Soccer Goals: After a thoroughly disappointing loss to Germany that witnessed the U-20 USMNT defense concede three goals and multiple passing turnovers, the U-20 side demonstrated the side that all US supporters had hoped for, a team that can score, hold possession, and play with heart. Against Cameroon, they did, winning 4-1.
Soccer Videos: Highlights and Post game interviews from the USA vs Cameroon 4-1 win.
New life and instrumental play arose from changes that Thomas Rongen would make in the starting Xl, inserting Sheanon Williams, Bryan Arguez, Danny Cruz, and Dilly Duka. Energy, solid possession, and hustle exhibited itself, as the U-20 crew offered a glimpse of their potential when they play with conviction.
In a similar fashion, the 2007 U-20 squad started out poorly against South Korea earning a draw and severe criticism but gained momentum, defeating Poland and Brazil to earn top spot in their group. Will this team do the same or will they fall flat on their face against South Korea? Last night's game suggests that they will play better than they did against Germany.
Despite playing a compact formation allowing Cameroon more possession than the USA, it was evident from the beginning that this squad performance would be different. Stringing together passes, hustling for loose balls, and countering with authority demonstrated their competitiveness and desire to triumph after their first game debacle. As the US began to enjoy several strong attacking sequences at the end of the first half, the U-20 gang drew first blood in first half stoppage time from a Dilly Duka set-piece kick, that found Ike Opara who headed at goal as the shot-on-goal was ushered away by the keeper. Tony Taylor settled the saved ball, cut towards goal, and passed the ball to Bryan Arguez who sent the ball high reaching the roof of the net. Goal, USA 1-0.
Searching for the equalizer, Cameroon marched numbers forward leaving their back line exposed. After conceding possession in the midfield. Jared Jeffrey directed Dilly Duka forward with a probing pass on a break away. Duka streaking down the middle, calmly waited for a surging Tony Taylor setting him up for an easy tap-in goal. Although the Cameroonians turned up the offensive dial, attacking in numbers, the US held firm patiently, countering swiftly and taking advantage of their opposition, when Dilly Duka sent a 25-yard chip volley that tricked the keeper and had many fans wondering: Was it a shot or a cross?
After conceding a cheap and questionable penalty to Cameroon, Brian Ownby increased the lead in stoppage time, redeeming himself after his sub-par performance against Germany. A few minutes later, his play as the lone forward almost resulted in another goal but a sprinting Cameroon defender ushered his shot out of bounds with a lunging effort.
Although the US did not display the most beautiful possessional and attacking soccer, the performance was a complete upgrade from their previous game. Finishing their goal-scoring opportunities will be crucial against South Korea, who should offer a more organized presence, when they face the USA on Friday. A draw or a win for the USA should advance them to the next round. A US victory and a Germany/Cameroon draw would crown the US as king of the group.
Player Grades
Brian Perk, Gk, 7 -- With a strong back line supporting him, the UCLA standout shined in his Cameroon encounter. Strong distribution, sure-handed saves, and confidence were on display for the US net minder.
Sheanon Williams, D, 5.5 -- His pace, defensive tenacity, and discipline proved to be an upgrade over Gerson Mayen. Having Daniel Cruz on his side did not hurt matters. Even though Cameroon pushed forward in numbers, the speedy right back held his own. His distribution needs improvement but performed well under the circumstances.
Gale Agbossoumonde, D, 6.5 -- was impressive distributing and holding possession. His defensive attributes were on full display. In the last game, I did not understand what the hype was all about, but I now I understand: He is only 17-years old. His aerial presence was huge, as he ushered away several dangerous crosses.
Ike Opara, D, 5.5 -- His athleticism and speed saved potential goals on several occasions. Setting up the first goal with a strong header offered crucial momentum for the USA, heading into halftime. Although his penalty-drawing foul was questionable, he still displayed several suspect plays that could have resulted in more goals.
Jorge Flores, D, 5.5 -- His distribution and astute passing allows the US to mount attacks from the left side, where the US can calmly play out of pressure. In the second half, he suffered several scary moments of flank disaster as the speedy Cameroon midfielders rushed past him on the attack but were unable to convert.
Brek Shea, M, 6 -- Despite conceding possession while attacking the opposing defenses 1v2, Brek Shea offered another solid performance, boasting speed on the flank (you know that he is fast when he is out running the Cameroon players). His cross to Dilly Duka warranted a goal, but Duka's touch failed him, which would have given him a 1v1 opportunity against the keeper.
Bryan Arguez, M, 7 -- Besides scoring the first goal, the Hertha Berlin middy proved his astute touch under pressure and kept possession, allowing for the US attack to spring forward. If it wasn't for Sam Garza's injury, he would not have made the trip to Egypt. His presence and ability to break up offensive sequences has been crucial to the US' performance.
Jared Jeffrey, M, 7-- The game was won in the midfield thanks to the Club Brugge midfielder who stopped attacking sequences and quickly lead the counter attack charge. Timely releasing the ball with vision and purpose allowed the US to score the final three goals in the second half.
Danny Cruz, M, 6 -- His heart, work rate, and hustle unbalanced the Cameroonians all night. His combination of speed and strength gave the opposition headaches all night. His late first half attacking run set up the first goal. He was a missing elements in the first game.
Dilly Duka, M, 7.5 -- When you score and earn an assist, you should earn an automatic seven. But, in his case, scoring from a 25-yard chipped volley over the keeper was priceless. Not everything was rosy as he mistouched a perfect Shea cross, allowing the keeper to make the save. If he would have scored from the attacking sequence isolated 1v1 against the keeper, he would have scored even higher, possibly in the 8-9 range. The US offense received an offensive boost and upgrade at the attacking midfielder position on Tuesday.
Tony Taylor, F, 7-- Starved for service in the first half, the newly signed Traffic Sports forward exploited the back line with his pace. When he attacks players 1v1, he reminds me of Run DMB circa 2002-05. His passing improved tremendously from the first game, but his finishing still needs work as he missed several chances.
Coach Thomas Rongen, 6 -- Although I did and do not fully agree with his initial roster selection, the Dutch coach compensated for his errors in the first game by allowing Germany too much space. During this match, the US pressured well from beginning. Starting Arguez, Cruz, and Duka proved the difference in the match, even though I still don't know why we are running a 4-3-3 which still looks more like a 4-5-1. In his defense, the passing game has improved greatly and has usually fared well under his direction.
Subs
Brian Ownby, F, 6 -- Proved to his coach and US supporters that he can contribute at the highest level. Although he scored the late game goal, he should have scored a second one minutes later but failed to make separation from his opponent. His second yellow card means that he will miss the South Korea match.
Dillion Powers, NR -- Experienced a cameo showing with 13 minutes as a defensive midfielder.
Who was your Man-of-the-match? Will the USA continue their strong play and advance? Do you like the 4-3-3 that Rongen deploys? Share your thoughts.
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