In the latest soccer news: Timidness, poor spacing, lack of effort, and errant passing describe the USMNT in the first 70 minutes of the game. Effort, increased intensity, productive passing, and a valiant comeback offered a glimpse of what took place after the USA conceded their second goal trailing 2-0. If entering a stadium filled with crazed fans and annoying sirens wasn't intimidating enough, conceding an early first half goal proved to be an uphill battle giving momentum to the Salvadorian fans who wreaked havoc all night.
The hard-fought qualifier demonstrated both the good and bad of the match. Although the US battled back from a 2-0 deficit, the defense featured a unfamiliar pairing at center back, the passing and movement off the ball offered little inspiration, and the overall effort level did not exist. It is understandable that Califf and Bocanegra lacked the chemistry that Gooch and Boca have displayed over the past two years. However, Calif fouled in untimely situations and areas on the field exposing the defense in several situations. Was his Argentina performance an aberration? His performance should raise speculation that other center backs must be utilized in the rotation to determine their status amongst Bradley.
The defensive blame should not lye on just one player considering the whole unit inspired the same organization of 6 pm traffic. Although the back line performed below national team standards, Hejduk redeemed himself with a great pass resulting in the first goal. His header salvaged a point for a team that did not deserve to leave that rowdy stadium with any points.
The midfield passing and off-the-ball movement proved frustrating as the team hesitantly waited for an inspirational play to mystically take place. Passing options were limited by El Salvador's proper man-marking and hustle. The US' insistence to funnel the ball to the middle of the field resulted in various costly turnovers leading to counter attacks. After failing from the same tactics repeatedly, the US offensive unit began to utilize the flanks resulting in more space and scoring chances. In the final 25 minutes, Hejduk's flank play proved crucial as he created space for his teammates. In the upcoming game, the midfield must return to the basics of movement without the ball and proper spacing.
The absence of hustle and willingness to out work the opponent validates that the US still needs to bring these intangibles in order to win in CONCACAF. Simply wearing the US soccer crest does not determine the outcome of games as many US supporters witnessed during their uninspirational effort. Suffering from bad touch, poor passing, and suspect striking can be tolerated by some fans, but an unwillingness to fight and scrap is unacceptable to most.
In previous posts, I have mentioned that Landon Donovan needs to drop farther back in the midfield to receive more touches since he proves the inspirational figure who provides creativity to the US attack. In my opinion, Donovan has performed well on the flanks particularly in the games played against Mexico and Poland in 2008. The more touches that Donovan experiences throughout the game delivers a different dynamic to the offense proven by his passing, speed, and vision. I understand that Donovan plays well for his club team in the withdrawn striker position, but many teams shadow him excluding from the offense for stretches during the game. With Beasley playing poor on the left wing, Coach Bradley could insert Dempsey at left wing, where he plays for Fulham, slot Donovan at the right wing, or could switch their flank positions if needed. Whatever tactical decision is administered, Donovan needs more touches for the USA to succeed during away qualifiers.
After struggling for most of the game, the US learned that a high level performance is required for every game regardless of the opponent. Although Jozy Altidore suffers from limited playing time and less than stellar fitness, his late game insertions offer a scoring dynamic that Ching's play fails to produce. Despite demonstrating the hustle and hold-up play that Bradley demands, Ching proves reliable but lacks the scoring prowess of Altidore. Francisco Torres contributed in a positive manner possessing the ball under pressure and switching the point of attack when it proved necessary. His clever move down the left flank to allow for a dangerous cross in the box demonstrated that the youngster bolsters a unique ability to the team. With his second-half inclusion, Gringo Torres offered a cool-collective perspective in the midfield.
Bob Bradley's roster selections and tactics surprised many with the exclusion of Freddy Adu who would have provided the creativity to break down the bunkering Salvadorians. Adding both Mastroeni and Edu to the roster seemed like overkill considering that Bradley had Torres who can play both centrally and slotted left. Freddy Adu's skills would have been ideal for the situation and scenario of the game. I understand that Adu does not offer the work-rate of other players, but while playing away in hostile environments, Freddy Adu, a potential super-sub in these instances, adds that extra dimension against teams that employ defensive oriented and counter-attacking strategies. These qualifiers demonstrate a learning experience for fans, coaches and players. In Bradley's case, let us hope that he can learn from these experiences and gain a better understanding of his team for the remainder qualifiers. Upcoming away games in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Honduras will provide a huge challenge. A similar performance could be costly.
In conclusion, the USA were fortunate to earn a point in El Salvador. Their play resembled a team in reverie, but the final twenty minutes proved that all was not lost. A similar performance will more than likely end in a less favorable result.
What did you think of the performance? Who was the Man-of-the-match? Will the USA still qualify first in the Hexagonal? Who would you like to see start in the upcoming game? Share your thoughts.
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