Soccer Goals: Offering another weary-road performance exhibited itself against Trinidad & Tobago in Port of Spain on Wednesday, the only difference was that this time - they earned three points. Entering the game fairly passive and lethargic in their passing and movement, the USMNT paraded in soccer mediocrity, while Soca Warriors attempted to draw first blood from a Cornell Glen chipped ball that passed by keeper Tim Howard, hitting the crossbar.
These soccer videos feature highlights of the USA vs T&T.
After being outplayed for stretches in the first half and allowing too much space on the ball, the US center back and center midfield pairings disappointed with poor clearances and poor marking. Despite the US' spine underachievement, the US continued its quest for goals. Mounting several impressive attacking sequences in the second half, the USMNT would find the game winner from an unlikely source, Ricardo Clark, who had struggled to make an impact defensively.
Receiving a soft squared pass from Landon Donovan, the Houston Dynamo calmly settled the ball and rattled off a 25-yard blast that curved right past the Trinidadian keeper, Ince. While the offensive sequence transpired, Coach Bradley prepared to bring in two substitutes, Benny Feilhaber and Stuart Holden, one of whom were going to replace Clark. However, the timing proved priceless as the USA gained the advantage and held on to the 1-0 lead, earning the all important three points.
Even though the Soca Warriors were virtually eliminated from CONCACAF qualification, the red and black do deserve their credit for fielding a strong team that applied defensive pressure and neutralized, Thunder and lightning, Altidore and Davies, while pressuring the back line. In addition, Cornell Glen and Carlos Edwards demonstrated the lethal aspects of their game, as Glen almost scored off a chipped shot and Edwards terrorized the flanks all night.
From a defensive perspective, both wing backs, Jonathan Spector and Jonathan Bornstein, provided the defensive tenacity to neutralize both wingers, Tinto and Edwards. After experiencing his worst performance in quite some time, the Chivas winger exhibited a defensive intensity and coverage that was absent against El Salvador. Although his touch continues to fail him and his offensive output was non existent, Bornstein redeemed himself with a solid outing on the defensive end. Clarifying that his skill set also merit the title of a lock-down defender, the West Ham defender proved that he offers more than just his superb crossing and calmness on the ball.
Although the game was not a beautiful site by any means, the USMNT did accomplish their goals from this week, earning six points against El Salvador and Trinidad & Tobago. Several negatives and positives can be drawn from this game, but the USMNT has now stepped closer to their goal, World Cup qualification.
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Player Grades
Tim Howard, 5.5: Offered his normal display of athletic saves, but did struggle with his distribution.
Jonathan Spector, 6.5: Buzzing up and down the flank, Carlos Edwards attempted to infiltrate Spector's area, but Spector did not step wrong 1v1 all night. Although his offensive support and crossing did not reach his normal standards, his defensive contribution outweighed the entire performance. His ball watching and soft-man marking does need improvement moving forward.
Oguchi Onyewu, 5: The rust was evident for the first half, but being paired with Bocanegra brings the sloppiest out of Onyewu. Paired with Demerit, Onyewu's skill set are complimented best by the fiery Watford defender. On several occasions, his marking on set pieces and aerially passes were unacceptable. Let's hope that he earns more playing time this season because the rustiness caused reasons for concern.
Carlos Bocanegra, 4.5: Several of his clearances were unfathomable, not being able to usher them outside the penalty area. Continuing to rear its ugly head, his distribution embodies the NFL punt-it-away farthest from the penalty area with out any direction or purpose. Although he is an important contributor to the team, I am certain that Demerit/Onyewu make the better central pairing.
Jonathan Bornstein, 5.5: Still struggling with touch and offensive advancement in the attack, the Chivas defender reconciled with Coach Bradley, by sending the proverbial box of chocolates and two dozen roses, with his defensive performance. Likely out of Bradley's good graces, it is possible that Edgar Castillo will receive the next camp call up.
Landon Donovan, 6.5: offered his normal display of attacking, solid passing, and his game winning assist. Although he tired on the defensive end, Bornstein did offer good coverage while he trotted back into the defensive half. His free reign in the midfield alleviated pressure, utilizing his carte blanche as an outlet for the attack.
Ricardo Clark, 6: Despite offering little defensively as both Bradley and Clark struggled as a unit, carrying a flat line for much of the night, the Dynamo midfielder raised his score big time with the cracking game winner. With a tendency to score from long range, the US should focus on setting up his right-legged cannon. As I have said before, Clark and Bradley need to define their roles: Who holds while the other facilitates the attack?
Michael Bradley, 5: Not earning time for his club team and a just playing two consecutive qualifiers within a four day period betrayed his production and energy level on the pitch. His passing, dribbling, and work rate have suffered since his recent benching and precautionary measures for being exposed the HN1 virus. His guaranteed starting spot is dwindling with the emergence of Benny Feilhaber and Jermain Jones and Maurice Edu eyeing the next camp.
Clint Dempsey, 4.5: After scoring the equalizer against El Salvador and providing a mixed bag performance, the Deuce gave his rendition of the Broadway musical the "OutHouse". It was a real stinker. His poor passing, work rate, and disinterest pervaded the midfield, but a move to forward reinvigorated his game where he held possession for the USMNT. With Stuart Holden emerging at right wing, could a move up top yield the best from the Deuce?
Charlie Davies, 5: With his speed failing to penetrate the Soca Warriors defense as they used their athletic ability to shield out his penetrating runs, the Sochaux speedster never found a rhythm. In addition, his passing and penetrating runs lacked the normal Davies pizazz. His explosiveness and lethal runs never pestered their back line.
Jozy Altidore, 5.5: Looked more dangerous than his partner in crime, Lightning. But, the dynamic duo never blended well in the attack and failed to coordinate attacking sequences.
Coach Bradley, 5: I give credit for starting Bornstein over another option. But, this past week should be a reminder that he must develop several additional options at left back. Perhaps, it is time to move Dempsey up top and see what Stuart Holden can do on the right wing.
Subs
Benny Feilhaber, 6: Offered more defensive bite than the starters, passed and possessed well, and worked hard on the defensive end. His endurance and work rate has improved since moving to Aarhus.
Brian Ching, 5: Offered the normal Ching experience - strong hold-up play but almost gave up a goal on a bad back pass. Is it just me or does Ching look really slow?
Stuart Holden, 5: Adding to the overall attack and energy of the squad as a late game substitute, Holden's cross almost resulted in a Donovan goal. When will he receive his start at right wing?
What do you think of the player grades? Do you agree with the grades? Who was your Man-of-the-match? Will the USMNT secure a victory in Honduras? Share your thoughts.
Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals and soccer videos: USA vs Trinidad & Tobago - Player Grades
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