Soccer Goals: With numerous players out due to injury, club duties, or personal reasons, the USMNT faced a Danish team hungry for a home victory in hopes to build team depth and chemistry. Compared to the Slovak friendly, the intensity, excitement and passion were on full display, as both teams competed fiercely in the first half. Leading at halftime thanks in part to a first half goal from forward Jeff Cunningham, disaster ensued in the second half, when the Danes turned up the offensive and defensive pressure scoring three goals in an eight minute span. The US would succumb to the Great Danes 3-1 in stunning fashion.
Soccer Videos: Highlights of the USA vs Denmark
Not knowing what had hit them, like a dizzy and punished UFC fighter right after a devestating T.K.O., the red, white, and blue failed to recover from their beatdown, a knockout blow and a steady reminder, proving that the US leans on their key players to compete with the higher echelon international competitors.
Not all was lost in this friendly, though, US' fans and coaches received verification from Hejduk's shocking play, that his USMNT service might no longer be needed. Personifying a true warrior representing the USA with heart and passion for over a decade, Frankie Hejduk exhibited a penchant for poor defensive postioning and reckless tackling, volatile challenges that should have resulted in at least a yellow card or more likely an early shower. Hey-Dude no longer merits consideration due to age, injury concerns, and poor form. Coming to the conclusion earlier rather than later will allow the US coaching staff to focus on new players in the January camp. Thanks Frankie, for your spirit, energy, and contributions to US Soccer.
Falling deeper in the doghouse for both club and country, Jozy Altidore was added to the list of players, who fared poorly due to issues concerning his first touch, hold-up play, and fitness. Questions still persist to whether he should be a starter, since recently injured Charlie Davies stole the limelight, absorbing opponents defensive pressure with his speed and tenacity and assuming a greater share of the offensive burden which screened Jozy from media scrutiny . By creatng space and providing a world class work rate, CD9's attributes complimented the former NYRB skills and masked his deficiencies to transcend to new heights after a solid Confederations Cup pairing and during certain stretches of the hexagonal.
Auditioning fringe players for a potential South African spot continued on Wednesday, where the main focus centered on two positions; left back and forward. With all the negative aspects that can be drawn from the US' mediocre performance, FC Dallas forward, Jeff Cunningham demonstrated his attacking prowess with a technical left-foot strike, after stealing the ball from a goal keeper blunder. Besides scoring the goal and providing plenty of pace and hustle, the Hoops striker began to find his rhythm with teammates after scoring his first international goal, utlizing several clever flicks and probing passes to keep the Danish defense honest.
Despite the midfielders failure to create any quality service, his showing should earn him another start and a January camp invitation. Couple his strong showing with Altidore and Johnson's lackluster displays, and one can comprehend the real possibility of the former USF Bull making a strong run for a South African roster spot.
Focusing on left back appears to not have been such a high priority, as newly minted Edgar Castillo donned the US thrancite uniform as a left wing. While left back is still completely up in the air, Jonathan Bornstein did nothing to quell criticism with a performance that witnessed his hand in the concession of third goal and failed to manage man-marking on the second goal.
When Castillo entered the game late in the second half, momentum had shifted to the Danes. While the US attempted to maintain possession and mount several attacks, Castillo was silenced by the Danish marking and the US' poor speed of play. Entering the game under this scenario proved unfair, but an ideal situation would be a January Camp invite, where he would have the time to prove his worth and inclusion.
Let's examine the US performance and player grades. Enjoy!!!
Player Grades
Brad Guzan, 5.5: started the game strong but was let down by his back line - He should have made a better attempt and dive on the first goal.
Frankie Hejduk, 3: Poor club form, age, and injuries have caught up with the dynamic right back, demonstrating poor positioning, two-footed lunging tackles, and offensive overcommitment. Sadly, his international career concludes.
Jonathan Spector, 4: After producing a solid campain in his center back debut, the sequel exposed his experience, miscommunication and unfamiliarity with Bocanegra, conceding three goals in a eight-minute span. On a positive note, his passing offers a new dimension to the possession game, which came into fruition against Slovakia.
Carlos Bocanegra, 4.5: As the captain of the team and defense, the Rennes defender failed to lead colleagues when the momentum shifted to the Danes. To make matters worse, ball watching plagued the whole back line, but he should know better. Shame on you!!!
Jonathan Bornstein, 4: After numeous opportunites to state his case for left back, Bornstein earned a starting spot once again despite his recently poor showings, where Bradley could have opted for Castillo. His ball watching consummated the third goal, standing flat footed while Martin Bernburg hammered the nail in the coffin. During the second goal, he should have communicated to one of the midfielders (especially Feilhaber) to mark a man. That is part of his job.
Benny Feilhaber, 6: commenced the game with hustle, skill, and possession. As the campaign concluded, Feilhaber had exhausted all his energy but still earned the brightest of midfield showing.
Michael Bradley, 4: Exhibited his normal defensive coverage and energy, but his errant passing lead to the third goal and stunted the US' attack. His quick turn in the second half was impressive but was stiffled by the smothering Danish defense.
Ricardo Clark, 4.5: Provided strong tackling and hustle, but his energy level caused other facets of his game to struggle (passing and shot on goal). In the 31st minute, he struck an eighteen-yard strike which sailed high. At the end of the game, he produced a nice run in the box from dribble penetration. His score would have been higher had he kept the strike on target.
Stuart Holden, 5: From the inception, fatigued played a major role in his game after playing an ardous series against Seattle and Galaxy. Couple this with his Sunday/Monday transatlantic voyage, and one can sense a recipe for disaster. When the spirited Dynamo lacked the quality crossing, creativity and work rate that he has demonstrated previously, it was evident that it wasn't his day.
Jeff Cunnigham, 6.5: Besides scoring a precise left-footed strike, the speedy striker exhibited the best Charlie Davies replacement-impersonation to date. After scoring the goal, the MLS veteran forward began to link play with midfield, utilizing clever flicks and astute passing. Despite his small stature, JC provided impressive hold-up play against the giant Danish defenders, receiving the ball and relaying it effectively. Up next, Robbie Findley.
Jozy Altidore, 4.5: offered little energy and was pushed off the ball like a point guard in the post. If he continues to demonstrate inconsistency, he will continue to fall faster down the depth chart than US automotive industry stock. In his defense, little service was granted, and his combination play improved marginally later in the second half.
Coach Bob Bradley, 5: receives a big thumbs up for the Cunnignham and Hejduk inclusions, further evidence that Coach Bradley should examine other wing back options. However, why was Bornstein awarded another start, when Edgar Castillo warranted a look? His reactionary substitutes proved too little too late. Why did EJ not replace Altidore, when JC was experiencing better success?
Subs
Edgar Castillo, 5.5: struggled to integrate into the flow of the game and thererfore, unfairly, did not demonstrate his flank presence or offensive prowess.
Robbie Rogers, 5: Attempted to exploit his speed but the Danes smothered the midfield and disrupted the US' possession and his opportunities.
Eddie Johnson, 4.5: offered and received little in the form of service, but his hold-up play took a sharp decline from his previous performance.
Clarence Goodson, 5: proved to be an upgrade over the starting duo, this occuring after the goal barrage.
Jimmy Conrad, 5.5: His most notable plays stemmed from his anticipation and positioning when he intercepted several soft passes crosses into the box.
What did you think of the USMNT performance? Would you like to see more of Jeff Cunningham? Should Castillo have earned a starting role? Share your thoughts.
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