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In the latest soccer news: Breathing a sigh of relief after conceding another early goal and rallying to win 2-1, the USMNT, Coach Bradley, and US Supporters can rest easier knowing that the US will not face the extreme pressure of earning road points when they confront EL Tri en Azteca in August. The Confederations Cup will offer a good barometer to where the USA measures against the better international teams, Brazil and Italy.

 

This soccer video features highlight of the US 2-1 victory over Honduras.  

 

With several lineup changes ensuing after a lackluster performance against Costa Rica, Coach Bradley pondered the ideal starting Xl that would neutralize the Honduran attack and spark the US offense. Inserting Jonathan Spector, Jonathan Bornstein, Ricardo Clark, and Conor Casey proved worthy selections as the fullbacks blanketed the Honduran wingers and limited their turnovers.

 

Treated like a scapegoat and slandered on the blogsphere, Ricardo Clark's performance indicated that US supporters have treated the athletic midfielder like a red-haired stepchild, but his performance suggested that he competes at a high international level. His simplicity, persistence, and neutralization of the Honduran central midfield offered a glimpse of his back-up role as the holding midfielder, and even in some cases, the US starter. 

 

Despite not playing regularly for the USMNT and with little time in camp to build chemistry with the players, Conor Casey played a decent match, working hard defensively and aerially but looked out-of-sync with the rest of the team. In his defense, the midfield service offered little if any opportunities to make his mark on the game.

 

It is apparent that Pablo Mastroeni is fading quickly from the USMNT picture after another sub-par performance which lasted only the first half and coupled with strong performances by Benny Feilhaber and Ricardo Clark.

 

Inserting Donovan at left wing paid immediate dividends forcing the Hondurans to focus on both Donovan and Dempsey and provided more space and time for the central midfield. The top-scorer in USMNT history started out in an aggressive manner and proved that the US play better when he receives multitudes of touches throughout the game. His clutch penalty kick changed the complexity of the game, giving the USA momentum heading into the second half.

 

Although the score indicated that the score was closer than it may have appeared, Ricardo Clark's run into the box should have been called a penalty when the Honduran defender tripped the streaking Clark limiting his break-out in the penalty area. This result would have offered the USA a 2-1 lead heading into the halftime which would have set up the counter attacking approach in the second half.

 

WIth several key figures out with injuries and limited offensive production , it is important that Coach Bradley work at ensuring both offensive and defensive continuity. Adressing the need to provide better service to the forwards during the Confederations Cup while preparing for upcoming qualifiers will allow the USA to confront a struggling Mexico in CONCAF qualifying. This result bolsters the USA's chances to qualify, and with a win or tie against Mexico, the USA will separate themselves, along with Costa Rica, from the rest of the pack.

 

Starting Xl vs Honduras

------Casey----Altidore----

Donovan-Mastroeni-Clark-Dempsey

Bornstein-Bocanegra-Onyewu-Spector

-----------Howard-----------

 

Tim Howard, 7: Protected and guarded the US goal and was beaten by an excellent Costly strike. His second half play warranted a high mark with timely challenges.

 

Jonathan Spector, 7: After witnessing the Costa Rican debacle at right back which does not fully implicate Marvelle Wynne but more a tactical error, Spector offered a cool, calm, and collect demeanor. His distribution proved efficient, and his overlapping runs were timely allowing for good crosses in the box. His separation speed during overlapping runs were impressive considering that he does not possess the same break-away speed as Wynne or Hejduk.

 

Oguchi Onyewu, 6: provided solid defending all night and his pass to Donovan at the end of the first half resulted in a penalty. He made a good transition when Bocanegra was forced out by an injury partnering well with Jay Demerit.

 

Carlos Bocanegra 6.5: redeemed himself from his poor performance against Costa Rica scoring the game winner and playing strong defensively. His distribution still needs work, but at least he didn't play hot potato with the ball compromising the left back's positioning and possession with errant passes.

 

Clint Dempsey, 5: bonehead play in the first five minutes, opting to flick the ball behind him, cost the USA a goal. Although that play could have jeopardized the US qualification process, the Deuce attempted to compensate for his error working hard defensively and offering several good passes, especially the great no-look heel pass. His header to Bocanegra for the game winning goal proved crucial. When will Dempsey experience a break-out performance similar to his performances with Fulham? He plays the best when the stakes are highest: Could Dempsey raise his game against Italy or Brazil?

 

Pablo Mastroeni, 4: did not deserve to start this game. Although his performance improved over the Costa Rican game, the aggressive midfielder ran out of gas by halftime and did not provide the same defensive presence that warranted USMNT call-ups. His exclusion from the Confederation Cup speaks volumes on the veterans status going forward.

 

Ricardo Clark, 7.5: earned the Man-of-the-Match honors despite the pregame jitters that were evident in the first ten minutes. His pestering defense and simple play allowed the midfield to operate calmly applying offensive pressure on Honduras. Late in the first half, his attacking run into the box should have been a penalty, but the referee opted not to call the foul even though the replay provdied evidence of a trip in the box. In the second half, Clark's motor shifted into fifth gear as newly inserted Benny Feilhaber assumed the possessionand distribution role, freeing up Clark to cover more ground and create defensive havoc for the Honduran midfield. Is there a holding midfield controvery?

 

Landon Donovan, 6: continues to prove that he must receive sufficient touches on-the-ball to put his stamp on the game offensively. His set-piece play warrants a change or more practice, but his role as the penalty taker should remain with the speedy winger. When Donovan plays aggressive, he forces the opponents to focus on his game causing imbalance and gaps within their formation. Considered a team leader and one of the marquee players, Donovan must demonstrate his aggressiveness on the field every match.

 

Conor Casey, 4.5: struggled to find chemistry with Altidore and the midfield. His presence defensively and aerially compensated for the lack of deficiencies, considering his short preparation with the team. Working with the team this week will allow him to build better team cohesion and provides an opportunity to impress the training staff during workouts before the Confederations Cup.

 

Jozy Altidore, 5.5: Worked hard defensively and received little service all night. With improved understanding of how Conor Casey plays, Jozy Altidore could integrate well with the burly forward. Limited runs diagonally and vertically affected his offensive impact.

 

Subs

Benny Feilhaber, 6: replaced Mastroeni in the second half offering incisive passing and efficiency on the ball while under pressure. He offered several nice passes throughout the game, but his pass to Dempsey showed a glimpse of his vision and touch. When Feilhaber demonstrates good fitness, mental attitude, and club playing time, his production warrants call-ups to the USMNT, and he now receives the opportunity to earn consideration for playing time. If he improves on his play from this game, his inclusion and influence on the game will be imminent.

 

Jay Demerit, 6: replaced the injured Bocanegra and did not miss a beat. Is it possible that he could supplant Danny Califf as the #3 center back?

 

DaMarcus Beasley, 4.5: played better than he did at Costa Rica. If the younger players continue to play well, Beasley could be extinct.

 

Do you agree with the player grades? Who was your MOTM? Will the USA improve their play in the Confederations Cup? Could Ricardo Clark  push Michael Bradley for the starting holding midfielder role? Or has Bradley secured his starting role? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Latest Soccer News: US Player's Grade versus Honduras