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Soccer Goals: After Jonathan Bornstein set up the initial El Salvador goal in round 7 of CONCACAF qualification, while demonstrating poor touch and distribution, it became even more apparent that the USMNT left back pool is shallower than the local public kiddie pool. Couple the fact that Bornstein never really belonged in the USMNT picture, while Heath Pearce has struggled with club playing time since leaving the Danish league - and who is currently unattached after a last minute deal fell through with Turkish Club Bursaspor and the American defender.

 

 

Now, Coach Bradley is at a crossroads. Does he move Carlos Bocanegra, who is not suited, but adequate, to left back at the international level? Or is it presumable that he could shift either Steve Cherundolo or Jonathan Spector to left back, even though they are not natural left back options. Or, the third option could be Edgar Castillo who recently switched allegiances after Mexico failed to cap tie him after he lost his passport before a friendly against Honduras and was lost in the debacle that saw for coaching changes in 18 months.

 

You can imagine the scenario: Punching in 011 52, the area code and Monterrey number into his cell number as his fingers shake from nervousness and anxiety, Coach Bradley has erased both Pearce and Bornstein's speed dial number and replaced him with the New Mexico native, Edgar Castillo, despite rumblings of poor defensive attributes.

 

Several negatives have permeated the US Soccer circles, suggesting that Edgar Castillo offers plenty offensively, boasting speed galore, good distribution, and crossing. However, his defensive deficiencies could expose the US back line due to his penchant to over commit in the attack, diminutive frame, and lack of defensive discipline.

 

After watching Jonathan Bornstein play his way out of a starting and reserve position, I have reconsidered my position on Edgar Castillo. Yes, he does have his defensive shortcomings, but, on the other hand, Bornstein really never deserved all the playing time that he has received over the past three years. After limiting Lionel Messi in the 2007 Copa America for the duration of 60 minutes, many clamored  that Bornstein was a Messi stopper, limiting the young phenoms offensive opportunities. The myth began to spread: Bernstein was a lock-down defender.  

 

What really transpired that evening was that the coach repositioned the attacking Argentine, shifting him to the right and exploiting the US with his attacking prowess and 1v1 penetration. On two occasions during the game, Bornstein failed to mark his assignment resulting in goals by Crespo and Tevez. The Argentines would cruise easily 4-1.

 

Since 2007 and through their own process of elimination, both Pearce and Bornstein should not receive additional call ups until they can perform on a consistent basis for their club and or unless the other left back options are either injured or out-of-form.

 

With an ability to possess under pressure,  Edgar Castillo offers an element and attribute not very common in the left back position, composed distribution while under pressure. Despite all of his attacking prowess and speed on the flanks, Edgar Castillo will allow the USMNT to hold possession better as the left back position has been the soccer abyss for turnovers and speed bump that has stunted the US' offensive continuity. Previously, I would cringe when a center back squared a pass to the left back or a midfielder would back pass to Bornstein, Beasley, and in some cases Pearce.

 

Although the New Mexico native might not warrant the starting position every game, his speed and technical ability suggests that he will be useful in certain circumstances, if Coach Bradley chooses to spread out teams with wide flank play and crosses into the box. Combining two speedy players on the left flank, such as Landon Donovan and Edgar Castillo, will create space for the forwards and will allow space for runs from the central midfield. Landon Donovan could benefit most from his inclusion as teams, will be unable to key solely on Donovan and must respect Castillo's dangerous and speedy runs.

 

Besides offering speed and good technical ability, the former Santos Laguna defender can provide good service in the form of crosses and passing, a trait which would compliment the right back, Jonathan Spector, who is well known for his crossing and distribution. His versatility, also, allows him to play at left wing, as he demonstrated well in the 2008 U-23 Olympic qualifiers where he scored one goal in three appearance while terrorizing the left flank.

 

At the tender age of 22-years old, Edgar Castillo has played in the Mexican Primera Division for four seasons mostly as a starter, playing with Santos Laguna, America, and Tigres. With few options available at left back, Castillo should receive the call for the October camp against Honduras and Costa Rica. Although I do not believe that it would be wise to start him if the US has yet to qualify for South Africa 2010, but a camp call up will allow the coaching staff to evaluate his worth moving forward.

 

The insistence to call on the same left back prospects will only produce diminishing returns. Coach Bradley, please call him.

 

Do you think Castillo will be an upgrade over Bornstein and PEarce? Is Borstein's defense that much better than Borstein or Pearce? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Making the case - Edgar Castillo

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Soccer Goals: With Oguchi Onyewu suspended due to yellow-card accumalation and Jay DeMerit out with a groin injury, Coach Bob Bradley must make several difficult decisions. What center back would you pair with Carlos Bocanegra? Clarence Goodsen and Chad Marshall are the remaining candidates, but Jonathan Spector can fill in a pinch. The most likely to start should be Chad Marshall who demonstrated his ability in the Gold Cup, where he played an almost perfect game before the Final against Mexico.

 

 

 

 

Defenders: The Crew center back offers the height, aerial prowess, and defensive tenacity of Onyewu while being able to distribute under pressure, a facet that Bocanegrahas failed at both left and center back. Despite the center back dilemmas, Coach Bradley must decided if he would like to play both Steve Cherundolo, who received a mixed bags of reviews, in which I thought he played well despite Donovan's poor defensive work rate (remember Donovan played on the right in the first half and left him exposed).

 

Proving himself at the highest level in the Confederations Cup, Jonathan Spector played all five games and offered up two pin-point crosses for Dempsey goals. Although left back is not his natural position, he has played this season on both wings for West Ham United. The other option, Jonathan Bornstein, could slot in at left offering a strong work rate but struggles with possession and distribution. 

 

Planning to field his best team, i believe that Coach Bradley will field Cherundolo and Spector on the wings.  If El Salvador plans to bunker in, Cherundolo and Spector would offer greatest possession and service to the midfield and forwards.

 

Midfield: With Benny Feilhaber and Stuart Holden holding their own in Azteca while Kyle Beckerman played well in the Gold Cup and is accustomed to the altitude of Salt Lake. What option will coach Bradley execute? He could pair Michael Bradley with defensive midfielder Ricardo Clark or could opt for Benny Feilhaber who can maintain possession and initiate offensive attacks. Preferring a blend of both Clark and Feilhaber, Bradley could opt for Kyle Beckerman, a hard working midfielder acclimated to the the high altitude who can make the deft pass and hold possession.

 

Since the probability is high that El Salvador will choose a bunker-first mentality, it seems logical that Coach Bradley will opt for Feilhaber who can create attacking sequences, while settling possession under high pressure. Kyle Beckerman could prove to be the second best option being able to cover endless ground, hold possession, and provide the creative pass to break down the Selecta's defense.

 

On the wings, Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey should be the preferred wings unless the Deuce moves up top to pair with Charlie Davies. If that move is the case, Stuart Holden should slot in on the right, as he would provide great crossing, strong ball possession, strong work rate, and long-distance striking.  If Dempsey is paired up top with Davies. the USMNT would assemble a more ball possession attacking squads that they have represented in qualifying. Charlie Davies' emergence and Clint Dempsey's nose-for-goal has given Coach Bradley more flexibility in tactics. The question remains: will he utilize and restructure his tactics and strategy?

 

Forwards: Jozy Altidore, Brian Ching, Conor Casey, Charlie Davies, and Robbie Findley comprise the various options at forwards. Considering his fitness and current form, Davies should secure one of the starting forward positions. Will Jozy start or will Coach Bradley decide on Dempsey up top? Or will Ching receive the preferred start for his target forward traits?

 

As proposed and suggested by Ives on Soccerbyives.net, I believe that Dempsey could slot in as the second starting forward since he has proven to be a deadly finisher around the 18-yard box. However, if Dempsey is slotted on the wing, Ching will assume the starting position paired next to Davies, leaving Altidore as a super sub and starter for the Trinidad & Tobago game on September 9th.

 

If the US dictate the tempo by attacking from the beginning of the game, I don't believe that El Salvador can prevent Charlie Davies from making an impact on the game. His speed, strength, and deadly finishing give the USMNT the advantage heading into qualifying.

 

Prediction:  Although El Salvador has held their opponents to 1-0 scorelines while on the road, the US will expose their team scoring early and punishing them on swift counter attacks. The USA earn the victory 3-1 as Arturo Alvarez scores his first goal for the Selecta.

 

 

Here is a potential starting Xl if Dempsey plays at Forward.

-----Davies--Demspey----

Donovan-Bradley-Feilhaber-Holden

Spector-Bocanegra-Marshall-Cherundololo

----------Howard---------

 

Here would be Bradley's alternate Starting Xl if Dempsey played at Forward.

-----Davies--Demspey----

Donovan-Bradley-Beckermann-Holden

Spector-Bocanegra-Marshall-Cherundololo

----------Howard---------

 

Here is the proposed Starting Xl if Dempsey plays on the wing.

-----Davies--Ching----

Donovan-Bradley-Feilhaber-Dempsey

Spector-Bocanegra-Marshall-Cherundololo

----------Howard---------

 

 

What would your starting Xl be? Would you like to see Dempsey up top? Will the USMNT attack fiercely from the beginning of the game? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: What is your starting Xl against La Selecta?

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Soccer Goals: When one thinks of the top goal scorers in Major League Soccer, Landon Donovan, Fredy Montero, Conor Casey, and Guillermo Barros Schelotto come to mind. Robbie Findley has climbed to the top, achieving this status with a two goal performance against Chivas USA.

 

 The Oregon State forward has catapulted up the MLS scoring charts and now sits at second place with ten goal with the aforementioned strikers. So why has Robbie Findley gone under the radar for the entire 2009 season? The RSL speedster possesses speed, efficient finishing, athleticism, and has improved his vision with five assists in 2008 and two in 2009.

After watching Robbie Findley in preseason in Tampa, Florida, I became a believer as his play rose above the rest of the squad, playing at the same or better level than Kyle Beckerman, a consumate professional. Whether he was terrorizing his opponents with his speed or deceptive finishing, one thing was certain during his preseason training: Robbie Findley was and is for real.

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Click here to view: These soccer videos feature highlight of Findley's soccer goals against Chivas USA.

These soccer videos feature his hat trick against Columbus and rookie season goals.

 

 

 

After a failed trial with Danish club Brondby IF, the US international has produced his best season ever, scoring 10 goals and two assists in 20 appearances and 15 starts. Averaging a goal every 139 minutes leaves him in  an elite category in goals per minute, as Freddy Montero(164), Guillermo Barros Schelotto(140), and Landon Donovan(157) trail him: Only Conor Casey(119) and Jeff Cunningham(133) have have produced better numbers. After witnessing Kljestan struggle after his failed trial with Celtic, the lightning-bolt forward has overcome adversity, producing at the highest level in MLS.

 

So what makes me think that Robbie Findley can produce at the top level? Charlie Davies and the USMNT proved that speed kills against international competition. Charlie Davies proved that his speed unraveled opposing defenses and created space for his strike partner and midfield. Without his inclusion in the Egypt game at the Confederations Cup, Coach Bradley would have never discovered the impact that Davies could make on the next level.  Possessing similar attributes to Charlie Davies just needing additional refinement, Robbie Findley offers the skills to translate to the international game. On the international level, speed kills, and Findley can exploit back lines with his improved technical game.

 

Besides his improvement in scoring and assists, Robbie Findley has demonstrated improvements in his dribble-penetration 1v1, a softer touch, decent hold-up play, passing, improved crossing, and astute off-the-ball runs. Although recovering from an injury and returning to full fitness during the Gold Cup, Coach Bradley excluded, the cousin of Mike Bibby, instead opting for Brad Evans, Santino Quaranta, and Davy Arnoux. I suggested in a previous Gold Cup article  that the US lacked speed and extra dimension stating:

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" So, where did Coach Bradley go wrong? His selection allowed for an abundance of analogous players, ignoring the element of speed. Eddie Johnson (a glaring omission) and other speed players (Robbie Findley, Jeremiah White, or Jemal Johnson) would have added the extra threat that would have complimented his target forwards Brian Ching and Kenny Cooper."

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Now that you know that I did not jump on the Findley bandwagon after his two goal performance against Chivas USA last night,  it was apparent that the feisty forward deserves a look after he wreaked havoc during Week 22 against the Dynamo defense in fist half stoppage time, where he was taken down inside the box on three separate occassions within a 20 second period. This play resulted in Mathis receiving his second card for dissent, showing his frustration and demonstration by spiking the ball. The non-call proved erroneous as the Dynamo maintained the draw and the RSL forward remained dangerous.

 

So where would Robbie Findley fit in with the USMNT? His position could be as a sub role at forward or right wing where his pace would create another facet of danger. For Real Salt Lake and the U-23 MNT he has played in both a 4-4-2 and 4-3-3, which emphasizes crisp passing and movement without the ball.Although he lacks the experience on the international scene, entering as a late-game substitute in Switzerland, he definitely boasts the attributes that have proven successful at the international level. Several call ups for qualifiers, friendlies, and the January Camp could provide the opportunity and platform to excel at the international level.

 

A camp invitation or a call up would be a start. It's in Coach Bradley's hands now.

 

What did you think of his two goal performance? Should Findley be considered for the USMNT? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals and soccer videos: Making a Case - Robbie Findley

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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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Soccer Goals: After waiting for over a week since Mexico released the roster that would host the USMNT, US supporters can finally breathe a sigh relief, as the roster was released late Friday afternoon. Consisting of the usual suspects from the Confederations Cup, the roster included Chad Marshall and Stuart Holden, debutantes of the 2009 CONCACAF Hexagonal qualifiers. Freddy Adu, Frankie Hejduk, Kenny Cooper, DaMarcus Beasley, and Heath Pearce were the most notable omissions, who lead the way for Marshall and Holden's inclusion.

 

This soccer videos features the 20-man US Roster against Mexico. Click here if unavailable

 

Here is the lineup that Coach Bob Bradley selected for the August 12th Azteca confrontation.

Goalkeepers- Tim Howard (Everton), Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)

 

Defenders- Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA)

 

Midfielders- Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus), Jose Francisco Torres (Pachuca), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo)

 

Forwards- Jozy Altidore (Hull City), Charlie Davies (Sochaux), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids)

 

This group, consising of mainly the Confederations Cup squad, experienced both highs and lows, reaching and losing the Confed Cup final to Brazil 2-3. The biggest question mark remains: who will start up top? Will Coach Bradley opt for Davies and Altidore who performed well in the knockout stages. Will Coach Bradley select the enraged target forward Brian Ching who suffered in the 0-5 defeat to Mexico in the Gold Cup Final?

 

Here is the proposed starting Xl for the USA vs Mexico qualifier.

 

-----Ching-----Altidore---

Donovan-Bradley-Clark-Dempsey

Bocanegra-Demerit-Onyewu-Spector

-----------Howard---------

 

With Ching able to provide good hold up play and hustle to free up Jozy Altidore to make runs at a Mexican defense without their iconic captain, Rafa Marquez. the US attackers must utilze their speed and aerially superiortiy to break down the expected central pairing, Jonny Magallon and Carlos Salcido. If the US can keep the game within one goal,  striker Charlie Davies and Benny Feilhaber could enter as a second half sparkplug, offering additional speed, offensive spark, and possession, traits that facilitated success in the Confederations Cup.

 

In addition, it appears that Coach Bradley will slot Captain Carlos Bocanegra at left back and pair Jay Demerit centrally with Oguchi Onyewu. Despite not earning playing time in the Confederations Cup and not being summoned for the Gold Cup, midfielder Paco Torres could realize his dreams of playing in Azteca and reassure Coach Bradley of his abilities.

 

The Conor Casey inclusion proves puzzling as he has recently returned from an injury and a below average showing in the Confederations Cup, though it is unlikely that he will make the 18-man roster.

 

If the USMNT are to secure a draw or victory, they must avoid the pitfalls that they experienced previously this summer. Playing compact while attacking with appropriate numbers could allow the US to dictate the tempo and is essential to success. Both teams have their own pressures: The US must confront the lung crushing altitude and contaminacion, coupled with the roars of 110,000 Mexican fans in Azteca, a place where they have never won. While Mexico must perform under extreme pressure, knowing that a defeat or  draw would crush their World Cup aspirations and would produce devestating financial and future implications. This travesty would send the Mexican Federation and supporters spiraling out of control, and a draw would severely cripple their South African aspirations, as their next qualifier against Costa Rica sends them to Saprissa Stadium, an impenatrable fortress.

 

What do you think of the roster? Do you agree with Coach Bradley's selections? Will the USMNT break the curse that has plagued them in the Azteca? What is your starting Xl? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals and soccer videos: US Soccer releases roster for Mexico Qualifier

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Soccer Goals: Breathe in and out slowly and calmly. That is what most US supporters said to themselves after Mexico had scored three goals in 11 minutes. However, the soccer goal buffet opened indefinitely at Giants Stadium and closed at 5p.m., as El Tri gave the USA a serious beat down scoring two more goals.

 

These soccer videos feature interiews with USMNT players after the Mexican thrashing.

 

 

 

Yes, conceding five goals in 33 minutes is unacceptable, and Coach Bradley should have inserted new blood after the first goal, due to Mexico's perpetual attacks. Although the US played a better half than Mexico, the wheels fell off in the second, as Coach Javier Aguirre added Arsenal's Carlos Vela who added a new dimension to the Mexican attack. For this astute coaching move, I salute the Mexican coach, Javier Aguirre, deserving of the victory.

 

Whether Mexico receives an injection to the remainder of the Hexagonal remains to be seen. Confidence did exude in the second half for El Tri, when Dos Santos and Vela exploited the US' fatigued wing backs who failed to track back in a timely manner. Even the central midfield pairing of Beckerman and Pause provided a serviceable duo, but the midfielders could not match the intensity of Torrado and Castro. Failing to track back promptly cost the USMNT the game. Running swiftly down the flanks with ease, Dos Santos appeared to possess the speed of world record holder Usain Bolt, as he looked back in a 2008 Bolt Olympic rendition to see if he was off sides.

 

Yes, the defeat hurts. Well, actually it is really painful. But, let's take things into perspective. Deciding not to call up his supplemental players, a gutsy move, back fired for Coach Bradley. Battered and bruised from their beat down, both players and coach Bradley will learn from their experience.

 

The inexperienced players should have rallied and left everything on the field. But, fatigue overcame their will to win, and El Tri punished them five times without mercy.

 

In their second FIFA final in the past month, Coach Bradley remained loyal to his players, believing that they would overcome adversity and the constant Mexican attacks.  But, after conceding two goals, Coach Bradley demonstrated his reactionary tactics in the eery manner of the 2009 Confederations Cup. His usual suspects at wing back and central midfield appeared to be debilitated, which played a role in their physical demise and letdown.

 

In an attempt to build cohesion by virtually playing the same starting Xl, Coach Bradley pushed his starters to their maximum level, but then the fortress walls crumbled. Despite scoring the second most goals in the Gold Cup, the USMNT lacked the element of speed at forward, which was a glaring weakness as Ching and Arnaud could not reach probing ball played into space. In the group stages, the US boasted their speed up top with Charlie Davis who unsettled back lines with ease. His element of speed created space for midfielders Quaranta, Beckerman, and Holden, transforming these prospects into US fringe players.

 

So, where did Coach Bradley go wrong? His selection allowed for an abundance of analogous players, ignoring the element of speed. Eddie Johnson (a glaring omission) and another speed player (Robbie Findley, Jeremiah White, or Jemal Johnson) would have added the extra threat that would have complimented his target forwards Brian Ching and Kenny Cooper. Although Eddie Johnson attempts to settle in with Fulham FC, his experience, increased European confidence, and speed would have wreaked havoc on opposing defenses, allowing for the midfield to generate efficient offensive sequences with their newly created space.

 

Even though I still admire what Coach Bob Bradley has produced with the USMNT and its player pool,  it is essential that he learns from his mistakes and adapts faster, offering a more proactive approach to in-game tactics. His decision making for the US/Mexico qualifier could erase memories of the Mexican beat down or could exacerbate the disdain that many US supporters feel for his tactics and predictability.

 

Let's take a look at the players grades for US vs Mexico 0-5 defeat.

 

Troy Perkins, 5.5 - Made several great saves and attempted to single-handedly keep the US afloat, while his defense betrayed him, playing undisciplined and lethargic in the second half. His overall Gold Cup performance states his case for the third position.  

 

Jay Heaps, 2 - Although the penalty call against Dos Santos remains questionable as Jay Heaps received an elbow to the face,  pulling on Dos Santos jersey left the window open for referee Campbell. Caught out of position on several occasions, the Heapster never should have advanced so profoundly in the attack, while failing to track back promptly.

 

Clarence Goodson, 4.5 - Played the best of the defenders, but the defensive unit crumbled under pressure and experiencing a lack of discipline. A strong league campaign should keep him in good standing with Coach Bradley.

 

Chad Marshall, 3.5 - Perfection had to cease at some moment in the Gold Cup, which transpired in the second half allowing Vela and Dos Santos to turn and dummy the Crew defender. His effort level suggested that he had given up, playing casual after the second goal. Paired with an experienced defender, such as Onyewu or Bocanegra, the 2008 defender would have maintained his composure. His strong Gold Cup display resonated through US soccer forums as he received accolades and approval. Did this game hurt his status for a spot in upcoming qualifiers?

 

Heath Pearce, 4 - In the first 30 minutes, the out-of-contract left back advanced well and provide great support to Rogers. His crossing offered its moments of jubilation and frustration. However, the ensuing second half witnessed a complete nose dive: His advancement in the attack yielded little danger, and his positional sense allowed Dos Santos free reign on the flank and final third. Not tracking back and suspect man-marking hurt his World Cup chances tremendously. His improved Gold Cup play ensued with each game, but mental mistakes in the final could lead to his demise and omission from the USMNT.

 

Robbie Rogers, 4.5 - demonstrated more than his past knockout stage games but failed to score on two good chances. His second half strike in the 48th minute could have changed the complexity for the USA. It is imperative that Rogers utilizes his speed and attacks players 1v1 as his crossing has improved over the past two years.

 

Logan Pause, 4 -  Starting the game on a positive note, the Chicago Fire midfielder work rate and play diminshed faster than the 2008 Iceland krona (currency). In his defense, he should have never received a Gold Cup invitation. Amongst US central midfielders, he rates between 12-15 on the depth chart.

 

Kyle Beckerman, 4.5 - played well in the first half and disappeared in the second half. His composure was evident in the previous games, but against Mexico, the Rasta's strikes on goal were squandered by unease and nervousness on his follow through. Previously, those strikes would flourish on the international and MLS levels. 

 

Stuart Holden, 5 - Tracked back defensively to offer several timely tackles, jump starting a counter attack. However, his play diminished in the second half like Alex Rodriguez in the playoffs. Once slotted centrally, Holden demonstrated his penchant for turnovers as he fatigued early than most games. The tireless winger earned consideration for the Azteca qualifier, but the Gold Cup final has exposed his penchant for turnovers when fatigue sets in.

 

Davy Arnaud, 3.5 - After a poor showing in the Honduras semifinal, it seemed evident that Arnaud should be relegated to the bench. But, Coach Bradley opted for the Wizard ace to pair with Brian Ching. In hindsight, Kenny Cooper should have started the game because his size would have posed problem for Mexico's back line, while Ching continued his dirty work and hold-up play.

 

Brian Ching, 4.5 - Hustled and played with conviction but was unable to score a customary header or rebound. Instead, he chased long balls all day until the wheels fell off. Although his hold up play is essential for the US attack, his play requires a speed player to compliment him his skill set.

 

Subs 

Santino Quaranta, 3 - Offered little passion and intensity while turning the ball over on several occasions. His Gold Cup proved that his one dimensional play does not translate to the next level.

 

Kenny Cooper, 5 - Disappeared and suffered from the lack of service. His stature and play demands a more physical approach, requiring him to hold the ball up better under pressure and relaying it to his teammates. Although his Gold Cup performance suggests that he can score goals, his display indicated that he still offers little in a high international competition. A European move will suit him very nicely.

 

Are you still bummed after the 5-0 beat down? WIll the US prevail in Azteca? Was the victory overrated for Mexico? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: The USMNT collapse against Mexico in Gold Cup Final 0-5 Beatdown - US Player Grades

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