By FRANCO PANIZO
DETROIT – The U.S. men's national team may not have opened its Gold Cup campaign with a lopsided scoreline, but it did put forth a strong performance en route to earning three points against an archrival.
Jozy Altidore scored in the first half and Clint Dempsey netted in the second to give the Americans a 2-0 win over Canada in front of 28,209 fans at Ford Field on Tuesday.
Tim Howard also came up with a handful of fine saves on the night to preserve a shutout victory that helped keep the U.S. team undefeated in the group stages of the tournament, and gave it first place in Group C after Panama defeated Guadeloupe, 3-2, in the first match of the night.
"From the moment the group was put together and the first game was Canada, we expected a tough match," said U.S. head coach Bob Bradley. "I think this Canadian team is a good one, and going in, we knew it would be a tough match. And there's a lot to build on, so for us, (we're) excited to get going."
The Americans got going from the opening whistle, controlling the possession of the game and earning several corner kicks. Landon Donovan's service on the set pieces was lacking, however, and the U.S. team was unable to break through.
That was until Altidore netted his first goal since October 2010 in the 15th minute. Donovan hit Altidore with a pass in the penalty area, and the 21-year-old forward blasted a low shot towards goal that goalkeeper Lars Hirschfeld could not save despite being positioned well.
"I don't think about any of that stuff to be honest with you," said Altidore of his scoring slump. "Every game is different. You just try to go out there and try to help the team any way you can."
Altidore and the United States continued to pressure Canada for the remainder of the first half, but the Americans were unable to translate that pressure into goal-scoring chances.
When the second half began, Dwyane De Rosario and the rest of Canada had some newfound life as they took the game to their rivals.
Centerbacks Tim Ream and Clarence Goodson did well to deal with the Canucks' attack and that allowed the Americans to double their lead in the 62nd when Dempsey scored with a sliding effort.
On the play, Altidore received the ball and made a run down the right side of the penalty area before releasing a low cross that Juan Agudelo slightly re-directed into the path of an oncoming Dempsey.
"It's good for my confidence to get the goal because it's my first goal I scored in 2011 with the U.S. team," said Dempsey, who now has 20 goals at the international level.
Down 2-0, the Canadians began to play more direct and almost scored on a few occasions. Unfortunately for them, Howard came up with several tremendous saves, including a pair of point-blank blocks that left Ali Gerba and the Canadian fans in attendance frustrated.
"The chances we did create (in the second half) were very good, and Howard was absolute magic," said Canada head coach Stephan Hart. "I almost clapped."
The Americans did receive an ovation as they went on to finish the game with precise passing and a pair of attacks that almost led to a third goal.
"I thought it was a real team effort tonight," said Michael Bradley. "I thought everybody made it their business to be committed from the first minute on. I'm proud of our guys for that tonight."
The Americans currently stand in first place in Group C after Panama beat 10-man Guadeloupe, 3-2, in the first game of the day.
Blas Perez opened the scoring in that game with a 29th-minute tally before Luis Tejada netted. Gabriel Gomez added a third in the second half off a penalty kick, but Guadeloupe refused to roll over. Second-half substitute Brice Jovial scored a brace to make things interesting, though an equalizer never came.
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What do you think of the United States' 2-0 win? Who impressed/disappointed you? Surprised by the Americans' dominance in the match? What did you take away from the Panama-Guadeloupe game?
Share your thoughts below.
How does Sacha keep getting picked over Torres? Does Bradley dislike Torres? I think Torres has the ball control and passing ability needed to create more scoring chances in the final third of the field.
I’m 21 and played class I soccer through highschool, and have been an avid USMNT fan since the ’02 World Cup. Ironically, I DO live in Spain and DO support Barca, so I realize that we’re not capable of playing like them (trust me, my spanish friends love to remind me every chance they get). However we absolutely are capable of putting together a better performance against Canada! Go to wikipedia right now and compare our rosters, US players play for far better clubs except for in the striker position.
In response to Tom, how many times did you watch Fulham or Bolton play last year? Because I watched a few games and I can assure you that either of those midfields would have completely dominated the canadian midfield last night, and yes, passed circles around them. Furthermore, you absolutely can rate a midfield’s performance independent of the team’s as a whole; that’s ridiculous to suggest that you can’t.
Finally, I completely disagree with you GW in regards to the Bikini contest. I want my girl to always be the hottest of the batch, not the one who sucks in her oversized belly a little bit more as she gets put up against stiffer and stiffer competition, until in the end everyone says, whoa wait a sec that girl’s a whale!
This is the GOLD CUP for crying out loud! It’s the ugliest sorority in world football (besides oceania confederation, but they’re so bad they even have to bring their own alcohol to the frat partys)! I mean come on how can you say that style doesn’t matter in football??? This kind of attitude is EXACTLY what is holding the US back in the world, because it focuses too much on winning and not enough on the level of play and the development of players.
You are absolutely right, we can keep on giving the kind of performances that will not take us to the next level but still win the Gold Cup. However, I KNOW that with the players we have on this team we don’t have to be that ugly girl that sucks in her belly just a little bit more the rest, and that we DON’T have to rely on lucky finishing and Tim Howard to have a “convincing” win against Canada.
Vamos venga US!
people are calling this goal soft only because of its location. the reason it scored is because of a clever release that didnt allow the keeper to measure it. people dont realize how important that is. he took the shot a)out of rhythm with his step b)with the defender shielding him c)not directly facing the goal – all of this conspires against the keeper’s natural rhythm of a save where they see a clear “wind up” and prepare accordingly. its the same reason that toe-pokes are so effective, theyre not taken in the normal stride
The USA isn’t “better than everyone in CONCACAF.” Mexico is better than the USA, at least athleticism-wise.
The team is going to win (if it does) through superior team play, not through superior athleticism. Hell, I’m not even sure the US team was any more athletic than the Canada side they just dispatched with decent ease.
People saying the team needs time to come together are correct.
I was surprised and quite disappointed in the Canadian fans’ showing. I knew it wasn’t going to be a great USA crowd, but for christ’s sake, Canada, your national team is playing like two miles from the border. Show up! I hardly saw a Canadian flag in the game.
EJ, youre an embarrassment to other xenophobes! dont be a weenie, throw in something about a wall and greencards. go whole hog, make your mom proud.
Eh, the team had better come up with some younger guys for the “thrashing various tiny island nations” phase of qualifying… at some point you’ve got to start building for the future.
difference in the match was Tim Howard. He had two world class saves that only a select couple (him, Ochoa, maybe Guzan) in CONCACAF could have ever made. That being said, for the Canadian fans to be outnumbered in the stands, they still brought it, even when they were losing
I never have been the one to tow the line on nepotism however, I do feel that players should earn their spot not only in camp but at club. Bradley had not turned in a performance like the one he had last night and quite frankly, he seemed tired in all the friendlies post world cup. I can appreciate the argument from both sides of the fence. I think that most of the negative remarks come from Bradleys insistance of playing him in the friendlies knowing he was not in form. With that said, I do think Bradley is one of the most hardest working/experienced midfielders (if not the hardest)in the player pool. I think the whole nepotism charge is rubbish. At the end of the day, no one is free from criticism…by the way, Dolo got torched all night on the right a few times…he is old…he sucks
…replace him now!
Ok I mostly was just looking for an explanation because I really did like what I saw out of Agudelo, even though he didn’t get on the stat sheet. Also not sure that having a goal and (more or less) an assist would exempt Altidore from tracking back, though I’m not saying that’s the case. Not a fan of Wondo so I definitely wasn’t trying to defend him at all haha
Anyone who knows a second language is better than those of us who only know 1-American English and 1/4-high school/college French.
Post as much as much as you want, Angel FAN
Why was Sasha put in over Spector? I may be wrong but Spector is way more capable in that role.
Looked like a fair few Canadians in attendance. Ontario is just across the river.
I wouldn’t call Canada an horrible team either. They have some quality.
exactly.
No, it’s not that they disagree, it’s the way they do it that gets them labeled “troll.” The absence of analysis to backup their “drive by” statement.
There’s plenty of disagreement within the posts, but you’ll notice that those who provide a little analysis behind their statements typically don’t get labeled “troll.” Stupid, maybe, but not “troll.”
Bravo. It shocking how much crap that kid gets on this board, yet he’s ALWAYS one of our best players.
I’m suprised that no one has noted how the crap Ford field HELPED the us. It may have hurt them too, but generally, one of the biggest weaknesses of the us team in gerneral, and players like Altidore is a lack of a first touch. The deadness of the lawn kept the ball at our feet. The US plays better at this point on a slow turf. The US is not a good passing team yet either, so long balls held up for our forwards when they would have otherwise go out of bounds.
wishing Tim Howard was Mexican… it was an ok performance by the US, glad to see Jozy score, where was LD? and those outside backs are US weakest, the Canadians were all over them too bad they couldnt finish, on to Panama.
Com’on ‘Real’, it took me a long time to come up with that moniker..like 3-4 seconds at least.
Plus what was there to say about Spain. They’re really good. We were really not ready. I can say I was not as impressed as many by Lichaj in that game, thought he was terrible even sub-Bornstein terrible.
It’ll be interesting to see what/if Bradley ever dresses Rogers & Adu for any of these games…other than Guadelope after(if?) the US qualifies in beating Panama.
If you want to torment Mexico players’ mental fortitude, the score of 2-0 or “dos a cero” is perfect.
+1
Adu would fit well as a withdrawn F.
Got it. I agree that their build up is not stellar and that they are frequently too direct in their build up without sufficient creativity. But they are who they are and we cannot expect the current midfield to play like Barca. There’s no Xavi or Inesta on this team.
Oranje, you can critique Altidore all you want, but he scored a goal and set up the second goal in a 2-0 win. Take these two plays away and the US has a 0-0 draw against Canada. And as for overhitting Agudelo, if you watch the positioning of the defenders carefully it was not an easy cross to get through. Both Agudelo and Dempsey had a chance to put it in the net and Dempsey capitalized.
Although I thought he had a wonderful game and earned his starting role… His forward passing is still iffy at best. His sideways, backward, and simple passes are fine. But his creative, forward passing is limited to huffing the ball up. But he’s young and learning. Needs to take a note from Donovan or Jones.
I was most impressed with Ream in the victory. I thought he was fantastic.
Agreed, Check the stats on the Canadian strike force. Even Rob Friend has a MUCh better scoring record (In Europe) than our strikers.
Please learn to read. I said for the nats he sucks as a CB. Did I say anthing about him sucking as a CB for club, college,or high school? No! no do not think I did. He is to much of a liability at CB for the nats atm just like gooch. When Ream gets experience for country at other defensive positions and is consistent then we can talk about him playing CB for the nats. As of now he is horrible at CB for the nats and will cost us the cup. By the way abc if you have not noticed Ream is not even a top defender in MLS like others have stated before.
The use of troll is hilarious. Anyone who doesn’t agree with the majority is a troll.
It must’ve been Altidore’s birthday because Hirchfeld geve him a gift. Otherwise you guys looked good and threatening for long parts of the game!
Nothing Altidore did yesterday will make those calls subside. He scored on an absolute gift goal and wasn’t even intending to pass it to Dempsey, he overhit an attempt to Agudelo. Watch the replay, he throws his hands up in disgust before the ball even reaches Clint.
Well, it would be unreasonable because Nolan seems to have two standards, one high standard for Altitore and another low standard for anyone else. Aguadelo was unlucky with his shots? He only worked himself into one good position, and produced a poor effort in the box. Evidently, Jozy’s runs (like the 20-yard run to receive Donovan’s pas, turn, and score) were invisible to everyone except the distracted Canadians. Wondo stood around, turning in a circle at one point, and was excused because he got no service. I’m being unfair to Wondo here, I know.
Look, they all did alright. They weren’t amazing, nor terrible. Altidore and Aquadelo looked better than Wondo, but that’s sort of to be expected.
DeRo was probably heh best player out there, except for Howard. Glad we had Timmy, who saved our bacon. WIth DeRo and Will Johnson, Canada has two of the classiest players in the region. Jackson looked pretty good, too, If they defended as tough as the USA did, Canada might have had a better result.
I basically agree with our Canadian friend.
I turned on the game a couple of minutes after Dempsey’s goal, very happy about the 2 goal lead. Later, I watched the whole game from the beginning and I was very disappointed to see just how evenly played the game was.
The second US goal was a good one, but the first goal should have been saved. If you add up clear chances, it was a very even game. For all our possession, we did not create many chances and did not “dominate” this game. The USA defense survived by tripping up Canadians every time they got going with the ball. We scored the goals, but Canada had more of the best chances. Howard really saved our bacon.
Good game. Good performance by the US.
Howard – superb! I was applauding from my couch. Class Class Class comment by the Canadian coach
“Howard was absolute magic,” said Canada head coach Stephan Hart. “I almost clapped.
Altidore – welcome back. Pls continue. Dempsey – scorpion kick – you have balls. Credit to the Canadian defneder who blocked it!
DeRo – the mans a game changer and came close last night – Thankfully he didn’t. Save that for the Red Bulls.
haha he needs to score goals against Mexico to make me a believer, haha, oh wait, Im already a MB believer… never mind
Wow. Most people are afraid to look like complete pr!cks, but you go boldly.
Way to go, bigot.
Let´s go USA, next step Panama
I agree with this, I’ve never understood why Edu is so highly regarded among US fans…
Can they shell out for a MLS expansion team?
Awesome obviously satirical comment.
Out of the next four of Jamaica, Costa Rica, Honduras and Canada, Canada may be the ones who eventually solidify the #3 position as they get more MLS teams and their homegrown player development programs.
Because we have other better players around to take penalty kicks.
Compare what Wondo has done this year in MLS to what Davies has done.
Yup. Although Goodson looks like he’s reaching that level also.
I can’t imagine where we’d be without Tim Howard. Though the USMNT clearly needs some development at each position on the pitch, our back four are the biggest weakness.
@Pickles…I think Bob Bradley is doing the best anyone could expect with the players he has. And he clearly knows how to develop talent – just look at his son!
You should tell that to NY Red Bulls and every coach he has ever had?
Have to disagree on Jones.
Yes he’s stlll getting into sync with the US team, but he’s having a strong impact. On defense he’s a beast. And offensively, he’s composed and has great vision, linking together play all over the field. A great addition to the US team.
But turn off the sound if you watch it there. what was with those announcers? “Altidore loves scoring like a fat kid loves cake!”??? *cringe*
The play-by-play guy was terrible. He sounded like a bi-polar 14 year old on prozac who’s never seen a soccer match.
Agreed. He’s a handful and then some.