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Soccer Goals: The perpetual hype surrounding the U-17 USYNT took another blow on Thursday, as the US side narrowly escaped with a 1-0 victory against Malawi. The USA asserted their dominance from the first whistle, pressing the African side with numerous offensive sequences.

 

Having chosen to attack the Malawians from the initial whistle, the game embodied a similiar rhythm as the USA vs Spain: USA controlled the possession while Spain capitalized efficiently and swiftly on the counter attack. The US defense would proclaim a different outcome, though,  by playing the off side trap to perfection causing 18-offside calls. The US' defensive play contrasted their Spain performance by holding an organized line while ushering away dangerous attacks. Squandering an open look in the 43rd minute, the Malawians could have assumed the lead, but Eriq Zavaleta blocked an open shot and cleared his line.

 

Despite having vastly improved their defensive play, the USA's offense sputtered exhibiting inconsistent passing and lack of patience, which stifled several promissing attacking sequences. US' 2009 leading goal scorer, Jack McInerney, struggled with his decision making and first touch. Considering that his CONCACAF qualifying performance produced wonder goals and stellar play, speculation exists to why his play has faltered over the past two games. Receiving the ball in dangerous areas, he shied away from his former cerebral approach, taking wasteful and extra touches and or playing slowly out of pressure.

 

McInerney should not bare all the blame for the stagnant offense. The midfield did not play the ball quickly and failed to utilze the flank width to create gaps for McInerny and Chavez. Alex Shinsky's play created  width and active runs, but errant touches stifled the US attack. Hustle and work rate finally came to fruition when a rebound and shot on goal created the game winner, as the Malawi goalkeeper scooped up the shot but ended up rolling through his legs. The anticlimatic goal gave the USA the lead but further demonstrated, that the US must improve their passing game, finishing, and patience in the final offensive third.

 

If the USA hopes to advance out of the group stages, they must improve in all offensive facets of the game, while also balancing both their defensive responsibilities and penchant for the attack. Providing width will create space for Luis Gil, Jack McInerney, and Stefan Jerome to dribble penetrate in the center of the final third. Patient play, tactical awareness, and technical passing will eventually pay dividends, as the game progresses and as their opponents tire. This team's performance must improve dramatically if they hope to advance from the group stage and move forward in the tournament.

 

Despite boasting a prolific technical ability, not previously seen at the U-17 level, the US must demonstrate and showcase the development that has transpired in the past two years. Returning to the basics will accomplish this feat Otherwise, many pundits will continue to question our youth systems.

 

The talent does exist: Now it is time to show it.

 

Player Grades

Earl Edwards, 6.5: Stayed relatively quiet because the US administered a mean offside trap. Came off his line well and kept a clean sheet.

 

Zachary Herald, 6: Advanced in the attack providing width for the first 15 minutes but settled into defense, meshing well to offer a solid offside trap. His speed and midfield support alleviates pressure under a clustered midfield.

 

Eriq Zavaleta, 7: The towering center back has created organization and compliments Watts' distribution game. Contributing more offensively on set pieces will create throbbing headaches for opposing defenses.

 

Jared Watts, 6.5: Under the Zavaleta pairing, the technical center back has raised his level of play. Their on-field communication, which drew numerous offside calls, limited the Malawi attack.

 

Tyler Polak, 8: Defensive positioning, timely attacking, composed passing, and menancing runs were on point all game. Providing an almost perfect performance, the 2014 left back position could be bostered by his last two efforts,, combined with his continued development. In the second half he stole the ball on a Malawi counter, he played a give-and-go and dribbled into the box for a dangerous run to force a Malawi clearance. His play has been the most impressive after the first two games.

 

Nick Palodichuk, 6: Considering that Duran and Gil have garned a majority of the attention for visionary passing, Palodichuk held his own with several deadly balls into the box and defense-splitting touches. His support of the more advanced midfielders established more offensive continuity. But, he must improve his field communication with Duran to maintain a defensive-safety valve to prevent a potential, swift counter attack.

 

Marlon Duran, 5: After watching his 2008 and early 2009 perfomances, I must temper my expectations for his play. Although he is technically gifted, he still has yet to utilize his abilities to settle down the speed of play. If he dictates the game tempo better, the US attack will flourish with their dearth of talent. Needing to improve his off-the-ball support and defensive intensity, the diminutive midfielder has underachieved up to this point.

 

Alex Shinsky, 6: Just when you think that he has made an incredible play, he disappoints with a poor touch or bad decision. His hustle and energy exceeded all players on the team, which, also, lead to the game winning goal. To raise his game to the next level, the frail winger must improve his crossing, decision making and creativty. In my halftime notes, I wrote that he should be subbed out at halftime. However, Coach Cabrera remained faithful in his skills which ultimately earned them the full points.

 

Luis Gil, 5: For all the hype the Callifornia player has garnered, he has yet to reach the high bar previously set by Freddy Adu. Although his technical ability is very evident, he squandered an open 1v1 opportunity in the second half against the Malawi keeper, sending the ball wide right. Implementing him in his most ideal position could bear fruit as he tends to drift centrally. By playing true wingers while he is slotted in the central midfield, Gil could exploit opposing defenses with his new found space which could facilitate his dribble penetration and vision. Quoting Floyd "Money" Mayweather, step your game up, son. He boasts the tools to do it.

 

Victor Chavez, 5: Provided great energy, hold-up play, and attacking runs but did not result in goals. It is not that he played a poor game but rather he does not mesh well with McInerny, causing congestion centrally in the final third. As soon as Andrew Craven relieved Chavez, his wide play created more space for the team. Perhaps a Craven/Jerome paired with Chavez would yield better results.

 

Jack McInerney, 4.5: Continuing his indecision and poor finishing from the previous game, when will McInerney get his mojo back?  When receiving the ball in the final third with defenders hovering around him, he simply must release the ball much quicker than in the World Cup. Having been dispossessed on numerous occassions against Spain was unforgivable but continuing the skeptical play again in the Malawi match is simply unacceptable. Coach Cabrera must consider relegating the Georgia native to a bench role.

 

Subs

Andrew Craven, 6.5: After replacing the ineffective Chavez, Craven's exploits took immediate effect, creating flank width and speed.  His menacing run and back heel flick unsettled the Malawi defense. His inclusion created instant energy that would lead to the goal two minutes later. While Cabrera deployed Craven wide the US attacking sequences resembled 2008's successfull play.

 

Carlos Martinez, 5: Entered the game for Alex Shinsky, displaying a decent performance. Although he did not display his offensive prowess, his work rate proved sky high, while his speed and size has improved in the past two years. The offensive midfielder should receive the starting position on the wing, which would move Gil to his more natural position. Martinez could provide the attacking prowess needed to create a more lethal US attack.

 

What did you think of the U-17s performance? Will they improve their play in the next game? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals and soccer videos: U-17 USYNT escapes with a 1-0 victory over Malawi

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