Soccer Goals: Breathe in and out slowly and calmly. That is what most US supporters said to themselves after Mexico had scored three goals in 11 minutes. However, the soccer goal buffet opened indefinitely at Giants Stadium and closed at 5p.m., as El Tri gave the USA a serious beat down scoring two more goals.
These soccer videos feature interiews with USMNT players after the Mexican thrashing.
Yes, conceding five goals in 33 minutes is unacceptable, and Coach Bradley should have inserted new blood after the first goal, due to Mexico's perpetual attacks. Although the US played a better half than Mexico, the wheels fell off in the second, as Coach Javier Aguirre added Arsenal's Carlos Vela who added a new dimension to the Mexican attack. For this astute coaching move, I salute the Mexican coach, Javier Aguirre, deserving of the victory.
Whether Mexico receives an injection to the remainder of the Hexagonal remains to be seen. Confidence did exude in the second half for El Tri, when Dos Santos and Vela exploited the US' fatigued wing backs who failed to track back in a timely manner. Even the central midfield pairing of Beckerman and Pause provided a serviceable duo, but the midfielders could not match the intensity of Torrado and Castro. Failing to track back promptly cost the USMNT the game. Running swiftly down the flanks with ease, Dos Santos appeared to possess the speed of world record holder Usain Bolt, as he looked back in a 2008 Bolt Olympic rendition to see if he was off sides.
Yes, the defeat hurts. Well, actually it is really painful. But, let's take things into perspective. Deciding not to call up his supplemental players, a gutsy move, back fired for Coach Bradley. Battered and bruised from their beat down, both players and coach Bradley will learn from their experience.
The inexperienced players should have rallied and left everything on the field. But, fatigue overcame their will to win, and El Tri punished them five times without mercy.
In their second FIFA final in the past month, Coach Bradley remained loyal to his players, believing that they would overcome adversity and the constant Mexican attacks. But, after conceding two goals, Coach Bradley demonstrated his reactionary tactics in the eery manner of the 2009 Confederations Cup. His usual suspects at wing back and central midfield appeared to be debilitated, which played a role in their physical demise and letdown.
In an attempt to build cohesion by virtually playing the same starting Xl, Coach Bradley pushed his starters to their maximum level, but then the fortress walls crumbled. Despite scoring the second most goals in the Gold Cup, the USMNT lacked the element of speed at forward, which was a glaring weakness as Ching and Arnaud could not reach probing ball played into space. In the group stages, the US boasted their speed up top with Charlie Davis who unsettled back lines with ease. His element of speed created space for midfielders Quaranta, Beckerman, and Holden, transforming these prospects into US fringe players.
So, where did Coach Bradley go wrong? His selection allowed for an abundance of analogous players, ignoring the element of speed. Eddie Johnson (a glaring omission) and another speed player (Robbie Findley, Jeremiah White, or Jemal Johnson) would have added the extra threat that would have complimented his target forwards Brian Ching and Kenny Cooper. Although Eddie Johnson attempts to settle in with Fulham FC, his experience, increased European confidence, and speed would have wreaked havoc on opposing defenses, allowing for the midfield to generate efficient offensive sequences with their newly created space.
Even though I still admire what Coach Bob Bradley has produced with the USMNT and its player pool, it is essential that he learns from his mistakes and adapts faster, offering a more proactive approach to in-game tactics. His decision making for the US/Mexico qualifier could erase memories of the Mexican beat down or could exacerbate the disdain that many US supporters feel for his tactics and predictability.
Let's take a look at the players grades for US vs Mexico 0-5 defeat.
Troy Perkins, 5.5 - Made several great saves and attempted to single-handedly keep the US afloat, while his defense betrayed him, playing undisciplined and lethargic in the second half. His overall Gold Cup performance states his case for the third position.
Jay Heaps, 2 - Although the penalty call against Dos Santos remains questionable as Jay Heaps received an elbow to the face, pulling on Dos Santos jersey left the window open for referee Campbell. Caught out of position on several occasions, the Heapster never should have advanced so profoundly in the attack, while failing to track back promptly.
Clarence Goodson, 4.5 - Played the best of the defenders, but the defensive unit crumbled under pressure and experiencing a lack of discipline. A strong league campaign should keep him in good standing with Coach Bradley.
Chad Marshall, 3.5 - Perfection had to cease at some moment in the Gold Cup, which transpired in the second half allowing Vela and Dos Santos to turn and dummy the Crew defender. His effort level suggested that he had given up, playing casual after the second goal. Paired with an experienced defender, such as Onyewu or Bocanegra, the 2008 defender would have maintained his composure. His strong Gold Cup display resonated through US soccer forums as he received accolades and approval. Did this game hurt his status for a spot in upcoming qualifiers?
Heath Pearce, 4 - In the first 30 minutes, the out-of-contract left back advanced well and provide great support to Rogers. His crossing offered its moments of jubilation and frustration. However, the ensuing second half witnessed a complete nose dive: His advancement in the attack yielded little danger, and his positional sense allowed Dos Santos free reign on the flank and final third. Not tracking back and suspect man-marking hurt his World Cup chances tremendously. His improved Gold Cup play ensued with each game, but mental mistakes in the final could lead to his demise and omission from the USMNT.
Robbie Rogers, 4.5 - demonstrated more than his past knockout stage games but failed to score on two good chances. His second half strike in the 48th minute could have changed the complexity for the USA. It is imperative that Rogers utilizes his speed and attacks players 1v1 as his crossing has improved over the past two years.
Logan Pause, 4 - Starting the game on a positive note, the Chicago Fire midfielder work rate and play diminshed faster than the 2008 Iceland krona (currency). In his defense, he should have never received a Gold Cup invitation. Amongst US central midfielders, he rates between 12-15 on the depth chart.
Kyle Beckerman, 4.5 - played well in the first half and disappeared in the second half. His composure was evident in the previous games, but against Mexico, the Rasta's strikes on goal were squandered by unease and nervousness on his follow through. Previously, those strikes would flourish on the international and MLS levels.
Stuart Holden, 5 - Tracked back defensively to offer several timely tackles, jump starting a counter attack. However, his play diminished in the second half like Alex Rodriguez in the playoffs. Once slotted centrally, Holden demonstrated his penchant for turnovers as he fatigued early than most games. The tireless winger earned consideration for the Azteca qualifier, but the Gold Cup final has exposed his penchant for turnovers when fatigue sets in.
Davy Arnaud, 3.5 - After a poor showing in the Honduras semifinal, it seemed evident that Arnaud should be relegated to the bench. But, Coach Bradley opted for the Wizard ace to pair with Brian Ching. In hindsight, Kenny Cooper should have started the game because his size would have posed problem for Mexico's back line, while Ching continued his dirty work and hold-up play.
Brian Ching, 4.5 - Hustled and played with conviction but was unable to score a customary header or rebound. Instead, he chased long balls all day until the wheels fell off. Although his hold up play is essential for the US attack, his play requires a speed player to compliment him his skill set.
Subs
Santino Quaranta, 3 - Offered little passion and intensity while turning the ball over on several occasions. His Gold Cup proved that his one dimensional play does not translate to the next level.
Kenny Cooper, 5 - Disappeared and suffered from the lack of service. His stature and play demands a more physical approach, requiring him to hold the ball up better under pressure and relaying it to his teammates. Although his Gold Cup performance suggests that he can score goals, his display indicated that he still offers little in a high international competition. A European move will suit him very nicely.
Are you still bummed after the 5-0 beat down? WIll the US prevail in Azteca? Was the victory overrated for Mexico? Share your thoughts.
Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: The USMNT collapse against Mexico in Gold Cup Final 0-5 Beatdown - US Player Grades
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