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Soccer Goals: After Jonathan Bornstein set up the initial El Salvador goal in round 7 of CONCACAF qualification, while demonstrating poor touch and distribution, it became even more apparent that the USMNT left back pool is shallower than the local public kiddie pool. Couple the fact that Bornstein never really belonged in the USMNT picture, while Heath Pearce has struggled with club playing time since leaving the Danish league - and who is currently unattached after a last minute deal fell through with Turkish Club Bursaspor and the American defender.

 

 

Now, Coach Bradley is at a crossroads. Does he move Carlos Bocanegra, who is not suited, but adequate, to left back at the international level? Or is it presumable that he could shift either Steve Cherundolo or Jonathan Spector to left back, even though they are not natural left back options. Or, the third option could be Edgar Castillo who recently switched allegiances after Mexico failed to cap tie him after he lost his passport before a friendly against Honduras and was lost in the debacle that saw for coaching changes in 18 months.

 

You can imagine the scenario: Punching in 011 52, the area code and Monterrey number into his cell number as his fingers shake from nervousness and anxiety, Coach Bradley has erased both Pearce and Bornstein's speed dial number and replaced him with the New Mexico native, Edgar Castillo, despite rumblings of poor defensive attributes.

 

Several negatives have permeated the US Soccer circles, suggesting that Edgar Castillo offers plenty offensively, boasting speed galore, good distribution, and crossing. However, his defensive deficiencies could expose the US back line due to his penchant to over commit in the attack, diminutive frame, and lack of defensive discipline.

 

After watching Jonathan Bornstein play his way out of a starting and reserve position, I have reconsidered my position on Edgar Castillo. Yes, he does have his defensive shortcomings, but, on the other hand, Bornstein really never deserved all the playing time that he has received over the past three years. After limiting Lionel Messi in the 2007 Copa America for the duration of 60 minutes, many clamored  that Bornstein was a Messi stopper, limiting the young phenoms offensive opportunities. The myth began to spread: Bernstein was a lock-down defender.  

 

What really transpired that evening was that the coach repositioned the attacking Argentine, shifting him to the right and exploiting the US with his attacking prowess and 1v1 penetration. On two occasions during the game, Bornstein failed to mark his assignment resulting in goals by Crespo and Tevez. The Argentines would cruise easily 4-1.

 

Since 2007 and through their own process of elimination, both Pearce and Bornstein should not receive additional call ups until they can perform on a consistent basis for their club and or unless the other left back options are either injured or out-of-form.

 

With an ability to possess under pressure,  Edgar Castillo offers an element and attribute not very common in the left back position, composed distribution while under pressure. Despite all of his attacking prowess and speed on the flanks, Edgar Castillo will allow the USMNT to hold possession better as the left back position has been the soccer abyss for turnovers and speed bump that has stunted the US' offensive continuity. Previously, I would cringe when a center back squared a pass to the left back or a midfielder would back pass to Bornstein, Beasley, and in some cases Pearce.

 

Although the New Mexico native might not warrant the starting position every game, his speed and technical ability suggests that he will be useful in certain circumstances, if Coach Bradley chooses to spread out teams with wide flank play and crosses into the box. Combining two speedy players on the left flank, such as Landon Donovan and Edgar Castillo, will create space for the forwards and will allow space for runs from the central midfield. Landon Donovan could benefit most from his inclusion as teams, will be unable to key solely on Donovan and must respect Castillo's dangerous and speedy runs.

 

Besides offering speed and good technical ability, the former Santos Laguna defender can provide good service in the form of crosses and passing, a trait which would compliment the right back, Jonathan Spector, who is well known for his crossing and distribution. His versatility, also, allows him to play at left wing, as he demonstrated well in the 2008 U-23 Olympic qualifiers where he scored one goal in three appearance while terrorizing the left flank.

 

At the tender age of 22-years old, Edgar Castillo has played in the Mexican Primera Division for four seasons mostly as a starter, playing with Santos Laguna, America, and Tigres. With few options available at left back, Castillo should receive the call for the October camp against Honduras and Costa Rica. Although I do not believe that it would be wise to start him if the US has yet to qualify for South Africa 2010, but a camp call up will allow the coaching staff to evaluate his worth moving forward.

 

The insistence to call on the same left back prospects will only produce diminishing returns. Coach Bradley, please call him.

 

Do you think Castillo will be an upgrade over Bornstein and PEarce? Is Borstein's defense that much better than Borstein or Pearce? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Making the case - Edgar Castillo

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