Photo by ISIphotos.com
It is a loss that will take U.S. fans some time to get over, if they ever do, but the U.S. national team's 3-1 loss to Italy on Monday had its bright spots and promising developments to go along with the mind-numbing and spirit-crushing moments.
Losing to Italy in a game the Americans were winning is one thing, losing to a questionable red card and to a brace scored by an American-born (and raised) player is something altogether different. We can talk about Giuseppe Rossi later in the day. Right now, it is time to focus on the American players who actually play for their country, as well as the developments in the match that led to the 3-1 result.
We can start with the U.S. team's player grades. Yes, it was a loss, but playing against a team like Italy a man down for nearly two-thirds of a match is a circumstance that cannot be ignored when looking at the performance by the Americans.
Here are the grades:
Tim Howard (7). Made a handful of clutch saves that kept U.S. team within striking distance even as Italy attacked in waves. Can't be blamed for second goal, with multiple defenders screening him on well-struck blast from DeRossi.
Oguchi Onyewu (7). Was a rock in the back, rendering Gilardino invisible and reducing Italy to short corners on all corner kicks. Could have done better on Italy's second goal, but overall this was one of Onyewu's most impressive performances.
Jay DeMerit (6). Looked tough, confident and sharp when the match was still 11v11, and held his own for a good while before playing parts in first and third Italy goals. Overall, he still looked like the third best centerback in the U.S. pool.
Jonathan Spector (7.5). Most impressive overall performance. He kept Fabio Grosso and Vinceno Iaquinta honest on the right flank, limiting the service and staying in good position throughout. The right back job is his for the foreseeable future.
Jonathan Bornstein (6). Not sure what all the criticism toward Bornstein is about. Yes, he had some nervy moments, but Bornstein stood toe-to-toe with Mauro Camoranesi, who had no impact on the match and was Italy's first sub. Zambrotta didn't do anything on that flank either. Perhaps the waived-off own goal is skewing some opinions of his performance, but I think he did well enough to keep his hold on the left back spot.
Michael Bradley (7). Was a real force in the first half, making countless key tackles, neutralizing the masterful Andrea Pirlo and picking up the load in midfield after Clark's red card. He needed to finish his golden chance in the first half, but still delivered a memorable performance.
Benny Feilhaber (5). Hit on a few long passes, including the one that led to the USA penalty, but his work in central midfield was lacking and he bore little resemblance to the player who impressed vs. Honduras. Looked awful in giving up possession on Rossi's first goal (though Dempsey put him in a tough spot).
Ricardo Clark (4). Looked good before the red card, which was very harsh, but ultimately he was still the one who went in late on a challenge. Consider it a lesson learned (hopefully).
Clint Dempsey (5). Will Dempsey ever step up and be a serious threat for the national team again? He had some brief glimpses on the ball, but was largely irrelevant. His lazy pass to Feilhaber helped cause Rossi's first goal.
Landon Donovan (7). For the second time in his career, Donovan stepped up his play against Italy with his team a man down. He tried to impose his will on the match, but never could crack Italy's tough defense (though on a different day he might have had two assists on his beautiful passes to Bradley and Altidore). Probably deserved to draw a penalty when he was fouled and did well to convert the penalty. Almost gave him a 7.5 but he continues to disappoint with his poor set-piece delivery.
Jozy Altidore (7). He never put a shot on goal, but was a handful for Italy all day long. Played with confidence and desire and caused fits for Giorgio Chiellini, one of the best young defenders in the world. He scuffed a great first-half chance (he should have taken a shot on goal rather than trying to pass from close range), but he has improved in each of the past two U.S. games and looks to be back on track in his development (assuming he winds up somewhere in the fall where he will actually get games).
DaMarcus Beasley (5). Held his own in a late sub role. After his past two shockers, Beasley helped restore some (though not all) of the confidence U.S. fans lost in him recently.
Charlie Davies (5). Provided his usual late-game energy, and found a great late chance, but mis-timed an open header. He's someone who needs to get more minutes at some point this summer.
Sacha Kljestan (5). Looked like he would hit one of his trademark top-corner goals, but missed by a few feet. Could be ready to re-gain a starting role during this tournament.
Bob Bradley (5). Fielded a strong starting lineup, but needed to bring in fresh legs sooner, especially when Italy brought in its own in Rossi and Montolivo.
———-
Most disappointing develpments from the match? Dempsey continuing to fail to have the impact you would expect from an EPL standout is one, as was Feilhaber's overall performance. Yes, Feilhaber started out on the right flank, which doesn't really suit his strengths, but he spent most of his time in a central role after Clark's ejection and still struggled to maintain possession.
Clark's ejection exposed a weak spot in the U.S. roster, the lack of defensive midfield options. Maurice Edu's absence due to injury, and Pablo Mastroeni's exclusion from this roster, left Bob Bradley with no good options after Clark's red card. Benny Feilhaber, Sacha Kljestan, Jose Francisco Torres and Freddy Adu are all more offensive-minded, leaving Bradley in a bind when he could have used a defensive presence in the middle of the park.
What changes should we expect vs. Brazil? I have a feeling we will see Kljestan start in place of Clark, though I would like to see Jose Francisco Torres to get the nod. If Carlos Bocanegra is healthy he will slide back into the lineup, but you wonder whether Bob Bradley will take a look at Bocanegra at left back in this tournament. He isn't generally used there because he's always been needed in central defense (and because he offers little on the offensive end) but DeMerit's solid play coupled with Brazil's various attacking weapons might lead Bradley to consider a Bocanegra-Onyewu-DeMerit-Spector back-line.
———–
What did you think of the U.S. team's performance, and the performances of its players?
Share your thoughts below.
Dialogue with coach Bradley’s supporters:
1. His critics recognize that our player pool is mediocre. No one is suggesting that a top drawer international is sitting around undiscovered.
2. Everyone knows that you don’t part with a coach unless a good substitute is available and interested.
3. The criticisms are not based on last night’s match alone. A point off Italy would have been a good result even without a man sent off.
4. People who criticize Bradley *love* the team.
5. Some possible legitimate criticisms:
— He is too conservative in team selection.
— He is slow to move on from his under-performing favorites.
— His substitutions are not terribly astute.
— The team does not appear to be advancing in its tactics and strategy.
— Excellent coaches get teams of mediocre players (like our beloved squad) to over-achieve. See Bora and latterly Hiddink. So far, Bradley does not appear to have the combination of tactical sophistication and motivational intangibles to do it.
Really, can you really blame this on Bob Bradley? (don’t answer that)It isn’t his fault that Clark got a really weak red-card. Once we were down to 10, it was just a matter of time. I can’t think of a single defensive minded sub he could have brought in that would really have made a gigantic impact. This is Italy, one of the tournament favorites, a team that turns actual contendors into a pile of mush. Without that 11th man, it was only a matter of time. In my opinion, the same would be true against Italy for Brazil, Spain, or anybody else if they went down a man. Be happy we scored a goal. Also, seriously, Dempsey has got to step up. Another quality game for LD.
This game was a perfect example of how far we’ve come, and how far we’ve yet to go. Encouraging, yet maddenlingly frustrating. Unfortunately, we’ve been at this stage a LLOONNGG time. Since our well deserved Quarter Final performance in ’02, we have been stuck in neutral. Very little improvement.
We’ve always played to the level of our opponent (’02 WC, Italy in ’06, win over Brazil in ’98, unfortunately that applies to our play in CONCACAF. How can we play this well against Italy and so poorly against CR and Honduras in the same month? One word, coaching.
Brazil will be interesting, I have NO IDEA which team will show up.
I agree with Tony in QL and AI17 in that Bradley is not the root of all evil as many of you believe. He’s done a credible job with this team under difficult circumstances.
Donovan was right about the referees and his criticism was very nicely worded.
This site is becoming worse and worse with regard to lame, asinine comments by readers who truly don’t have a clue about the game and just want to rip on players for no other reason than they simply don’t like their personality for some reason.
It’s almost become unreadable and I don’t come here nearly as often as I used to. And I have a feeling, my frequenting this place will become less and less as time rolls on.
Did anyone even notice that embarrassing own goal could have very easily wiped the US’ sails out had it not been for the offside call? I was in shock at least until the flag was raised.
10 men or not that 2nd half was awful. They stood around and let Italy do whatever they wanted to. If the people angry at Rossi would think for a moment, they should realize that the US back four should’ve been slightly interested in closing him down.
And in general, this Rossi hating is nothing short of stupid.
*WARNING: US Soccer rant in 3….2….1….*
Why is it that whenever we lose we start rolling with the excuses? The referees suck, Rossi is a traitor, should’ve been a PK….
Can we just stop to think that we aren’t one of the best teams in the world? Look, 2002 was a fluke. And even that, Portugal hasn’t even been to a World Cup Final and Mexico hasn’t made it to a WC semi-final.
At best, the most powerful and wealthy country in the world fields an ordinary national senior football team. The player we promote as being the best of the bunch is Landon Donovan, who fizzled in Germany and is only the master of taking penalty kicks right now.
Our coach is Bob Bradley. I won’t even continue there.
As far as developing the US team into a respectable powerhouse that is going to be nearly impossible. The MLS is becoming less of an outlet for American players to show what they can do at club level and more of a retirement home for washed up European has-beens like David Beckham.
It’s going to be very hard to develop soccer in the United States as long as you have the “soccer moms” group running the show at the youth level (don’t keep score? Everyone gets a trophy? Come on!), and have playing soccer at a higher level discouraged to play football or basketball.
Muhsin Muhammad of the Carolina Panthers was a soccer player but ended up playing football instead….he was discouraged from playing soccer in elementary school. There’s your example.
We have a long way to go and the journey is going to be supremely difficult.
In regards to this current national team, it is going to get eaten alive in the 2010 World Cup. We have these false impressions that we’ve made it big time by beating Mexico at home for the umpteenth time in the Gold Cup, and then turn around and lose in the Copa America and Confederations Cup with stronger teams.
We’re ordinary. Nothing more. We just don’t have the players or the coaching to make a splash in international play. We’re just CONCACAF giants, which says absolutely nothing, and fall flat once we face real competition.
Why does Bradley want to start klejstan over Torres? Is it because Klejstan use to play for him at Chivas? Will Adu get any chances?
I do not understand what this justification about Clark’s tackle is about. Straight red every time, and not for some technicality, if you tackle like that you do not deserve an opportunity to play this sport.
He left his foot high, knowing he missed the ball, knowing he would catch their ankle or leg, and that’s rotten. But intent is not even required for the red. The burden is on the tackling player to win the ball cleanly and safely.
Fans and players justifying tackles like that is part of what holds us back in the US. We’re ignoring the soccer problem: how do you win the ball cleanly? Yes it is hard, especially against very very good player like one finds on the Italian National Team. And if you go in cleanly and miss the ball, the player has just beaten you, you’re behind him. Welcome to soccer. This is not the NFL.
Other than that… I think the boys from the USMNT did OK, it was better and they looked like a team.
Hard to say what they might have done if they had 11 men throughout. I would like to see more penetrating wide play & bringing the team down field. The couple “close” open play opportunities where we pass to no one in the box were embarrassing, as if the player was saying “If only there was someone there to get my pass…”
We still don’t seem to step up enough in midfield and pressure the player with the ball consistently, but given how hard the US team had to work with a man down against the the reigning WC champs for 60 minutes, it’s more of something for the “to do” list than a criticism.
Go USA! I hope the USMNT soak as much in from Italy and Brazil as you they can. This Cup can be a great learning experience, and we have much to learn if we want to raise our game to the next level of competitiveness.
Also, and this has been reiterated before, but the U.S. HAS to tighten up and close down the midfield. I couldn’t believe the amount of space De Rossi and Rossi got for Italy’s first two goals. It’s going to be a long day against Brazil if that doesn’t change.
Honestly, I was very impressed with the U.S. considering all the limitations they had. Staying ahead of Italy 1-0 for almost an hour, even with a man sent off, is tough for any team.
The ref was a huge disappointment when he didn’t give the U.S. another penalty in the second half. This could have been a 3-2 game.
Also, some kudos have to be given to the last man standing, Tim Howard. As tough as this loss may be to swallow, it could have been much, much worse near the end if it weren’t for Howard keeping the game alive. Yeah, De Rossi’s goal should have been stopped but Howard didn’t exactly get too much help from the U.S. midfield and Onyewu. As for Rossi’s goals, well, let’s just say Buffon must be thrilled that those shots weren’t going in his direction.
The U.S. should put up a hell of a fight against Brazil and hopefully run away with a point. Egypt doesn’t look like it will be easy, either. They just can’t get tired near the end of games like they did this time.
Cheers to:
Optimist Primer | June 16, 2009 at 10:29 AM
All this talk about firing BB is a little silly and uninformed. Most of the complaints of BB (and Arenas before him) seem to center on a few things:
1. OPEN UP THE OFFENSE. We are in fact scoring more than before (averaging 2 goals per game in Stage 2 Qualifying vs. 1.6 four years ago).
2. PLAY YOUNGER PEOPLE. Uh, look at the squad that played Italy. We can all debate which crap player we want at left back but there is no slam dunk candidate that hasn’t been given a chance.
3. PLAY TOUGHER COMPETITION. Um, check.
The real complaint is that the talent pool isn’t getting better. That’s not Bradley’s job. National team games aren’t meant to develop talent. Gulati should be fired if anyone, if that is the problem. Our team is actually a much better collective whole than the sum of the parts — We had three players in the lineup Monday playing in one of the top 4 leagues (not counting Spector, who hasn’t really played in a couple years) and yet we still have a borderline top 15 team in the world. This is not a team that has vast talent and is underachieving. It just doesn’t have the talent some wish it did.
How can you give Altidore a 7, as high as anyone else, when he was in alone and whiffed on his shot? He whiffed!
He has only a few jobs — finishing is one of them. He failed.
Good assesment Ives.
For those calling for BB head get off!
Probably the same ones critizing his selection of players for the Gold cup last year versus Copa A. But that got us into this tourney so we can see how we match up against top teams.
And so what if we go three and out? Calling for BB head because he doesn’t win a game here? The purpose is to test and see where changes can be made to get further in 2010. To get acquainted with the country and get organized (one of our strengths-we just picked up a cherry SA training facility BTW)
So far Bob is doing OK. I thought we looked very good in the first half, and actually the start of the second.
BB has looked at what, over 60 players. Does anyone really think he hasn’t looked/played some one worthwhile?
The fans calling for tactical changes? Probably don’t know what tactics mean. Never seen them define anything other than a paper formation which always changes on the field.
Yeah fire BB because he doesn’t have a supply of pixel dust to raise there technique/level of play.
Maybe fans should, instead, get afetr MLS to put bucks into a pro youth development program.
I Agree with Many posters here,
This is Freddy Adu’s game vs Brazil. He has yet to be given the same chance as everybody else……….and freddy has proven vs Spain and Argentina as examples that he is not afraid to take on World Class defenders and get us a win. The same lame excuses that Freddy dosent play defense or hustle on defense are proven to be wrong as a poster in another forum broke down the CR game showing Freddy Play,hustle,and intercept passes on defense as RM. Now Freddy is not a RM, he is a SS/CAM so defense should not be his concern,as if you watched how Egypt almost beat Brazil, they did what Freddy like to do.
The only difference in this game was our inability to capitalize on our chances and one stupid tackled. When you play a world-class team, you have to capitalize on your chances. If not, you will be punished. As for Clark’s tackle, he should know better. Yes, the call was harsh, but there was no reason for the challenge.
To Al17
Thanks it’s good to read some voice of reason among the screaming mob once in a while.
Ives, is there any way the US can appeal Clark’s red card so he can appear vs. Brazil?
Metromanic,
Not sure what you were watching. Jozy gave the Azzuri fits all day. The opposing head coach even singled him out with Gooch, saying, “They were well organised and made it quite difficult for us, especially their number five player (Oguchi Onyewu) and 17 (Jozy Altidore), who caused us lots of problem. Yes, we won, but it was not easy.”
For the first time, Jozy showed that he can play as a lone target player against world-class competition. He might have blown 2 or 3 touches all night. The one setup by Lando, he should have done better with, but even the best strikers in the world blow a few touches per game.
jrhode,
I certainly understand getting frustrated and disappointed. There’s nothing wrong with that, but some of the mindless mindless rants calling for firings and benchings for every single mistake are moronic. It’s becoming impossible to read the forums because you have to sift through the thoughtless venting. You see guys play tremendous games and get ripped apart for one turnover or blowing one scoring chance. Even the best players in the world make several bad touches per match. Who, exactly, do we have sitting on the bench that is so incredible? Is Beckenbauer in his prime waiting in the wings to step in for Michael Bradley? Instead of just idiotically venting, people need to take a second and write something with a bare minimum of sense and perspective or else these forums are going to turn into an unintelligible mess like many others have. I’m not trying to lump everyone together – I think you know whether you’re being senselessly negative or whether you’re just making logical criticisms.
For the love of Science, please no Kljestan.
For those of you trying to compare Rossi and Altidore compare this. Rossi has played in europe much longer than Jozy has. Also Jozy is only 19 and Rossi is 22. In three years I fully expect Jozy to be around the level Rossi is barring any stupid loans or injuries.
Easy on Rico. He most likely won’t be part of the 2010 squad in SA anyway. JJ will take his starting spot and BBs obsession with Kljestan and Benny will leave Rico SOL. He’ll be passing his days picking up lousy yellow cards in early July with the Dynamo.
I want Ching back! Jozy looks awful! Lazy as anything out there, he is always offsides (because he is too lazy to get back) and he does not work hard off the ball. People love it when he makes a 5 yard spring towards a defender and then fouls him or just falls over….everyone is like wow he is working so hard. He is not! He just wants it to look that way.
Also Jozy never finds space to get the ball. His goals for the Nats (except for his first one against Mexico) come from him beasting through weak islanders. That will not cut it anywhere but in CONCACAF. How many times have you seen him find space and get the ball near the goal? His great chance came against Italy because he stood there when Landon made a 30 yd run. He isn’t getting playing time in Spain and has always had fitness problems, I remember seeing him gassed 30 minutes into Metro games…every game!
Look at my screen name here, I love Jozy and help he gets his act, but we are a much better team with Ching on the field.
v. Italy w/ 10 men was a great opportunity for the US to learn things about itself.
1. Need more strength in the defensive midfield. (As Ives and others point out)
2. Need to finish when in the box, or at least put the ball on goal. (duh)
3. Bob Bradley needs to be more involved in the game. What I mean is, YELL a little, throw your hand up, look like you care, and be more aggressive with substitutes. One sub can change the match and he constantly waits to long to bring on that new energy.
Fire Bob Bradley.
Why was Altidore the loan forward to start this game? Why did the team come out playing so defensively the second half? Why wasn’t Altidore kept in the 2nd half and Dempsey subbed out? The Italians were having a tough time with Altidore. Dempsey just sucked again. Why was DMB who has been playing so bad subbed into this game? As one person above said, “Beasley looked lost.” Granted the U.S. played a man down most of the match and did well, but the game management by BB left a lot to be desired. I used to support this man now I believe it’s time to bring in a new coach. And if U.S.Soccer refuses to bring in a foreign coach than hire Dominick Kinnear.
DC Josh,
Characterizing those calling for Bradley’s head as ‘uncalm’ isn’t quite fair.
We’ve been reflecting on Bradley being unable to take us to the next level for quite some time now.
We don’t need to wait to watch Brazil and Egypt to learn more about what Bradley brings to the side.
He is a great coach. For an MLS squad.
For a national team – I doubt any other country in the world will want to hire him when we eventually get around to firing him.
Have to agree that so many above-average grades are a bit ridiculous in a 3-1 loss, especially a loss where we were outplayed for the entire second half. Down a man or not, I don’t think there were that many bright spots. Poor finishing, poor decision making, poor tactical judgments… I think you could reasonably make the argument that this team has regressed over Bradley’s term.
People calling for Bob Bradley’s head need to calm down. The game was lost on the field by the players. If Bradley and Jozy score, you all would be singing praises for Boss Bradley.
He waited to make his subs to see who Lippi was going to bring in. If he put in Torres or Adu, they would have done nothing defensively. He has never been a pumped up, throw a chair across the locker room coach either.
It is very hard to judge a team when they play a man down for 60 minutes against ITALY. The scoreline is scewed with Rossi’s late goal and Pirlo absolutely is their best player, he torched Spector, I think, on the last goal with an amazing move. The problem with him is he just roams around the field, so no one can mark him because they have to maintain their shape.
After Brazil and Egypt, take some time to reflect, then judge. It’s always very easy to dump the coach, but the problem almost always lies within the squad.
Matt: That blog article was drivel. Nonsense. Pure garbage. I don’t know that there was a single valid point. If that clown wants to quit being a Nat fan, then good riddance. Who needs him?
hey yes it was a disappointing loss and yes Bradley was outcoached but the fact is that the USA outplayed the World Champions Italy for the 1st half. and Rico’s red card was garbage.
and if you include Rossi as an American, the Americans were clearly better than the Italians today. yes he plays for Italy but he’s a product of American soccer. it’s just a matter of time before the USA is at the same level or better than Italy, and the future Rossi’s will want to play for the USA. give it eight years or so, have patience.
and yes Dempsey needs a rest, and Beasley is done. get him out of here…
John-
Buddy of mine made a funny comment I said ” Rossi is no American… he said “I beg-to differ, Rossi is definitely an American…He was a self-centered, disrespecting little prick in someone else’s country”
I never thought of it that way
I can’t believe how many people have fooled themselves into thinking that the USA has top 5 level MNT players.
JoeW,
That being said, do you think this was a good opportunity for Bradley to learn and adapt to a similar situation in the future?
Italy’s first two goals came with the US just about to substitute a player.
Bob Bradley is terminally above-average.
Of course, its not his fault that Rico got the red.
But who doesn’t agree that an A+ coach could’ve made better tactical adjustments to squeak us out of Pretoria with a point???
Does anyone think that the progression of the team post-Arena has been significantly for the better?
I know I’m a late come to the comments thread but I just watched the game on my DVR. First things first, I’m proud of our boys performance last night. The reality is that our team is not at the same level of Italy at least not yet. Second, it’s tough to play the World Cup Champions when you have 11 players on the field as is, it’s even tougher when you’re a man down which brings me to my next point. The ref made a bad call period. Yes, Ricardo Clark’s foul was a hard foul but definitely not red card worthy, yellow for sure. The ref’s bad call especially so early in the game where so much intensity and pride was simply stupid and unexcusable. Bottom line, team USA hasn’t gained the respect of the refs when they play the top tiered teams. Again, I like what I saw last night, our boys got tired towards the end, and Italy took advantage of it. Nothing to be ashamed from this American.
“The own goal should have counted…The player in question was clearly in an offsides position, but he wasn’t close to Bornstein (who had a nightmare of a game, not sure what game Ives watched). You didn’t see the USA players protest, in fact you could s sense of relief on their faces when the ref called offsides.”
You didn’t see the Italians protest either, at least not much. The ball Bornstein hit was a pass TO the offside player. He was not just involved in the play – he WAS the play. He drew Howard toward his side as he assumes a postion to defend the goal; otherwise he would have been able to clear Bornsteins ball. Proximity has nothing to do with it. It’s all about being involved in the play
A Coach that never play either, that never play in a world cup or even professionally. I’m getting tired of this Idiots….
So that’s how you feel about Jose Mourinho?
He never played at the pro level. Hell, he got his first break working as a translator for an English coach in Spain.
I think you were very fair with Bornstein. He almost had an own goal that was luckily called back (and if it hadn’t he’d be deserving of a lower grade) and he let Camoronessi get it some crosses, but other than that Mauro was not heard from much. Bornstein didn’t let them cut into the box and broke up a lot of the runs down the flank. I don’t think enough credit is given to Feilhaber’s passes though. His long ball as he was taken to the ground on the Jozy penalty was excellent, and his cross field ball to Dempsey later in the game (which Dempsey subsequently tried to dribble through about 6 people) was also pretty good. His defense leaves something to be desired but his passing instincts should be seen as a valuable commodity.
The own goal should have counted…The player in question was clearly in an offsides position, but he wasn’t close to Bornstein (who had a nightmare of a game, not sure what game Ives watched). You didn’t see the USA players protest, in fact you could s sense of relief on their faces when the ref called offsides.
These games are simply tune-ups for the World Cup. Winning is just icing on the cake. I rather play Italy and Brazil than New Zealand and Iraq. I also rather see Clark get red carded in this tournament than in the World Cup and learn from his mistakes here, even though it shouldn’t have been a red card. I doubt that he will do something like this again. The down fall with the Italy game was not losing; it was not being able to evaluate the team as a whole with 11 men on the field. I have a feeling that the U.S., fully healthy, will do well in WC 2010. Just do not let Cobi pick the ping-pong ball. By the way, the U.S. would have beaten Italy 11-11.
Wow Bob Bradley is a person who play with players that he feels very comfortable, That is why he keep using his players that he knows best and like others says, he used player from the USSF youth System. He always use (Beasley, Bocanegra, Sasha, Broinstein, M. Bradley) all this come from either Chicago Fire or Chivas USA. and of course even tho Donovan and Dempsey are good players they know or think that they are Irreplaceable. Donovan sometimes he so Premadona that he think he is the best free kicker we have in this Team. Not only I think that Bob Bradley keep a grude with some players for Samples (Adu, Cooper, Orozco, Arturo Alvarez, Benny B.) all this guy have one thing in common and that is that either they had make a mistake that cause something to the USMNT or in the Youth USNT. For Example Benny, Alvarez, Adu and Orozco had problems before with Nowak in the Olimpic team or in DC United. and Now Cooper and Torres had some kind of problem with Bradley in the USMNT Camp or in a game. Anyway we as supported and as fan on the USA we need to know why are these player are been left behind or bench. Sunil have to start thinking that if this keep going on we are not going to have player with good talent on the field but we always going to be the laughing stock of the World of Football (Soccer). Noone is going to think that we are a legit team. Believe when I hear spanish comentator in ESPN español, Fox Soccer Network., Fox Español and even on GolTV. We are an emberrassment and they think we don’t belong on a the Big stages. what the heck they don’t even want to talk about team USA or mention anything about it. And why is this, cause if have an Idiot as President of the USSF who doesn’t know or even play soccer in his entired life. A Coach that never play either, that never play in a world cup or even professionally. I’m getting tired of this Idiots. And now the question is what can we do as fan and spectator of Good Football to correct this problem, Should their be a change of presidency of USSF and coach of the USMNT. Who is above Sunil G… ANGRY FAN
Jim P: “…was deserved, but so was the own goal by Bornstein. ”
Huh? How? The guy was clearly off side and was involved in the play. If he’s not off side Bornstein doesn’t have to try and make a play. You are the only person I have come across claiming that it wasn’t the right call.
The US needs an attacking midfielder like Steven Gerrard or Andres Iniesta, period. We will NEVER win against world-class opposition without one.
If the only offensive tactic you employ is lobbing balls to the top of the circle from a defensive midfield position then more often than not you are giving the ball to the opposition.
I long for the day the US can score a well worked goal, not a counter-attack or set-piece goal, from run-of-play against a world-class team. No corners until the 90th minute is a clear indication of this.
Oh, and Rossi, there is no sense in crying over it. He has always said what his intentions were. HOWEVER, it still stings to see an AMERICAN hang 2 on us.
I also grew up from the age of 5 to 13 in another soccer-playing country where I learned to play and love the game. I never, thanks to my mother, lost my love for the US (where I was born) but I respect the heck out of the other country and if I had been in Rossi’s situation would have been mindful of that respect and, hopefully, handled the goal celebrations with more respect. That’s all I would hope from him.
Yet, as an American, I can’t understand how you would turn your back on this country. But that just my personal issue.
In a slightly different world imagine this team taking on Italy,
………Altidore
Dempsey….Rossi….Donovan
……Bradley…Jones
Boca..Gooch..Subotic..Spector
………Howard
I was disappointed to see Benny start against Italy. His game is better suited against the Latin style. Italy are the hardest, best defensive team in the world. You’re playing right into their hands by putting a player like Benny out there.
I would like to see Bornstein in DMB’s old role. He has pace, can defend 1 v 1, is not afraid to run at guys, and can whip in serves with the left peg. I’m just not sold on his size or positioning as a left back.
Bob Bradley = 1
Clark = 1
The point missed here is failing to understanding the international game and how FIFA refs will decide. Our coach and players are naive to outside influences and how refs are positioning themselves to FIFA to ref in the WC. I’m sorry, but astute, experienced international players know how to get away with things. Clark lunged recklessly after his first touch had gotten away from him. He gave the ref a golden opportunity to show FIFA how tough he could be and “control” the match. That is all on Clark and B Bradley for not preparing the team right.
BUT, Bob Bradley deserves more blame for more reasons. He failed to plug the gap left in the midfield by Clarks departure (or wrongly assumed Feilhaber would do it). Major, major tactical mistake that left us exposed to the two crucial goals.
Second, he fails to understand how to play at the international level, the mindset and how the game is played differently to a different audience.
Third Bradley has fielded a team “in promise only.” Altidore, Adu, Beasley, Spector, Feilhaber, and DeMerit are all players that either have NOT played in matches this year or are coming back from injuries. THIS is our national best?!!!! Bradley has gotten caught up in potential NOT in actual performance.
Fourth, Bradley obviously didn’t learn anything from the last Italy-US game to even field Clark. Do we not have any other American DMids outside of Mastoeni and Clark? Will Clark apologize to the team and nation for his foolish lung leaving the team a man down, and more importantly a huge gap that was exposed?
Fifth, Dempsey lost the ball in the midfield during Honduras that led to a goal. Yesterday he hamstrung Feilhaber who was picked by Rossi who… yeah, same result. Get Dempsey off the field. He deserves a 2 for the match.
Finally, Other than the Italy game in WC 2006 and the team performance in WC 2002, we have to go back to Bora days for examples of a team that was organized, disciplined, and in games for the duration even if they don’t win them. The time has come for an international coach that has coached and been successful at that level, who understands what it takes and can prepare our team to take over the national program. Continuing in the Arena-Bradley mold will only leave us with the allure of promise but won’t get us to any meaningful rounds.
Yossarian:
I envoke Catch 22 of soccer fandom. If we aren’t a little disappointed when our team had a better result in its grasp, can we really call ourselves fans/supporters? I love the USMNT, however, it is also an exercise in frustration. I don’t care who we play, as a fan I want a result. Don’t take the disappointment being voiced here personally, most of us do love our team.
Some observations:
For all of you who want to fire BB – Please describe exactly what BB’s mistakes are and what you would have done in the alternative. Just blurting out “Fire BB” adds absolutely nothing to the discussion.
Rico Clark – You guys make up you mind. If his challenge was in fact red card worthy, then Rico made a bad mistake that hurt his team grievously. If the red card was completely unjustified and should have been a yellow (as I believe) then it has no bearing whatsoever on the match and is comparable to a number of violent challenges by both teams throughout the match. If you believe Rico should have gotten a yellow, shut up about his challenge – it would have been irrelevant to the match and is not grounds for banning him from future USMNT important games.
Rossi – The mindless venting about Rossi playing for Italy is understandable but has gone on too long. Rossi is gone and there’s nothing anyone can do about it. If you could start for the Lakers why would you opt for the Bobcats or T-wolves instead?
Team/Player performance – Someone wrote earlier that giving most of the players above average grades for a 3-1 loss is stupid. No, the critic is stupid. As much as would would like it to be so, the US is not yet in the same class as Italy, Holland, England, Germany, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, and a few others. It’s conceivable that the US could take a game from those teams but it would require a heroic effort from the US and a subpar effort from the opponent. To play 60 minutes shorthanded against the reigning world champion team, and get the result they did, the US did a fantastic job. Enjoy the fact that the US is on the path to equality with the world’s best and hope we can sneak out a result against Brazil.