Tactically, I think the U.S. was very solid. Both Hejduk and Heath Pearce were bombing up and down the wings with aplomb, making good crosses and really attacking well. Defensively, Hejduk was a machine, he didn't make mistakes, made great tackles and even after looking like he took a hard knock, stayed in the match and continued to contribute. Pearce is still about half a step too slow on the international level, but his positioning was solid and Boca and Gooch protect well for the marauding backs. The U.S. kept their shape in the back very well, were disciplined in keeping their line and aside from a couple of poor clearances, didn't really make any mistakes.
Offensively, the U.S. were very active off the ball, making runs, playing out of trouble and getting some good attacks going. They also spiced up the game pretty well, combining fast break counter attacks, crisp build ups, traditional down the wing and cross attacks and long range shooting to keep the Mexican defense honest. As usual, the Americans' skill on set pieces proved effective. The U.S., for the first time in while, looked very good with the ball, there were a lot of precise, one-touch, two-touch passes that were accurate and effectively worked the U.S. out of jams that previously would have resulted in turn-overs. It seems apparent to me that Bob Bradley has been emphasizing this aspect of the U.S. possession game a lot more and it proved effective.
I have only two small complaints and one larger complaint about the game. First, the U.S. tended to get bogged down on one side of the attack too much. They would start down one side and then instead of pulling back and quickly switching field, they would try to pursue the attack. Sometimes, the best way to go forward is to go backward and sideways. The Mexicans looked like they were ripe for getting burned on the weak side and the U.S. didn't really exploit it.
Second, toward the end of the game, Clint Dempsey was getting sucked into the middle a little too much, leaving a massive, gaping hole on the right side. If Mexico had a left sided attack that was worth anything, the U.S. could have gotten burned. But Hejduk was solid over there, but I don't know if Cherundolo or Wynne could have been as good.
Third and this is the big one, a number of U.S. breakouts and counterattacks are not being supported by the midfield coming forward and getting into position to take a quick cross or provide options for Donovan, Beasely or Ching/Altidore to exploit with the defense collapses on them during a counter attack. On no less that seven occaisions, a U.S. counter attack would materialize with a U.S. man getting on the ball deep in the Mexican defense but the defense would do a good job pushing the attack wide (just like they teach in junior soccer) but when Donovan or Ching or Beasley or later Altidore would look up and around, there was no one to play to. The central midfielders and weak side midfielders have to get down the pitch, have to get in position to receive a pass, a cross or poach a goal and it just wasn't happening.
I blame this on Bob Bradley, who tends to take a defensive set in big games like this. Taking a defensive set is not a bad thing, but if you are going to rely on the counter attack, you have to give your counters a chance of working, which means center midfielders like Michael Bradley, Sacha Kljestan have to get down the pitch and provide some options, make the defense think and either react or get burned.
The U.S.'s next match is March 28, 2009 against El Salvador in probably San Salvador. El Salvador came back last night from two goals down to earn a draw against Trinidad & Tobago in San Salvador. In the other CONCACAF match, Costa Rica grabbed a 2-0 win over Honduras in Estadio Saprissa in San Jose, Costa Rica. The standings after one game are
USA 1-0-0 3pts +2GD
Costa Rica 1-0-0 3pts +2GD
Trin & Tob. 0-0-1 1pt E
El Salvador 0-0-1 1pt E
Honduras 0-1-0 0pts -2GD
Mexico 0-1-0 0pts -2GD
Quick notes. Tim Howard is suspended from the next match due to yellow card accumulations (which is a bloody stupid rule that yellow cards carry over from the previous round). Brad Guzan will likely get the start with probably Troy Perkins being called in as the back up while Howard gets to stay home with his club at Everton.
Player Ratings
Howard--7
Hejduk--7
Onyewu--7
Bocanegra--6
Pearce--6
Dempsey--6
Kljestan--5
Bradley--8
Beasely--7
Donovan--7
Ching--7
Subs:
Altidore--6
Clark--5
The game included its usual beating up on each other, particularly in the second half with Marquez's karate kick against Tim Howard's left knee which earned him a straight red card in the 65th minute. There were some hard tackles and a little gamesmanship, but I have to give the Referee credit for calling a consistent game but keeping control and not letting the cheap shots get out of hand. I didn't see the Referee as being in the game and that is the best compliment I can give.
The U.S. line up was ultimately quite predictable. I would like to have seen Marvell Wynne at right back, but as the game wore on, I could see why Frankie Hejduk got the call. Bocanegra and Onyewu showed why they will be the starting center backs for the U.S. until the World Cup. I was surprised at the quality of DaMarcus Beasley, who hasn't gotten any real time with Rangers in the past months, and the strength of Brian Ching up top. Howard was just his normal consisten self and it is clear why he is one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League and if not the world.
Tactically, I think the U.S. was very solid. Both Hejduk and Heath Pearce were bombing up and down the wings with aplomb, making good crosses and really attacking well. Defensively, Hejduk was a machine, he didn't make mistakes, made great tackles and even after looking like he took a hard knock, stayed in the match and continued to contribute. Pearce is still about half a step too slow on the international level, but his positioning was solid and Boca and Gooch protect well for the marauding backs. The U.S. kept their shape in the back very well, were disciplined in keeping their line and aside from a couple of poor clearances, didn't really make any mistakes.
Offensively, the U.S. were very active off the ball, making runs, playing out of trouble and getting some good attacks going. They also spiced up the game pretty well, combining fast break counter attacks, crisp build ups, traditional down the wing and cross attacks and long range shooting to keep the Mexican defense honest. As usual, the Americans' skill on set pieces proved effective. The U.S., for the first time in while, looked very good with the ball, there were a lot of precise, one-touch, two-touch passes that were accurate and effectively worked the U.S. out of jams that previously would have resulted in turn-overs. It seems apparent to me that Bob Bradley has been emphasizing this aspect of the U.S. possession game a lot more and it proved effective.
I have only two small complaints and one larger complaint about the game. First, the U.S. tended to get bogged down on one side of the attack too much. They would start down one side and then instead of pulling back and quickly switching field, they would try to pursue the attack. Sometimes, the best way to go forward is to go backward and sideways. The Mexicans looked like they were ripe for getting burned on the weak side and the U.S. didn't really exploit it.
Second, toward the end of the game, Clint Dempsey was getting sucked into the middle a little too much, leaving a massive, gaping hole on the right side. If Mexico had a left sided attack that was worth anything, the U.S. could have gotten burned. But Hejduk was solid over there, but I don't know if Cherundolo or Wynne could have been as good.
Third and this is the big one, a number of U.S. breakouts and counterattacks are not being supported by the midfield coming forward and getting into position to take a quick cross or provide options for Donovan, Beasely or Ching/Altidore to exploit with the defense collapses on them during a counter attack. On no less that seven occaisions, a U.S. counter attack would materialize with a U.S. man getting on the ball deep in the Mexican defense but the defense would do a good job pushing the attack wide (just like they teach in junior soccer) but when Donovan or Ching or Beasley or later Altidore would look up and around, there was no one to play to. The central midfielders and weak side midfielders have to get down the pitch, have to get in position to receive a pass, a cross or poach a goal and it just wasn't happening.
I blame this on Bob Bradley, who tends to take a defensive set in big games like this. Taking a defensive set is not a bad thing, but if you are going to rely on the counter attack, you have to give your counters a chance of working, which means center midfielders like Michael Bradley, Sacha Kljestan have to get down the pitch and provide some options, make the defense think and either react or get burned.
The U.S.'s next match is March 28, 2009 against El Salvador in probably San Salvador. El Salvador came back last night from two goals down to earn a draw against Trinidad & Tobago in San Salvador. In the other CONCACAF match, Costa Rica grabbed a 2-0 win over Honduras in Estadio Saprissa in San Jose, Costa Rica. The standings after one game are
USA 1-0-0 3pts +2GD
Costa Rica 1-0-0 3pts +2GD
Trin & Tob. 0-0-1 1pt E
El Salvador 0-0-1 1pt E
Honduras 0-1-0 0pts -2GD
Mexico 0-1-0 0pts -2GD
Quick notes. Tim Howard is suspended from the next match due to yellow card accumulations (which is a bloody stupid rule that yellow cards carry over from the previous round). Brad Guzan will likely get the start with probably Troy Perkins being called in as the back up while Howard gets to stay home with his club at Everton.
Player Ratings
Howard--7
Hejduk--7
Onyewu--7
Bocanegra--6
Pearce--6
Dempsey--6
Kljestan--5
Bradley--8
Beasely--7
Donovan--7
Ching--7
Subs:
Altidore--6
Clark--5
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Seriously--VooDoo
The Mexican National Team has a seriously long list of injured first teamers in advance of the World Cup qualifier with the U.S. on Feb. 11 in very frigid Columbus.
They need so much help, they are turning to Voodoo--seriously?
I wonder what Sven-Goran Erickson thinks of this plan.
They need so much help, they are turning to Voodoo--seriously?
I wonder what Sven-Goran Erickson thinks of this plan.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Parkhurst Called Up to National Team
Soccer By Ives reports that Michael Parkhurst got a call to hop a flight from Denmark to Carson, CA for duty with the U.S. National Team.
With Clarence Goodson, Cory Gibbs and Sean Franklin all out of camp due to injuries, the back line was looking a little thin without the standard Eurepean-based crew of Onyewu, Bocanegra, Pearce and Cherundolo.
Parkhurst, who should get an award for the cleanest, most effective defender in the world, will probably get the start against Sweden this weekend.
It kind of goes to prove that, sometimes, in order to get love from the U.S. MNT, you have to go overseas.
With Clarence Goodson, Cory Gibbs and Sean Franklin all out of camp due to injuries, the back line was looking a little thin without the standard Eurepean-based crew of Onyewu, Bocanegra, Pearce and Cherundolo.
Parkhurst, who should get an award for the cleanest, most effective defender in the world, will probably get the start against Sweden this weekend.
It kind of goes to prove that, sometimes, in order to get love from the U.S. MNT, you have to go overseas.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
MLS Transfer Bait
It is three weeks until the FIFA January transfer window opens up. So here is how this transfer window works, for those of you who read this blog but aren't big soccer fans. During the month of January, players who are under contract with a club can request a transfer or clubs can sell a player's rights to another club, which usually involves some sort of transfer fee. For well known players, this transfer fee can run into the tens of millions of dollars.
For American sports fans, think of the transfer window as the mid-season trade deadline, an opportunity for clubs to make improvments in the club by adding players to replace injured players or players that a club is looking to sell.
Players who are out of contract (think free agent) can be signed at any time--see Michael Parkhurst. Ives Galarcep has a list of MLS players who are likely to transfer to Europe in January. His list is:
Landon Donovan
Kenny Cooper
Michael Parkhurst--Already done
Chad Marshall
Sacha Kljestan
Marvell Wynne
Bobby Boswell
Joe Cannon
Bakary Soumare
Edson Buddle
All of these players could make the jump to lower European leagues pretty easily. Donovan is on a loan deal to Bayern Munich and if he impresses and gets some playing time, his move could be permanent. Of these players, Soumare has a French Passport, so don't be surprised to see him with a Ligue 1 club in January or next July. Wynne has developed well, but I think one more year in MLS with some national team call-ups would do him well. Wynne is currently in England with a Generation Addidas squad getting some time against reserve teams in the Premier League, so a move is possible, but he needs more national team call-ups to make that happen due to work permit issues.
A couple of other names you might see thrown around would be Eddie Gaven and Robbie Rogers of the Columbus Crew. This two speedy wingers have a great deal of experience for their age (Gaven at 22 is already a six year veteran of MLS) and could make a real impact for some clubs. The problem might be that Columbus and MLS might not want those two young men to transfer just yet.
For American sports fans, think of the transfer window as the mid-season trade deadline, an opportunity for clubs to make improvments in the club by adding players to replace injured players or players that a club is looking to sell.
Players who are out of contract (think free agent) can be signed at any time--see Michael Parkhurst. Ives Galarcep has a list of MLS players who are likely to transfer to Europe in January. His list is:
Landon Donovan
Kenny Cooper
Michael Parkhurst--Already done
Chad Marshall
Sacha Kljestan
Marvell Wynne
Bobby Boswell
Joe Cannon
Bakary Soumare
Edson Buddle
All of these players could make the jump to lower European leagues pretty easily. Donovan is on a loan deal to Bayern Munich and if he impresses and gets some playing time, his move could be permanent. Of these players, Soumare has a French Passport, so don't be surprised to see him with a Ligue 1 club in January or next July. Wynne has developed well, but I think one more year in MLS with some national team call-ups would do him well. Wynne is currently in England with a Generation Addidas squad getting some time against reserve teams in the Premier League, so a move is possible, but he needs more national team call-ups to make that happen due to work permit issues.
A couple of other names you might see thrown around would be Eddie Gaven and Robbie Rogers of the Columbus Crew. This two speedy wingers have a great deal of experience for their age (Gaven at 22 is already a six year veteran of MLS) and could make a real impact for some clubs. The problem might be that Columbus and MLS might not want those two young men to transfer just yet.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
American Teen Up and Comers in Italy
Chris Courtney and Soccer Times has the story of two other Americans making their way in the Italian leagues and the U.S. U-20 National Team.
As more young players get time in other lower leagues in Europe, their experience becomes important. Keep an eye out for these guys.
As more young players get time in other lower leagues in Europe, their experience becomes important. Keep an eye out for these guys.
Kenny Cooper to the Bundesliga
ESPN's Steve Davis has the story:
Cooper is not likely to be in an MLS uniform next year, even with his connection to the city. Frankly, after this past season for Dallas, in which he had a club MVP season, and in just about any other season would have seen him hoisting the golden boot, Cooper is not simply likely to stay.
During the Guatamala match on the 19th, Cooper was one of the three most creative players on the pitch, combining impressively with Jozy Altidore, Freddy Adu and Sasha Kljestan. The move would be good for the big striker and I just don't see him staying in Dallas.
The volume of debate is sure to rise anew in the coming days as the next round of "should he stay or will he go" unfolds. European teams are once again knocking on Cooper's door. This time, Germany's Eintracht Frankfurt is courting the hardworking and likable FC Dallas sniper.I could see Cooper in Germany and it is certainly a step up from Cardiff City.
While nothing is set, it seems increasingly likely that this season's 18-goal scorer, who finished second behind Landon Donovan in the MLS Golden Boot chase, may have bent his last net at Pizza Hut Park.
The big fellow and his family may make a trip to Germany soon for a personal look-see at the Bundesliga outfit. Bernd Hölzenbein, a once-prominent German international who played for Kenny Cooper Sr. in American indoor soccer some years ago, is now a scout for Frankfurt. He was in Colorado last week to see Cooper and speak to the family.
Hölzenbein apparently came away impressed. So now, with the winter transfer window approaching, there are essentially three things that could happen:
The most likely scenario is that MLS accepts the best winter offer -- one that could approach $4 million. That's not exactly Jozy Altidore territory ($8 million to $10 million from Villarreal, depending on incentives), but it would represent a handsome sum for MLS.
Cooper is not likely to be in an MLS uniform next year, even with his connection to the city. Frankly, after this past season for Dallas, in which he had a club MVP season, and in just about any other season would have seen him hoisting the golden boot, Cooper is not simply likely to stay.
During the Guatamala match on the 19th, Cooper was one of the three most creative players on the pitch, combining impressively with Jozy Altidore, Freddy Adu and Sasha Kljestan. The move would be good for the big striker and I just don't see him staying in Dallas.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Big Brad Friedel Involved Back Home
Over the weekend, Aston Villa's American goalkeeper Brad Freidel set a record for the number of consecutive Premier League appearances, combining his time with Blackburn with his new club, Aston Villa. He had a good showing this weekend against Manchester United and it still invovled with his home in Americawith his home in America despite having played in England for years now.
I wonder what Brad thinks about the Columbus Crew win yesterday.
I wonder what Brad thinks about the Columbus Crew win yesterday.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Thoughts on U.S. Men's National Team Win
After last nights last semi-final match, a number of thoughts come to mind, many of them good.
First, the U.S. attack was creative, and the combination of Altidore, Cooper, Adu and Kljestan with support from Mastroeni and Clark lit up the Guatamalan back line. Bob Bradley looked at this two starting strikers and let them be themselves in attack. Bradley has favored in the past of having a up top striker, like Brian Ching, play with his back to goal and feed people like Landon Donovan or Clint Dempsey. I think in the past Bradley has asked Altidore and Cooper to do that as well and that is not what suits their playing style. Both Altidore and Cooper are too creative for that role and it limits them. With Altidore and Cooper moving around so much, I think it put the Guatamalan defense on the back foot and they didn't know how to defend against it. With two big, strong, fast strikers, the U.S. could do a fair amount of damage in the hexagonal.
Second, I have to say I like Goodson and Parkhurst in the middle of defense. Parkhurst was his usual quietly effective self. I didn't see him get beat once and he covered for Bornstein well. John Thorrington, whom I always think of as a midfielder actually played a very solid right back, bombing up and down the wing on attack and defending well. I don't know how this back line would have done against Carlos Ruiz but Parkhurst has seen Ruiz enough to know how to defend against him and Goodson probably could have handled him as well. Will Goodson and Parkhurst replace Onyewu and Bocanegra? Probably not, but both made a case for inclusion in the team to provide some depth. Given Bradley's predilication for big central defenders, Parkhurst probably won't be a factor in the remainder of qualifying unless the U.S. jumps out to an insurmountable lead in qualifying. Goodson on the other hand has some size, he looks skinny but has wiry strength.
Third, Rico Clark showed up last night and was move of a presence than I figured was going to happen. Mastroeni did a lot of the field general work, but Clark contributed. He still needs to work on his first touch, but he wasn't absent like he has been in the past.
Over all the team played very well and I think every player really made a case for themselves to be included in the January Camp to get more exposure. I know we are talking about a win over Guatamala (who has never won on U.S. soil) in November, in Colorado, so we have to measure the success accordingly. But this crew of inexperienced players shut all the naysayers and doomsayers up well and that is a positive sign.
Now for the bad. Freddy Adu can't seem to get any love from Bob Bradley--even after excellent play which saw Adu working on defense as well as being creative in attack. Even after scoring a brilliant free kick. Even after providing offensive fireworks, this is what Bob Bradley had to say about Adu--via Goff:
I was surprised, and a little upset, that Bob Bradley substituted out of the game three of his most creative players to replace them with Conor Casey, Brian Ching and Davy Arnaud. I didn't see Cooper or Altidore slowing down. Adu looked a little tired, but I think he could have finished the game. What is it about Bob Bradley that makes him want to stifle these young, gifted, creative players? Along with Kljestan, this trio looked to bring the most offensive flair this team has seen in a long time and Bradley sits them. That is nothing against Casey, Ching or Arnaud, but it just seems like if Bradley wanted to see something from his bench, he would have been better off putting Sean Franklin or Corey Gibbs onto the pitch and see how they manage to work with a winning scoreline and contain an attack.
Bradley's halftime comments to ESPN's John Harkes and JP Dellacamera (who by the way are the best TV team out there for the U.S.) also focused very heavily on the negative, i.e. our first touch has to be better, we are too slow on defensive recovery, etc. It was like Bradley was watching a different game. Yes, the U.S. generally needs to work on their first touch, they don't react quickly when they lose the ball, I am not saying Bradley is wrong, but the U.S. was seriously unlucky to not be up by one or two goals by halftime. Cooper hit the post, Altidore, Cooper, and Kljestan has other good chances. Rico Clark's first touch made what looked to be a great chance get away. The Guatamalan keeper made a couple of good saves. The U.S. was applying a lot of pressure on the Guatamalan midfield, and back line, forcing a lot of turnovers and generally making a nuisance of themselves. But instead of focusing on the positive for the fans, Bradley went all technical and negative. Just about every shot of him, it looked like someone had peed in his Wheaties and he had this sour look on his face. Cheer up Bob, you have led the U.S. to 21 wins in your tenure and your team was playing well.
Next up is the ten game Hexagonal Round. the top three teams in the hexagonal will go to the World Cup. the fourth place team will play the fifth place team from CONNEBOL (South america) for the right to move to South Africa. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago and the U.S. will vie, with the qualifying draw to take place on Saturday (not tomorrow like I said).
First, the U.S. attack was creative, and the combination of Altidore, Cooper, Adu and Kljestan with support from Mastroeni and Clark lit up the Guatamalan back line. Bob Bradley looked at this two starting strikers and let them be themselves in attack. Bradley has favored in the past of having a up top striker, like Brian Ching, play with his back to goal and feed people like Landon Donovan or Clint Dempsey. I think in the past Bradley has asked Altidore and Cooper to do that as well and that is not what suits their playing style. Both Altidore and Cooper are too creative for that role and it limits them. With Altidore and Cooper moving around so much, I think it put the Guatamalan defense on the back foot and they didn't know how to defend against it. With two big, strong, fast strikers, the U.S. could do a fair amount of damage in the hexagonal.
Second, I have to say I like Goodson and Parkhurst in the middle of defense. Parkhurst was his usual quietly effective self. I didn't see him get beat once and he covered for Bornstein well. John Thorrington, whom I always think of as a midfielder actually played a very solid right back, bombing up and down the wing on attack and defending well. I don't know how this back line would have done against Carlos Ruiz but Parkhurst has seen Ruiz enough to know how to defend against him and Goodson probably could have handled him as well. Will Goodson and Parkhurst replace Onyewu and Bocanegra? Probably not, but both made a case for inclusion in the team to provide some depth. Given Bradley's predilication for big central defenders, Parkhurst probably won't be a factor in the remainder of qualifying unless the U.S. jumps out to an insurmountable lead in qualifying. Goodson on the other hand has some size, he looks skinny but has wiry strength.
Third, Rico Clark showed up last night and was move of a presence than I figured was going to happen. Mastroeni did a lot of the field general work, but Clark contributed. He still needs to work on his first touch, but he wasn't absent like he has been in the past.
Over all the team played very well and I think every player really made a case for themselves to be included in the January Camp to get more exposure. I know we are talking about a win over Guatamala (who has never won on U.S. soil) in November, in Colorado, so we have to measure the success accordingly. But this crew of inexperienced players shut all the naysayers and doomsayers up well and that is a positive sign.
Now for the bad. Freddy Adu can't seem to get any love from Bob Bradley--even after excellent play which saw Adu working on defense as well as being creative in attack. Even after scoring a brilliant free kick. Even after providing offensive fireworks, this is what Bob Bradley had to say about Adu--via Goff:
"One of the most important things with Freddy is making sure that he understands that while it's really nice that a lot is said and written about him, none of it matters when he walks in the door to the national team. The understanding of how to earn the respect of his teammates, and how to do things on the field that will help us win, those things come first. I'm sure that's also much of what he is trying to piece together at Monaco. This is what happens when the level gets higher with top clubs. It's a growing process, we talk about it with him often, and we hope that he continues to move along."So, Adu plays well and can't even get a little love.
I was surprised, and a little upset, that Bob Bradley substituted out of the game three of his most creative players to replace them with Conor Casey, Brian Ching and Davy Arnaud. I didn't see Cooper or Altidore slowing down. Adu looked a little tired, but I think he could have finished the game. What is it about Bob Bradley that makes him want to stifle these young, gifted, creative players? Along with Kljestan, this trio looked to bring the most offensive flair this team has seen in a long time and Bradley sits them. That is nothing against Casey, Ching or Arnaud, but it just seems like if Bradley wanted to see something from his bench, he would have been better off putting Sean Franklin or Corey Gibbs onto the pitch and see how they manage to work with a winning scoreline and contain an attack.
Bradley's halftime comments to ESPN's John Harkes and JP Dellacamera (who by the way are the best TV team out there for the U.S.) also focused very heavily on the negative, i.e. our first touch has to be better, we are too slow on defensive recovery, etc. It was like Bradley was watching a different game. Yes, the U.S. generally needs to work on their first touch, they don't react quickly when they lose the ball, I am not saying Bradley is wrong, but the U.S. was seriously unlucky to not be up by one or two goals by halftime. Cooper hit the post, Altidore, Cooper, and Kljestan has other good chances. Rico Clark's first touch made what looked to be a great chance get away. The Guatamalan keeper made a couple of good saves. The U.S. was applying a lot of pressure on the Guatamalan midfield, and back line, forcing a lot of turnovers and generally making a nuisance of themselves. But instead of focusing on the positive for the fans, Bradley went all technical and negative. Just about every shot of him, it looked like someone had peed in his Wheaties and he had this sour look on his face. Cheer up Bob, you have led the U.S. to 21 wins in your tenure and your team was playing well.
Next up is the ten game Hexagonal Round. the top three teams in the hexagonal will go to the World Cup. the fourth place team will play the fifth place team from CONNEBOL (South america) for the right to move to South Africa. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago and the U.S. will vie, with the qualifying draw to take place on Saturday (not tomorrow like I said).
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
U.S. MNT-Guatamala
First half in the books and the U.S. looked good. They created a lot of very good chances and Kenny Cooper put one off the crossbar on a beautiful service from Rico Clark.
Starting line up was a good one
--------Altidore---Cooper-----
Adu--Clark---Mastroeni---Kljestan
Bornstein--Parkhurst--Goodson--Thorrington
----------Guzan------------
Defensively, the U.S. has been putting a lot of pressure on the Guatamalans in midfield and up top. Kenny Cooper has been working hard, putting pressure
53 Mintue--Jozy and Cooper just connected for Cooper to score. Jozy from the left side cut inside across the grain of the defense and sent a cross across the defense to Cooper on the back post.
Update 57th Mintue: Cooper is really making the case for himself. He is creating chances for himself and for others. He is working hard on both sides of the ball, tkaing on players and tackling defenders.
Referee sucks, he has missed at least one penalty on a rough tackle on John Thorrington.
59th Minute: Interesting stat on Micheal Parkhurst. Two years in MLS only 14 fouls total. Mind boggling.
62nd minute: Adu and Cooper creating a wonderful chance. The attacking quad of Adu, Altidore, Cooper and Kljestan is looking good and creative. I like the flair and unpredictability.
63rd Mintue: What a cracking shot by Mastroeni and Clarence Goodson almost got that rebound and was unlucky to have put the rebound shot on frame but instead into the keeper's hands.
65th: U.S. picking apart the Guatamalan defense. cooper cross from the right, missed Altidore, Klejestan was robbed by the Guatamalan goalkeeper on the back post.
68th: Jozy held on a goal scoring opportunity. Should have gotten a red for that for the denying of an obvious goal scoring opportunity. Blown call and arguabley in the box, but called just outside.
69th GOALLLLLLL by Freddy Adu on a brialliant bending free kick. First goal for the full national team!!!!
That has broken the back of teh Guatamalans.
75th: Conor Casey and Brian Ching are set to come in. Looks like Altidore and Cooper are heading to the bench. Ching in for Altidore. Can't say i agree with this sub right now. Altidore had a solid game, great first touch. Casey in for Cooper.
Ching has no pace and it is obvious.
78th: Mastroneni gets yellow card. He will be suspended for the next qualifier on February 11th. Kind of a soft yellow card thanks to acting.
Adu is getting back on defense, which has to make Bob Bradley happy.
Goodson is also making a good case for himself.
82nd: Davy Arnaud is set to come in. Adu is coming off. What the hell is Bob Bradly thinking. He has subbed out his three most creative players. i don't get it at all. Adu did get a goal and he was creative and was getting back on defense. Adu did look like he was slowing down and really needs to get lots of consistent minutes with AS Monaco.
86th. Brilliant save by Guzan. His apprenticeship with Brad Freidel is paying dividends. Excellent save. Looks like he might keep another clean sheet.
89th: Another solid save from Guzan. He is doing exactly what he is paid for, making the saves in the last few minutes after not being active for 88 minutes.
90th+: Three minutes of stoppage time. The U.S. has managed their lead well, holding possession and not giving up stupid mistakes.
FINAL: U.S.A. 2:0 Guatamala.
Solid job by the squad. Lots of players made a case for inclusion in January camp. U.S. finishes 5-1 in qualifying.
The draw for the hexagonal is on Friday. Mexico and Honduras look to go through so the hexagonal will be
U.S.
Trinidad & Tobago
Mexico
Honduras
Costa Rica
El Salvador
More thoughts after the game percolates a little.
Starting line up was a good one
--------Altidore---Cooper-----
Adu--Clark---Mastroeni---Kljestan
Bornstein--Parkhurst--Goodson--Thorrington
----------Guzan------------
Defensively, the U.S. has been putting a lot of pressure on the Guatamalans in midfield and up top. Kenny Cooper has been working hard, putting pressure
53 Mintue--Jozy and Cooper just connected for Cooper to score. Jozy from the left side cut inside across the grain of the defense and sent a cross across the defense to Cooper on the back post.
Update 57th Mintue: Cooper is really making the case for himself. He is creating chances for himself and for others. He is working hard on both sides of the ball, tkaing on players and tackling defenders.
Referee sucks, he has missed at least one penalty on a rough tackle on John Thorrington.
59th Minute: Interesting stat on Micheal Parkhurst. Two years in MLS only 14 fouls total. Mind boggling.
62nd minute: Adu and Cooper creating a wonderful chance. The attacking quad of Adu, Altidore, Cooper and Kljestan is looking good and creative. I like the flair and unpredictability.
63rd Mintue: What a cracking shot by Mastroeni and Clarence Goodson almost got that rebound and was unlucky to have put the rebound shot on frame but instead into the keeper's hands.
65th: U.S. picking apart the Guatamalan defense. cooper cross from the right, missed Altidore, Klejestan was robbed by the Guatamalan goalkeeper on the back post.
68th: Jozy held on a goal scoring opportunity. Should have gotten a red for that for the denying of an obvious goal scoring opportunity. Blown call and arguabley in the box, but called just outside.
69th GOALLLLLLL by Freddy Adu on a brialliant bending free kick. First goal for the full national team!!!!
That has broken the back of teh Guatamalans.
75th: Conor Casey and Brian Ching are set to come in. Looks like Altidore and Cooper are heading to the bench. Ching in for Altidore. Can't say i agree with this sub right now. Altidore had a solid game, great first touch. Casey in for Cooper.
Ching has no pace and it is obvious.
78th: Mastroneni gets yellow card. He will be suspended for the next qualifier on February 11th. Kind of a soft yellow card thanks to acting.
Adu is getting back on defense, which has to make Bob Bradley happy.
Goodson is also making a good case for himself.
82nd: Davy Arnaud is set to come in. Adu is coming off. What the hell is Bob Bradly thinking. He has subbed out his three most creative players. i don't get it at all. Adu did get a goal and he was creative and was getting back on defense. Adu did look like he was slowing down and really needs to get lots of consistent minutes with AS Monaco.
86th. Brilliant save by Guzan. His apprenticeship with Brad Freidel is paying dividends. Excellent save. Looks like he might keep another clean sheet.
89th: Another solid save from Guzan. He is doing exactly what he is paid for, making the saves in the last few minutes after not being active for 88 minutes.
90th+: Three minutes of stoppage time. The U.S. has managed their lead well, holding possession and not giving up stupid mistakes.
FINAL: U.S.A. 2:0 Guatamala.
Solid job by the squad. Lots of players made a case for inclusion in January camp. U.S. finishes 5-1 in qualifying.
The draw for the hexagonal is on Friday. Mexico and Honduras look to go through so the hexagonal will be
U.S.
Trinidad & Tobago
Mexico
Honduras
Costa Rica
El Salvador
More thoughts after the game percolates a little.
Monday, November 17, 2008
U.S. Squad Set For Guatamala Match
U.S. MNT Coach Bob Bradley selected a 20 man roster in advance of the Wednesday night qualifier against Guatamala.
The match has no significance for the Americans, but Guatamala has to win and get help from the Cubans to have a shot at qualifying. A draw by Trinidad & Tobago or better over the Cubans and the Guatamalans are eliminated.
Here is the roster, with comments:
GOALKEEPERS: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Troy Perkins (Valerenga IF), Matt Pickens (out of contract). Guzan is likely to get the start, but Perkins wouldn't be a bad selection either. Perkins is coming off a great season for Valerenga, including winning the Norwegian league title and being names player of the year by his club.
DEFENDERS (6): Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Sean Franklin (Los Angeles Galaxy), Cory Gibbs (Colorado Rapids), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Drew Moor (FC Dallas), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution). All in all, not a bad crew here for a game with little meaning. Were it not for Columbus Crew being in the MLS cup final, I would have expected to see Chad Marshall in this list and I hope that he gets called into camp in January. I am glad to see Franklin and Parkhurst in this mix.
MIDFIELDERS (5): Freddy Adu (AS Monaco), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), John Thorrington (Chicago Fire). An interesting mix here, and a little on the short side of the list. Only five and really on two truly defensive midfielders. Yes, Kljestan checks back a lot, but only Clark and Mastroeni are real holding midfielder types.
FORWARDS (6): Jozy Altidore (Villarreal), Davy Arnaud (Kansas City Wizards), Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire). I am routinely baffled by the inclusion of Rolfe, who is streaky and inconsistent. Arnaud played very well this year and earned a camp spot, but I am not sure he had done enough to get a start. Ditto for Casey.
Given this list of players, are we doing to see something different from Bob Bradley? Something that will confuse and confound the Guatamalans and the rest of CONCACAF? A version of a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 perhaps?
If a 4-3-3, look for this line up:
--Altidore---Ching---Cooper--
--Adu---Mastroeni----Kljestan-
Bornstein--Goodson--Parkhurst--Franklin
---------Guzan----------------
A 4-2-3-1 might look like this:
----------Ching------------
Thorrington---Adu-----Kljestan
-------Clark-----Mastroeni----
Bornstein--Goodson--Parkhurst--Franklin
---------Guzan----------------
The problem is that a 4-2-3-1 is a formation you play to not lose rather than win. It sacrifices the talents of your best asset on this team, strenth and speed in the strikers. Ching is the best target forward in this bunch and why not let Jozy and Cooper play off of him, given Cooper the head that he has previously wanted to show, i.e. going back to collect the ball and bring it forward. He and Jozy both have the strenght, speed and skill to go at players and both can play well in the air.
Bradley should slip the leash on his young attackers, Altidore, Adu, Kljestan, Cooper and let Mastroeni orchestrate. If that back line gets beat, and the left side is the weak side since I don't think that Bornstein has the necessary pace, so be it. The idea here is to blood some of the young potential players and see how they react. Given that Franklin has made his first year a career of covering mistakes by other defenders, it would be refrehsing to pair him with a defender like Parkhurst who doesn't make a lot of those mistakes.
Looking forward to Wednesday to see this team in action.
The match has no significance for the Americans, but Guatamala has to win and get help from the Cubans to have a shot at qualifying. A draw by Trinidad & Tobago or better over the Cubans and the Guatamalans are eliminated.
Here is the roster, with comments:
GOALKEEPERS: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Troy Perkins (Valerenga IF), Matt Pickens (out of contract). Guzan is likely to get the start, but Perkins wouldn't be a bad selection either. Perkins is coming off a great season for Valerenga, including winning the Norwegian league title and being names player of the year by his club.
DEFENDERS (6): Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Sean Franklin (Los Angeles Galaxy), Cory Gibbs (Colorado Rapids), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Drew Moor (FC Dallas), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution). All in all, not a bad crew here for a game with little meaning. Were it not for Columbus Crew being in the MLS cup final, I would have expected to see Chad Marshall in this list and I hope that he gets called into camp in January. I am glad to see Franklin and Parkhurst in this mix.
MIDFIELDERS (5): Freddy Adu (AS Monaco), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), John Thorrington (Chicago Fire). An interesting mix here, and a little on the short side of the list. Only five and really on two truly defensive midfielders. Yes, Kljestan checks back a lot, but only Clark and Mastroeni are real holding midfielder types.
FORWARDS (6): Jozy Altidore (Villarreal), Davy Arnaud (Kansas City Wizards), Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire). I am routinely baffled by the inclusion of Rolfe, who is streaky and inconsistent. Arnaud played very well this year and earned a camp spot, but I am not sure he had done enough to get a start. Ditto for Casey.
Given this list of players, are we doing to see something different from Bob Bradley? Something that will confuse and confound the Guatamalans and the rest of CONCACAF? A version of a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 perhaps?
If a 4-3-3, look for this line up:
--Altidore---Ching---Cooper--
--Adu---Mastroeni----Kljestan-
Bornstein--Goodson--Parkhurst--Franklin
---------Guzan----------------
A 4-2-3-1 might look like this:
----------Ching------------
Thorrington---Adu-----Kljestan
-------Clark-----Mastroeni----
Bornstein--Goodson--Parkhurst--Franklin
---------Guzan----------------
The problem is that a 4-2-3-1 is a formation you play to not lose rather than win. It sacrifices the talents of your best asset on this team, strenth and speed in the strikers. Ching is the best target forward in this bunch and why not let Jozy and Cooper play off of him, given Cooper the head that he has previously wanted to show, i.e. going back to collect the ball and bring it forward. He and Jozy both have the strenght, speed and skill to go at players and both can play well in the air.
Bradley should slip the leash on his young attackers, Altidore, Adu, Kljestan, Cooper and let Mastroeni orchestrate. If that back line gets beat, and the left side is the weak side since I don't think that Bornstein has the necessary pace, so be it. The idea here is to blood some of the young potential players and see how they react. Given that Franklin has made his first year a career of covering mistakes by other defenders, it would be refrehsing to pair him with a defender like Parkhurst who doesn't make a lot of those mistakes.
Looking forward to Wednesday to see this team in action.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
NOOOOO!!!! Donovan Should Not be the Player of the Year.
I know that a lot of people don't put a great deal of stock in goalkeepers. To a certain extent it is the aberration of the position, they dress differently, they can use their hands in a game where such skills are not thought of a sporting. some people think all that goalkeepers do is kick the ball a really long way and spend the rest of the game looking for hot WAGS in the stands.
So why am I talking about this: Landon Donovan has been voted the Honda Player of the Year (for the fifth time) beating out my personal choice Tim Howard.
Don't get me wrong, it is not that I think Donovan is a poor player or undeserving of his previous four awards, but he was not the best player for the U.S. team this year. His national team form has been off, he has been absent from entire games despite being in the starting line up. Yes, I know he has scored more goals for the U.S. Men's team than anyone else, but he doesn't deserve it this year.
Tim Howard had a spectacular year. His performance against Argentina alone warranted the award. Additionally, Howard has had five shutouts in 2008 (including Argentina) given up just three goals all year as the U.S.'s number one keeper.
Goalkeepers have the toughest job on the field. They can be completely inactive for 88 minutes of the game, but no matter what, they will be expected to make the stop in the last minute of the game. Goalkeepers rarely win games for teams, but they can certainly lose games. Tim Howard never lost a game for the U.S. although they did lose.
The voters for the Player of the Year award got this one wrong.
So why am I talking about this: Landon Donovan has been voted the Honda Player of the Year (for the fifth time) beating out my personal choice Tim Howard.
Don't get me wrong, it is not that I think Donovan is a poor player or undeserving of his previous four awards, but he was not the best player for the U.S. team this year. His national team form has been off, he has been absent from entire games despite being in the starting line up. Yes, I know he has scored more goals for the U.S. Men's team than anyone else, but he doesn't deserve it this year.
Tim Howard had a spectacular year. His performance against Argentina alone warranted the award. Additionally, Howard has had five shutouts in 2008 (including Argentina) given up just three goals all year as the U.S.'s number one keeper.
Goalkeepers have the toughest job on the field. They can be completely inactive for 88 minutes of the game, but no matter what, they will be expected to make the stop in the last minute of the game. Goalkeepers rarely win games for teams, but they can certainly lose games. Tim Howard never lost a game for the U.S. although they did lose.
The voters for the Player of the Year award got this one wrong.
Pablo Mastroeni Will Stay in MLS
After being publicly linked to Seria A side Cagliari and a handful of Serie B sides, Colorado Rapids veteran midfielder Pablo Mastroeni will remain with the Colorado Rapids. Coming on the heels of the announcement of Gary Smith to be the Rapids head coach, this decision by Mastroeni has to make Smith breath a little easier and make the Rapids fans happy as well.
While I can understand the desire of many players to move to European leagues, particularly top ones like Serie A, MLS has to be concerned about the growth of the game in this country when their marquee names head east. While Mastroeni himself will not be the person to grow the game in this country, keeping players like him in MLS will do several things:
1. It will force MLS and owners to really consider their pay scales relative to Europe. The hard salary cap means that a lot of developing players with skill can go east and get twice the salary of the league minimum in MLS and still develop.
2. Keeping Mastroenie here (and other like him) can provide a backbone for developing the game here, if MLS doesn't blow it.
I like Mastroeni as a player and think this a good decision for him professionally and personally. Good luck.
While I can understand the desire of many players to move to European leagues, particularly top ones like Serie A, MLS has to be concerned about the growth of the game in this country when their marquee names head east. While Mastroeni himself will not be the person to grow the game in this country, keeping players like him in MLS will do several things:
1. It will force MLS and owners to really consider their pay scales relative to Europe. The hard salary cap means that a lot of developing players with skill can go east and get twice the salary of the league minimum in MLS and still develop.
2. Keeping Mastroenie here (and other like him) can provide a backbone for developing the game here, if MLS doesn't blow it.
I like Mastroeni as a player and think this a good decision for him professionally and personally. Good luck.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Landon Donovan Training With Bayern Munich
Chris Courtney ntoes that Landon Donovan is training with Bayern Munich, telegraphing a move the German giant in January.
Bayern has been unapologetic in their interest in the American International. Donovan has made no secret of his desire to move overseas again. Bayern's manager Jurgen Klinsman knows and likes Donovan.
The question will be, will MLS make a reasonable deal or will they pull a Taylor Twellman type matter. the L.S. Galaxy have to be salivating at the idea since it will free up a massive amount of cap space to help them acquire some more players.
Bayern has been unapologetic in their interest in the American International. Donovan has made no secret of his desire to move overseas again. Bayern's manager Jurgen Klinsman knows and likes Donovan.
The question will be, will MLS make a reasonable deal or will they pull a Taylor Twellman type matter. the L.S. Galaxy have to be salivating at the idea since it will free up a massive amount of cap space to help them acquire some more players.
U.S. MNT Call-Ups
Bob Bradley announced a 19 man roster of players called into to a camp in Colorado. As expected, most are MLS players and not everyone will get to actually see the playing roster come next week. Here is the list with some comments:
GOALKEEPERS (3): Brian Edwards (Toronto FC), Troy Perkins (Valerenga IF), Matt Pickens (out of contract). Edwards is a surprise to be honest, but good for him. Perkins (formerly of DC United--the cheap bastards) just won the Norwegian League Championship over the weekend and was named player of the year for Valerenga.
DEFENDERS (6): Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Sean Franklin (Los Angeles Galaxy), Cory Gibbs (Colorado Rapids), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Drew Moor (FC Dallas), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution). Boornstein and Parkhurst are not surprises. Gibbs and Moor I can see. I am surprised to see Sean Franklin, but as an MLS Rookie of the Year candidate, I am glad to see the young man there. I am surprised not to see Marvell Wynne.
MIDFIELDERS (5): Colin Clark (Colorado Rapids), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Nick LaBrocca (Colorado Rapids), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids). there will be some additions to this list. Kljestan, Rico Clark and Mastroeni will likely see time against Guatamala. But did Bradley just call in Colorado's starting midfield? Bradley needs to add an attacking midfielder, with Landon Donovan on a 10 day trial with Bayern Munich, it won't be Landycakes. Stuart Holden anyone? Jose Torres?
FORWARDS (5): Davy Arnaud (Kansas City Wizards), Chad Barrett (Toronto FC), Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas). Can't stand to see Barrett there, but Cooper is finally on teh list and will probably get some minutes and maybe the start.
Given the relatively unimportant nature of the game, might Troy Perkins get the starting nod? I hope so. Now I know that this pool will be supplemented by MLS conference final losers and some European based players, but just on this pool, this could be a starting line-up
--------Cooper----Ching-----------
C. Clark------Kljestan-------LaBrocca
-----------Mastroeni----------------
Bornstein--Goodson--Parkhurst--Franklin
-------------Perkins--------------
Not world beaters, but not a bad crew either.
GOALKEEPERS (3): Brian Edwards (Toronto FC), Troy Perkins (Valerenga IF), Matt Pickens (out of contract). Edwards is a surprise to be honest, but good for him. Perkins (formerly of DC United--the cheap bastards) just won the Norwegian League Championship over the weekend and was named player of the year for Valerenga.
DEFENDERS (6): Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Sean Franklin (Los Angeles Galaxy), Cory Gibbs (Colorado Rapids), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Drew Moor (FC Dallas), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution). Boornstein and Parkhurst are not surprises. Gibbs and Moor I can see. I am surprised to see Sean Franklin, but as an MLS Rookie of the Year candidate, I am glad to see the young man there. I am surprised not to see Marvell Wynne.
MIDFIELDERS (5): Colin Clark (Colorado Rapids), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Nick LaBrocca (Colorado Rapids), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids). there will be some additions to this list. Kljestan, Rico Clark and Mastroeni will likely see time against Guatamala. But did Bradley just call in Colorado's starting midfield? Bradley needs to add an attacking midfielder, with Landon Donovan on a 10 day trial with Bayern Munich, it won't be Landycakes. Stuart Holden anyone? Jose Torres?
FORWARDS (5): Davy Arnaud (Kansas City Wizards), Chad Barrett (Toronto FC), Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas). Can't stand to see Barrett there, but Cooper is finally on teh list and will probably get some minutes and maybe the start.
Given the relatively unimportant nature of the game, might Troy Perkins get the starting nod? I hope so. Now I know that this pool will be supplemented by MLS conference final losers and some European based players, but just on this pool, this could be a starting line-up
--------Cooper----Ching-----------
C. Clark------Kljestan-------LaBrocca
-----------Mastroeni----------------
Bornstein--Goodson--Parkhurst--Franklin
-------------Perkins--------------
Not world beaters, but not a bad crew either.
US MNT Call Ups
Today, U.S. MNT Coach Bob Bradley will unveil a 19 man roster of players he will invite to a training camp in Colorado in advance of a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday November 19 against Guatamala. Expect that this roster will be largely MLS players no longer involved in the playoffs. Since next week is an inernational break, some European based players will be called in, but don't expect it to be the U.S. First Team.
Here are the players I would like to see called into camp:
Keepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Troy Perkins (Valerenga), Matt Reis (New England). I would love to see Jon Busch or Will Hesmer called in later depending on which team, Chicago or Columbus doesn't make it to the MLS Cup final.
Defenders: Marvel Wynne (Toronto), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Danny Califf (Midtjylland), Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday), Ramiro Corrales (San Jose), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Michael Parkhurst (New England), Neven Subotic (Borrussia Dortmund), Jonathan Boornstein (Chivas USA),
Midfielders: Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Stuart Holden (Houston), Matt Taylor (TUS Kobolenz), Ricardo Clark (Houston), Danny Szetela (Brescia), Jose Torres (Pachuca), Mo Edu (Glasgow Rangers), Jorge Flores (Chivas USA), Clyde Simms (DC United), Santino Quaranta (DC United)
Forwards: Kenny Cooper (Dallas); Landon Donovan (L.A. Galaxy), Edson Buddle (L.A. Galaxy), Charlie Davies (Hammarby); Jozy Altidore (Villareal); Jeremiah White (Aarhus), Abdus Ibrahim (Toronto FC)
Of course, not all these players will get called in, but I hope some do, if for no other reason that to give Bradley and the American coaching staff a look at these players. I don't expect to see many of them on the pitch.
While this upcoming game doesn't mean anything for the U.S. to advance to the next round of qualifying, this game means a lot to Guatamala. In order for them to advance to the next round over Trinidad & Tobago, Guatamala must win and then hope the Cubans win over T&T on the same day. If the U.S. win or draw against Guatamala, then then T&T advance to the hexagonal.
Here are the players I would like to see called into camp:
Keepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Troy Perkins (Valerenga), Matt Reis (New England). I would love to see Jon Busch or Will Hesmer called in later depending on which team, Chicago or Columbus doesn't make it to the MLS Cup final.
Defenders: Marvel Wynne (Toronto), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Danny Califf (Midtjylland), Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday), Ramiro Corrales (San Jose), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Michael Parkhurst (New England), Neven Subotic (Borrussia Dortmund), Jonathan Boornstein (Chivas USA),
Midfielders: Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Stuart Holden (Houston), Matt Taylor (TUS Kobolenz), Ricardo Clark (Houston), Danny Szetela (Brescia), Jose Torres (Pachuca), Mo Edu (Glasgow Rangers), Jorge Flores (Chivas USA), Clyde Simms (DC United), Santino Quaranta (DC United)
Forwards: Kenny Cooper (Dallas); Landon Donovan (L.A. Galaxy), Edson Buddle (L.A. Galaxy), Charlie Davies (Hammarby); Jozy Altidore (Villareal); Jeremiah White (Aarhus), Abdus Ibrahim (Toronto FC)
Of course, not all these players will get called in, but I hope some do, if for no other reason that to give Bradley and the American coaching staff a look at these players. I don't expect to see many of them on the pitch.
While this upcoming game doesn't mean anything for the U.S. to advance to the next round of qualifying, this game means a lot to Guatamala. In order for them to advance to the next round over Trinidad & Tobago, Guatamala must win and then hope the Cubans win over T&T on the same day. If the U.S. win or draw against Guatamala, then then T&T advance to the hexagonal.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Good News for Bob Bradley: Subotic Can't Play for Germany
Borussia Dortmund's Neven Subotic, that Yugoslav born, American raised striker, who has been on form for his club and expressing regular interest in playing internationally for Germany (and having interest for Joachim Loew) has been rule ineligible to play for Germany as a naturalized citizen. Subotic had appeared for the US as a U-17 international, but some sort of falling out occurred between Subotic and U.S. Soccer such that Subotic has not been open to calls from Bob Bradley and U.S. Soccer about playing for the Red, White and Blue. Chris Courtney writes:
But here is the problem. Subotic won't see much time for the U.S. in the next couple of years. At 19, he will probably be eligible for the U.S. Olympic team (U-23) for 2012 and is more likely to be a regular come the 2014 World Cup. Bradley has all but penned in his starting back line of Cherundolo, Onyewu, Bocanegra, and Pearce for the 2010 World Cup and certainly for the next round of qualifying. Will Subotic, who regularly sees 90 minutes of time for Borussia Dortmund, be willing to take a back seat for the next four years to Gooch and Boca?
To be sure, I think that there will be some lobbying for Subotic in the next couple of weeks. If Subotic is called in against Guatamala, Bradley's two goals will be to 1) win against the Guatamalan in Denver and 2) cap tie Subotic just like Bradley did with Jose Torres against Cuba.
The basis of the decision is that in 2005, Subotic had played in a U-17 match for the USA. So, after first participating in an international competition, he is ineligible to play only for countries of which he was already a citizen; Serbia or the USA (or possibly Bosnia). Once he plays in a full international match for one of these three countries, he is only eligible to play for them for the rest of his career.Okay, Bob Bradley has some real thinking to do in the next two weeks. Should he campaign to bring in a player who has spurned the U.S.? I think so.
So, will Subotic decide to line up alongside Oguchi Onyewu in central defense for the Stars and Stripes who appear to be cruising toward World Cup Qualification? Will Bob Bradley call him in for the USA's next World Cup qualifier against Guatemala on November 19th?
Or, will he decide to cast his lot with the White Eagles, currently in a 4-way tie for second in a tough qualifying group which includes France, Romania, Austria, and current group leader Lithuania? We may find out soon if coach Radomir Antic calls him in for the November 19th friendly against Bulgaria.
But here is the problem. Subotic won't see much time for the U.S. in the next couple of years. At 19, he will probably be eligible for the U.S. Olympic team (U-23) for 2012 and is more likely to be a regular come the 2014 World Cup. Bradley has all but penned in his starting back line of Cherundolo, Onyewu, Bocanegra, and Pearce for the 2010 World Cup and certainly for the next round of qualifying. Will Subotic, who regularly sees 90 minutes of time for Borussia Dortmund, be willing to take a back seat for the next four years to Gooch and Boca?
To be sure, I think that there will be some lobbying for Subotic in the next couple of weeks. If Subotic is called in against Guatamala, Bradley's two goals will be to 1) win against the Guatamalan in Denver and 2) cap tie Subotic just like Bradley did with Jose Torres against Cuba.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Trinidad & Tobago 2:1 US Men's National Team
Last night in Port of Spain Trinidad, the U.S. dropped not only their first game in 2010 World Cup qualifying but their first game to T&T in 24 years. T&T's first goal was the result of lucky bounce off Brad Guzan's back and the second the result of a penalty kick.
The good thing is that the U.S. is already through to the Hexagonal round. Bob Bradley took the opportunity to try out a young team. You wanted young and here is why playing just young players, no matter how talented, in meaningful games is not always a good idea. The game was meaningful to Trinidad since their victory, combined with a Guatamala loss to Cuba, means that T&T is in the driver's seat to advance to the Hexagonal, they control their own destiny come the final round next month. The group now looks like this:
USA 12 Points
T&T 8 Points
Guatamala 5 Points
Cuba 4 Points
Trinidad faces Cuba in the final match and a draw or a win means they advance. Guatamala has to win to have a chance to advance and T&T has to lose. I am not sure how the tie breakers work.
But the U.S. didn't look great and I think there are three reasons for that beyond simply youth. On the youth matter, the starting 11 had and average age of 23.6 years of age. Take old men Frankie Hejduk (34) and Danny Califf (28) out of the mix and you get an average age of just 22. That is a young squad to field and while I think Bradley had to get these players into get them experience, and many of these players play and have played at the highest levels of professional and youth national team play, they don't have that much experience and that makes a difference. I know that the youngsters need expererience and the only way to get that is to play, but last night demonstrated the reason why the most successful teams on earth have a mix of youth and experience. But as I said, there were three other reasons, other than youth, for their poor performance.
First, the team didn't play well because they haven't trained together. There were several instances where it was obvious that this team has not played together, players were getting in each others' way, passes weren't completed because runs were moving in a different direction than expected, communication was lacking and so forth. This team had been together as a squad for just two full training sessions and game day. Most of these players had not been called in regularly to the national team squad in the past six months and many of these didn't even play together at the Olympics. The results of their lack of comfort together or even knowledge of playing styles were obvious.
Second, it may seem unfair, but this squad knew the result of this game was meaningless for the U.S. Conversely the game was of great importance to the T&T side and it showed in the level of experience that T&T fielded--clearly their first team. I am not saying this team tanked the game, but there were times when the urgency just didn't seem to be present.
Third, Bob Bradley's tactics did not fit this team and this is where the coach is a fault. With this squad on the field, Bradley used essestially his bucket 4-4-2 with the variation of having Adu withdrawn for a sort of five man midfield and that did not suit the talents of this squad. Jose Torres is an attacking midfielder and should not be lining up as a withdrawn midfielder. Sacha Kljestan is not a winger, he is a good midfielder, but not a winger since he lacks the speed and the crossing ability to play a true winger. The midfield was too bunched up with Torres, Adu, and Edu in the middle and Beasley and Kljestan pinching in too far if they are supposed to be wingers. As a result, Heath Pearce and Frankie Hejduk were called upon to do too much on the outside and while Pearce is stepping up, Hejduk's crossing skills looked poor last night.
Bradley should have fielded a different set up than this bucket 4-5-1. A 4-1-4-1 with Edu as a holding midfielder would have been smart or a 3-2-4-1 with a back line of Pearce, Califf and Hejduk and a second line of Orozco and Edu would have put as many players in the midfeild as possible, but freeing up Torres and Adu to work as a striking pair. Even something like a 3-2-3-2 would have looked solid with Adu pushed a little more up top and Torres in the middle. But Bradley likes that four in the back and I don't think it was necessary in this game. This was a squad of attack minded players so let them attack.
Having said all of this, I think the U.S. side did acquit themselves very well despite the above conditions. The first T&T goal was a bit of bad luck, but the team showed character and kept playing. The penalty sucked, but it was a legitimate call. Altidore knew and I think has learned his lesson, a shirt pull when on offense gets a free kick, but the same foul in your own box costs you a game.
Two things I saw last night that I liked, Altidore/Davies and possession. If only for a few minutes, Altidore and Charlie Davies worked well together, combining on the goal, yes, but even at other times. Davies and Altidore are both very fast, quite strong and both are good in the air. With this pair up top, it forces defenses to be more aware of both men, which has the chance to open the defense a little more. This could be a striking partnership for the U.S. that could bring success.
There were many times when the U.S. showed great possession and ball movement, switching the ball from side to side quickly, spreading the defense out and creating the opportunities for more chances. I think that if this squad were to train more together, I think those chances would become real shots on goal.
Player ratings
Guzan--6
Hejduk--5
Califf--6
Orozco--5
Pearce--5
Beasley--5
Torres-7
Adu--6
Edu--6
Kljestan--4
Altidore--6
Subs
Davies--7
Szetela--6
Rolfe--N/A
The good thing is that the U.S. is already through to the Hexagonal round. Bob Bradley took the opportunity to try out a young team. You wanted young and here is why playing just young players, no matter how talented, in meaningful games is not always a good idea. The game was meaningful to Trinidad since their victory, combined with a Guatamala loss to Cuba, means that T&T is in the driver's seat to advance to the Hexagonal, they control their own destiny come the final round next month. The group now looks like this:
USA 12 Points
T&T 8 Points
Guatamala 5 Points
Cuba 4 Points
Trinidad faces Cuba in the final match and a draw or a win means they advance. Guatamala has to win to have a chance to advance and T&T has to lose. I am not sure how the tie breakers work.
But the U.S. didn't look great and I think there are three reasons for that beyond simply youth. On the youth matter, the starting 11 had and average age of 23.6 years of age. Take old men Frankie Hejduk (34) and Danny Califf (28) out of the mix and you get an average age of just 22. That is a young squad to field and while I think Bradley had to get these players into get them experience, and many of these players play and have played at the highest levels of professional and youth national team play, they don't have that much experience and that makes a difference. I know that the youngsters need expererience and the only way to get that is to play, but last night demonstrated the reason why the most successful teams on earth have a mix of youth and experience. But as I said, there were three other reasons, other than youth, for their poor performance.
First, the team didn't play well because they haven't trained together. There were several instances where it was obvious that this team has not played together, players were getting in each others' way, passes weren't completed because runs were moving in a different direction than expected, communication was lacking and so forth. This team had been together as a squad for just two full training sessions and game day. Most of these players had not been called in regularly to the national team squad in the past six months and many of these didn't even play together at the Olympics. The results of their lack of comfort together or even knowledge of playing styles were obvious.
Second, it may seem unfair, but this squad knew the result of this game was meaningless for the U.S. Conversely the game was of great importance to the T&T side and it showed in the level of experience that T&T fielded--clearly their first team. I am not saying this team tanked the game, but there were times when the urgency just didn't seem to be present.
Third, Bob Bradley's tactics did not fit this team and this is where the coach is a fault. With this squad on the field, Bradley used essestially his bucket 4-4-2 with the variation of having Adu withdrawn for a sort of five man midfield and that did not suit the talents of this squad. Jose Torres is an attacking midfielder and should not be lining up as a withdrawn midfielder. Sacha Kljestan is not a winger, he is a good midfielder, but not a winger since he lacks the speed and the crossing ability to play a true winger. The midfield was too bunched up with Torres, Adu, and Edu in the middle and Beasley and Kljestan pinching in too far if they are supposed to be wingers. As a result, Heath Pearce and Frankie Hejduk were called upon to do too much on the outside and while Pearce is stepping up, Hejduk's crossing skills looked poor last night.
Bradley should have fielded a different set up than this bucket 4-5-1. A 4-1-4-1 with Edu as a holding midfielder would have been smart or a 3-2-4-1 with a back line of Pearce, Califf and Hejduk and a second line of Orozco and Edu would have put as many players in the midfeild as possible, but freeing up Torres and Adu to work as a striking pair. Even something like a 3-2-3-2 would have looked solid with Adu pushed a little more up top and Torres in the middle. But Bradley likes that four in the back and I don't think it was necessary in this game. This was a squad of attack minded players so let them attack.
Having said all of this, I think the U.S. side did acquit themselves very well despite the above conditions. The first T&T goal was a bit of bad luck, but the team showed character and kept playing. The penalty sucked, but it was a legitimate call. Altidore knew and I think has learned his lesson, a shirt pull when on offense gets a free kick, but the same foul in your own box costs you a game.
Two things I saw last night that I liked, Altidore/Davies and possession. If only for a few minutes, Altidore and Charlie Davies worked well together, combining on the goal, yes, but even at other times. Davies and Altidore are both very fast, quite strong and both are good in the air. With this pair up top, it forces defenses to be more aware of both men, which has the chance to open the defense a little more. This could be a striking partnership for the U.S. that could bring success.
There were many times when the U.S. showed great possession and ball movement, switching the ball from side to side quickly, spreading the defense out and creating the opportunities for more chances. I think that if this squad were to train more together, I think those chances would become real shots on goal.
Player ratings
Guzan--6
Hejduk--5
Califf--6
Orozco--5
Pearce--5
Beasley--5
Torres-7
Adu--6
Edu--6
Kljestan--4
Altidore--6
Subs
Davies--7
Szetela--6
Rolfe--N/A
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
US MNT Call-Ups
Ives is reporting that forward Robbie Rodgers and midfielder Pablo Mastroeni receved injuries over the weekend and will be replaced by Chicago Fire's Chris Rolfe and Columus Crew's (and DC United Alum) Brian Carroll.
Rodgers wasn't likely to get the start but probably could have gotten a few minutes.
Mastroeni was likely to start at holding midfielder and this puts Bob Bradley in a bit of a quandry. Ives thinks Danny Szetela is likely to get a start and that makes since given that Szetela has been getting loads of minutes in Serie B. However, I think that Bradley will move to something looking like this:
---------Altidore--------------
-----------------Adu-----------
------Torres----------Kljestan
Beasley----------Edu-------
Pearce--Orozco---Califf--Hejduk
---------Guzan---------------
Okay, this lineup is still young and it looks a little odd, but Bob Bradley gave us this look a bit during the Cuba match when Torres first came in. But this set-up is a more likely tactical look, with Beasley playing a little more withdrawn, kind of like an outside defensive midfielder since he is more defensive minded than Torres. Beasley will still be able to bomb up and down the left flank and get into the attack. With the kind of emphasis on the right side, you are likely to see Torres move into the attack a little more and pair with Adu to feed Altidore. Torres has the pace and control to make that happen.
I think the look has potential and it could be very entertaining. Also note that only Kljestan and Hejduk are MLS players and Kljestan probably only for this year before he moves to the next step in his career in Europe, probably in the Netherlands.
Rodgers wasn't likely to get the start but probably could have gotten a few minutes.
Mastroeni was likely to start at holding midfielder and this puts Bob Bradley in a bit of a quandry. Ives thinks Danny Szetela is likely to get a start and that makes since given that Szetela has been getting loads of minutes in Serie B. However, I think that Bradley will move to something looking like this:
---------Altidore--------------
-----------------Adu-----------
------Torres----------Kljestan
Beasley----------Edu-------
Pearce--Orozco---Califf--Hejduk
---------Guzan---------------
Okay, this lineup is still young and it looks a little odd, but Bob Bradley gave us this look a bit during the Cuba match when Torres first came in. But this set-up is a more likely tactical look, with Beasley playing a little more withdrawn, kind of like an outside defensive midfielder since he is more defensive minded than Torres. Beasley will still be able to bomb up and down the left flank and get into the attack. With the kind of emphasis on the right side, you are likely to see Torres move into the attack a little more and pair with Adu to feed Altidore. Torres has the pace and control to make that happen.
I think the look has potential and it could be very entertaining. Also note that only Kljestan and Hejduk are MLS players and Kljestan probably only for this year before he moves to the next step in his career in Europe, probably in the Netherlands.
Monday, October 13, 2008
USA 6:1 Cuba
Yes, the U.S. dominated the game, particularly in the latter stages where fitness and depth of squad becomes an issue.
Yes, the U.S. scored six goals in a feast of twine-tickling with Beasley's brace, and singles from Donovan, Ching, Onyewu and Altidore. The U.S. could have had more with Michael Bradley showing that attacking flair that made his so valuable to Heerenveen last year.
Yes, the youngsters Bradley put into the match Torres (cap-tied him--good), Adu and Altidore showed great promise for the future of the American attack.
Yes, the stalwart defense of Cherundolo, Pearce, Bocanegra and Onyewu shut everything down, well almost.
Yes, I think Bob Bradley did everything right and game us a couple of interesting looks, including a 4-4-2 with no left winger, a 4-3-2-1 with Altidore and Donovan/Adu in attacking positions. Bradley made quality substitutions with players that quite frankly, everyone at that stadium was looking to see.
But let us not kid ourselves, while the U.S. looked strong and dominant, we were playing Cuba, at home, against 10 men for the entire second half. We should have won and won big. Against stronger competition, I think maybe only three of those goals happen, Beasley's first (that was simply a quality surgical pass to put him on goal), Altidore's lone run on goal (again another quality pass that sprung him loose and let him do his speed/strenght routine) and Onyewu's (a quality header on a quality cross). Beasley would not have been abandoned on the back post against a better organized defense for his second goal (although it was a very nifty display of two touch control and shooting), Donovan would never has seen the cross that came to him. And Ching's goal--should have been Kljestan's. Maybe Kljestan would have gotten free on that late run to the back post, but I don't know.
I did appreciate the possession and I surely enjoyed the attacking mindset, but this is so very much anti-Bob Bradley that while I want to see it continue, I am not sure we will in the Hexagonal. Is Bob Bradley starting to see that his players are capable of going at other teams, of attacking and taking the game to the opposition rather than just sitting back and hoping for a counterattack or set piece success.
Here are some positive things I saw:
Midfield play was better than it has been. Beasley and Donovan looked like the pairing they used to be, they work well together and the combination of width, speed and passing make them dangerous. If Beasley stays healthy and gets some playing time with Rangers, I can see this pairing doing well in the hexagonal and beyond.
Torres looked very comfortable. He and Adu will push each other to become better and while the two are very alike in both size (small, quick, compact) and combine great ball skills with superb vision, I would just call this a like for like pair. I would call this a dangerous combination that if you could put this pair and Donovan/Beasley on the field, I think you have a great attacking midfield better than anything in CONCACAF and on par with any national team outside the top 5 (there is not a midfield around better than the Spanish right now)
Brian Ching. I know people want Altidore and I could see an Altidore/Ching combo up top or an Altidore/Dempsey combo up top, but Ching worked well with Donovan and Kljestan in the middle. Ching plays a harrying defensive role and moves well off the ball. He does not have the speed of Altidore, but they share strength and toughness.
Player ratings:
Howard--5 (not much to do, the goal is not really his fault so I fee bad for him.)
Cherundolo--6
Bocanegra--5
Onyewu--5
Pearce--6
Beasley--8
Donovan--7
Kljestan--7
Dempsey--6 (got into the attack well, just got unlucky)
Bradley--7 (I liked seeing him attack more)
Ching--7
Subs
Torres--7
Adu--6
Altidore--7
Yes, the U.S. scored six goals in a feast of twine-tickling with Beasley's brace, and singles from Donovan, Ching, Onyewu and Altidore. The U.S. could have had more with Michael Bradley showing that attacking flair that made his so valuable to Heerenveen last year.
Yes, the youngsters Bradley put into the match Torres (cap-tied him--good), Adu and Altidore showed great promise for the future of the American attack.
Yes, the stalwart defense of Cherundolo, Pearce, Bocanegra and Onyewu shut everything down, well almost.
Yes, I think Bob Bradley did everything right and game us a couple of interesting looks, including a 4-4-2 with no left winger, a 4-3-2-1 with Altidore and Donovan/Adu in attacking positions. Bradley made quality substitutions with players that quite frankly, everyone at that stadium was looking to see.
But let us not kid ourselves, while the U.S. looked strong and dominant, we were playing Cuba, at home, against 10 men for the entire second half. We should have won and won big. Against stronger competition, I think maybe only three of those goals happen, Beasley's first (that was simply a quality surgical pass to put him on goal), Altidore's lone run on goal (again another quality pass that sprung him loose and let him do his speed/strenght routine) and Onyewu's (a quality header on a quality cross). Beasley would not have been abandoned on the back post against a better organized defense for his second goal (although it was a very nifty display of two touch control and shooting), Donovan would never has seen the cross that came to him. And Ching's goal--should have been Kljestan's. Maybe Kljestan would have gotten free on that late run to the back post, but I don't know.
I did appreciate the possession and I surely enjoyed the attacking mindset, but this is so very much anti-Bob Bradley that while I want to see it continue, I am not sure we will in the Hexagonal. Is Bob Bradley starting to see that his players are capable of going at other teams, of attacking and taking the game to the opposition rather than just sitting back and hoping for a counterattack or set piece success.
Here are some positive things I saw:
Midfield play was better than it has been. Beasley and Donovan looked like the pairing they used to be, they work well together and the combination of width, speed and passing make them dangerous. If Beasley stays healthy and gets some playing time with Rangers, I can see this pairing doing well in the hexagonal and beyond.
Torres looked very comfortable. He and Adu will push each other to become better and while the two are very alike in both size (small, quick, compact) and combine great ball skills with superb vision, I would just call this a like for like pair. I would call this a dangerous combination that if you could put this pair and Donovan/Beasley on the field, I think you have a great attacking midfield better than anything in CONCACAF and on par with any national team outside the top 5 (there is not a midfield around better than the Spanish right now)
Brian Ching. I know people want Altidore and I could see an Altidore/Ching combo up top or an Altidore/Dempsey combo up top, but Ching worked well with Donovan and Kljestan in the middle. Ching plays a harrying defensive role and moves well off the ball. He does not have the speed of Altidore, but they share strength and toughness.
Player ratings:
Howard--5 (not much to do, the goal is not really his fault so I fee bad for him.)
Cherundolo--6
Bocanegra--5
Onyewu--5
Pearce--6
Beasley--8
Donovan--7
Kljestan--7
Dempsey--6 (got into the attack well, just got unlucky)
Bradley--7 (I liked seeing him attack more)
Ching--7
Subs
Torres--7
Adu--6
Altidore--7
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