Photo by ISIphotos.com
Santino Quaranta fought back tears as the national anthem played at RFK Stadium on Wednesday night. He was overcome with emotion at the chance he had worked so hard to get, the place on the U.S. national team that he looked to have lost forever.
Quaranta's battle with drugs, and successful recovery and resurgence in MLS was a happy enough end to the story, but he wrote an even better chapter to his comeback on Wednesday, scoring his first national team goal in his hometown stadium to help the United States post a 2-0 victory in Gold Cup action on Wednesday.
The Americans battled toe-to-toe with Honduras, which caused problems with its speed, but the American defense held firm and the U.S. attack received a major boost from second-half subs Benny Feilhaber and Charlie Davies to take over a game that looked to be in down with 25 minutes to play.
Quaranta finished off a Davies pass to make the score 1-0, and Brian Ching forced him the second goal off a great cross from Steve Cherundolo to give the U.S. team the victory.
There were several quality performances on the night for the U.S. team, from Feilhaber's classy passing, to Charlie Davies speed and vision, to Chad Marshall's rock-solid performance in helping shut down dangerous Honduran striker Carlos Costly.
While several Americans enjoyed solid nights, one who did not was Freddy Adu, who struggled to make a positive impact on the game and committed several turnovers in what turned out to be his final Gold Cup match (Bob Bradley revealed after the match that Adu was joining Benfica for pre-season in a pre-arranged move).
What did you think of tonight's performance? Who impressed you? Who didn't? Feeling good about the U.S. team's chances of three-peating as Gold Cup champions? Looking forward to the Haiti match on Saturday?
Share your thoughts below.
I love the last 30 min of the second half. I can wait to see the next game against Haiti. I like to see Davis and Ching on top for the First Half and then bring Cooper for Ching again. Peckerman again keep loosing those ball so easely and the passing is worst. Adu was just fine nothing major he need more playing time so he need to get the rusty out of his system and he’ll be back to his old ways. I wanted Holden. I like to see this guy on the A team. Marshall, Robbie Rogers, Holden, Cooper and Now Cherandulo I don’t know but he seen a little rusty I hope he gets better for August 12, but we got Spector but he will be a good backup.
Davies and Feilhaber were amazing!
I can’t believe hardly anyone is mentioning how great Rogers played! He raced up and down the wings with impunity the whole game. He looked to be easily on of the best players out there especially in the first half. The main problem was Adu was playing as the withheld striker and therefor there was only Chingy in the box for Roger’s crosses. I want to see more of what Roger’s has in meaningful games against quality competition, because I think he may be that sub to boost Dempsey’s lackadaisical defending.
does anyone know if the Quarterfinals are double headers as well? Trying to plan my trip to philly and not sure if i should be there at 5, or 7.
no doubt the man of the match was Santino, but for me Beckerman wasn’t far behind. I love his tireless work rate and the disruption he causes in the midfield for the opposing offense. If there are any injuries over the next year with Bradley, Edu, Clark, (Jones?), then I think we have a solid performer in Beckerman…
Freddy seems to have his head in order – finally. I think we sill see vast improvements once he gets some PT with whichever club he endds up with. he knows what it’s going to take to play at the top level internationally. The CC seems to have been a huge learning experience for him – from the quotes I;ve read and little thing s I’ve noticed in his play. He’s TRYING to play more D, he’s TRYING to track back, he’s TRYING to stick with plays. It looks very forced but it’s evidence that he “gets it”. This is the year for him. I’m guessing he has a big year.
The only other thing I want to say about that game – that first goal was a thing of
beauty!!!! I was freaking out. It looked like freakin Barca or Arsenal (a couple seasons ago). Great, Great, Great!
I wish Freddy would have had more of an impact on the game. I like Freddy a lot, but I was a little disappointed wit his play. He’s got to stop trying to hold the ball so long in the middle of the field when there just isn’t space. He can work his magic in space, but the problem is that he tries too often to be flashy in tight spaces. But by no means do I think he played awful.
He had a pretty sweet heel flick to spring Rogers into space at one point (I think it was Rogers), but other than that he seemed to have a pretty regular game. I think we need to realize that we can’t expect a big game every time the kid steps onto the field.
Methinks the US need to prep in Colorado before Azteca, latest news is that the game will be @ 4ET in the heat and smog of Mexico City.
This is all very good so far…..but let’s remember that these are weak teams that arent even at full strength. I’m not trying to put a damper on the excitement, but these guys still need to prove themselves at higher levels. Saying things like Rogers and Holden/Quaranta should be our second options on the wings is appropriate speculation, but should only be speculation.
Anyways, i like this line-up suggested above for upcoming games:
—————Cooper—-Davies———————-
Rogers———-Holden—-Beckerman———-Quaranta
Pearce—–Marshall—–Goodson—–Cherundolo
——————-Robles—————————-
Messi has ridiculous pace, however, and Donovan isn’t that far behind.
I do agree that Adu’s size is fairly irrelevant, and I think that he will eventually be a solid player for us. I also think, as many have said, that he’s not a true striker and plays better coming out of the midfield. And, plain and simple, he needs playing time, he’s just not sharp right now.
I don’t think Freddy was nearly as disappointing as many do, but he had two point blank headers and he needs to finish those. Had he finished either one, there’d be a totally different spin on his game.
I thought he did decently overall, but he has to get LETHAL when he has a quality chance.
When you go to a USMNT game you leave your club ties at home. Period.
Grant Wahl reporting USA@Mexico in August will kickoff at 3pm!
I watched from about minute 36 last night.
Santino seemed to have a very good game of passes, positioning, hustle and finishing. I was impressed by what I saw. Apparently he had a weaker start.
Davies is a speed freak with some nice passes. He seems to run out of gas or creativity/confidence on some of his runs, however, and is dispossessed of the ball.
I liked how the US seemed to click with good, multiple passes. Since when can we do that??! 🙂
JoeW,
Santino looked better in the 2nd half defintely but I just do not see the excitment. I was under the impression that he would be a more dynamic option than Holden. Personally, I did not see that. Watching him last night and in MLS some I do not see anything that distinguishes him as an outside MF (honestly seems more suited to play a CAM role to me). When you line his wing play up against Holden (for gold cup purposes) he does not have any offensive advantage over Holden (actually think Holden’s service is better) and he does not play defense as well.
Some on here are saying he played good defense, I did not see that. When Hondurus attacked on the outside last night it was not against Pearce/Rodgers it was against Santino, esp when Dolo pushed up (probably the reason Dolo was so hesitant to overlap in the first half). Maybe just a difference of opinion but I am just not impressed.
I am happy for the guy to get his life together but the fact he is a recovery addict means nothing on the pitch and his injury history is a red flag if anything.
Gdavis – I originally thought that about not getting too up with grenada and hondurasB, but after they went through the names on the HondurasA-team those are some big names, that are playing at good clubs throughout europe.
So i can’t help but think the b-teams of US/Mex/Honduras aren’t that far away from eachother in talent. I can’t say for sure without seeing a lot of club games in Honduras.
I have one question…Why do people care so much about Adu?? He’s far from our only option up top, and quite honestly, is not performing anywhere near as well as guys like Donovan, Davies, Ching, and Altidore…and forget about Adu having any chance in our midfield with guys like Jermaine Jones, Maurice Edu, Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, and Benny Feilhaber in that mix. Adu needs to go back to his club, get a work ethic, lose the “tude,” and get some PT. Maybe he can be a regular option in the 2014 cycle…we’ll see.
Look people, you don’t have to be big to be a great attacking player – look at Messi, Donovan, the entire Mexican team, etc.
Adu brings to the table a flair and creativity that no other player in the US pool has. He’s consistently showed it at the youth level, and flashes of it at the senior level. Unfortunately, he is just not sharp right now due to lack of playing time….
He obviously was trying to do too much last night, looking for that killer pass, trying to beat too many defenders… and got caught in possession. Hopefully he will get more time this year and turn his game around…
Beckerman was very good and I thought he carried Pause in the first half. Pause was hesitant and unwilling to pressure his opponents. The first two subsitutions were obvious when the starting 11 was announced, let alone the 60th minute.
A team, B team, good opponents, great opponents, poor opponents, mediocre opponents…the team is scoring goals during open play. It’s really a treat to watch.
Can we PLEASE once and for all end the myth that Freddy Adu is fast? Since 14 he has never been fast, will never be fast and I have never ever once seen him outrun anybody to get to a ball. Sure he has good foot skills in tight space and has some moves..but fast is something he has never EVER been.
He is clearly not a forward and i don’t see why he keeps getting put in that position. He is either a left winger or a central midfielder.
If Jozy learns to hold and pass the way Ching does.. he will be a huge star….
Once Ching had some service he looked like his usual self… bringing in Davies and Feilhaber made all of the difference. Pause was shown to not really be USMNT material in this match. Honduras didn’t have their best midfield starting and we were lucky for that while Pause was in the match.
I have to say I’m very proud of the U.S B-team for handling business last night. That is what a great team does even when playing with their B or C-team.
Adu- He looked great against Grenada, especially for someone who hasn’t had playing time. Yesterday he looked a bit lazytracy. He did play great for about 20 minutes early in the game. Not getting hours in is probably what is making him a little rought around the edges. I also believe he should be a left midfielder and not a forward behind someone else, but that’s just my two cents. With that said, I’m glad he is going over to Fica for pre-season,.. maybe that will get him back in shape since he has to win a starting spot there. I will still take ADU over Casey,Cooper,Sasha,Quaranta, anyday in my roster. These guys have no business in the USMNT for the long term.
Ching-Played ok, but still is to clumsy with the ball and can’t finish 90% of the time.
Quaranta-To early to tell. I still think he is just an average MLS player. Footwork is just below avearage. Defence? Well, almost every USMNT player knows how to play that skeem.
Cooper- When are we going to get him dual citenzenship so then he can play for Panama?!:)
Casey- Why is he playing Futbol??! What did we do to deserve such player in our USMNT? PlEaSe GOD forgive us for whatever we did to deserve such punishment! Make him change carrers!! I promise I’ll go to church on Sundays more often.
Sasha- Ok player, but not good enough to play for the A-team.
Rogers- Ok player with facing below average teams. At a bigger stage tournament, he will stand out like a Cooper at a midget party! Not that impressed with him.
Beckerman- Really good job. Surprised the hell out of me. He does need to cut that stupid Bob marley skunk hippie hairdo! He looks like a guy we picked up from 54th street hobo lounge.
I don’t see why everyone is so concerned with/upset at Adu anymore. Let him progress and become whatever level player he’ll be. Other nations have starlets flame out all the time. Get over it.
Instead, focus on guys like Charlie Davies, Altidore, Gooch. The guys who seem to be reaching that ‘next level’ at the right time. We don’t need Adu to be a savior anymore, because have a squad of other guys that are doing the job together. In fact it may do Adu a favor to be ‘unneeded’ by every American soccer fan, allow him room to breathe for the first time since he was in 7th grade.
I liked Cooper’s hustle and the fact that he got three shots off in the limited time he was in the game. Granted, it was at the end of the game with Honduras pushing forward, but those long distance shots are one thing this team has been missing from its offensive arsenal.
I hate Beckerman as an MLS player. Last night he was all over the field and played very well. He disrupted the Honduras attack and made no awful passes.
Davies shows what happens if you don’t give the keeper a free ride on distribution: his deflection almost rolled in for a goal. Run at the keeper when he has the ball! Most will shank the kick and give you a throw in or the ball to a teammate.
Great passing on the US first goal. Ching’s goal was lucky as he headed it down onto the arm of the defender, and then it bounced into the goal.
Yes this is a “B” team, playing against other “B” teams, but it’s nice to see they can win like the “A” team.
The Hondurans (the team as well as their fans) blew their wad in the first half trying to take the game to the U.S. When they didn’t get a goal in the first 45 it was pretty much done. You could tell minutes after they started playing in the 2nd half that the Catrachos were spent. Aside from playing hopeful boot-ball, they didn’t have anything in their tanks. Their fans knew it, too.
Freddy didn’t look bad, but things got way better once Benny and Davies came on. Again, though, the Hondurans were running on fumes.
My hat’s off to Pearce and his yellow card. I don’t think it was silly at all. On the contrary, it was completely called for. The Honduran #10 was a pesky pissant who deserved to get his ankles broken. After he took down Quaranta, you could see Pearce waiting for his chance to nail the guy. Only took 15 minutes, but the ref obviously knew wht was going on because the card was out before he even blew the whistle.
You guys are all so much more clever than me. I can’t tell how a player will do against better competition until I see them in it. Remember, this was Honduras B-level midfield and defense. Rogers did not look as good against Honduras as he did against Grenada, does that mean he will not do well against Mexico? I think you could see from the Honduras game which players were willing to compete in a physical contest, but just being willing to dig in and push back is not enough against better competition. Some guys who looked OK like Beckerman, Marshall, Quaranta, Pearce, Cooper still need to be seen against tougher competition before I will jump on their bandwagon. Some like Pause, Parkhurst, Adu looked like they were not ready for this game. Only Feilhaber and Davies looked like they were clearly better than the opposition. Ching brought what he always brings, a willingness to battle, a decent touch (that could still use some work) and constant attempts to find good spots.
If you could mix Rogers and Adu, that might solve both of their problems. Rogers worked hard with and without the ball, just lacked any thought beyond his next touch while Adu was thinking many touches down the road and seemed to get paralyzed and also wasn’t working off the ball.
Congrats to Santino. What an amazing story and turn around for this still young player. His skill and energy would be a great addition to the first team bench.
Marshall, Holden, I like to thing that are US pool just got a little deeper.
Maybe Freddy should have stayed at RSL? The kid doesn’t look like he’s grow more than an inch since he started with DCU at 14.
I don’t know where Pause came from but I thought he had a very decent game. I’m just not agreeing with the previous comments. He was solid for his 60 minutes, didn’t have a lot of turnovers, and defended well. Not bad for a newbie, despite there being 5 guys in front of him for that spot.
Perkins is really good, he closed down angles really quick all night, I am really impressed with him.
One of the CB’s has to have a bit of speed, or in other words, keep Marshall and sit Bornstein.
Feilhaber is the best “attacking center mid” (that can also play a bit of D) in the entire USMNT pool.
Davies will be our best forward by mid season(he might be now), dude is super quick, his fast, and has pretty good skills and instinct.
Impressed with Beckerman. He had some extremely good tackles that no other US midfielder makes aside from Micheal Bradley.
PLEASE NO MORE SASHA, ROGERS HAS THE BACKUP LOCKED DOWN ON THE LEFT SIDE AND QUARANTA AND HOLDEN HAVE THE RIGHT
Jay Heaps deserves to start in the game vs. Haiti. He’s paid his dues and it would be a well deserved honor for him to get his first cap (at age 32) in his home stadium.
Marshall was MOTM in my opinion. Quaranta was a close second, he struggled a bit in the first half, but he was good in the second half and was a good defensive presence from his position throughout the game.
Can’t say any more about Adu than has been said, very disappointing.
Pearce was just awful with his crossing. If he can’t get more than 1 decent cross in per match, he’ll never find himself in the squad again.
Rogers night was muted, but still did some good work drawing fouls late and getting in some good crosses. I think he finds a way onto the WC roster, he’s the only true winger in the player pool, it’s really refreshing to see someone get chalk on their boots.
Come on guys, while I am excited about the play of the team, lets be a bit realistic. We are talking about Grenada and Haiti, not exactly world soccer super powers. Positives are that particularly in the Grenada match the B team played with better build up, passing and teamwork than I have ever seen from the A team (granted it was Grenada).
I would love to see this type of short passing and communication instead of the reliance on the long ball from the back when we start playing top caliber teams from europe and south america!
1. Adu’s issues are more than just needing to get rid of some rust. He’s either an A-mid or withdrawn forward. As a withdrawn forward, he needs more than just PT. Got strikers are confident and they’re sharp. As an a-mid, a critical hole in his game that he’s always had (it’s actually several holes) is the combination of positioning, reading the game and decision-making. His skills are mostly incredibly, he’s unselfish. But right now he’s a disaster as an A-mid (combined with the reality that we don’t play with a pure A-mid: Feilhaber is the closest we get to an A-mid).
So that means that either Adu does more than get PT (which helps him get in-shape and less rusty): he starts becoming an offensive force that scores some goals. Otherwise, it’s hard to see him making this team as a forward. And as an A-mid, given his lack of PT the past two years (and thus areas that were never his strong points have probably regressed further or at least not progressed), he’s not a central midfielder for this team. He needs to play regularly. But playing time isn’t sufficient to make him a player that this team would benefit from. And that’s a true shame.
2. Quaranta is a great story. Separate from that, he’s a good option for backing up Dempsey. Yeah, maybe Holden beats him out. But right now, I think those two guys (Holden and Quaranta) are the two right outside mid options behind Dempsey and they’re both good choices. I would also add this: while I think the world of Quaranta and “D”–I believe you’re badly undervaluing his ability, I think all of us need to keep two factors in mind (which you simply can’t ignore when picking your WC team):
–Quaranta has yet to have a professional season starting since he was 16 where he didn’t have an injury that forced him to miss games.
–He’s an addict. He’s done a great job getting his life back together again but Bradley has been right to be skeptical, to take a “show me” attitude with regard to Quaranta (who has been DCU’s best player and most consistent player all season).
3. Marshall was a beast. And I wouldn’t rule him out for WC 2010. He’s the closest thing we’ve got to a Gooch clone out there (the size, dominance in the air, ability to physically manhandle an opposing striker). And there’s value in being able to put in a “Gooch-lite” if your first choice gets hurt or has card issues–it reduces the adjustment the team has to make (rather than moving Bocanegra over from left back or put DeMerit in Gooch’s role). I’m not arguing Marshall is close to Gooch in performance at this point, only that going with another option involves changes in a house of cards.
Beckerman was terrible. Well maybe that is a bit harsh, but he was not good and shoudl not recieve any consideration in the future as an “A” team member. Adu was hot an cold, but his give aways occured in the attacking third, Beckerman was losing the ball at midfield!
According to soccernet.com the US had 14 Benny Feilhaber’s on the bench.
I totally agree with Adu not playing well, that was the first team I’ve gotten to see him play in awhile (and live too). He played very poorly and it was obvious with him out that we looked much improved and of course scored two goals. Sure everyone hopes he’ll leave his rust behind with Benfica, but my point is this: what evidence do you have that he’ll get much playing time at Benfica? He’s not magically going to get to Benfica and start playing awesome and starting every game. I just don’t think he’s capable of playing at that level if he has to work hard…
I think we looked pretty good last night, better with the subs, but I’m going to watch the game again for more perspective. It’s hard to be subjective when the crowd is screaming every time Honduras moves the ball forward every 5 yards 🙂
But the shots tell a different story, and I think we had many more quality chances on goal…
Tino was great all night… I don’t think it’s a flash in the pan either. He attacked with flair, passed well, and got back and defended well. He and Holden have solid skills and need to be in the pool!
Beckerman had some poor passes, but settled down later and had a solid performance – he’s a beast in there.
Why must we always start to D-mids?!!? Pause did not have a bad game, but we looked much better once Benny was in….
Change our tactics, Bob!
Perkins – 7 – Never had much to do and did well with the breakaway chance Honduras had. Should be rested on Saturday.
Cherundolo – 8 – Was reluctant to get forward in the first half, but when he did he displayed good touch and passing. A sublim assist on Chings goal.
Marshall – 8 – Never looked to be off and completely shutdown Costly in the second half.
Parkhurst – 7 – He was invisible which was exactly what we’ve come to expect from him. The shocking yellow card hurts his grade though.
Pearce – 6 – Helped Rogers stretch the defense and put in some decent passing. Had a pretty silly yellow card.
Quaranta – 8 – Was around the ball quite a bit and his service and passing was overall creative and efficient. Showed up for a well-taken goal he’s been waiting for.
Pause – 5 – Looked out of sorts and never really got going offensively or defensively, commiting a few too many fouls. He settled down after the half but only had 15 minutes until he was subbed.
Beckerman – 7 – An absolute workhorse in the midfield; He handled the physical battles very well in central midfield. His passing was a bit inconsistent, although he did set up Ching with a great chance in the first half.
Rogers – 6 – Made many runs down the left but was very predictable all match and seemed a bit more acustomed to going to ground. He did put in some valuable defensive help.
Adu – 5 – He had a couple of shots and flashes of brilliance but didn’t bring any more, if not less, then he did against Granada
Ching – 6.5 – His specialty of layoff passes were few, far between, and not always on target, save for the one in the build up to the first goal. He did put some good pressure on the Honduran centerback tandem and won some a lot of aerial ball’s, including his goal.
Feilhaber – 8 – Once again played the role of super sub, orchestrating the build up to Quaranta’s goal. He displayed his regular range of passing, good touch and defensive bite.
Davies – 8 – Another game-changing sub, he brought a speed that was missing for much of the match and stretched the defense for all of his 30 minutes. His brilliant lay off set up Quaranta on the first goal
Cooper – 6 – Seemed too slow, but had some good chances, including a long-range blast that the Honduran keeper touched wide. Overall not a bad 13 minutes and should see some extended time against Haiti.
From the past two games Freddy seems to think that finding an open spot and planting himself there is the way to play. I’ve been a fan of Adu’s before, but these past two games have shown that he’s not really willing to move without the ball and that really doesn’t help your teammates get you the ball in a good position.
Santino may have a nice human interest story but he is not a true winger. Not only did he not seem to be able to make much as far as service (which makes Ching alot better for those complaining about him) and does not seem to defend. He was dispossessed with ease at times last night. Sorry but on this team, Holden has a much higher work rate and is better on possession than he is which frees up Churndolo and should start the knock out stages.
Ching does what he does for this team. For those hoping he is not on the World Cup roster forget it. He is the only hold up, target forward the U.S. has right now and Bradley wants that for at least 65 to 70 minutes a game. That aspect was definitely missing at the Confed Cup.
Rodgers is a bundle of talent but is probably not a realisitc choice for S. Africa. IMO, you have to look at how Donovan and Dempsey play the the position (which is both ways) and niether on the wing played that way last night. Rodgers needs to get out of MLS where he can just outtalent guys and develop some more skills. Future is bright though.
Adu did what Adu does, he dribbled and dazzled a little but did little else (and nothing on the defensive side). I think that people need to be fair and treat Adu and Beasley the same. Niether is playing regularly and niether is in form. Until they are they really do not belong in the top 24 pool for the USMNT.
Outside of Benny, Davies, Dolo and Pearce, who were all good, no one has a prayer to make the World Cup roster so they are just out there showing for the next cycle. Pause, Beckerman, Parkhurst, Quaranta, and Marshall are not cracking that roster. Those saying Beckerman needs to get a shot are kidding themselves. Jones, Edu, Clark, Benny, Bradley, and Torres are light years ahead of him in CM. One or two or those guys probably do not make the World Cup pool of players.
Ether Hell
Beckermen is not close to M. Bradley. He is a one demensional player that has a 1st touch that will only work in the MLS. He is there to break up the attack, which he did well last night. Icrease the speed of play & you increase his mistakes.
Interesting that Ives doesn’t mention Ching as one of the players who was abysmal last night. A bit of bias there….no?
Does Benfica even want Adu? He doesn’t even have a number this season and Benfica are still brining in new players. There aren’t many roster spots left.
Creige
IMO BB is looking for flashes of brilliance for the future & maybe develop depth. Rogers & Marshall is the only one that improved his spot last night. Rolfe has had his chances & is just as good as some of the new guys in there but again that isnt good enough.
Actually, I think Quaranta played a Dempsey-esque role, cutting into the center, which allowed Cherundolo to overlap and cross in.
Pearce and Rogers were wearing out the right side of that defense. It looked like Pearce had plenty in his legs right up until the end.
I hope he can find a club where he can play. You have to wonder what in the world is going on at Hansa Rostock, that he can’t get on the field.
Good win for the team. CHAD MARSHALL WAS A BEAST!
I think we are still weak on the outsides when it comes to WC Quality for 2010. Rogers & Quaranta will be good for 2014. Quaranta seems the most consistent & Rogers the most potential. Practice every day with pressure for your job & these guys will be good to go in 2014
Are you kidding? Pearce was awful, should not be allowed to dribble more than 5 feet, can not be the forward to find space, lacking in speed and not a good crosser. Anything else?
@ Matt…. Rogers was up and down the flank and as far as I can see is the only US player who can play “winger”… we have lots of guys that can run up and down the right or left side but few who can beat their man with speed on the dribble and get a cross in…most drift to the middle… Robbie has a bright future in my eyes.