Soccer goals and soccer videos: From 2005-2006 under the Bruce Arena era, Santino Quaranta emerged as a regular on the U.S. Men's National Team, poised to earn a spot for the 2006 World Cup. However, his World Cup omission vaulted the talented midfielder into US soccer obscurity while his personal life and professional career spiraled out of control. Although Santino Quaranta struggled with an addiction to pain killers and cocaine, the 24 year old defied odds returning to DC United, where he revived his club career, earning a call up from Coach Bradley.
This soccer videos features highlights of the USA vs Honduras Gold Cup match.
After almost three years under the helm as the Coach of U.S. Men's National Team, Coach Bradley finally capped Santino Quaranta, reaping immediate results as the United attacker secured the victory with his low near post strike. What makes his goal even sweeter was that it occurred in front of many loyal DC United fans who have supported him, despite his mishaps and poor decision making.
Even though the match concluded with a story book ending, the first half depicted a horror like storyline with the USA playing poorly in central midfield, turning over the ball frequently, lucky not to concede a first half goal. The Hondurans should receive credit for moving the ball swiftly and switching the field to take advantage of space. But, poor final touches and suspect striking kept the Catrachos scoreless at half.
Momentum shifted early in the second half when the USA began to possess and generate scoring chances as the Catrachos started to fatigue and fade. The insertion of Charlie Davies and Benny Feilhaber paid immediate dividends, adding vision, possession, and speed to the attack. Benny Feilhaber orchestrated the US attack with his quick exchanges and impeccable vision, offering the offensive sequences to break down the Honduran defense.
Providing composure and deft exchanges, Feilhaber channeled the ball from the left flank to the middle park where Charlie Davies set up Santino Quaranta for the go ahead goal. Gasping for air and dejected from the first goal, Honduras conceded a second goal just minutes later from a lapse of concentration that would witness Brian Ching head in the second goal from a Cherundolo cross. Continuing to mount additional attacks until the 90th minute, the US midfield provided several tempting balls into the box but failed to convert.
Here are some additional observations from the game: It is possible to assume that Charlie Davies' recent offensive influence and inclusion for the USMNT has contributed to the greater success to the team rather than other factors. For example, Brian Ching demonstrated little all game but began to show life when Davies entered the game. His speed, hustle, and attacking courage has conjured up memories of how the USA attacked in the 2002 World Cup. As the tournament progresses, let's see if Charlie Davies continues to impact the team in the same manner that he has demonstrated since his inclusion against Egypt in the Confederations Cup.
This offensive revelation does not indicate that the other forwards are demonstrating a poor level, only that Charlie Davies spawns a different perspective and formula for the US attack. It does not appear to be a coincidence that the US attack has witnessed a monumental change since his inclusion.
Player grades for USA vs Honduras match.
Troy Perkins, 6 - Jumped off his line quickly and made several timely saves, considering that the back line struggled for stretches in the first half.
Steve Cherundolo, 6- Overlapped well on the flank and provided good crosses. The Hannover back meshed well with Quaranta and offered support offensively.
Chad Marshall, 7- played rock solid, controlling the aerially battles, but lacked chemistry with Parkhurst who experienced a difficult night. His passing and distribution has impressed me the most this tournament.
Michael Parkhurst, 4.5 - struggled with the speed of the game, and his touches failed him on several occasions. This performance could have hurt his national team chances moving forward.
Heath Pearce, 5.5 - The verdict is still out on the speedy left back. His deft touch and chemistry with Rogers appears void, but his constant overlapping runs and decent crossing offers hope. His support and passing has allowed for better possession and movement during attacking sequences.
Robbie Rogers, 5.5 - His 1v1 dribbling and flank speed has been refreshing to watch, but due to his exceptional speed, Rogers is left with only one option, a cross, when he surpasses his defender and teammates. Other players must provide runs or create passing options for his darting and attacking dribble penetration. His hold-up play needs to improve, as the ball was stripped from him on several occasions.
Kyle Beckerman, 6.5- offered great range defensively but struggled with Pause as a partner. When Benny Feilhaber assumed the more attacking role centrally, Beckerman focused on the defensive side, prospering alongside Feilhaber. His through-ball to Brian Ching in the first half offered a glimpse of his skill and vision.
Logan Pause, 4 - struggled with the speed of the game. His defensive work rate reaches MLS standards but falls short on the international stage. Receiving and releasing the ball quickly lead to his demise, stunting the US continuity and possession.
Santino Quaranta, 7 - offers pinpoint crossing, quick touches, and efficient striking, evidenced on the first goal. He combined well with Cherundolo, and it would be imperative that he continue to utilize his crossing to create additional scoring opportunities. His good performance warrants additional playing time.
Freddy Adu, 4.5- Is the Mojo gone? I don't think so, but the rust is still there. Adu failed to create chances, and the missed header that could have tallied two consecutive goals. His trickery and possession inspired the Hondurans to man-handled the diminutive foward, pushing him off the ball or dispossesing him. Adu returns to Benefica with more questions remaining than answers. His performance could omit him from upcoming qualifiers.
Brian Ching, 5.5- Where was the patented hustle and bustle? Ching failed to hold-up the ball well against Honduras who experienced success against him in the first half. His goal redeemed his performance, but Kenny Cooper showed more in little action than Ching did throughout the game. Ching's recent injury could be hampering his play.
Coach Bob Bradley, 5.5- Starting Logan Pause who is a fringe MLS player proved detrimental to the US attack and defense. His half time adjustments opened up the game which allowed substitutes Benny Feilhaber and Charlie Davies to imprint their stamp on the game.
Subs:
Charlie Davies, 7.5- Inspired the team when he challenged the keepers casual clearance almost resulting in a goal. His speed and willingness to attack has transformed the attack, making his teammates better instantly. His hold-up play on the Quaranta goal would have made Brian Ching and Brian McBride proud.
Benny Feilhaber, 7.5- If questions remain to whether Benny has returned to good form, Benny is back. His introduction inspired the offense from his first touch. His vision, quick touch, and composure on-the-ball allowed the US attack to break down the Honduran defense. Continuing to impress Coach Bradley and international observers, Feilhaber could deny Freddy Adu, as the central playmaker in 2010.
Kenny Cooper, 6.5- challenged the keeper from the inception, providing several shots at goal. With his hustle and improved hold-up play, Cooper could move ahead Conor Casey in the target forward chart. The Hoops' forward should earn the start against Haiti and will need a break-out performance to ensure additional playing time.
Who was your MOTM? Were you happy to see Quaranta score the goal amongst his supporters? Can the USA win the Gold Cup? Share your thoughts.
Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Quaranta scores and secures advancement to quarter finals against Honduras winning 2-0 - Player Grades.
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