socceraddictnews.com

 

Although the USA/Sweden score 3-2 sounds like a close game, the reality is that the USA controlled the tempo and maintained possession for longer periods of time. The Swedes were able to capitalize on their scoring opportunities while the USMNT team failed to man-mark during transition and crossing situations. Sacha Kljestan made a case for a starting central midfield position scoring a hat trick. Besides being a scoring threat, Kljestan displayed efficient passing, composure on the ball, interchanged offensively to stimulate a semi-fluid attack, and provided defensive coverage, an attribute that Bob Bradley covets in his central midfield. Brian Ching utilized his strengths which were his hold-up play, passing, and ability to draw fouls. Included are highlight of the US friendly. 

 

 

 

 

 

Kenny Cooper, Robbie Rogers, and Charlie Davies were given their chance to show their values going into the qualifiers, but it appears that they will have to prove themselves at club level and Gold Cup to receive additional minutes for the upcoming qualifiers. Their performances were disappointing and seemed to lack the intensity to make runs, work hard for loose balls, and do the intangibles that make the difference on the international level.

 

Although these players are not in school any more, I thought it would be a good idea to give a progress report to indicate how they played and what they need to improve on the upcoming season. The grades are based on 1-10 scale with six being an average game.

 

Brian Ching (7.5)utilized his strengths which were his hold-up play, passing, and ability to draw fouls. Although many fans are asking for reinforcements in the likes of Davies, Cooper, and Altidore, it is evident that Ching offers the intangibles that the other forwards do not display on a consistant basis.His pass to Wynne for the penalty was slick and savvy.  When Ching received the long Califf pass, settling it acrobatically, sealing his man, turning on his defender, and slipping the ball to a sprinting Kljestan, this was the play that sealed the game for the USA. Ching should start  the USA vs El Tri game. Although his upside is not as bright as the younger forwards, his roster inclusion will be essential during the Hexagonal.

 

Charlie Davies (4)neglected to make his case as a consistent roster inclusion. He was pushed off the ball various times, failed to apply defensive pressure, and did not utilize his speed. In the first half, he darted to the end line close to the box area and then crossed a dangerous ball into the penalty area which was his only glimpse of attacking flair the whole game. His national team role will be as a super sub when opposing defenses are tired, and he can stretch defenses with his speed. His club play and Gold Cup performances will be essential for him to see regular time with the USMNT.

 

Robbie Rogers (5) uninspired, unwilling to attack defenders, and afraid to challenge for loose balls, under performed compared to his club success that he experienced this past year. It appeared that he was playing in slow motion most of the game which was contrary to the role that he had for the U-20 and the Columbus Crew  that made him such an interesting prospect. In his defense, his defensive coverage was better than I thought it would be, and in the second half he had a couple of good runs and crosses. He was graded a point below the average for playing timidly, not challenging for loose balls, and not utilizing his flank speed.

 

Sacha Kljestan (9.5)scored a hat trick from an exquisite set piece, penalty kick and a far post volley. Sacha Kljestan made a case for a starting central midfield position scoring a hat trick. Besides being a scoring threat, Kljestan displayed efficient passing, composure on the ball, interchanged offensively to stimulate a semi-fluid attack, and provided defensive coverage, an attribute that Bob Bradley covets in his central midfield. He would have receive a perfect ten but failed to do by neglecting his full Kung Fu kick routine after scoring his goals. Just kidding....LOL. His national team future looks brighter with each game.

 

Ricardo Clark (7)started the game with a turnover but eliminated the pre game jitters with a solid contribution. Clark tackled well, covered a large area, passed well, and contributed in the attack.  He demonstrates that he can be a very solid substitute in the central midfield. It also appears that he works better with Kljestan or other central midfielders not named Bradley. Bradley and Clark lack the communication, defined midfield roles, and chemistry that he has with other players such as Feilhaber, Edu, and Kljestan.

 

John Thorrington (6.5) contributed well defensively, offensively, and offerd a strong work rate.His experience, positioning, and Ching-esque intangibles make him a good option in the upcoming friendlies. His versatility will help cover various positions such as right wing and back. Thorrington provided good runs, tackling and crossing to earn an above average grade.

 

Marvelle Wynne (8)should change his name to Marvelle-ous. LOL! With all jokes aside, Wynne has stated his claim for the second spot at right back. His speed, over lapping runs, improved touch and technique, and lock down defense makes him a bright spot for the future US back line. Whether the Swedes had scouted Wynne or not,  it was evident that they respected his speed giving him abnormal amounts of space to maneuver with the ball. His speed and agility allows him to blow past defenders with the ball. During the game, Wynne provided defensive coverage and a lock down defensive quality. Since his Copa America debut, Wynne has improved tremendously and would benefit playing in a more competitive European environment. His stock is rising.

 

Danny Califf (7) kept the Swedes quiet most of the night but failed to communicate with the back line on the second goal. His rating stems from his strong tackling, good distribution, intensity, and aerial control. His long distance pass to Ching was accurate and lead to the game winning goal. He continues to be the third option at center back with Chad Marshall a close fourth.

 

Michael Parkhurst (6) continued his cerebral play, calm presence, and defensive obscurity. It seems that every game that I do an evaluation for Parkhurst I say the same thing. He does not stick out in any particular area but does the necessary to secure the back line.

 

Jonathon Bornstein (5) would have been lower but provided defensive coverage, combining with teammates, and made a good cross. He was down graded in two areas the lack of effort man-marking for the first goal and his overall bad crossing. His mental lapse was reminiscent of the Mexico friendly where Drew Moor gave up two goals by not marking his man. Moor is now in National team purgatory and will unlikely play an important role for the USMNT. The main concern with Bornstein is that he is not an upgrade from Heath Pearce. Bornstein has lived off his 60 minutes of fame in the Argentina game in Copa America much like Eddie Johnson's early successful international goal scoring. Besides the Argentian game, Bornstein has been unable to impress at the international level and has struggled recently at Chivas USA. Heath Pearce boasts superior crossing, passing, defense, and equivalent speed. Pearce has been unable to impress his coach for playing time which has stunted his development.  Although Bornstein could be a good option at left back, it appears that USMNT team needs to find additional options at left back.

 

Troy Perkins (5.5) had a quiet game but conceded two goals which was due to defensive lapses leaving the goal keeper exposed. His positioning on the second goal was suspect and could have possibly stopped the shot.

 

Subs

 

Kenny Cooper (4.5)dug himself a big whole with his tendency to over touch the ball and not providing adequate hold-up play. In his defense, he did not receive much service, but Ching showed why he is still the man to beat. Cooper might not have many call-ups until Gold Cup so he will have to impress during the season.

 

Chris Rolfe (5) did not separate himself from the other fringe players. He did not look comfortable against players much bigger than him but is a very technically gifted player.

Igo Ihemelu (5)would have scored higher but was in another planet on the second goal by leaving Dalhberg unmarked for the impressive header. His speed and defensive coverage was evident being Parkhurst's substitute.

 

Brian Carrol, Eddie Gaven, and Chris Wingert did not play enough for grades. However, Wingert looked extremely slow compared to Bornstein.

 

This friendly was an opportunity for the young prospects to make a claim for playing time and challenge the veteran players. The 3-2 result was favorable for the USMNT, but the individual performances for the future prospects were a disappointment limiting the current expansion of its' player pool.

 

What are your thoughts on the game? Do you  agree with my player grades? What did you think of Kljestan's goals? Do you think Kljestan was popping bubbly in the VIP and showing off his bling after the game? Will Ching continue to be the first option?  Share your thoughts.

 

Included are web logs that reference USMNT wins 3-2 versus Sweden player grades.