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Soccer Goals: Experimentation was on the mind of many US supporters, when the US faced Slovakia while taking into consideration that the US missed key starters Jay DeMerit, Oguchi Onyewu, Tim Howard, and Landon Donovan. Trying to fill the most key position, that is the loss of Charlie Davies, took a backseat when Coach Bradley selected the forward pairing of Jozy Altidore and Conor Casey.

 

Soccer Videos: Highlights of Slovakia's 1-0 defeat of the USMNT

 

 

Despite starting the game slow and lethargic and giving away a lion share of the possession, Slovakia drew first blood, when winger Weiss terrorized the right flank, turning defender Jonathan Bornstein into a pretzel with a swift fake and dash to the goal. After being beaten by Weiss' speed and skill on the ball, the Chivas USA defender grabbed, Slovakia version of Bradley Jr., immediately resulting in Weiss' Nestea plung in the box and subsequent penalty. In the 27th minute, MarekHamsik's penalty kick secured the victory as the Slovaks were content to defend with ten men and counter attack opportunistically.

 

What perplexed many bloggers was the starting forward duo of Conor Casey and Jozy Altidore, who created few chances and lost the ball on numerous occasions due to poor hold-up play, a technique and intensity level that would have even infuriated former and legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, who have sprung up from his recliner at the tender age of 99-years old.

 

As a blogger pointed on another forum, starting Altidore and Casey at the same time is like playing "King Kong andGodzilla". Although the two monsters make laughable but enjoyable movies, the two target forward combo thwarted potential attacks with their poor touch and hold-up play. In their defense, Casey finds greater success when paired with a speedy forward such as Omar Cummings (Colorado Rapids) or Charlie Davies (see Honduran qualifier). Playing without Donvan complicated matters even more, as most of the defensive attention will be directed Donovan's way freeing space for other players to find the seams. Simply, Conor needs that speed player to compliment his game.

 

On the other hand, the Hull City forward continues to display poor habits for both club and country. His hold up play, off-the-ball energy, and attacking prowess has hit an all time low, creating opportunities for aspiring and speedy forwards. If Jozy Altidore does not improve his consistency and hustle, his starting position andplaying time could find its way into some other motivated players hands. Noted more for his speed rather than his hold-up play, Eddie Johnson demonstrated a better ability to hold up the ball under pressure. Simply, Altidore must improve his whole game.

 

While many will continue to point out Jonathan Bornstein's poor defensive performance andthe US' lack of scoring chances - both are true  - the USMNT discovered several positive aspects in their defeat. First, keeper Brad Guzan proved after several athletic saves that he has the big play defensive ability of the baseball gold glover, Ozzie Smith. Unlikely to ever play baseball or do a back flip before the start of an inning, Guzandisplayed his ability to make the crucial one-vs-one save that kept the Slovaks to only a one goal outing, the type of diving saves that landed Ozzie Smith in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

 

Secondly, Jonathan Spector stepped into the center back position and proved that he offers the versatility to play anywhere on the defensive front, complimenting the possession game with his efficient and effective distribution. Third, the central midfield duo of Benny Feilhaber and Michael Bradley played a smart and disciplined tactical game, where neither player was caught out of position like in previous games. If and when Maurice Edu and or Jermaine Jones return to top form, Michael Bradley can return to a more advanced role which should create better attacking sequences, while maintaining a strong defensive presence in the midfield.

 

Let's see how the US players fared amongst Slovakians, whose strategy preferred to defend first and counter second.

 

Player Grades

Brad Guzan, 8: If questions still persist to whether "The Worm" is a solid second option, he dispelled these uncertainties with several quality saves and good distribution.

 

Steve Cherundolo, 7: In the first 20 minutes, the Hanover 96 wing back ignited the US attack with his overlapping runs, offensive support, and dribble penetration. His stock continues to rise as his performance will make Coach Bradley's decision at right back more difficult.

 

Jonathan Spector, 6.5: Not playing in his natural defensive position out wide, Spector demonstrated his continued versatility andimportance to the team. Couple that with his solid distribution and field chemistry, and his South African seat is all but confirmed.  Failing to step up on an offside trap in the second half was only one of the few mishaps on the night.

 

Jonathan Bornstein, 4: Winger Weiss, Slovakian'scoaches son, had his way with the Chivas USA back, cutting and slaloming Borstein into a contortionist pretzel. Although he struggled with defending dribble penetration, he did offer two solid overlapping runs andcrosses, one of which found Feilhaber for a solid header on goal and the other which landed in the six yard box before being scooped up by the keeper. Maintaining objectivity is difficult when it is clear that Honduran hero does not translate to the international game. Imagine Franc Ribery, Milos Krasic, or Maicon running at him for 60-90 minutes. No thanks! You get the idea.

 

Clint Demspey, 6.5: Struggled with the first twenty minutes of the game but settled in afterwards providing the majority of the attack from his efforts. His left footed shot in the first half came close and his pass to spring EJ on a run created several of the few attacks in the US arsenal. Considering that Altidorecontinues to struggle with the most basic of fundamentals such as providing defensive energy and hold up play, perhaps the Deuce will finally receive orders to move up a rung on the offensive ladder to play forward.

 

Michael Bradley, 6: played the holding role to a T. Although his touch failed him on several occassions, the US midfield fixture compensated with hustle, energy, and tactical disclipline. His communication andunderstanding with Feilhaber stood out as the pairing kept possession and neutralized several counter attacks.

 

Benny Feilhaber, 6: Despite not producing his marquee through ball pass to a spring a teammate, the Aarhus midfielder proved that his game does consist of energy, hustle and 90-minute fitness. This is not the 2008 Feilhaber, who frustrated many because of his immense potential, playing at a lethargic level and squandering his opportunities in training. For example, in the 82nd minute, he lost the ball in the final third, hustled, recuperated the ball, and drew a free kick just outside the box. Playing time in Denmark has instilled confidence and work rate, while his touch and vision continue to be his forte.

 

Robbie Rogers, 5.5: In my mind, questions still existed to whether Rogers could play a full 90 minutes on both sides of the ball. Inconstistency still plagued his game at the international and club level, but his performance against the Slovaks proved his potential. Most impressive was his ability to maintain possession under pressure.

 

Jozy Altidore, 4: After this half-hearted effort and many others, I am not sure that he is a sure fire starter. Although he produces an occasional moment of brilliance, his game has been exposed at the European level for having too many holes.

 

Conor Casey, 4: The duo did not compliment each other, and the bulky forward allowed himself to be bodied off they ball. I know that he won't win any track meets against opposing defenders, but he must improve his hold up play at the next level.

 

Coach Bradley, 5: Identified Spector as a center back alternate , while stressing that the Bradley and Feilhaber maintain their tactical disclipline.  Starting both Casey and Altidore was unforgivable considering that this was a friendly to discover another speed player. Why did EJ play more in the hold up role than Jozy? EJ should utilize his speed to create space for other teammates. Why did he wait so long to pull out Jozy? Jeff Cunningham should receive more playing time against Denmark.

 

Subs

Eddie Johnson, 5.5: Seeing Eddie Johnson playing more of a holding forward role was peculiar considering his forte is to create space for the midfield with his daunting runs. On several occasions he held the ball relaying it to another teammate or drawing fouls. If he had more playing time at Fulham, he could push the other forwards for a spot. I want to see more of him against Denmark.

 

Dax McCarty, 6: The red-haired middy stifled the Slovak counter attack on several occasions, while showing that he boasts the tenacity, range, skill, and passing to play on the international level. I hope to see more of him against Denmark.

 

Clarence Goodsen, 4: His introduction caused some miscommunication but settled down later as the duo found their ryhthm.

 

Sacha Kljestan, 4.5: offered two dangerous crosses but turnovered the ball over three times in eight minutes.

 

Jeff Cunningham, NR: showed hustle and defensive coverage, but eight minutes did not yield enough to get a grade. I want to see more, though.

 

What did you think of the US' performance? Will Coach Bradley move Bornstein to the bench? Who do you want to see in the next match? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Slovakia neutralizes the USA in a 1-0 victory

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