Soccer Goals: After two uninspiring performance in the Confederations Cup group stages against Italy and Brazil, coupled with a shocking performance against Costa Rica at Saprisa Stadium, US soccer forums began to heat up with topics such as "Fire Bob, Hire Klinsmann, and Bob's favorites suck".
What few knew was that a miracle would take place against Egypt, despite needing a 3-0 victory from Brazil over the Azurri, the USMNT team would advance to the knockout stage to face Spain. Boasting a 35-game unbeaten streak, the Spaniards would finally meet their match, as the US kept their shape denying the Furia Roja their chance for a goal and victory.
Pinch me: I'm dreaming, echoed after Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan had scored two goals in the first half against Brazil; A surreal moment in US soccer history. All the butterflies -- those feelings you get when you first meet a beautiful women or buy a new car -- had been destroyed by an early second half goal, a let down. If you haven't seen the highlights or watched the game, then, I'm sure that you know the ending: A story book final that witnessed the USMNT concede three goals and further validate Brazil's importance on the international stage.
The same old story, a fable that end in nightmare fashion, offered a glimpse of the growing pains that US soccer has experienced over the years, inconsistency. But, for the first time, the USMNT defeated two quality opponents and challenged Brazil to its limits. Unfortunately, inconsistency reared its ugly head. The US were defeated 3-2 by the Samba Kings.
Entering a transition period as the talented youth attempt to overthrow the current veteran regime, Coach Bradley arrives at a point in where US soccer must identify the right players and the correct style of play to contend and advance to the knock-out stages, provided that the US does qualify for South Africa 2010.
If Brian Ching were not injured for the Confederations Cup, we might have never discovered Charlie Davies. With few options at his disposal and needing a huge helping of heart and energy, Coach Bradley inserted Charlie Davies in the starting lineup versus Egypt, paying immediate dividends by scoring the US' first goal, eventually leading to advancement where they defeated Spain 2-0.
Coach Bradley's stubbornness to play the old guard, "the experienced veterans or his favorites" oppressed the US attack, limiting the team's development. Yes, Brazil was an eye opener. Despite never regaining his 2005 form and earning little playing time for Rangers, DaMarcus Beasley was rewarded for his experience, costing the game for the Americans against Brazil in the group stages. Why was Freddy Adu punished for his lack of playing time and immaturity, while Beasley received a free pass?
While I admire how Coach Bradley has increased the depth pool, willing to experiment with new players, his tactical stubbornness and reluctance to play inexperienced players has stunted US Soccer's development. Blessed with the deepest pool ever for a US coach, Bradley still gravitates to the players, who offer him the greatest comfortability not necessarily the best options for the game.
Offering Coach Bradley a summer progress report might help to identify what he must do secure qualification and raise the level of play, heading into South Africa 2010. Let's take a look.
Formations and Tactics: It is understandable that the USMNT must play disciplined and compact, offering high pressure without losing their shape. But, this summer demonstrated that the US can score against the international elite. Where did we fail? Holding our lead.
Lack of ball control, possession, and buildup lead to our demise as Brazil, Costa Rica, and Mexico capitalized on our penchant for turnovers and inability to alleviate pressure through proper distribution. How can the US improve this facet and still maintain a 4-4-2? It's simple: The target foward role must take a backseat.
Although I appreciate Brian Ching's attributes on an MLS level, his international play and Coach Bradley's antiquated tactics have relegated the US offense to a third tier unit. If the US boasted an abundance of wingers who could serve a good ball to the target forward, then Ching would make sense. However, our wing options are Dempsey and Donovan, players who prefer to advance centrally as they attack. The Confederations Cup validated that the offense can flourish without Ching. Davies and Altidore played admirably and created several scoring chances: Dempsey also proved his value up top.
Playing conservative and hoping to win 1-0, reminds many of the NFL's prevent defense or Herm Edward's strategy for a 6-3 victory, a scheme that is often exploited at the end of games and the other strategy that cost him his job. For example, the recent US vs Mexico match in Azteca, illustrated that the US could attack Mexico's suspect defense. But, after scoring the goal, the team reverted to its defensive shell, hoping to preserve the win or maintain the draw. Failing to attack Mexico's most glaring weakness suggests that Coach Bradley failed to recognize the key to victory. Otherwise, the result would be inevitable, an Azteca record of 0-22-1.
Future productive starting forwards for the USMNT.
With Dempsey proving his scoring prowess from a more advanced position and ability to hold up the ball under pressure, it would be advantageous to pair Davies and Dempsey together. Davies' speed creates the necessary space for the midfield to create better build up and offensive sequences. If Jozy gains full fitness, it is suggestible to pair Dempsey next to the former Red Bull forward or could even assume a super sub role. Here is an example of how his formation would look.
----Dempsey-------Davies
Donovan-Jones-Bradley-Holden/Feilhaber
Spector-DeMerit-Onyewu-Cherundolo
------------Howard---------
If the USMNT do succeed during the World Cup level, it is important that players with the necessary skills to possess under high pressure are included; such as Benny Feilhaber, Stuart Holden, Freddy Adu, and Jose Francisco Torres. By attacking through a possession based approach, the US will no longer tire under the constant defensive coverage that is required, allowing players to conserve their energy while at the same time applying offensive pressure to their opponent. When the US displays an aggressive offensive approach, they have fared well against their rivals. Sitting back and absorbing pressure will result in similar performances that took place this summer: Leads will evaporate.
Out with old in with the new: DaMarcus Beasley, Sacha Kljestan, Danny Califf, and Brian Ching have received adequate opportunities to impress coach Bradley. Their involvement has produced little benefit in the past six months, and other players must receive opportunities to make their mark on the team. If the trialists fail, then Coach Bradley must identify quality replacements for them.
Chad Marshall and Clarence Goodsen proved that they can compete at the CONCACAF level at the center back position. Full with promising prospects at right back, Bradley must consider moving several players over to left back, the Achilles tendon of US soccer. Bocanegra proved that he is better suited at central back. Bornstein and Pearce have not demonstrated any constistency. Perhaps, Michael Orozco and Edgar Castillo should receive consideration: They play consistently for their club teams, San Luis and Tigres. Distribution from the back line needs a substantial upgrade: Will US soccer and their supporters accept a "Cash for Clunkers" (aka Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act, or CARS)?
Who I would like to see more: Francisco Torres has yet to receive a full start but boasts the skills to provide possession under high pressure, allowing the team to set up their attack. With Kenny Cooper making the move to1860 Munich and playing admirably in a super sub role during the Gold Cup, his finishing, good touch, and strong work rate translate to the international level. Although he is not your typical center forward, he offers a cannon shot, good instincts, and passes well during offensive sequences. His inclusion and skill set could facilitate the US' transition to a more effective passing style.
Although Eddie Johnson has been black balled by many US Supporters due to his streak of poor form for both club and country. Let me remind you that during friendlies against England and Spain in 2008, Eddie Johnson performed admirably despite the midfield's poor play. With the emergence of Jozy Altidore and Charlie Davies at forward and while Donovan has found his ideal role in the midfield, the US attack could receive a boost of octane with EJ's inclusion. His pace, passing, and decent hold up play could stretch out opposing defenses and provide additional space in the midfield to initiate attacking sequences.
With 12 goals in 37 appearances for the red, white, and blue, EJ still offers the allusive speed that can dissect opposing defenses and create mismatches, similar to Davies impressive impact this summer. Club playing time will be imperative for potential call ups in the future as he strives to impress Coach Roy Hodgson. If relegated to a reserve role, EJ will remain on the outside looking in -- his international future will be in doubt.
In order to take the USMNT to the next level, Coach Bradley must field an attacking lineup similar to the Confederations Cup starting Xl against Brazil, Egypt, and Spain. Attacking opponents aggressively while maintaining good possession will give the US the formula to victory. Developing better possession traits within the team will prove invaluable as they face more difficult opponents in South Africa.
Questions have been answered whether we can score, but doubts still remain concerning our ability to hold a lead. Emphasis on better possession will accomplish this goal. The question now is: Will he do it?
What do you think of Bradley's tactics? Is the US overachieving or underachieving? Is Coach Bradley the right man for the job? Share your thoughts.
Included are blogs that discus Soccer Goals: Summer Progress Report - Coach Bob Bradley
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