Soccer Goals: After watching the US Soccer's rendition of "Dumb and Dumber" aptly named "Slow and Slower", the storyline featured two target forward players against Slovak, the main actors who could not distract the Slovak defense with its hillarious hold-up play. Although US soccer matinee embraced the possession game and Jonathan Spector's inspiring center back debut, the punch line faded as Jonathan Bornstein ceded dribble penetration sequences on several occasions and while the the protagonists (Casey and Altidore) could not "crack up" the stingiest of defenses.
Soccer Videos: The USMNT arrives in Aarhus
To make matters worse, my only wish before the game was a speedy super hero (forward) in the starting Xl, the modern-day hero who saves the day wearing his red cape and a ridicoulously tight and contoured outfit. However, in US soccer fashion, I was miserably let down with the type of news that one receives at the mechanics, the stinging feeling one gets when they inform you that your engine is going to cost at least $2,000 and won't know what the full price until they lift up the motor. Although Jozy Altidore features a decent pair of Cribsesque 24' shiny wheels, he rarely uses them to full capacity and typically depletes his tank faster than an H-2 or F-350, gassing out before the 60-minute mark.
On the international stage, it is highly unlikely that FIFA, Sepp Blatter, and his merry henchmen will intervene and implement a green policy to reduce emissions, gas consumption, or a velocity governor to keep top forwards and wingers from breaking the speed limit or even the speed barrier. When talking about breaking the speed barrier, Charlie Davies comes to mind after his stellar 2009 Confederations Cup performance which witnessed his speed unravel both Egypt, Spain, and Brazil's defense. His performance earned him street cred and his own movie and leading role in the US Soccer rendition of the trilogy, Fast and the Furious.
What made me even more furious was prompted from Coach's Bradley's decision to remove the "Fast" from the "Furious". Although Vin Diesel, aka CD9, did not appear in the 2 Fast 2 Furious (the second film), the bald headed bad boy returned to make Fast and Furious, which reunited Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, and Jordana Brewster, the original cast of series. Not as well liked as the Diesel/Walker pairing, Tyrese Gibson seamlessly replaced the 2000's muscle bound version of Sylvester Stalone. While the film series never really received high critical praise, all of the films have been top grossers at the box office, proving that the show must go on. To finish my point, the USMNT will survive despite the CD9 setback, and the US fan favortie will return just like Vin Diesel did. Finding a replacement for him, won't be easy but playing with two target forwards could result in South African disaster. The forward position is wide open and must receive consideration for all speed options.
That being said, included are my wish list for the upcoming friendly.
1. Is he fast or furious? Jeff Cunnigham received his callup making his first appearance in over four years. The pesky and swift forward could do little under the scenario of Slovakia defending with ten men. Perhaps, Coach Bradley does not rate JC very highly, but the same comparison could have been drawn earlier in 2009, when Charlie Davies remained on the bench until the 2009 Confederations Cup. The motivated and volatile striker should be given an opportunity as a starter against Denmark, paired with either Altidore or Johnson. Although he will unlikely play any part in the 2014 World Cup, his red-hot form deserves a fair chance, as his pace terrorized opposing MLS defenses which left seams for his strike partner and midfield. If I see another starting lineup of Casey and Altidore in a friendly, I might pack up and send my DVR with all the recently recorded US games to the US Soccer Federation in protest. When pairing the forwards together, think ying/yang, sweet and sour, or Speed & Speed. Playing with two target forwards will only plateau the US' level of play frustrate many US supporters. The time is now.
2. Edgar Castillo Debut: Hoping that the shifty left back would have made the camp for the Slovakian friendly, Jonathan Bornstein's performance further validated Castillo's inclusion. Although highly criticized for his defensive liability, it is safe to say that Bornstein and Castillo are comparable defensively, but the New Mexico native wins the coin toss due to his greater speed, offensive prowess, and technical skill. His swift overlapping runs could add another element that opposing defenses will have to contend with while attempting to focus on Landon Donovan (BTW, LD will not make the friendly since he will play in the 2009 MLS Cup). In the spirit of experimentation, he needs to be in the starting Xl, since Bornstein's opportunities have been exhausted to nausea.
3. Eddie "Target Forward" Johnson: Before his move to Fulham FC, EJ did not embrace hold-up play circa 2007, but fast forward a year, where glimpses of his improved post play came into fruition in the 2008 England and Spain friendlies. Entering the second half of the Slovak friendly, Johnson aka "GAM" exhibited post play that would make Tim Duncan proud, shielding off Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel, drawing several fouls in dangerous areas, and successfully playing out of a crowded final third. Couple this improved play with his darting runs and improved passing, and one can see that his improvement will procure inter-competition at the striker position.
Although many will not agree with the ensuing assessment, it has become apparent that Jozy Altidore does not merit a starting position and conceivably a roster spot, if he continues to play inconsistently for club and country. Creating space with his speed and tenacity, CD9's absence has effected Jozy's game more than people would think. If EJ plays well against Denmark and can secure playing time with either Fulham FC or on loan with another club, he could press for a World Cup spot. The talent exists: Let's hope that he can capitalize on his newly found opportuntity.
4. Make some substitutions at halftime: After waiting until the 72nd minute for reinforcements with exception of EJ who replaced Conor Casey at half time, Coach Bradley's substitutions consisted of a defensive midfielder and center back (McCarty and Goodsen). If the US trails or is tied at halftime, it would be a positve sign to see an aggressive approach to his tactical decisions. Clearly in the past, Coach Bradley has remained more reactive than proactive in his changes, usually waiting for the opposing coach to send out his substitutes. Dictating the tempo early in the second half could give the USA the boost that they need to prevail in Aarhus.
5. More Dax: Before the announcement of the roster facing the Slovakians and Danish, it was interesting to see Dax McCarty receive a call up. Despite a deep central midfield pool, the red-haired midfielder experienced his best professional season in 2009, just falling short of the eighth playoff spot. Against the Slovaks, Dax tempered several counter attacks with good anticipation, tenacity, and intensity. The US' possession game continued its fluidity under the Hoops standout, finding a good balance between defensive and offensive responsibilities and complimenting Michael Bradley in the center midfield. Although a long shot to make the World Cup roster, the former Tarheel will bolster an already talent-filled central midfield, which Includes Bradley, Clark, Edu, Jones, Feilhaber, Torres, and Beckerman.
What would you like to see against the Danish? Will Bradley continue to field an Altidore/Casey pairing? Share your thoughts.
Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Top Five Wish List - USA vs Denmark Friendly
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