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
Showing posts with label World Cup 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World Cup 2010. Show all posts
Thursday, February 12, 2009
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.
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
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
U.S. Roster for Trinidad
With advancement to the hexagonal assured, U.S. Men's National Team Coach Bob Bradley named his squad for Wednesday's match in Port of Spain.
GOALKEEPERS: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Troy Perkins (Valerenga IF)
Guzan will obviously get the start and maybe the U.S. can get another clean sheet run going.
DEFENDERS (6): Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Danny Califf (FC Midtjylland), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)
Gone are veterans Onyewu, Bocanegra, and Cherundolo. I would like to have seen Jay DeMerit called in for this but he is down with a hamstring and it is better not to push it too much. Added to the list are MLS players and Orozco from Mexico, so travel is not an issue. This is a good mix of experience and youth, strength speed, lots and lots of speed.
MIDFIELDERS (7): Freddy Adu (AS Monaco), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Maurice Edu (Glasgow Rangers), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), Danny Szetela (Brescia Calcio) José Francisco Torres (Pachuca)
The addition of Mastroeni increases the average age here a little, but it is still a young and exciting midfield. With the addition of Mastroeni, I wonder what will be Bradley's formational choice (more on that below).
FORWARDS (3): Jozy Altidore (Villarreal), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)
Jozy showed in just 20 minutes of play why he is so exciting. He is quick, strong and mobile. He will no doubt get the nod since he earned it on Saturday.
So the question will be, who will start, where and what formation will Bradley use. In all likelihood, I would expect to see a 4-4-2 with a set-up like this:
-------Rodgers-----Altidore----------
Beasley---Adu----Mastroeni-----Kljestan
Pearce---Orozco---Califf-----Hejduk
----------Guzan----------------
Likely subs:
Torres for Beasley
Davies for Rodgers
Wynne for Pearce
What I would like to see is more of a 4-1-4-1 set up like this:
----------Altidore-------------
Rodgers---Torres---Adu----Klejstan
----------Mastroeni--------------
Wynne---Edu---Califf----Hejduk
----------Guzan------------------
Likely Subs:
Davies for Altidore
Beasley for Rodgers
Szetela for Mastroeni (if the U.S. is ahead by two or more)
Szetela for Torres (if the U.S. is ahead by one or less)
This puts onto the field a good mix of experience (Mastroeni and Hejduk) with lots of youth (obviously). This line up keeps only one player on the pitch that started the Cuba match--Kljestan, so there are few concerns about players being tired. But also what it does is put world class speed on the flanks (Kljestan aside, although he is by no means slow of foot) and solid ball control and creativity down the middle with Mastroeni, Adu, and Torres along the spine. Mastroeni is a quality holding midfielder and Bradley can use him well. I would push Edu a little forward of the back line, almost like a 3-2-4-1 and let him use some of those distributional skills he needs to improve. The speed of Wynne and Hejduk can make up for some of the mistakes they may make and we shouldn't worry about those mistakes, that is why you have speedy backs. Wynne may not be as good a crosser of the ball as Pearce may be, but you have to give him a shot.
Additionally, that four man midfield can play anywhere and can move around in order to exploit the Trinidad weaknesses. With Wynne's quite literal world class sprinter speed (see the Toronto FC/NY Red Bull highlights from last week) and Hejduk bombing up and down the flanks, it is possible for the U.S. to overwhelm the Trinidad defense. Rodgers on the left is a dangerous weapon, particularly when paired with Adu/Torres in the middle.
If this squad does well in Trinidad, this is largely the squad I would call for the Guatamala match in November. However, as much as I would like to see Bradley experiment a little, I am not going to go hog wild. I think a 4-4-2 is likely, with maybe Edu instead of Orozco pushing a little forward of the back line. At most I could envision a 4-2-3-1 with Edu and Mastroni in the holding slots. As much as Bradley has a lot of attacking talent on this squad, I simply don't seem him letting them run.
GOALKEEPERS: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Troy Perkins (Valerenga IF)
Guzan will obviously get the start and maybe the U.S. can get another clean sheet run going.
DEFENDERS (6): Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Danny Califf (FC Midtjylland), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)
Gone are veterans Onyewu, Bocanegra, and Cherundolo. I would like to have seen Jay DeMerit called in for this but he is down with a hamstring and it is better not to push it too much. Added to the list are MLS players and Orozco from Mexico, so travel is not an issue. This is a good mix of experience and youth, strength speed, lots and lots of speed.
MIDFIELDERS (7): Freddy Adu (AS Monaco), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Maurice Edu (Glasgow Rangers), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), Danny Szetela (Brescia Calcio) José Francisco Torres (Pachuca)
The addition of Mastroeni increases the average age here a little, but it is still a young and exciting midfield. With the addition of Mastroeni, I wonder what will be Bradley's formational choice (more on that below).
FORWARDS (3): Jozy Altidore (Villarreal), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)
Jozy showed in just 20 minutes of play why he is so exciting. He is quick, strong and mobile. He will no doubt get the nod since he earned it on Saturday.
So the question will be, who will start, where and what formation will Bradley use. In all likelihood, I would expect to see a 4-4-2 with a set-up like this:
-------Rodgers-----Altidore----------
Beasley---Adu----Mastroeni-----Kljestan
Pearce---Orozco---Califf-----Hejduk
----------Guzan----------------
Likely subs:
Torres for Beasley
Davies for Rodgers
Wynne for Pearce
What I would like to see is more of a 4-1-4-1 set up like this:
----------Altidore-------------
Rodgers---Torres---Adu----Klejstan
----------Mastroeni--------------
Wynne---Edu---Califf----Hejduk
----------Guzan------------------
Likely Subs:
Davies for Altidore
Beasley for Rodgers
Szetela for Mastroeni (if the U.S. is ahead by two or more)
Szetela for Torres (if the U.S. is ahead by one or less)
This puts onto the field a good mix of experience (Mastroeni and Hejduk) with lots of youth (obviously). This line up keeps only one player on the pitch that started the Cuba match--Kljestan, so there are few concerns about players being tired. But also what it does is put world class speed on the flanks (Kljestan aside, although he is by no means slow of foot) and solid ball control and creativity down the middle with Mastroeni, Adu, and Torres along the spine. Mastroeni is a quality holding midfielder and Bradley can use him well. I would push Edu a little forward of the back line, almost like a 3-2-4-1 and let him use some of those distributional skills he needs to improve. The speed of Wynne and Hejduk can make up for some of the mistakes they may make and we shouldn't worry about those mistakes, that is why you have speedy backs. Wynne may not be as good a crosser of the ball as Pearce may be, but you have to give him a shot.
Additionally, that four man midfield can play anywhere and can move around in order to exploit the Trinidad weaknesses. With Wynne's quite literal world class sprinter speed (see the Toronto FC/NY Red Bull highlights from last week) and Hejduk bombing up and down the flanks, it is possible for the U.S. to overwhelm the Trinidad defense. Rodgers on the left is a dangerous weapon, particularly when paired with Adu/Torres in the middle.
If this squad does well in Trinidad, this is largely the squad I would call for the Guatamala match in November. However, as much as I would like to see Bradley experiment a little, I am not going to go hog wild. I think a 4-4-2 is likely, with maybe Edu instead of Orozco pushing a little forward of the back line. At most I could envision a 4-2-3-1 with Edu and Mastroni in the holding slots. As much as Bradley has a lot of attacking talent on this squad, I simply don't seem him letting them run.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Ives Galarcep's "Magnificent Seven" Deserving of National Team Call Ups
I cannot argue with any of these except maybe Jeremiah White, who I have not seen in action.
Will Bob Bradley call these guys in for World Cup qualifiers in October? Nope, but maybe for minutes in the final match in November. Certainly they should see a call up for the January U.S. team camp.
So who are they:
Jozy Altidore
Kenny Cooper
Freddy Adu
Charlie Davies
Jeremiah White
Chad Marshall
Robbie Rogers
Again, no arguments from me.
Will Bob Bradley call these guys in for World Cup qualifiers in October? Nope, but maybe for minutes in the final match in November. Certainly they should see a call up for the January U.S. team camp.
So who are they:
Jozy Altidore
Kenny Cooper
Freddy Adu
Charlie Davies
Jeremiah White
Chad Marshall
Robbie Rogers
Again, no arguments from me.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Bob Bradly--Phone Call and Video for You from Spain
Jozy Altidore looked years older than his 18 in his debut for Villareal over the weekend. He was unafraid to take on experience Spanish defenders and beat them regularly. He made a good case for his inclusion in the game squad for the La Liga runners-up, particularly given since he is not on the Champions League roster. He could get regular run-outs for the Yellow Submarine in La Liga and the Cope del Rey this year. Something that other American strikers (see Johnson, Eddie) are getting for their international teams.
How can Bob Bradley ignore a hat trick (I know against a semi-pro team, but it is a hat trick) and a performance like this one. I know Bradley doesn't give a care about what guys like me and other bloggers are saying, but can he really ignore this kind of play for too long?
How can Bob Bradley ignore a hat trick (I know against a semi-pro team, but it is a hat trick) and a performance like this one. I know Bradley doesn't give a care about what guys like me and other bloggers are saying, but can he really ignore this kind of play for too long?
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Ives Obituary for Eddie Johnson's Career
Good line:
90th minute- Kenny Cooper, pick up the white courtesy phone.If only this turns out to be true.
--------------------
89th minute- Here lies the body of Eddie Johnson's national team career. Please pay your respects.
U.S.A. 3:0 Trinidad & Tobago
The Americans scored two first half goals to continue their perfect record in the second round of World Cup Qualifying with a 3-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago in Chicago. The U.S. now stand with nine points in the group and are virtually assured to advance to the hexagonal next year. Next up is Cuba next month at RFK.
Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey and Brian Ching all scored. Bradley scored off a free kick from the left side by Landoon Donovan. Dempsey's second goal in as many games on a solid finish from the right side when DaMarcus Beasley threaded a pass forward past two defenders. In teh second half, DaMarcus Beasley lofted a free kick from the right side to teh back post, Oguchi Onyewu and the Trinidad keeper and the ball was last touched by the keeper and squirted to Brian Ching who has a wide open goal to head the ball into goal.
Bradley made one personnel change from the Cuba match line up, putting Sasha Kljestan into midfield for Maurice Edu.
The Good
The passing/possession game. The U.S. was looking very good moving the ball around, with lots of one touch and two touch play. The passes were largely crisp, but the biggest problem is that much of the passing was forward and back. So a pass forward was almost always matched with a pass backward. I don't mind this so much if it is creating a space for another player to move into and creating more movement, but that wasn't happening. Nor was the ball moved laterally enough. A pass forward and then a quick pass laterally can the be exploited quickly to move forward. At times, this seemed to be ready to happen, but it is like the the U.S. is hesitant to exploit that gaps they create with the quick movement.
Aside from that hiccup, the U.S. looked like it is starting to play with the quick speed, short passing game that can help them compete with eny team around and certainly to dominate the CONCACAF region.
Going for the jugular. The U.S. came to play and to score and to win. That much was obvious as they controlled the ball and attacked, looking to score. While the score line was 3-0, the U.S. made a number of opportunities that save for a some back luck or a pass behind an attacker, more goals were in the offering.
Another Clean Sheet. The U.S. have now gone 540+minutes without allowing a goal. The streak almost came to an end tonight on a sloppily conceded goal, but an offside call saved the streak for Tim Howard/Brad Guzan and the U.S. defense. While Howard was not really challenged in this match, his sharpness throughout the qualifying round has been solid.
Bocanegra and Onyewu. While the defense wasn't tested often, Gooch and Boca didn't just wait for the Trinidad attack to come to them, but stepped up frequently to snuff out attacks at midfield rather than simply waiting for the attack to come to them. In short they looked and acted like a third defensive midfielder. I don't know if this would work against a team with a more organized and talented midfield, but it certainly worked this time.
The Bad
The Bradley Bucket is killing us. Look a 3-0 win is good, but in three games, the U.S. has only five goals in those games including two dominating game performances. While I love seeing Dempsey score and Ching and Bradley getting goals, we are still not finding twine nearly enough to establish a scoring threat on a consistent basis. This is where the Bob Bradley Bucket 4-4-2 is killing us. Yes, we need a holding defensive midfielder, but we don't need two and Bradley is wedded to that concept and it is killing our striking ability. Brian Ching is a good forward, but he cannot work alone. We need to have an attacking central midfielder. The U.S. has the talent to use a formation aking to a 4-1-3-2 and use just one defensive midfielder.
Lack of Energy Created by Subs. Bob Bradley used all three substitutions last night, with Ricardo Clark coming in for Michael Bradley, Eddie Johnson for Brian Ching and later Eddie Lewis for Clint Dempsey. Johnson brought nothing (more on him in a minute), Clark added nothing, he was sloppy with his touch and passing and really didn't work well with Kljestan in the middle. Only steady Eddie Lewis brought energy in 34 year old legs, and contributed to the attack and tried to create some chances. Substitutions need to be strategic and tactical but most of all they need to infuse teh side with energy and that was not present after Bradley made his changes.
Eddie Johnson Should Never Be Called In Again Without Improving Greatly. Around the 85th minute, ESPN showed Eddie Johnson in a close-up and the man was sweating and I wondered why he was sweating. Aside from two blocked shots in the box (which right now I am glad he didn't score), Johnson did very little to earn that sweat. When other players had teh ball, he was not moving, or moved too late, or moved into an offside position. The role of a striker is not just to sit around and wait for service, but to create chances through his movement and he just wasn't moving. Time and time again, I would see Donovan, Beasley, Kljestan, Cherundolo, or Lewis brining the ball up and Johnson trotting around doing nothing as if wondering what he needs to do. Had Johnson scored either of those two blocked shots, he would have been guaranteed call-ups in the future and a spot for someone like Kenny Cooper, Charlie Davies or Edson Buddle, all guys with a real work ethic, would have been wasted on a void.
Player ratings
Tim Howard--6. Not tested a lot but really commanded his box, just like he should.
Steve Cherudolo--6. Also not tested, but made solid runs on attack and good crosses.
Carlos Bocanegra--6. Steadiness defined.
Oguchi Onyewu--6. Again steady, and I like the effort to stop attacks early.
Heath Pearce--6. I worry about his pace sometimes, but not last night.
DaMarcus Beasley--6. Another 90 minutes and you can see his touch and confidence return.
Micheal Bradley--7. Not as sloppy and combined well with Kljestan. Seems to be getting better at anticipating the play.
Sasha Klejstan--7. A breath of fresh air in the midfield. He was improperly used and should have been more of an attacking midfielder, but a good performance.
Clint Dempsey--7. Another player who looks to be getting his confidence back (two goals will do that for you). Still a little shaky sometimes on the first touch, but a good performance.
Landon Donovan--6. A bit more creative and a bit more active this game, but I need more.
Brian Ching--7. Say what you want about his pace (or lack thereof), right now there is no striker working harder and probably why he deserves his starting role.
Subs
Eddie Lewis--6. Reliable, energetic and active in his short appearance. While I wonder if he will be around in two years, I can't fault his effort.
Ricardo Clark--5. See above, needs a better first touch and less sloppiness on his play.
Eddie Johnson--3. See above.
All in all, a good performance before a crowd that never let the U.S. down, they were active and loud all game long. I wish it had been a sell out, but it is qualifying.
Next up, Cuba on October 11.
Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey and Brian Ching all scored. Bradley scored off a free kick from the left side by Landoon Donovan. Dempsey's second goal in as many games on a solid finish from the right side when DaMarcus Beasley threaded a pass forward past two defenders. In teh second half, DaMarcus Beasley lofted a free kick from the right side to teh back post, Oguchi Onyewu and the Trinidad keeper and the ball was last touched by the keeper and squirted to Brian Ching who has a wide open goal to head the ball into goal.
Bradley made one personnel change from the Cuba match line up, putting Sasha Kljestan into midfield for Maurice Edu.
The Good
The passing/possession game. The U.S. was looking very good moving the ball around, with lots of one touch and two touch play. The passes were largely crisp, but the biggest problem is that much of the passing was forward and back. So a pass forward was almost always matched with a pass backward. I don't mind this so much if it is creating a space for another player to move into and creating more movement, but that wasn't happening. Nor was the ball moved laterally enough. A pass forward and then a quick pass laterally can the be exploited quickly to move forward. At times, this seemed to be ready to happen, but it is like the the U.S. is hesitant to exploit that gaps they create with the quick movement.
Aside from that hiccup, the U.S. looked like it is starting to play with the quick speed, short passing game that can help them compete with eny team around and certainly to dominate the CONCACAF region.
Going for the jugular. The U.S. came to play and to score and to win. That much was obvious as they controlled the ball and attacked, looking to score. While the score line was 3-0, the U.S. made a number of opportunities that save for a some back luck or a pass behind an attacker, more goals were in the offering.
Another Clean Sheet. The U.S. have now gone 540+minutes without allowing a goal. The streak almost came to an end tonight on a sloppily conceded goal, but an offside call saved the streak for Tim Howard/Brad Guzan and the U.S. defense. While Howard was not really challenged in this match, his sharpness throughout the qualifying round has been solid.
Bocanegra and Onyewu. While the defense wasn't tested often, Gooch and Boca didn't just wait for the Trinidad attack to come to them, but stepped up frequently to snuff out attacks at midfield rather than simply waiting for the attack to come to them. In short they looked and acted like a third defensive midfielder. I don't know if this would work against a team with a more organized and talented midfield, but it certainly worked this time.
The Bad
The Bradley Bucket is killing us. Look a 3-0 win is good, but in three games, the U.S. has only five goals in those games including two dominating game performances. While I love seeing Dempsey score and Ching and Bradley getting goals, we are still not finding twine nearly enough to establish a scoring threat on a consistent basis. This is where the Bob Bradley Bucket 4-4-2 is killing us. Yes, we need a holding defensive midfielder, but we don't need two and Bradley is wedded to that concept and it is killing our striking ability. Brian Ching is a good forward, but he cannot work alone. We need to have an attacking central midfielder. The U.S. has the talent to use a formation aking to a 4-1-3-2 and use just one defensive midfielder.
Lack of Energy Created by Subs. Bob Bradley used all three substitutions last night, with Ricardo Clark coming in for Michael Bradley, Eddie Johnson for Brian Ching and later Eddie Lewis for Clint Dempsey. Johnson brought nothing (more on him in a minute), Clark added nothing, he was sloppy with his touch and passing and really didn't work well with Kljestan in the middle. Only steady Eddie Lewis brought energy in 34 year old legs, and contributed to the attack and tried to create some chances. Substitutions need to be strategic and tactical but most of all they need to infuse teh side with energy and that was not present after Bradley made his changes.
Eddie Johnson Should Never Be Called In Again Without Improving Greatly. Around the 85th minute, ESPN showed Eddie Johnson in a close-up and the man was sweating and I wondered why he was sweating. Aside from two blocked shots in the box (which right now I am glad he didn't score), Johnson did very little to earn that sweat. When other players had teh ball, he was not moving, or moved too late, or moved into an offside position. The role of a striker is not just to sit around and wait for service, but to create chances through his movement and he just wasn't moving. Time and time again, I would see Donovan, Beasley, Kljestan, Cherundolo, or Lewis brining the ball up and Johnson trotting around doing nothing as if wondering what he needs to do. Had Johnson scored either of those two blocked shots, he would have been guaranteed call-ups in the future and a spot for someone like Kenny Cooper, Charlie Davies or Edson Buddle, all guys with a real work ethic, would have been wasted on a void.
Player ratings
Tim Howard--6. Not tested a lot but really commanded his box, just like he should.
Steve Cherudolo--6. Also not tested, but made solid runs on attack and good crosses.
Carlos Bocanegra--6. Steadiness defined.
Oguchi Onyewu--6. Again steady, and I like the effort to stop attacks early.
Heath Pearce--6. I worry about his pace sometimes, but not last night.
DaMarcus Beasley--6. Another 90 minutes and you can see his touch and confidence return.
Micheal Bradley--7. Not as sloppy and combined well with Kljestan. Seems to be getting better at anticipating the play.
Sasha Klejstan--7. A breath of fresh air in the midfield. He was improperly used and should have been more of an attacking midfielder, but a good performance.
Clint Dempsey--7. Another player who looks to be getting his confidence back (two goals will do that for you). Still a little shaky sometimes on the first touch, but a good performance.
Landon Donovan--6. A bit more creative and a bit more active this game, but I need more.
Brian Ching--7. Say what you want about his pace (or lack thereof), right now there is no striker working harder and probably why he deserves his starting role.
Subs
Eddie Lewis--6. Reliable, energetic and active in his short appearance. While I wonder if he will be around in two years, I can't fault his effort.
Ricardo Clark--5. See above, needs a better first touch and less sloppiness on his play.
Eddie Johnson--3. See above.
All in all, a good performance before a crowd that never let the U.S. down, they were active and loud all game long. I wish it had been a sell out, but it is qualifying.
Next up, Cuba on October 11.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Bob Bradley and Qualifying
After two dismal performances on the road in World Cup Qualifying, there is absolutely no way that Bob Bradley is going to change styles on us. Don't look for any real changes to the line up. I suspect Steve Cherundolo will play rather than Frankie Hejduk (all evidence pointing to the opposite conclusion as Hejduk must get energy from just thinking about surfing). Other than that, I don't expect to see any changes to the line-up that played in Havana. Which is leading to a problem for me.
The U.S. will get through to the next round of qualifying. Sitting at six points all they need really is a win and and a draw in their next four games to advance. Three of those games are at home, so the odds are really good that the U.S. will get more than one win. Two wins and a draw between Trinidad and Guatamala and this group is done and dusted and everyone else is playing for second. Even if Trinidad or Guatamala defeat the other, the U.S. only need a draw against them to win the group.
the biggest problme for the U.S. at this point is the lack of a scoring threat, a real, every game scoring threat. We just don't have it. One of the recent comments I have seen about Kenny Cooper and I don't know if it was intended to be a criticism is that the man shoots from everywhere, inside the penalty area, outside the area from 25 years out, left side, right side, whereever. Of course that is not Bob Bradley ball (which explains why Cooper is not on the squad). But Bob Bradley is a guy who studies the numbers, studies the angles and must surely know that in order to score goals, you actually have to shoot the ball at the net. Can Cooper be a good target man a la Brian McBride? Yes, but that is a waste of his talent. The problem is the Bradley wants a McBride II and not an attacking brand of football.
If the Euros taught us nothing, they taught us this, possession without attack is not only boring, but dangerous. Compare France/Italy with Spain/Russia/Netherlands and you will get my point. The U.S. can pass the ball around the permimeter quite well, but they are not going to attack, because attack demands risk and risk is something that Bob Bradley avoids like the plague.
If the U.S. win tomorrow night against Trinidad, there will be no change in the U.S. tactics, period, end of story, see you in South Africa where we will likely get trounced. The youngsters that Bradley is avoiding naming to his squad all play that style of play that demands finesse, attacking, going at defenders as playing well, attractive football. That is something that Bradley just can't stomach so players like Adu, Altidore, Cooper, Charlie Davies, Stuart Holden, Robbie Rodgers, Danny Szetela and others sit on the sidelines, hoping they will get a shot after the 2010 world Cup.
In short, while I will take the wins on the road, all they have done is validated Bob Bradley's system, but they have not proven that the U.S. is ready for top level play against the best in the world.
We should be racking up teh goals, from lots of different players, so as to prove to the world that we not only play defense, but we are a threat to score when we step on the pitch. But don't count on that anytime until after 2010, cause Bob don't play that game.
The U.S. will get through to the next round of qualifying. Sitting at six points all they need really is a win and and a draw in their next four games to advance. Three of those games are at home, so the odds are really good that the U.S. will get more than one win. Two wins and a draw between Trinidad and Guatamala and this group is done and dusted and everyone else is playing for second. Even if Trinidad or Guatamala defeat the other, the U.S. only need a draw against them to win the group.
the biggest problme for the U.S. at this point is the lack of a scoring threat, a real, every game scoring threat. We just don't have it. One of the recent comments I have seen about Kenny Cooper and I don't know if it was intended to be a criticism is that the man shoots from everywhere, inside the penalty area, outside the area from 25 years out, left side, right side, whereever. Of course that is not Bob Bradley ball (which explains why Cooper is not on the squad). But Bob Bradley is a guy who studies the numbers, studies the angles and must surely know that in order to score goals, you actually have to shoot the ball at the net. Can Cooper be a good target man a la Brian McBride? Yes, but that is a waste of his talent. The problem is the Bradley wants a McBride II and not an attacking brand of football.
If the Euros taught us nothing, they taught us this, possession without attack is not only boring, but dangerous. Compare France/Italy with Spain/Russia/Netherlands and you will get my point. The U.S. can pass the ball around the permimeter quite well, but they are not going to attack, because attack demands risk and risk is something that Bob Bradley avoids like the plague.
If the U.S. win tomorrow night against Trinidad, there will be no change in the U.S. tactics, period, end of story, see you in South Africa where we will likely get trounced. The youngsters that Bradley is avoiding naming to his squad all play that style of play that demands finesse, attacking, going at defenders as playing well, attractive football. That is something that Bradley just can't stomach so players like Adu, Altidore, Cooper, Charlie Davies, Stuart Holden, Robbie Rodgers, Danny Szetela and others sit on the sidelines, hoping they will get a shot after the 2010 world Cup.
In short, while I will take the wins on the road, all they have done is validated Bob Bradley's system, but they have not proven that the U.S. is ready for top level play against the best in the world.
We should be racking up teh goals, from lots of different players, so as to prove to the world that we not only play defense, but we are a threat to score when we step on the pitch. But don't count on that anytime until after 2010, cause Bob don't play that game.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Cuba 0:1 USA Men's National Team
With Hurricane Ike bearing down on Cuba and the U.S. visiting and playing in Cuba for the first time in 61 years, the U.S. Men's National Team grabbed another three points to leap to the top of the group in World Cup Qualyfing. A U.S. midfilelder or striker finally scored with the lone goal coming from Clint Dempsey in the 40th minute.
Here was teh U.S. line up, a surprising 4-5-1 by Bob Bradley.
------------Ching---------------
Beasely----Donovan------Dempsey
------Bradley------Edu----------
Pearce--Bocanegra--Onyewu--Hejduk
----------Howard----------------
The Good.
The Road Win. The win over the Cubans gives the U.S. six points after two road games. Given that the U.S. has played arguably their most difficult road game in Guatamala. I think the U.S. probably hoped to finish these two games with four points. Getting two wins on the road and three of the last four games in the group at home, the U.S. clearly has to be in the driver's seat for the group.
Possession. The U.S. had it in spades in the second half. But this is as much a result of the Cubans simply being worn down by the fitness of the U.S. Cuba had made their three subs by the 60th minute and the U.S. made one sub in the 75th mninute or so. The U.S. had lots of good combinations and move the ball around well. Toward the end of the match it looked more like a training session for the U.S. and that will be covered in a bit.
Howard, Bocanegra and Onyewu. The U.S. defense looked great. Good positioning, great coverage as Hejduk and Pearce reguarly went forward. Granted, the Cuban 5-4-1 didn't look like they would challenge much, but they did get a few chances. Howard made two key saves in teh second half, including one off a deflection from Bocanegra that was clearly going in the net.
The Heh.
Attacking players too deep. There was not a great deal of testing done on teh U.S. Defense, so I am not sure that I was that impressed with how teh U.S. handled their work in the midfield. I would like to have seen more from the Donovan,Ching, Dempsey, Beasley combination, but both Donovan and Beasley were coming back too deep to collect the ball instead of letting Bradley and Edu do the dirty work and feed them.
Beasely. It was good to see DaMarcus Beasley get 90 minutes. I don't know what was going on with his boots but he changed them at half-time (not that unusual) but also changed them during teh second half. Beasley was getting forward and got caught offside a couple of times (1 was just barely offside, but he was off). Beasley blew a chance when he beat the Cuban keeper who was way out of position and all Beasley needed to do after he cut back was to slot a simple, side of the foot shot into the near post but he bungled it wide to the far post.
Donovan. For the man who is supposed to be a creative force in the midfield, he was absent for long stretches of the match. there were a couple of great combinations with Dempsey and Hejduk in the first half and couple with Ching in the second half. But if bob Bradley is going to use Donovan as a creative force, he needs to be doing more with the ball and off the ball, making himself available. I am not seeing it and I am not happy.
Bob Bradley. I like the fact that he put in a 4-5-1 with a three attacking midfiled. I think Ching is a good target man, not a great one, but his workrate was impressive. With this formation, putting Dempsey out wide is a better use of his skill and the combination of Beasely, Donovan and Dempsey have the capacity for creativity. Bradley did well with getting his team in a position to hold the ball well. I still want to see a true target man like Kenny Cooper up top and I want to see Freddy Adu in the midfield to create more.
The Bad
Lack of Killer instinct. The U.S. probably had 75% of the possession in the second half and clearly had control of the game, but I want to see the U.S. attack. I blame Bob Bradley for this as i am sure that he instructed his squad to hold the ball, even if it means sacrificing attacking opportunities. This style of play is not going to win in the hexagonal or in the World Cup. The possession, attack minded sides are going to shred the U.S. unless we start taking opportunities and making opportunities for goals. Yes, the U.S. had a few opportunities but with the amount of possession there needed to be more.
Holding Midfielders. I know that Michael Bradley and Mo Edu are young and I can understand the pairing. They both offer great speed, decent ability to read the game and intense work rate. However, they need to improve their ability to actually hold and distribute the ball. Both of them were dispossesed far to frequently. I think their fialings to hold and distribute the ball is what causes Donovan to come back to deep. Beasley does it as a matter of routine, but he shouldn't need to. If Bob Bradley is going to use this dual holding midfielder role, Michael Bradley and Mo Edu are going to have to really work at their first touch and distribution skills.
Player ratings
Howard--7
Hejduk--6
Onyewu--7
Bocanegra--6
Pearce--6
Edu--5
Bradley--5
Beasley--6
Donovan--5
Dempsey--7
Ching--7
Subs
Kljestan--5
Next Up. Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday at Toyota Park in Bridgeview (Chicago), Illinois.
Here was teh U.S. line up, a surprising 4-5-1 by Bob Bradley.
------------Ching---------------
Beasely----Donovan------Dempsey
------Bradley------Edu----------
Pearce--Bocanegra--Onyewu--Hejduk
----------Howard----------------
The Good.
The Road Win. The win over the Cubans gives the U.S. six points after two road games. Given that the U.S. has played arguably their most difficult road game in Guatamala. I think the U.S. probably hoped to finish these two games with four points. Getting two wins on the road and three of the last four games in the group at home, the U.S. clearly has to be in the driver's seat for the group.
Possession. The U.S. had it in spades in the second half. But this is as much a result of the Cubans simply being worn down by the fitness of the U.S. Cuba had made their three subs by the 60th minute and the U.S. made one sub in the 75th mninute or so. The U.S. had lots of good combinations and move the ball around well. Toward the end of the match it looked more like a training session for the U.S. and that will be covered in a bit.
Howard, Bocanegra and Onyewu. The U.S. defense looked great. Good positioning, great coverage as Hejduk and Pearce reguarly went forward. Granted, the Cuban 5-4-1 didn't look like they would challenge much, but they did get a few chances. Howard made two key saves in teh second half, including one off a deflection from Bocanegra that was clearly going in the net.
The Heh.
Attacking players too deep. There was not a great deal of testing done on teh U.S. Defense, so I am not sure that I was that impressed with how teh U.S. handled their work in the midfield. I would like to have seen more from the Donovan,Ching, Dempsey, Beasley combination, but both Donovan and Beasley were coming back too deep to collect the ball instead of letting Bradley and Edu do the dirty work and feed them.
Beasely. It was good to see DaMarcus Beasley get 90 minutes. I don't know what was going on with his boots but he changed them at half-time (not that unusual) but also changed them during teh second half. Beasley was getting forward and got caught offside a couple of times (1 was just barely offside, but he was off). Beasley blew a chance when he beat the Cuban keeper who was way out of position and all Beasley needed to do after he cut back was to slot a simple, side of the foot shot into the near post but he bungled it wide to the far post.
Donovan. For the man who is supposed to be a creative force in the midfield, he was absent for long stretches of the match. there were a couple of great combinations with Dempsey and Hejduk in the first half and couple with Ching in the second half. But if bob Bradley is going to use Donovan as a creative force, he needs to be doing more with the ball and off the ball, making himself available. I am not seeing it and I am not happy.
Bob Bradley. I like the fact that he put in a 4-5-1 with a three attacking midfiled. I think Ching is a good target man, not a great one, but his workrate was impressive. With this formation, putting Dempsey out wide is a better use of his skill and the combination of Beasely, Donovan and Dempsey have the capacity for creativity. Bradley did well with getting his team in a position to hold the ball well. I still want to see a true target man like Kenny Cooper up top and I want to see Freddy Adu in the midfield to create more.
The Bad
Lack of Killer instinct. The U.S. probably had 75% of the possession in the second half and clearly had control of the game, but I want to see the U.S. attack. I blame Bob Bradley for this as i am sure that he instructed his squad to hold the ball, even if it means sacrificing attacking opportunities. This style of play is not going to win in the hexagonal or in the World Cup. The possession, attack minded sides are going to shred the U.S. unless we start taking opportunities and making opportunities for goals. Yes, the U.S. had a few opportunities but with the amount of possession there needed to be more.
Holding Midfielders. I know that Michael Bradley and Mo Edu are young and I can understand the pairing. They both offer great speed, decent ability to read the game and intense work rate. However, they need to improve their ability to actually hold and distribute the ball. Both of them were dispossesed far to frequently. I think their fialings to hold and distribute the ball is what causes Donovan to come back to deep. Beasley does it as a matter of routine, but he shouldn't need to. If Bob Bradley is going to use this dual holding midfielder role, Michael Bradley and Mo Edu are going to have to really work at their first touch and distribution skills.
Player ratings
Howard--7
Hejduk--6
Onyewu--7
Bocanegra--6
Pearce--6
Edu--5
Bradley--5
Beasley--6
Donovan--5
Dempsey--7
Ching--7
Subs
Kljestan--5
Next Up. Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday at Toyota Park in Bridgeview (Chicago), Illinois.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Jimmy Bullard Hopes to Get a Cap for England
FOX Sports has a story on Bullard. If Bullard gets a cap, it will be quite a jewel in his crown. At 29, Bullard is on the older side, but as Fox points out, nine years ago, Bullard was playing non-league football and working as a house painter with his father. Two years ago, Bullard suffered a horrific knee injury whilst playing for Fulham against Newcastle United. Five years ago that would have been a career ending injury.
Bullard came back to the Whites toward the end of last season and helped Fulham in the Great Escape. This year, Bullard has been in top form and playing well, which earned him a call from Fabio Capello.
I don't think Bullard will start against Andorra, but I do hope he gets a run out, even if only for 15 or 20 minutes.
Bullard came back to the Whites toward the end of last season and helped Fulham in the Great Escape. This year, Bullard has been in top form and playing well, which earned him a call from Fabio Capello.
Bullard admits he could have been playing golf at England's hotel retreat in Hertfordshire this Saturday had he not been preparing for Capello's first competitive match as England coach.Ah, if only all players playing for their nation would have as much of a positive outlook as Bullard. I have no doubt that if he gets the call to step on the pitch Bullard will give 100% every minute, it is just his style of play. Maybe having a non-prima donna in the dressing room will be enough for England to start snapping out of their collective funk.
But he is determined to adopt his usual policy of "playing with a smile on my face", although that philosophy made by rudely shattered if England fail to deliver the goods in the Olympic Stadium.
Bullard said: "This Saturday I would have had a rest weekend, played a bit of golf and fishing, might have been here at the team hotel. I've played golf here a few times.
"But it is better being here wearing the 'three lions' on my tracksuit.
"I have always love watching the England games - at my mum and dad's house, my house. Now it is great to be a part of it.
"Has it been frustrated watching England? You have frustrating times in all kinds of sports, especially football. The pressure is here for everyone to see.
"As a fan it is totally different coming in to being involved. But I was not nervous, I was anxious to get out there on the pitch. I feel comfortable on the pitch, playing football is where I feel my most comfortable."
Bullard admitted: "I hope I am liked. I play my football with a smile on my face. That is how I play my best football. I can't get too uptight.
"I just go out there and enjoy my football and enjoy life. It is as simple as I can put it. It is great for the fans to like you. That is what you aim for. It is good. I'll always play with a smile on my face."
I don't think Bullard will start against Andorra, but I do hope he gets a run out, even if only for 15 or 20 minutes.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Landon Donovan Doesn't Do History or Math
In advance of the U.S. World Cup Qualifier against Cuba on Saturday, Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl has this story about Landon Donovan. Two things struck me.
First, was this about the match being held in Cuba:
Second was this little bit on the Guatamala match and the U.S.'s performance depsite the win:
First, was this about the match being held in Cuba:
"It's awesome," Donovan said of the trip. "I don't know the full implications of what it means to be in Cuba, what it means to play in Cuba, and I think I underestimate maybe how strange it's going to be to be there. The more I talk to people, the more I hear stuff like we can't use credit cards there, we can't use American cash. It's like, 'Where the hell are we going? Mars?'"How stupid. The U.S. has not played Cuba on Cuban soil since 1947, that is 12 years before Castro or 61 years for Donovan. My father was all of age one during that last game and my mother hadn't even been born yet, and I am 14 years older than Donovan, so chances are teh last time teh U.S. played Cuba in Cuba was before Donovan's parents were born. It doesn't take a Ph.D. in history to understand the history and political overtones of this game. Hey Landon, pick up a history book will ya.
Second was this little bit on the Guatamala match and the U.S.'s performance depsite the win:
"We still have to learn how to play in these games," Donovan said. "You could tell we were naïve against Guatemala because we had a lot of young players on the field. The good thing is we got that experience and we won. Even with Steve, someone who's as experienced as anyone out there, you can still make two dumb plays and the refs are waiting to throw you out. So we've got to get better at that."Yes, Cherundolo made at least 1 dumb move (the first card should have been handled with a verbal warning rather than a yellow card). But "young players on the field?" Was Donovan at teh same game I watched? The Fullback Files has done the math for me:
Uh, Landon? Let's take a look at the roster, shall we . . . ?So maybe Landon Donovan needs a high school refresher (or middle school refresher) course.
Tim Howard - 29, 32 caps
Heath Pearce - 24, 17 caps
Oguchi Onyewu - 26, 35 caps
Carlos Bocanegra - 29, 59 caps
Steve Cherundolo - 29, 49 caps
Landon Donovan - 26, 102 caps
Michael Bradley - 21, 22 caps
Pablo Mastroeni - 31, 60 caps
Eddie Lewis - 34, 81 caps
Brian Ching - 30, 28 caps
Clint Dempsey - 25, 43 caps
(17-DaMarcus Beasley, 65) - 26, 78 caps
(2-Frankie Hejduk, 65) - 34, 79 caps
(Maurice Edu, 78) - 22, 8 caps
By my math, that makes the average squad age 27.6 years old, and the players average 49.5 caps between them. There are more guys in their 30's (4) than there are under 25 (3). Add to those numbers the fact that all but three of those fourteen players were a significant part of qualifying last time around, and the naivete claim is almost mind-boggling.
Bob Bradley On the Roster
From Goff and it ain't much.
Goff is right, Bradley doesn't go into great detail, but that doesn't mean he is above getting stick for some of his offensive choices.
About Orozco, Wynne and Hejduk:
On the attacking players, we get bubkis:
What rubbish!!!
The Bradley (and Arena) style of soccer is dead on the international level and the Euros should prove it. Watch other regional qualifying and you will see. The U.S. plays like England and see how England fares as qualifying moves forward.
Goff is right, Bradley doesn't go into great detail, but that doesn't mean he is above getting stick for some of his offensive choices.
About Orozco, Wynne and Hejduk:
"Marvell comes off a good Olympics. Cuba presents some challenges physically, so in that regard, Marvell handles those kinds of challenges very well. Mexico is on the FIFA calendar, [so Orozco is available] and it's a chance of getting him into his first national team camp, getting him a little bit comfortable with it. I wouldn't go too much into that one."I buy it and I think it is a good reason to choose Wynne and Orozco. Hejduk saw action in Guatamala and usually looks good.
On the attacking players, we get bubkis:
"I am not going to talk about all the players. When you pick a roster, you take all sorts of things into consideration and every roster says a lot of different things. I guess if I were to say one quick thing about young players is that we are always watching, we are always keeping track of how they are doing and we always are trying to continue to move the players who have earned the opportunities along at the right speed. Sometimes decisions go a certain way for different reasons when you put a roster together, sometimes they go another way. I don't think it's wise to get into the details of any of that, but all of it gets put in there together and we go from there."Read: I didn't pick 'em because I am not an attacking style of coach and therefore I am not going to pick a squad of attack minded players like Adu or Altidore until the heat for U.S. Soccer gets so intense that I fear for my job. I like Ching, Donovan, Eddie Johnson, Dempsey and Dononvan and nothing these kids say or do will change my mind. The only reason to pick Adu or Altidore is if they start lighting it up in France and Spain with multi-goal games.
What rubbish!!!
The Bradley (and Arena) style of soccer is dead on the international level and the Euros should prove it. Watch other regional qualifying and you will see. The U.S. plays like England and see how England fares as qualifying moves forward.
Another Reason to Like Jimmy Bullard
As reported by Soccerlens, he seems genuinely happy to be representing his country.
Bob Bradley, take note.
Watching England press conferences is a wonderful way of invoking a spooky sense of deja vu. The players sit looking like they would rather be somewhere else, going through the motions of rolling out the same old meaningless clichés, and generally leave it to their journalistic opposition to take the initiative.That is what I like to see, a man who is playing well and is excited about being named to his nation's squad.
It is an interesting analogy for the attitude the current England team seems to carry with it on the pitch. But that could be about to change.
Jimmy Bullard battled through his press conference yesterday barely able to conceal a huge grin and checking his tracksuit badge at regular intervals to make sure it wasn’t all a dream. The Fulham man is in the squad on merit. His return from injury last season gave the Cottagers the impetus to avoid relegation and he has looked in great form at the start of the new campaign.
Bob Bradley, take note.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Jimmy Bullard Selected for England
Great News for Fulham as midfielder and creative force Jimmy Bullard has been named to the England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
That Fabio Capello named Beckham is something of a joke given his form with the Galaxy, but there is no denying the Bullard is playing well and has earned a shot for the Three Lions.
Congrats Jimmy!!!
That Fabio Capello named Beckham is something of a joke given his form with the Galaxy, but there is no denying the Bullard is playing well and has earned a shot for the Three Lions.
Congrats Jimmy!!!
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