photo by Howard C. Smith/ISIphotos.com
By FRANCO PANIZO
Jurgen Klinsmann's coaching debut with the U.S. men's national team didn't start out too well, but it finished on a high note.
The United States tied Mexico 1-1 in Klinsmann's U.S. debut as Robbie Rogers scored a minute into his substitute appearance in front of 30,138 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA on Wedndesday night.
Rogers' second international goal pulled the Americans level after Oribe Peralta scored in the first half and it prevented the United States from dropping its fourth consevutive meeting to its southern neighbor.
After a first half largely dominated by Mexico, Klinsmann turned to Rogers and fellow youngsters Juan Agudelo and Brek Shea to help turn things around. They did just that as the Americans made significant improvements in the second half, and were unlucky not to come away with a victory. Shea had a late effort saved by Guillermo Ochoa and Rogers was brought down by Gerardo Torrado on a clear goal-scoring opportunity that only resulted in a yellow card for the Mexican.
Deployed in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the Americans began the game with little offensive cohesion. Klinsmann's men struggled to keep the ball and their passes missed the mark more often than not.
Defensively, the Americans were chasing the Mexicans for much of the first half, especially on the left flank where Edgar Castillo and Jose Torres had trouble containing Pablo Barrera.
It was from the left where El Tri's 17th-minute goal was created, as a corner kick played quickly and short to Andres Guardado allowed the Mexican midfielder to whip in a strong cross into the penalty area. The cross found Peralta, who managed to fight off Michael Bradley before hitting a side volley that snuck inside the far post.
The U.S. team continued to struggle as it entered halftime, but the second half brought new life for the Americans.
A more composed United States began pushing the game after the intermission, and that led to the creation of chances and two penalty kick appeals that were not given to the Americans.
Carlos Bocanegra, who captained the Americans in the match, came close to scoring a headed goal in the 56th minute when got on the end of a Landon Donovan corner kick. Ochoa, however, came up with one of the biggest saves of the game to keep Mexico ahead.
Four minutes later Klinsmann turned to some of his younger players, substituting Edson Buddle and Jermaine Jones with Juan Agudelo and Brek Shea, respectively. Klinsmann also replaced Bradley with Rogers in the 72nd minute.
The three MLS-based players combined for the American goal a minute later when Agudelo made a run behind the Mexican defense to receive a throw in. As the ball came his way, Agudelo one-timed it to Shea, who was able to muscle off a defender before playing a low cross that Rogers was able to tap in.
With momentum shifted in the U.S. team's favor, the Americans continued to push the game. Torres hit a shot wide on a good sequence a minute after the equalizing goal, and Shea saw a low shot parried by Ochoa in the 82nd minute after being played through on goal by Donovan.
The Americans looked ready to win its first game against Mexico since 2009 minutes later when a counterattack saw Agudelo hit a lobbed pass to Rogers just as he was about to break free on goal. But Rogers never got to take a shot as a trailing Torrado tugged on Rogers' jersey to prevent the goal-scoring chance.
——-
What do you think of the United States' 1-1 draw with Mexico? Who impressed you? How do you rate Klinsmann's U.S. coaching debut?
Share your thoughts below.
+ zillion
Dos Santos managed to play even though he hasn’t had a any pre-season training.
We’re back to Dempsey on the right? I’m not saying he’s awful there, but he’s clearly shown better on the left. It’s a bit of a dilemma really.
I think a few things made a difference. First off, and probably the most obvious, the substitutions, with Shea, Agudelo, and Rogers on for Buddle, Jones, and Bradley. These changes allowed Torres into a more central role, where he was able to receive the ball more and set tempo, as well as occasionally join in the attack. Shea was providing the kind of width you’d expect from a winger, but his electric pace and dynamic runs, on and off the ball, caused Mexico no end of troubles, and was a completely different approach from how Torres played on that flank. Agudelo’s link-up play was, quite simply, better than Buddle’s. There was more imagination in his movement and passing, case and point – his involvement in the goal. Rogers was another player whose sheer pace, combined with Mexico’s high defensive line, could have won the USA the game all on it’s own, and his movement was quite impressive. He hasn’t been great as of late for club or country, but he did what he needed to do tonight. Donovan was actually not too bad in the first half, but he really came to life in the second after the changes. I’ve always thought his movement and ability to find space in a free role was poor, but tonight he ran at Mexico from all angles and really caused them issues with his pace and directness. Perhaps he wasn’t being given a free role at all…
That being said, the main thing that I think really turned the game around was the fact that Juergen was just positive. The USA commited more numbers on offense, even with the knowledge Mexico’s counters could easily punish them, and they got in Mexico’s faces defensively, reducing the time El Tri had on the ball. This loosened their grip on the game significantly. Yes, Mexico made substitutions, but has that ever stopped them from controlling things before?
It’s the same kind of positivity that has been showing in practice, Klinsmann’s interviews, the approach he wants for the structure of US Soccer, and the style he wants for the USA. Quite simply, Juergen is a positive guy, which is a stark contrast to Bob Bradley. Don’t get me wrong, Bob clearly always had belief in his players and could be a passionate guy, but his cautious, cerebral approach to tactics and his slow reactions would allow teams back in the game.
Either way, Juergen’s willingness to try and take over games is encouraging, and it will be interesting to see how the USA does with a coach who has that kind of mentality.
Funny thing for all the Bradley lovers, Bradley Jr. is responsible for 3 out of mexicos last 5 goals against the team in his own right.
The Problem people dont see is that he is in fact a box to box midfielder. Is he a good box to box midfielder? Sure, but a box to box central midfielder is not very highly valued in the modern game.
Sure there are a few exceptions but the only teams that really play with box to box midfielders is because that player happens to hands down be one of the best in their pool, and MB isnt that for the US National team. He makes too many boneheaded mistakes defensively and offers little to no creativity to the offensive end. He offers nothing that is a great contribution to the team as a whole. The team is a unit, and he hurts the UNIT more than he helps. and that is the simple fact of it.
I would change our formation completely to a 4-3-3 where the 3 midfielders all play centrally similar to how Barca has in the past
—Donovan–Altidore/Agudelo—Dempsey
——–Adu————
——————Holden—–
————Jones/Edu——————
–Lichaj–Bocenegra—not sure—-Cherondolo
I think Howard tried to push him out, but he wouldn’t budge.
Just a guess. I don’t think Adu is playing anywhere. Bradley and Buddle playing little or nothing didn’t look good. How many non-playing players can he play?
I like all but the defenders. In fact I replace all of them before 2014 WC.
Lalas seemed disappointed that USA got a result. Well done by Shea. Landon was excellent.
Klinsmann has many problems and much to do, but he also has a problem that’s singularly a USA problem. Many of the current team members either don’t play, or play little at their clubs. Can’t list them all. I hope Klinsi warns them to join clubs that they can get playing time with or you lose your national team opportunities. A good example tonight, were the poor performances of Bradley and Buddle, both played very little, or none at all with club teams.
I believe Bruce Arena, not a fan, gave a similar warning to the players when he was coach.
The guy clearly said up top with Agudelo. I think Jozy is a great forward, but for some reason, even though he has the tools for the target role, he doesn’t actually play the role well consistently or willingly, while Agudelo has a great understanding of the role and it’s movement, but doesn’t have the tools.
Actually, Buddle has done pretty well as a target before…
Here’s the deal – it doesn’t matter what club you’re playing for, or if you’re playing at all. What matters is if you play better than the other options when you step out on the field in Red, White, and Blue. Kyle Beckerman was arguably the best central midfielder out there, and you know who he plays for? Real Salt f***ing Lake in MLS, and, in case you didn’t notice, they haven’t played in a Champions League, in, well…… ever.
Should we try things without Bradley? I would say so. However, the club Bradley plays for or how much playing time he gets means squat if he plays well for the USA, and while tonight wasn’t his best night, it’s not like he was put in a position to succeed anyways.
Funny how all people here think they know soccer.
i admitted he made a mistake but was just pointing out he was only focusing on that. I rate Holden much much higher then Bradley but hate it when stupid @ss people come on here and fail to look at any facts.
strong lineup
————————-Jozy————————-
————————Donovan———————–
Shea—————————————-Dempsey
————–Bradley————Holden————
Lichaj———————————–Cherundolo
———–Bocanegra—-Orozco/Goodson———
————————Howard————————
I don’t think they said he’s the kind of guy you build a team around. I understood it as them saying for him to be successful you have to build around him because he has a unique skill set and tendencies in that he likes to sit deep but isnt great defensively. Also, I agree on the mediocre part if they did say he’s a guy you build around
no i loose it when people say MB should never play for the usmnt or he only played because of his dad or he sucks
This. Castillo gave the ball away every time he touched it, and way too often was poorly positioned when it came time to defend. Castillo was terrible, gimme Lichaj any day. Boca was solid as always. Orozco was solid as well, there may still be some folks ahead of him on the depth chart but he didn’t hurt his chances at all. Dolo was solid as well.
Torres gave the ball away a bit but I attribute that more to him trying to remain calm on the ball and turn and find a pass when put in poor positions by the back four and Jones. I think Torres did well overall, though it is clear he needs to be in the middle of the park to spray those balls around. I’ve held out hope for Jones, but with Torres and Bradley and even Beckerman available as holding mids, I think his time might be over. He’s too inconsistent. Beckerman did well, I like his defense and composure on the ball but I’m worried he may get exposed playing the very best of the best squads. Great option to have in the pool, but probably not #1 defensive/holding mid.
Bradley has motor, and is always tracking back on D. I like that. But on offense, he misses great passing opportunities and is overall not well-suited for a CAM role. Better as a CDM type. Donovan was his great and I love him having the freedom to roam in this 4231.
Buddle stuck on an island, though I don’t think he should be considered over Jozy and Juan. Brek Shea showed really well, I like the strength and pace he brings to the squad. Let’s start to break him into a regular spot. Juan showed again that he is the future for the US at striker, kid is sick, though I agree he needs to work on composure and finishing in the final third. Jozy and Juan moving forward at striker.
If we stick with a 4231 I say we go like this (subs in parenthese):
Jozy (Juan)
Dempsey (shea) — holden (torres/adu) — donovan (adu/chandler)
bradley (jones) — torres (beckerman)
lichaj (boca/castillo) — boca (goodson) — ream (orozco) — dolo (chandler)
howard (hamid)
Still wanna see Mixx, Salgado, Gatt and some of the other youngins as well, but as subs/just in camp to get used to the first team and to play a solid role as subs in the next WC and WCQuals.
Overall, good first match for Klinsy. Crappy first half, but it’s a friendly and really was used to evaluate players in new roles. Excited for the Costa Rica and Belgium matches!
Thoughts?
MLS Soccer.com player ratings:
Jermaine Jones (4)
Michael Bradley (5.5)
José Francisco Torres (5)
ESPN player ratings:
Jermaine Jones, 5
Michael Bradley, 6.5
Jose Torres, 5
sorry to plug other sites ives but just wanted to show adrian this that MB hating is the exception not the rule
No one has ever said they are the end all be all but, they could help you undestand what your eye might of missed.
Don’t forget Jozy, Spector, Adu, Goodson, and Bornst.. er not him.
Wow everytime someone mentions that another Midfielder has a chance to challenge for Bradley´s spot you lose it lol.
Torres played better when he moved to his natural position. Michale is a good defensive mid, he is an average box to box mid and he is a lousy attacking mid.
Michael will not lose his spot on the team.
Agree on all points.
Did anyone else think that Landon Donovan waited too long to get going in this game – as he is sometimes guilty of doing? In the last 30 minutes he looked fantastic, but I was frustrated with his lack of involvement up to that point.
I’m seeing mixed reviews on Torres – I’ve always thought he deserved more time with the USA, so I’m biased, but I thought he played well. He’s not a winger – so his first half wasn’t great – but he still has the touch, skill, and vision to be very dangerous if properly utilized in the center of the field.
Other winners: Shea, Orozco. Losers: Castillo, Jones.
Wanted to throw something through the TV when Rogers didn’t draw the red card. Good God, that was terrible.
Wow are you living with Michale or something. Nobody can say something bad about him because you lose your g string and start defending him.
He made a mistake so do others. Dont get all hyper when someone points to 1 mistake Bradley made. Everyone saw the mistake, admit it and move on.
You start all of them and add Adu and boom, we have a midfield that will win games.
To adrian & other MB haters: You are, of course, entitled to your views, but many experienced watchers of the game would say that you are wrong. For a guy playing more forward than he is used to or probably even comfortable with he did quite well.
One example of someone not sharing your view is Steve Davis @ SI.com who gave him a 6 rating:
“M, Michael Bradley, 6 — Not a bad night considering he was slightly out of his element as a more advanced central midfielder, playing alongside Jones and ahead of Beckerman. In all honesty, he’s not the answer as a creative force in central areas, a solid passer but not one blessed with an artist’s eye. That said, he was in the passing sequence on almost every successful U.S. offensive thrust. It was Bradley who was beaten by Oribe Peralta for Mexico’s goal, but it wasn’t a horrible defensive indiscretion. His solid body of work around the field atoned.”
(I’d link to it but am not sure if that’s cool here on SBI.)
Adu is special.
Child Please.
ALL THE PLAYER RATINGS have Castillo at the bottom- the one from sports illustrated and the one from goal dot whatever. Anyone ever consider that the left back position for US may be a cursed position? how else to explain left-back beasley, bornstein, castillo…all stinkers, though Beas is a better player up front. Jesus Kries, if one is worst then the next, it makes me fear who the next guy will be. (yeah, i know i misspelled christ)
That is a league that boos defenders for kicking the ball away in the box. No defense is played in Holland. I fully expect Jozy to score 20 goals easily this season(he already bagged 1).
I thought Buddle did very well considering the position he was put in. He’s not the type of forward who can be expected to create his own scoring opportunities alone up top – he needs supporting players to feed him in the box. He’s also not a target forward, but I thought he did a good job controlling some difficult aerial passes, holding up play, etc.
You said it on Castillo. Deserves more looks but will want to forget this one.
They were in the regulation zone before Bradley was loaned out to Villa. Then once they loaned Bradley out the were out of the relegation zone. What does Bradley have? A motor and passion….But, that doesn’t make you technically good. How many minutes to Bradley play for Aston Villa? Not that many. Actually, did he even get on the field? Yes, Jones is no Petrov, but Bradley is no Jones with. I rather have Jones providing on the mark passes and perfect long balls on the counter than Bradley losing possession and not being able to dribble without looking at the ball. Learn the game please.
Torres looked a little lost in the first half – but that’s because he’s a central midfielder, not a winger. Even if he was out of position, he was one of the few yanks in the first half to be composed on the ball and confident enough to wait to look for a good pass. One of the best players for the USA in this game, in my opinion.
To be fair they should be playing better because they are in the middle of the season while european based players are in pre season.
I thought that Orozco was good also. I dont know why ESPN guys were so harsh in the review of him (im speaking to you Lalas!). Nothing flashy but no mistakes. I wish he would pick a last name and be done with it. Some people seem to call him Orozco and others Fiscal. WTH?
Yeah, I was confused with that as well. I was hoping Klinsmann would have already adopted the single D Mid lineup, but instead went with 3. Just goes to show you how much better we can be, judging by the second half subs of far more creative, attacking players.
As for the comments above regarding our best CM. If Holden is healthy, I say hands down he is our best. 2nd is Jones and he is playing for Schalke after returning from his loan with Blackburn, where he played very well and was consistently starting. He is now starting again for Schalke. 3rd is Edu, who has been a starter for Rangers, who are a solid club, based on their past experiences in the Champions League, minus this season. MB has not been playing for BM or AV. MB is a good player, but, I’ve preferred Jones and Edu for a long time.
In terms of club teams BM and AV have not been in the Champions League at all, so the statement of those teams being better doesn’t quite fit. Schalke did well in Europa and Rangers have gone far in the CL. Also, BM played much better without Bradley. They were to be relegated when MB left, but when he came back, they were able to stay up.
Jones seems off his game for the US because the system is different from his club. The US has been far too defensive, so the midfield tends to be clogged up and lacking creativity. So Jones doesn’t have much to do with the ball and MB passes the ball back far too often for my tastes.
Anyway, just my opinion, but it seems apparent that we need to try more without MB to see if he is/isn’t a factor in the team playing better. If the team fails miserably without him, then my rationale is incorrect, but I don’t think he is the answer, at least for now. If he gets to play in Italy, he will learn a great deal that will be useful for the USMNT.
hogatroge said it – i think orozco played well because i didn’t notice him not playing well.
castillo was one of the biggest disappointments for me on the night. gave the ball away very easily and was caught flat-footed on a number of occasions as mexico pushed down his flank. there was one sequence in particular that i thought was telling – castillo lost his marker, was too slow to track back – so MB90 sprinted past castillo and shut his marker down.
+quadrillion
Nice try to cover your ignorance; he was clearly in the middle playing as a CM in a triangle. “… Jones played as an outside mid for some reason …”; so how exactly do you ‘read before looking dumb’ what you wrote? You clearly have a novice understanding of soccer at best. Apparently he has to stay in the middle third of the field for you and not help out at all towards the wings if needed.
haha i thought Xavi was the second coming of Torres’s past self before he was reincarnated. F*cking mind blown
Haven’t read all comments yet, but i don’t understand why adu or ream didn’t dress. Especially adu after the gold cup. I wish we could find out jurgen’s thinking…also had no sound at the bar if they talked about it.
NO!
neither did it mention what i said. so only focusing on bradleys mistake is hypocrisy
His team needs his offense too much for him to play left back for them but, I think that it could possibly be a good fit for him on the international level and for if he ends up playing in Europe.
How did he flame out of Germany exactly? Seemed to me he was a consistent starter in Bundesliga and attracting transfer offers to bigger clubs. Oh that’s right, you’ll probably says he was the entire reason his team was bottom part of table. And don’t blame him for Houllier’s eccentrics.
Honestly, did his dad cut you from your JV soccer team or something. Get over it buddy!
Orozco was surprisingly good. Castillo horrible. Torres was very dissapointing. I hope this will quiet all those people who seem to think Torres is the second coming of Xavi.
Amen but its not final. im praying it happens
Maybe you should also, then, recognize that Altidore, Holden, Dempsey, Lichaj, and Chandler would have likewise changed the complexion of the U.S. side. I thought we’d get drilled and we certainly didn’t look great in the first half. But the young guys impressed, and that is a good sign for the future of the USMNT.