Photo by Michael Janosz/ISIphotos.com
By FRANCO PANIZO
GLENDALE, Ariz. — A dominant and aesthetically-pleasing first half had the U.S. Men’s National Team looking primed for an easy victory.
The second-half was a different story, with a pro-Mexican crowd being treated to a rousing comeback against an American defense that looked
The U.S. were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw with El Tri at University of Phoenix Stadium on Wednesday night after letting a two-goal, first-half lead slip away. Michael Bradley and Chris Wondolowski had the Americans sitting pretty after scoring in the first 28 minutes, but a flat Mexico came to life in the second half and erased the lead quickly.
“We learned a lot from tonight,” said U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. “It was an exciting game. It was a game with a couple of different faces. I think Mexico started well the first 15-20 minutes and then we took over. We really had it under control, scored the goals, 2-0 up at halftime.
“We told the players to be right alert from the first minute on (in the) second half, but they were not. It took them too long to get back into the game and then some mistakes that you can’t make in terms of how you concede the goals. You take that away, you know you have to work on those things.”
Despite allowing their southern rivals to get back into the game, the Americans appeared to have secured a last-minute winner from substitute forward Eddie Johnson, but the would-be goal was negated by a questionable offside call.
Rafa Marquez started the comeback for the Mexicans, who had the majority of the support from the 59,066 fans in attendance, in the 49th minute. Alan Pulido then tapped in the equalizer in the 67th minute after a shot that caromed off the post fell to him.
The friendly also saw Julian Green make his much-anticipated U.S. debut just two weeks after he filed his one-time change of associations to FIFA. The 18-year-old Green came off the bench in the 59th minute, replacing Brad Davis on the left wing.
Green also looked to have drawn a foul on a play near the penalty area three minutes from the final whistle, but Panamanian referee Roberto Moreno allowed play to continue.
“We should’ve gotten the third goal, the clear goal from Eddie. We should’ve gotten a clear penalty on Julian Green, but it’s actually not that important,” said Klinsmann. “All the players that were here today gave everything they had and understand that a game goes at least 90 minutes, maybe in a World Cup it goes 120 minutes, and we don’t have those 90 minutes yet. We have maybe 55-60 maximum on that level.
“It’s not enough. so that means we have a lot of homework to do.”
It was a bright start for the U.S., who came out in a 4-4-2 formation that saw Bradley play atop of a diamond in midfield. Those changes quickly paid dividends as the Americans showed quality passing and movement in the attack and disciplined and swarming defense.
That led to the game’s opener in the 15th minute. After Mexico goalkeeper Moises Munoz pushed away an Omar Gonzalez header, Graham Zusi whipped in a corner kick that founding a streak Bradley at the backpost for the easy finish.
Thirteen minutes later, a well-worked sequence that was among the most beautiful ones that the U.S. has had in recent memory led to Wondolowski’s goal. Clint Dempsey received a pass with his back to goal and hit it one-time into space despite facing pressure, and Tony Beltran raced onto it before hitting a corner that Bradley flicked into the path of Wondolowski.
“The first half, as a group we played well,” said Bradley. “The mobility was good. I felt we played at a tempo that htey were uncomfortable with. We were able to close them down, we were able to be aggressive and even if the first guy didn’t win the ball, the next guy was there. We were stepping and really pushing the tempo in a good way.”
The U.S. continued to dominate for the remainder of the first half, but that was far from the case after halftime. Mexico looked like a revitalized side from the start of the second half, and Marquez started the rally when he headed home a Marco Fabian corner four minutes after the intermission.
Marquez broke free of Gonzalez’s mark and headed home with ease past a helpless Nick Rimando, sending the pro-Mexico crowd into a frenzy.
El Tri continued to attack while the U.S. looked a shell of the team that controlled the proceedings in the first half, and the Mexicans found the equalizer when Pulido tapped home a rebound from two yards out.
Gonzalez was caught ball-watching on the initial shot that hit the post, and that allowed Pulido to bury the golden opportunity.
“If we learned anything it’s that when you have them on the ropes, you’ve got to keep your foot on the pedal and I think our attitude, our mentality and just our shape was too timid in the second half,” said Landon Donovan, who did not start and came off the bench in the 59th minute. “We dropped off too much and we allowed them space and more of the ball. We didn’t do that in the first half, they couldn’t breathe, so if you have a game 2-0 you’ve got to finish the game.”
Mexico kept piling on the pressure, and would’ve taken the lead if not for Rimando making several key stops, but it was the Americans who nearly found a winner.
Johnson finished a shot into the bottom right corner in the 85th minute after the U.S. strung together some passes but he was deemed to be offside when he made his run in on goal to received the feed from Clint Dempsey.
Green was then involved in his own bit of controversy, as he looked to have been fouled just inside the penalty area on an explosive dribble that signaled one of his better moments in the match. No call was made, however, and the two rivals settled for a draw.
“You look at it from a bigger picture in the sense that was a good game, great atmosphere, good for the fans and a good test for us as we move forward towards the summer,” said Bradley.
The Americans’ attention now turns completely towards Brazil. Klinsmann is expected to name a preliminary 30-man World Cup roster in mid-May before trimming it down to 23 in early June.
—–
What do you think of the USMNT’s 2-2 draw with Mexico? Who impressed/disappointed you? What did you think of Green?
Share your thoughts below.
Donovan: looked winded, slow, & as if he had been sobbing.
Bradley: great first half. Ball watching in the 2nd. It’s a friendly, whatever.
Dempsey: what happened to you, man? Stop falling down when you lose the ball on a crap touch and you get bumped. Be a man. I wouldn’t know where to play him, honestly. He’s too slow for the wing & he’s not a striker or a playmaker. I wish it was 3 years ago.
Besler: Slow & not terribly skilled. Has some redeeming qualities, but I don’t want to spend time on any.
Gonzo: No skill on the ball whatsoever and slow in speed and slow to react. Even his passes don’t have any velocity. But, that’s because only a few players really have the first touch for lasers out of the back.
Brad Davis: I don’t care about his left foot on set pieces because he’s slow. Very slow.
Zusi: Tenacious, tough, and can deliver a ball well. I wish he thought a little faster and had a better first touch, and greater technical ability in tight spaces. I basically wish he was someone else. And better.
Beckerman: oh my God he is so slow and has zero first touch. May be able to deliver a killer ball now and again, but against World Cup caliber opponents he wouldn’t have the chance to hold it for more than 2 seconds and he has no ball skills. No plane ride for you
Beltran: filler. Any comment is redundant.
Rimando: great goalkeeper. Wish he was 6’4″. He can have a seat on the plane and a seat on the bench.
Yedlin: fast and recovers well. Can play up the wings without losing the ball consistently. Needs time, though. There is potential here. F-it, bring him.
Wondo: oh please, people. I don’t see it. I would rather play without a true striker than have him waste a spot in Brazil. Go away
Edu: how is he a DP? That is all.
EJ: has his moments on either side of the good/bad spectrum. Bring him anyway as a game changer.
Goodson: we don’t have any good CBs currently playing at CB for their respective clubs. Slow like the build up to a great orgasm. Except, I’m not happy afterwards—I’m confused and bit ashamed.
Green: I’ll leave this one up to JK
Parkhurst: meh, eh, and nahhh. But, we need a backup who can play RB or LB, so I guess he makes it.
There had better be another level like JK suggests. And another one above that.
Our boys will step it up, folks. No worries.
Besler is actually one of the fastest players on the team in a foot race and, usually, in terms of speed-of-thought as well.
I’m aware that Besler is one of the fastest men on the team. And that is precisely why I am worried about Brazil
finally a quality post. appreciated.
Not a word wrong. Impressive that you even continued after the first sentence, which was a mammoth triumph in accuracy (“looked like he had been sobbing” was well worth the beer I spat out after reading it)
“Slow like the build up to a great orgasm. Except, I’m not happy afterwards—I’m confused and bit ashamed.”
wait, that’s not normal?
If you met her on Tinder, maybe.
The match was so up and down that everyone seems to have a totally different take away from it.
Case in point: I totally disagree with you
Lil’ Zeke, your disagreement isn’t worth much, if your argument in Ives “Who should start” thread is any indicator.
Also I feel like I less and less of an understanding of who should start in Brazil after each match.
That’s a pretty great point. We all seem to agree that the selection will be tailored to our draw… But it would be great to see Ives to a piece that dug a little deeper into what this really means,,, Is the starting XI we send out against Ghana our absolute first choice XI (among those not injured)? Would there be guys in the 23 who are being prepared for situational roles as starters against Portugal and Germany??
Perhaps it is a little too early to do this exercise… once the 23 is set it would probably make for a better discussion. In this period it’s too easy to focus on wild cards and dark horses. At some point it has to make sense. I mean… it does… right?
I almost think you build a 23 with only beating Ghana in mind, because if you loose that it might be as good as over anyway.
Strategically yes of course you are right. We lose to Ghana and it will be our chances of getting out of the group nosedive into a really ugly place (while most people think we really need a win here,I’ve had more than one statistics geek show me how a draw might actually bring a unique benefit– another topic)3
But really, you don’t need 23 guys to win your first game. A maximum of 14 will play, and even discounting the goalkeepers, etc., it is worth having some discussion about how you selected the others and what benefit they are expected to bring. Certainly, red cards and injuries can blow this all apart in a hurry, but I wouldn’t say you had done things properly if the entire 23 was about beating Ghana. Not enough efficiency… some guys have to have roles (at least planned ones) down the road.
But if I knew for sure, I wouldn’t be holding Martin Vasquez’s hair while he vomits right now, would I?
I’m in agreement much of what’s been said but… A couple of new thoughts:
1. Zusi was non existent in the first half.
2. LD was no better.
3. In a perfect world both KB and Edu play over JJ.
4. The quality that DY displayed tonight should be used as an example for the Julian haters. Lay off on the doom and gloom for the young guns.
5. EJ over wondo. I’d generally start wondo over EJ, but if either sees time in brazil it’s off the bench. Eddy brings more in this situation.
6. I actually thought Davis played ok, but… I still am unsure why he’s considered for the roster. He’s just not quite World Cup worthy.
7. Beltran deserves some love.
I don’t know… If Wondo’s anywhere near as late-game-heroic as his bash brothers, that’s a lot to bring off the bench.
Beltran played well. Bam some love
Word. Dude showed me something.
Beltran held his own for the most part, but I think he’s missed his flight. Maybe next time.
Not sure what you saw (didn’t see) out of Zusi. He was calm on the ball, made insightful passes and tacked back really well. He was much better than Donovan tonight (I’m guessing Landon was hurt more than he was letting on though). He had a hand in both goals, with a well taken corner on the first and he began the play that led to the second. At this point, you have to think he is part of the starting XI.
I think Bedoya and Susie both see starts, depending on the game and fatigue. I prefer bedoya’s work rate personally.
Davis offers a very good left foot on set pieces. On the Int’l level…. thats it…. he lacks the speed to turn the corner and get a cross in and offers little to nothing tracking back on defense. In Brazil… our backs WILL need plenty of help on the wings. With that, I just don’t see him in the final 23.
I’m just not sold on Dempsey right now. Was it just me, or was he constantly on the turf – a bit like a prima donna? Clint – get up and hustle!
Was he on the turf a lot? Yea, he drew more fouls than anyone else. Dude took a beating.
Did he draw them with a purpose? Yea, some he did, he’s good at getting himself in a position to draw fouls. Part of that is he’s not as fast anymore.. Well he was never fast.
If you wanna gripe that he stays down too long after a foul or a tackle and doesn’t recover quickly?
Then you have a legit beef
But he had a good game, especially when he dropped further into the midfield. Set up the 2nd goal, made the pass to EJ that was a goal… free kick sukked
I was thinking the same thing at first, but it’s not like he’s diving to try and draw a call. He’s like a top – always leaning on edge and a hair away from being off balance.
We need to bring Yedlin to Brazil just to shadow Ronaldo for the entire game! Kid is lightening fast and probably the only person on the team that could keep up with him.
If you’re looking for pure speed how about Marvell Wynne. He did shut Ronaldo down in a friendly. Maybe it works…
EspinDOhla, you got a point there, for covering CR7 with Yedlin.
I could imagine that would be annoying as hell for Ronaldo.
Kinda of like a quick point guard who doesn’t cover you, he plays under you.
Which could help trip up CR7, and alleviate all those slick moves etc.
Just got back from the game. My first USA vs Mexico game ever and it was an incredible atmosphere. We all cheered the game winning goal and it was almost a perfect night. But, unfortunately, next time. Also, I have become further radicalized and this game has inspired a renewed hatred for Mexico. Come June 13 I will be cheering for Cameroon. I hope Mexico loses every game in the World Cup as well as every game for the next one hundred years. USA forever.
…. ‘Merica…???
F— YEAH
Welcome. Now start booing Rafa Marquez.
1) Gonzalez seems to have at least one killer mental mistake a game that leads directly to a goal. I don’t see how we can start him. Cameron has to start at CB or RB.
2) Definitely Green > Shea (but Green’s not ready for this WC).
3) MB obviously our best and most important player. He needs to Jones to hang back. No way Beckerman is the answer at WC.
4) Rimando’s a good #3. Wish we could trade a GK for DF.
——————-Jozy——————
LD/Aron–—–Dempsey———-Zusi
——-Bradley—– Jones————-
Fabian–Besler-Goodson-Cameron
or take out Goodson and put Parkhurst/Yedlin/(Chandler if he recovers) at RB.
if LD can only be a supersub at this point, then Johansson at LW.
I agree, except if LD can’t go, play Bedoya or Beasley on the wing.
What I find hilarious is how some of you are criticizing green, who was obviously nervous, for not playing great. But, now, youre willing to give Yedlin a spot because he had a solid thirty minutes ater having a rough debut, due to nerves. Give the kid a break. He was neverous, and obviously its a huge rival, but he should get another chance. I’ll take him over Davis and Shea anyday.
Welcome to SBI
Yeah. Well SBI Troll basically said it… I’d advise you to start calling people out by name for the sake of being more specific, because everybody here is willing to slice throats on behalf of at least a couple of likely non-contributors. But that has been tried recently. A lot. Maybe just don’t get too worked up or something… There’s a guy called FRANK on here who basically nails it every time, too. He’s cool.
I can’t believe anyone has a changed opinion on Green after what they saw last night. He looked like a talented 18 year old who was playing his first international game, against mexico, with new teammates, in a new system, with the pressure of a WC audition. If you didn’t expect all that, then I don’t know what you were thinking. If you think 20-30 minutes is an effective sample size, I also don’t know what you are thinking. There is a full camp and 3 more friendlies before the 23 is announced, a lot more data to collect.
Yedlin is WAY past where Green is right now.
Yedlin is WAY past where Green is right now. Funny thing is, one game ago… he was EXACTLY where Green is right. Which gives one reason for hope for both. As has been said by many others, we’ll have to wait and see, but both obviously have the tools and plenty of promise. First Int’l game for a kid is basically a throw away. If he can avoid a melt down and show you a little bit of what he’s got to offer, that’s about the best you can hope for. I’d lay you odds Green looks much better next time out and he didn’t look too bad last night.
Good stuff, Whoop-Whoop.
I wonder if Klinsmann will be able to convince Ibra to switch in time for the World Cup.
I heard Zlatan has an American hairdresser. It could happen.
From early on in his Galaxy career I was a booster of Omar Gonzalez. Sadly, I think he was better two years ago than he is now. If he starts in the WC, I just don’t see how we can get out of the group. In fact, we may be lucky to get any points. I have believed all along that Cameron would be our RB, but now I think you have to consider using Cameron at CB and maybe Chandler at RB. I just can’t see Evans handling RB, especially with the group we’re in. I see a lot of praise here for Green, but I see a young kid who has potential, but just isn’t ready for this level of competition. His passing just isn’t good enough if we judge from tonight. Still, it’s early yet. Finally, once again we see what a difference it can make when you put two strikers up top, as Mexico did in the second half. It changes so many things. They can interchange between themselves much better than one striker with a CAM or winger. Also, they are in a better position to press the back line when they are trying to pass out of the back. In the first half the US was able to pass out of the back easily; in the second they were under constant pressure and it made it much harder to counter attack. Some of it was more effort by Mexico and lackadaisical play by the US, but I think the 4-4-2 makes a difference. A decent 3-2 win although the score line doesn’t show that.
Everyone wants to keep pushing Cameron as the answer but he isn’t. He jumps out of position far too often and ball watches just as much as Omar. We can’t keep thinking well the next guy is the answer. Our CB pool just is what it is at the moment.
Regarding Cam, we’ve seen him do that a few times, whereas weve seen it become a norm with Gonzo
But with Gonzo, he also seems to have gotten slower.. watching him turn and run is kinda weird, he kinda looks awkward and not fluid…
and when you watch Cam run, you think fast fluid, rangy…
I dunno, I think theres a reason why JK kept saying he sees him as a CB… crap.. were eff’ed
Yeah but that’s because Cameron hasn’t been playing CB. Cameron biggest problem is when he miss reads a ball , goes for it and misses. He did in Scotland and cost Stoke a goal against Villa.
Once again, that’s my point, there’s a few times one can make that criticism of him, but the criticisms of Gonzo have become routine. So if Cam is more fluid, faster, and smarter.. JK might have him in mind. Assuming FabJo potentially goes to RB
There isn’t a single player in the history of the game who hasn’t made an error like that.
Last night the best defender in the world misread a ball in the penalty area against Chelsea.
Only real, mistake-prone people play this game.
Omar’s not worse… just better understood by the marketplace
You might be right Little Zeke, but you do admit, he makes a lot of mistakes….as in I didn’t watch the game and told my buddy what Omar did.
98% great game, best choice at CB,
2% mistakes that will probably kill your WCup.
Wrighteous, LIl’ Zeke, Jesse D, John Lowe said “I think I am dumber for having read this”, downintexas, bogie8 “you must be trolling”, ronniet, Gary Page, 57Tele, Ben, and Dukey.
This is a list of just some of the folks who tried to argue with my correct understanding of the Landon Donovan situation in Ives “Who should start” thread from a few days ago. I was never trying to be “right” but just communicate my informed understanding of the Donovan situation. These folks expressed everything from simple disagreement (no problem) to utter contempt and dismissiveness (problem). How do you all like me now?
Ives, we need to make the pie higher. It is one thing to love your country and the best player that country has ever produced, it is quite another thing to be deluded about a current situation based on a love affair with the past.
Not sure one non-steller performance by Donovan for 30 minutes means he is done. I will admit he didn’t shine and looks like he’s had a lot of cheeseburgers lately. Do you think Zusi or Davis played better than he did? I’m trying to think back, but I don’t really recall any steller play by either of them (doesn’t mean they didn’t play well… I kind of expect Donovan to go by defenders and create/score goals, so when he doesn’t, I is very noticeable but I’m not sure he played much worse, if any, than anyone else who played wide. Dempsey and Bradley played really well and definitely played better than Donovan, but there were a lot of players that were probably equally ineffective.
My point is that folks love affair with Lando is understandable, but at some point we all get old. I brought forward good argument and facts to support my opinions on why Donovan is no longer a lock down starter and all my intelligent comments were dismissed out of hand by Donovan’s family members on Ives post thread. Let’s be good fans, by supporting our team with more thoughtful dialogue. And to your point, specifically, Zusi got a (hockey) assist on the goal, but FJ is the one who will replace Donovan and he was not there.
1. MB – MOTM (Wrap him in protective bubble wrap )
2. Gonzo – Seriously hurt his chances, seems to be getting slower, and reaction time and game recognition mistakes again – I am wondering if Vogt & JK are already thinking about Cam at CD
3. Deuce was very active, especially in the 2nd half, very creative, nice passes, good awareness. He took a beating, drew more fouls than anyone. Still not 100% but those saying he shouldnt be on the field probably already had their mind made up.
4. Now we know why JK didnt start Donovan. – He looked slow, unsure, tentative.. I wouldnt be surprised if it turned out he had the flu or something, but he didnt look good in any phase
5. Wondow helped his case – Wondo liker, Wondo hater..whatever – he did the things he needed
6. EJ is in trouble – Other than the nice ONSIDE goal, he ran the ball out of bounds, passed it to nobody, made runs into the wrong space, and had a pussface the whole time.. time is short
7. Green– INCOMPLETE – For an 18 year old to get his 1st cap in this game, he made some nice runs, showed a nice touch, looked to take guys on, nervously mistrapped a few balls, and had a couple mis communicated bad passes… so what… He’s a guy that if he shows better in the next 2 warm up games hes on the plane.. and whose spot he takes? Brek? Davis? Edgar? Hes worth it
JK – Grade C ….We were p!ssed at the starting lineup, but after watching LD, he made the right call. 2nd half sucked.. well its his job to make sure they were ready for the run comin out of the locker room
As The Bandit Said… “We got a long way to go, and a short time to get there”
I like the Bandit quote the best.
Generally agreement on the number thing.
The defense needs to get much better to survive. Berti will teach them what to do. When he played he was a defender. There was one place where Berti’s finger was already in the pie. That was during a corner kick where five player bunched around the goalie to occupy him. That gave Bradley enough space to score.
Not a big dempsey fan but I agree he played well. Much improved from ukraine; night and day really … and all the other us players played against the same team last night so if dempseys good performance is based on weak competition, same would have to be said foe every other us player. Us chances in Brazil get a lot better if dempsay plays like he did last night. He also belongs on the field playing like that. Games leading up to it I would have said not. Kind of funny, when I think dempsey plays well most people rip him and vice versa
We got concacaf’d.
EJ and Green got consecutively CONCACAF’d
Wondo had a nice goal, NOT TO TAKE AWAY from Wondo BUT Beltran’s cross and Bradley’s flick were crucial parts AS WELL in getting that goal……
Yedlin has the speed to hold down the RB for as long as he maintains that speed and gains perspective on positioning as he progresses
Green is young, fast, new to the team, a lil out of chemistry with his passing due to him being new but there were flashes of good (amongst a couple bad moments), I’ll give him a B, B- at worse.
Gonzo……. where do i start, and i liked you before the past few games you’ve played……. just wake up, man, and play CB. geez
EJ with a nice run and goal (taken away), he’s still a good difference maker, not a starter but a 60’+ option depending on opponent.
Bradley is the most important player to the USMNT playing well.. he didnt have a totally perfect game but he was great
Donovan looked like he wasn’t there in his head. possibly why he didnt start, looked a lil slow. he made those deep runs at the end of the game but never blew by like he used to, just kinda barely was in front of his defender and got fouled a few times.
Yedlin has speed by the way…… did i mention he’s fast? thats what we need at RB: recovery speed…. keep developing young fella
Besler, you’ve got america’s vote im pretty sure
Beckerman finally showed his ability to control a game defensively for the most part. IMHO he is the best partner with MB pushing up. JJ could come off the bench to hold a 2-0 lead (like he would have today)
davis…. you’re left footed, thats a plus….. but……………………………… meh……….
Shea’s still got a chance, but really only cuz green is young and new……
M Edu, id take you on depth at CB, CDM but im playing beckerman over you, keep at it tho, next WC you could be a great role player
did i miss anyone of importance?
beckerman will get TORCHED by the Germans, AND the Portugese, AND the Ghanaians.
Beckerman is not a speedy winger…… he’s not a Ribery…… he’s not a neymar. what he is is a smart tactical CDM that plays his role. he wont dribble past someone while sprinting but he doesnt need to be. he can defend well and control a defensive midfield, allowing MB to push up where he can control the attacking midfield portion. in his USMNT starts that have been in place of MB, he hasnt been his best, he doesnt pair well with JJ, even with mix persay. but when paired with our best player, MB, he works well in partnership. the have good chemistry and sit in the space each other expects, there were a lot of times they played one touch possession with each other much like a soccer drill tonight. thats what the US lacks in the midfield: quick movement rather than possession by dribbling.
i think with all our CDMs considered, JJ would play the best role as a half time-55′ sub brought on for the non-MB CDM to help stay active and locking down the midfield with his defensive pressure
just my thoughts and opinion
+1
Correct perhaps about JJ, a good lock down second half sub. and sometimes starter depending on tactics and opposition.
I like what you said here, pretty close to what I said right below..
I’d add Parkhurst didnt hurt himself at all…
The only thing was it was obvious he didnt trust his left foot & cut back across it .. sometimes actually slowing the counter or advance of the ball, but his defense, positioning etc, he was probably the most steady of the backline
parkhurst, meh…. i agree he didnt hurt himself but in just looking at him play over all, he doesnt have the speed i prefer ( or that we’ll need against our group opponents). FJ and Beasley, to me are 1-2 at LB. I just dont think we need to bring a 3rd RB for depth. 8 defenders at most– 4 central, 4 wide.
maybe im wrong, he does have good speed but id give beasley and perhaps FJ at slightly better at worse
who knows tho, if FJs LM then sure parkhust can be “backup” at LB but id think FJ would move to LB before parkhurst would start. maybe parkhurst if he wants to keep FJ in LM when late-in-the-game subbing.
I don’t see him at LB, hence my point about not trusting his left foot. But the question is who helped his cause, and as the backup RB, I’d say he’s probably there
Leave Zusi at home!
Luckily we have Bedoya
HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE GAME ON THE FIRST HALF USA PUSHED UP ON THE DEFENSES AND PASSED BALLS WELL THROUGH BARDLEY LOOKED SO GOOD BUT SECOND HALF USA STOPPED PUSHING ON DEFENSE AND JUST BALLS WATCHING I DONT KNOW WHAT JUERGEN SAID BUT MAY BE PART OF GAME PLAN BECUASE IT WAS JUST TO DIFFERENT BECKERMAN WAS NOT BAD BUT I DONT LIKE USA CHANCES THANK YOU GOODNIGHT
Good god i hope and pray bradley legally changes his name to Bardley
Its a well know fact, We never win we resort to ‘BALLS watching’
I can no longer imagine a world without you.
Sorry I have a few sticky keys. I meant to say Julian
Dempsey needs to play out wide. This CM-#10 thing just isnt him
Leave that to Bradley
I dont quite agree with that… but Id give you this.. if he trusted his backline more, a 4-3-3 with MB in the middle would give you something to think about – but without MB that far back.. we’d be eff’ed
I would like to see Green get more playing time, even as a sub in Brazil. Would probably help him with getting more playing time at Munich and with the Nats in the future. Yedlin is awesome with his speed and I would want to see more of his play, too!
There is some hope for the US. We just have to believe that we can play like we did in the 1st half for the whole game. We need to get over that hump. I like that Donovan has to fight for his spot like everyone else. If he is going to play he has to play hungry. Gonzalez is the big question mark. He seems to fall asleep at times, can he get over that by World Cup time? Or does Goodson or someone else get the start?
Back line for Brazil, Chandler-Cameron-Besler-Johnson
the only problem is that we aren’t going to face Mexico’s C team in the WC, even playing like in the first half would get you killed against Germany or Ronaldo.
Beltran s not ready for the big time. Julia Green not ready for the World Cup. Wondo and Bradley played great. The first half showed some real class. I liked the corner kick where five players blocked the Mexican goalie’s view so that Michal Bradley was free to score. The defense was weak, especially in the first half. The Mexicans just hadn’t caught onto that. In the second half they scored because they found out from their coach where the weak spots were. If Clarence Goodson hadn’t been in there, the US team would have lost.
NOT TO TAKE ANYTHING AWAY from MB’s goal but the picks set on the MEX GK were crucial in creating that goal………… good goal MB……
Well Yea the same way the pick was crucial on the mexico goal.
Here is what I saw…
MB – Amazing 1st half
Dempsey – I’ve started to fear the worst with him all he does is fall over and complain (which he did before but he actually showed his class before now that is all he does)
Donovan – Keep him on the bench
Gonzo – I’m sure some Timber fans can provide better cover with one of their logs
Yedlin – Promising
Green – 1st game and because of that he did fine…also great run in the box just needed to pull the trigger
Beckerman – Excellent
Zusi – > Donovan at this point
Romando- Excellent
Other then that mediocre at best
At this Point Donovan will always be better than Zusi. Plain and simple.
I just get frustrated when I see LD walking, and there are games when he does a lot of walking…
Bradley. Wonderful to watch. Mexico’s right winger – great game – really took it to Parky. My biggest questions are in defense. Wondo over EJ. Becks over Edu. Donovan stopped by that turd Marquez – oy vey.
How are wondo and becks going to fare against portugal and ghana? neither have played against that level of competition. EVER!
and ej, having been there makes him a definite? no way.
I’m a little disappointed we let them catch up, but good game overall.
Green looked nervous for just a minute, but settled down and looked dangerous on a few occasions. I’d take him over wondo up front,.. He has more mobility and can play different positions up front.
May God help Park & Gonzo. I came to a conclusion that Gonzo played as an American in the first half and as a Mexican national player in the 2nd half.
Donovan seems a little slow compare to Zusi. And I’m the biggest Zusi hater on this board. I think Donovan has earned the bench.
Dempsey looks lazy all the time.lol But his movement and eye vision kinda over writes his laziness.. You just never know when the magic is going to kick in, so I keep him on the starting lineup
Here is my starting 11
Howard
Bradley Bradley Bradley Bradley
Bradley Bradley Bradley Bradley
Bradley
…. And Bradley
If you have a cloning machine we can use to make this happen let’s go !!
Bradley = MOM.
WC captain
Yedlin will make the plane and push for a start. It sounds crazy I know. But this was his second appearance and he looked 5 times as comfortable from his first appearance. Great touch. Every first touch was forward and controlled. Great speed. Dangerous on the counter. Combined well at times with Clint and Donovan. Would love to see his passing completion rate but it had to be close to 100%. Admittedly the second half of a meaningless game but thought his appearance was super promising.
But Yedlin is a defender, and he needs to be back there when the opposition is threatening. Goodson does that and Besler, too. Beltran was not keeping up with the Mexican attack. I think it’s shame that Beasley was not there. The game would have been won.
Completion rate 89%
Actually agree. I think Parkhurst and Yedlin may have both made the plane.
Parkhurst isn’t a world-beater, but he’s more solid defensively than Edgar Castillo is…which is a shame, because Castillo offers a lot more going forwards than Parkhurst does, but at the end of the day you bring in a defender because he can defend.
Yedlin offers both.OG may have played himself into a pickle – I think he still makes the plane – but I think Cameron (or even Goodson) may start at CB now, which could well open the door for Yedlin at RB….
Wonderful first half. As if I was watching a word class team against a lesser opponent. Bradley is our best player and should be captain. Donovan will be a super sub during WC. I don’t understand how anyone can say he won’t be in the final 23. Green had some difficult moments, but he also took players on and should have earned a free kick at the edge of the box. He had a solid debut. EJ’s goal dissalowed — robbed again. I’m not a big Wondo fan, but he definitely brought it tonight. You can’t deny his commitment and recent production.
Also, green will be in pool of 30. Not a lock for final 23. He needs to prove his ultimate worth to the squad. Yedlin showed true promise.
Still think LD starts on the left. His knee was bothering him and it showed. Zusi has pretty much locked down the right wing spot now. Guy is playing some very good ball.
LD’s at the age where he may need some cover – especially over a long tournament – but he’s still one of our best 11.
We do have cover to offer him. One of the best things about having such a deep pool is, you really don’t NEED any one guy to carry you.
So, is it either EJ or Wondo for one slot in the Brazil 23? I guess I lean towards Wondo there, more consistent. EJ can make a great play but loses the ball so often. Hard decision to make between those two if they are both vying for one roster spot.
did you simply ignore the wondo giveaways? there were plenty. He gets rid of the ball quickly, but he cant beat anyone off the dribble, and is not great with his back to goal.
Dempsey is no starter for USNT, or a forward, and needs to return where played in the World Cup, in 2010. Donovan was slow and looked un-fit, I prefer Donovan as starter but Donovan needs regain his form as the “playmaker”.
I liked Bradley, but Klinsmann failed to corrected tatics, in second half, and Bradley was a marked man in second half.
Yedellin has a future, Edu has a chance, and Beckerman could work in proper tatics.
Dempsey was very solid tonight
I agree. I think that is the best Dempsey has looked in a long time. He passed well, held the ball well, and only had one really bad defensive lapse that I saw. I’m not a huge Dempsey fan, but if he plays like he played last night, he will be one of our best players in Brazil.
Agreed. Dempsey was awesome tonight. Great play on the buildup to the second goal, fantastic through ball assist to EJ on the third, beautiful through ball to Green, and a sick first touch to beat three defenders and put himself on goal. Maybe he’s finally starting to adapt to that playmaker role that he seems to be trying to play now.
1. It’s a big jump from the German 4th division to the US-Mexico rivalry. Green looked nervous and had several nearly costly giveaways. Don’t think he’s ready for 2014 WC
2. Wondo has to go to Brazil. I’m not sure I rate him behind anyone else at this point. He should even be in the conversation to start because 1)he finds space, 2)he finishes, 3)he’s actually a better passer and hold up player than anyone gives him credit for.
3. Dempsey was fine, and had probably the two slickest passes of the game when he fed EJ for the (ruled offsides) goal and Green in the box. People who are low rating him must not have been watching the last 20 minutes.
4. Parkhurst likely goes because he’s solid at three positions (although amazing at none)
5. I trust Goodson more than Gonzalez. I just do.
6. After a few jitters early, I was impressed with Beltran. Hadn’t been in the past, but tonight he got forward, defended pretty well. Hmm…
If I’m the pilot I’m not taking off if Wondo is on that plane apart from the goal he kept losing the ball didn’t hold up the ball and slowed the attack the improvement when he was gone was obvious
Regarding #3: The ball to Green in the box was played by Donovan. I don’t remember for sure who played the ball to EJ on the disallowed goal but it may have been Donavan as well.
It was Dempsey
On both.
The ball to Green that he should have shot was played by Donovan.
3-2 draw.. Good in my book
It was nice having guys like Donovan, Edu and Green as subs. Bring in Johannsson and you got a lot to work with in the second half.
Im getting worryed about Gonzo tho. Best cb combo we have but its going to take a lot more consistancy to get anything this summer
besler got exposed for speed as well… could be a bad sign for brazil.
Ummm, a lot of our players were exposed for speed. Not just foot-speed, but speed of thought as well. I’ll never watch 2 UCL quarterfinal matches followed by a CONCACAF friendly, ever again. Even if it is USA V MEX. My mistake.
Great game
At least we now know Green just doesn’t belong on the plane to Brazil.
Did Bradley get subbed at halftime? I didn’t see him out there in the second half. And, who was that right footed Freddy Adu out there at left mid. It looked like he kicked himself in the balls on one play.
How bad was the Internet stream you were watching?
Did it have audio?
Was it being shown on your flip phone?
So now we’ve seen Green, who would you honestly rather see coming off the bench him or Shea?
Easily Green, for so many reasons.
Shea’s only real asset is his speed and size… and the size really doesn’t matter because he plays out wide. His touch is horrible. I think we all agree on this, Brek Shea has the soccer IQ of a donkey.
Green but not sold on him over Davis or Bedoya or other 23rd spot guys like Wondo or Mix
He looked exactly like an nervous 18 year old with a lot of potential that has never been ruffed around by competitive internationals.
I’d rather not see any of them come of the bench in Brazil now Green was ok he didn’t play bad enough to make Shea look good
I think anyone who says anything definitive regarding that performance is not looking at it honestly. He showed flashes of great ability and confidence but overall was pretty poor, turning the ball over needlessly way too many times and spraying some of his touches yards away from him…. Kind of like some Brek Shea performances I’ve seen. It’s going to be very difficult to choose between them with so little time and so few matches to judge them. Personally, if they look fairly similar, I would take Shea because he’s a much, much greater physical presence, but I suspect the decision will be made based on what JK sees in training rather than anything we will be privy to.
Not a great night for Omar, but I will say this. At least he is in the picture when the goal is scored unlike Brooks and Oguchi, who are so far away from the play you have no idea whose fault it is.
lol
Omar had such a good half followed by an epic collapse. Goodson didn’t do all that well either though. Beasley was so-so.
EJ and Wondo cancel each other out. Harsh not to give him that goal. Green actually impressed and earned that free kick that was not given.
Davis didn’t do much at all. Beckerman was solid and him and Bradley did well. Yedlin did well. Edu was a bit of a spaz but not awful.
Bitter result after such a great first half and a disallowed goal.
Wondo played well. Green was pretty impressive coming in and playing like that.
He did good. But given how bad we were in the second, and with what should have been a goal, EJ made sure JK knows he is serious too.
Besler* damn autocorrect
Goodson made a number of blocks in the second half during the Mexican surge. He was generally in position, and most importantly, he wasn’t responsible for a goal. Not sure what you saw that made you think he didn’t do all that well.
He also made a number of mistakes. Nothing that resulted in a goal but nothing to match Omar’s performance in the first half. Which says more about Omar than Goodson. Omar did more Goodson than Goodson did.
*did more FOR Goodson than…
Lol
I will agree with you, it was more that Omar made the key mistakes than Goodson played well. But there is something to be said about a CB like Goodson who doesn’t make those mistakes.
Sadly Goodson does too. I love Goodson. He grew up in fairfax county as did I. But look at what lee nguyen did to him over the weekend. Both are prone to errors.
I’d almost rather put Cameron at CB, FJ at RB, and Beasley at LB at this point.
Problem is Cameron jumps out of position missing interceptions all the time and ball watches as well. Our CB pool just is what it is.
Good recap.
I thought Green showed a couple of flashes there. Get the feeling the USA backline is going to get killed in Brazil—still are few friendlies left to work on that problem.
Green needs to hit the weights. There was 3 moments i counted where he could have muscled out opponents
Well the 2nd half put everything back into perspective for me, obviously. Bradley really is the key to the USMNT’s success. I thought Gonzo was pretty bad tonight, and I’m still not set on him as a starting cb, but after the Ukraine game I would say Besler is the only one worth considering out of our pool.
Thought Beltran did alright, but I would have liked to see Yedlin get more time. I’m a sucker for his speed.
I thought Green made some good runs with what he was given, definitely some nerves, but I look forward to seeing him in more games hopefully. One thing though, after watching tonight there’s no way I would say Brad Davis deserves a spot over Green.
The problem is Landon isn’t a wide player anymore. His spot is the one Dempsey is currently in.
yes, probably. He looked pretty slow, even when he was able to make a decent run the Mexican players easily overtook him. He still has his vision and skill, but I’m not sure what his best role will be for Brazil
that is what worries me the most.
+1
Donovan and Dempsey fight it out. Starter or super sub… should be based on form.
Days like this make it seem very obvious that this is the direction this has to go. But Dempsey is the captain and I don’t see him coming off the bench to any effect. I mean seriously… is that something anybody can visualize? Even if he wasn’t the skipper, it just isn’t a job he could deal with and be effective. He can’t come off a bench cold and read a game the way Donovan can and has and the club and country level. Not that Donovan enjoys doing so, but I’ve at least seen it.
Dempsey (and heck, Donovan too) should just take care of the immediate need. Get sharp. Now. Be MB90. Play like a dangerous bandit. That’s where they need to be. Where they have shown they can be. Where they still can (says me).
Where do I begin?
1)EJ needs to learn from Ronaldo and Bale and stay inbounds on the one on one dribble,
2)Parkhurst just isn’t anything watch going forward,
3)Yedlin Amazing keep running
4)Dempsey played better with Donovan
5)Green looked like a Ribery with no confidence
6)As for Wondo I’m not sold yet he did one thing well and that was score apart from that he lost the ball and didn’t hold up well for Clint, the attack seemed to have more flair without him
I think we need to differentiate between confidence and jitters. He looked confident taking the Mexican defense on, but he made a few really poor passes (plus the header that led to the Mexican equalizer) that I think can be most correctly attributed to jitters. Yedlin also looked very shaky in his debut, and tonight he looked much better, and they are in similar positions age-wise. I think we’ll see a very different Green in a second opportunity (assuming he gets one).
You explained it better than I did. Thanks for clearing it up for me. There’s no denying the talent is there.
Agreed on most. Wondo occupied cbs all first half and opens the field.. Something EJ doesnt.
mexico was playing half speed in the first half. in addition, wondo never really set up plays with the ball at his feet in the attacking third. He gave it away more ofthen than not. That two touch stuff will not work against portugal, Ghana and Germany.
Are we sure about that?
Ghana is rocket-fast and very athletic – and very physical, almost over-the-line nasty – but I’ve never seen a particularly disciplined, tactical side. They’re an interesting mix of Euro-based players who get deity status at home and with clubs and they’re not overly accountable to their national team. Then they’ve got a bench loaded with players who are either bench guys for Euro clubs or hopefuls who play in really crappy African leagues…which is a very uneven mix. I think if the USA plays disciplined ball, Ghana can be gotten to.
Portugal has Nani and of course CR7…but other than that they’re small and more than a little unathletic and I think people might be shocked at how well the USA matches up with them man for man. Obviously Ronaldo can break you on his lonesome…but he’s been hampered lately by nagging injuries and it’s showed. If he’s not 100% heading into the World Cup, Portugal’s chances take a huge nose-dive because he is their huge edge.
Germany is of course Germany…but if you gotta play Germany, it’s kinda nice to have their old coach coaching YOUR side…the USA will certainly not go into that match fearful, or underprepared, and the Germans (and Loew) are afraid of Jurgen, whatever they may say publicly, and they will well-remember that 4-3 loss they took at the US’s hands last year, too….
I wonder…
——————-Jozy——————
Fabian——–Bradley———-Zusi
————Mix—– Jones————-
Beasley–Besler-González –Cameron
Bench: clint, Donovan, green, aron, Beckerman, Goodson.
Wasn’t too impressed with Donovan but maybe play Fabian at RB and him at LW. Jozy isn’t in form so maybe Clint/aron start at striker. I just really like Bradley in that more attacking role now. I think he does a better job with play making than Clint in that role. Imo Clint is a forward now, not a cam. A mid field trio of mix, Jones and Bradley I think would work with a good forward and good wing play from backs and outside mids.
Also, green is good. You could tell he had a bit of nerves nut with more time that kid is going to be a good player for club and country.
What do you guys think?
Think that’s about right.
I loved that when the ball came to Green’s foot, he was already positioned to flick it forward and blast forward at defenders.
He played mentally like you’d want to see from a world class winger–that mentality of getting the ball on the wing and bombing down the flank immediately, going right at players and cutting inside.
He torched two Mexican defenders like it was nothing. Too bad the referee wasn’t interested in being fair.
Did you mean Fabian at left back? Then LD at LW, and drop Beasley. Or if I remember correctly Fabian has been playing on the right for his club lately. It’s a real shame Chandler didn’t work out, then he and Fabian could have the wing play covered and Cameron could slide in and replace the ever-inconsistent Gonzalez. I would feel much better about a FJ-Besler-Cameron-Chandler backline (if the Chandler experiment had worked, to be clear), than whatever state of limbo we have back there now.
Yes Fabian at RB. Beasley is still at LB
FJ at fullback and Bedoya starting
Great game by MB. Great game by Deuce. Wondo did his job as did Beckerman and Besler. OG was pathetic. LD struggled. Green showed some great flashes, almost drawing a penalty, but way, way, way too many turnovers. Could have been nerves or new system and teammates for him, could be the fact that he’s a teenager. They tend to be kind of inconsistent.
To say OG was pathetic is pretty harsh, i thought he had a solid first half
OG was almost single-handedly responsible for both goals.
Yep, he was winning a lot of 50/50 balls, but haters ganna hate bruh.
Should have won that 50/50 ball where his defender walked into our net with the ball.
coulda woulda shutup
Maybe harsh to say he was pathetic for,the whole match I suppose, but certainly on the second goal and maybe the first as well, his effort was beyond pathetic. His mental lapses are scary and inexcusable at this point. Will he ever grow out of them?
Did Julian Green score? I’m pretty sure he did. He plays for Bayern after all.
No he doesn’t, I know most USMNT fans will have you fooled, but he’s a 4th division player and it showed.
yeah I’m having a laugh at all of the delusionals around here. And the way ESPN fawned over Green in the broadcast…lol, ick. It is funny but it’s not good for such a young player to be so hyped. Give him time.
Fellas I gotta tell you something. Just act natural.
Don’t be alarmed.
I know it sounds far-fetched, but…
Expat is in here.
He is posting right now.
He might not be using his real handle.
But it’s coming. He’s watching you.
And you had best be prepared.
I have it on good authority (even better than his trick knee that tells him about Julian Green’s greatness) that he is about to drop the ultimate proof.
You are going to be challenged to a bet. It will contain over 35,000 pages and 200,000 conditions. Starts, friendlies, goals, assists, fouls drawn, hat tricks in 2028. The works.
The infidels will pay. Don’t shoot the messenger. Consider yourselves served.
Is Omar Gonzalez playing his way out of a starting slot? He appears to be mentally slow in reacting to developing situations—which resulted on both Mexico goals.
Who takes his spot then? Goodson?
I would say Cameron, but then right back becomes a total question mark. It is becoming a bit of a dilemma.
I’d put Cameron over Omar. . .and if Yedlin can play like he did, he plays right back, or Parkhurst.
As a matter of fact, Parkhurst should be the right back until Yedlin dominates.
Not a fan of Cameron there, he jumps out of position too often and also ball watches just as badly.
This is why the Chandler injury is killing us.
Yeah. He’s the only one other than Gooch who can own the air the way OG does.
Goodson has been reliable in his recent performances for the Nats. Which is more than can be said for Gonzo at this point.
I would rate Boca over Goodson, to show far how we have fallen and near desperation at CB. Although there was a comment in the Boca goodbye article that Boca may have been the sporting week mole and regardless is out of favor with JK.
Last cycle, Goodson scared the bajeeezus out of me, seemed to be pushed around with ease and tended to make mental mistakes. My mindset or perhaps his has changed considerably this cycle, particularly since Gold Cup. Don’t know if he is a starter, but I think he is a very capable sub and spot starter.
He basically becomes a spectator. His reaction time on the second goal was glacial at best. Real liability.
Typical OG mental lapses. This is nothing new unfortunately. I’m beginning to wonder if he will ever clean up his act.
I think that first goal is on Beckerman, not Gonzo. Switching on a pick like that is defending 101.
I disagree.. Beckerman gave him space to fight thru the screen. It’s your man your responsibility to fight thru and stay on your man.
you switch only when there’s no room for the market to get thru.
Watch the hoops tourney guys fighting thru screens and switching. There’s a definite bite you have to have that gonzo doesn’t have.
Nice observation and cross analysis there, r. Benjamin
+10 for Pele!.
Soccer players could learn from how hoop players do it.
both on the breaking down a pick/fighting through it, and or the switch. But everybody needs to be on the same page.
Beckerman is concentrating on his guy. If Gonzo needs help he’s got to make that clear and he didn’t. It’s a slight bit of a toss-up – Beckerman could have helped out, but I’ve got to say that the goal was on Omar.
With the speedy wingers we have to face in our group, Cameron needs to stay at RB. I would play Badson at CB over Gonzo. Badson’s positioning is sound, which I can’t say about Gonzo.
2-2. Score never mattered to me but it was nice when we were winning. Oh well. So here’s what I sawe…
1st half
Wondo wants it and I he is helping himself.
Beckerman is not as bad as many make him out to be (but we already knew that).
The 4-4-2 looked great – narrow compact but sooo much real estate on the wings (where a certain CR guy lives).
When compact our guys can dictate the flow of a game.
2nd half
That’s why we need JJ.
Omar is doing everything he can to get his butt kicked off the plane.
Green is green but there’s something promising there.
CONCACAF officials…yeah, we knew that too.
I would certainly like to see more of Yedlin (kid didn’t look too out of place in that game).
I love Landon as much as the next guy and was wondering why he didn’t start and he showed why.
Overall
Bradley, Bradley, Bradley.
JK has some good data points to chew on from now to call time.
data points: this would be good to see from sbi. i would like to see what sbi thinks jk must think about after viewing this game.
yeah, so what I don’t get is why not give Yedlin 60+ min instead of someone who wasn’t on the original roster?
Also, does JK now consider moving Cameron back to CB?
What that says to me is that JK doesn’t consider yedlin a reliable option just yet, he wants to ease him into things.
So when beasley became unavailable and parkhurst had to play left back, he brought in beltran to do a job. Whether beltran is capable or not doesn’t really even matter. He was just a place holder until it was time to give yedlin his 30 minutes.
Kosh, I would agree with your Bradley statement, but disagree with your need for JJ.
This is why Bradley was good tonight, JJ was absent and MB90 was given the offensive assignment. JJ is fine running at defenders and turning the ball over. This is okay for an 18yr old earning his first cap playing at pace. It is a liability having a 31yr old, leader of the midfield doing it. Bradley is patient and great at the link up. From watching him at Roma last year, some TFC and tonight’s match, he is boss. I put my chips behind him and give him the armband.
That is why I like Cameron paired with MB.
With the D up in the air, maybe moving Cameron doesn’t work, but I do like them together.
I love Cameron as a player, think the potential is there at… about 3 positions. That said, he doesn’t present anything THAT different from JJ. The small sampling we’ve seen of him at DM with the Nats, he too made mistakes and had a tendency to be caught out of position upfield. Could that be fixed in time? Certainly, but we don’t have time.
– EJ had a nice goal, but other than that he consistently killed the USA attack. I’d take Wondo over him at this point for the World Cup roster. EJ needs to stop checking back so often. He’d be far more effective if he’d stretch out opposing back lines.
– Yedlin looked great. I wouldn’t mind seeing him make the trip to Brazil.
– Green flashed his talent a couple of times, but I don’t think he should be on the 30-man roster, much less the 23-man roster. He’ll be a nice piece during the next cycle, but he’s not ready for senior international soccer.
– The defense has to improve, but I don’t think it will before the World Cup arrives. We’d probably bomb out of the group stage even with a solid defense, but it might get very ugly in Brazil. Our centerbacks are good in the air, but that’s about it.
– Michael Bradley was by far the best player on the field. He is essential to this team having any success in Brazil. Make him captain.
+1 EJ should really be trying to make runs in behind defenders especially when they are pressing us so high up the pitch. I think he just lacks the football intelligence to realize this
+1
You can just tell the guys that see the runs and the opportunities. I feel like half the US team has great soccer IQ, the other half run on athleticism alone.
-Wondo might not be as fast, or as skilled as EJ, but he makes up for it with good positioning, and solid runs (Solid soccer IQ).
-EJ is athleticism in it’s purest form, just push the ball around the D and use your speed. (you know when he goes 1v1 he’s always gonna go with the step over and push towards the touchline move, it’s like clockwork). If it works, its great, but we also need some other runs to open up space.
It’s a tough decision!
I think I saw Bradley walk on water tonight . God to our midfield
Pretty honest and fair assessment. I want to believe that Green should get more playing time, but the likes of Wondo, with his fluid play with others on the team, trump EJ.
Bacon should be on the field, don’t forget him y’all
Green looked dangerous on the ball and should have gotten a pk. He did have a few jitters and giveaways/miscues, but that’s to be expected. Beltran did pretty well for a guy thrown into the fire. And Wondo being at the right place at the right time and finishing counts for something special.
The best thing about Green tonight was that he played with confidence and to a degree fearlessness. He made mistakes, but he didn’t let that stop him from trying again. That is a valuable quality that will serve him well when his time comes.
+1
It should have been a freekick not a pk, it was outside the box
The message from CONCACAF is that it was neither. Latecomers are It.
Agreed Maykol. And I hated agreeing with Twellman. But I thought it was funny that Ian Darke seems to have started instinctively disagreeing with him.
Dave80… “Latecomers are It” is something I don’t understand so I will defer judgement until I can figure out if you are angry at CONCACAF? Maykol? both? neither? FRANK?
If I said newcomers are it, would you understand?
It’s another way of saying welcome to the new kid – your first few knocks are gonna get ignored, you’ll have to earn respect the hard way.
Maybe I’m giving the stupid blind ref too much credit.
OK gotcha… that missed me entirely but I see your point and agree.
Looked so confident running at players and he showed good soccer IQ and a great touch.
I liked Green’s fearlessness but he looked out of placed, he needs to bulk up…gets brushed off the ball too easily.
Yeah? He needs to bulk up… because why? Because you say so?
Probably because he’s an 18 year old kid, and he probably weighs 115 lbs. He does need to bulk up a little, but he’ll hit a growth spurt soon enough.
133, but who’s counting, and there are plenty of internationals that do fine around that weight.
He just said why… gets brushed off the ball too easily. He is only 18 and will get bigger/ stronger. He looks to be a pacy winger with the ability to beat guys 1 v 1 but I thought his touch would be better. I am pretty stoked he picked the Yanks but he is probably not ready for Brasil. He may go just to soak up the atmosphere. Kinda like when England took Theo Walcott when he was only 16 because they thought he was the future of English football.
That’s your freaking solution to everything
Ho Hum, another Chris Wondolowski goal in a US shirt. Let’s see, the doubters will say:
1. That wasn’t a first choice Mexican side
2. That goal was all Bradley–anyone would have tapped it in.
3. If he’s so worthy, why didn’t he get another one?
Face it, he’s the most reliable scorer for USMNT right now. When will people recognize that finding space and finishing chances is just as worthy of praise as blazing speed and bulging muscles? And he hit a great cross tonight that Dempsey nearly got a head on. Wondo is such an underrated player and should be on the plane to Brazil…
He did well in a half we played well as a team. Disappeared in the second. Then EJ comes on and scores what should have been the winner. I don’t think either gained or lost much.
At the end of the day, Wondo had the stats. . . . not EJ.
I have to agree that Wondo is winning me over, he is such a crafty, determined individual, and he plays well with the rest of the team.
At the end of the day EJ got robbed a goal. Wondo had one good finish off a fantastic pass. His movement is great and that is why he may go to Brazil. But he didn’t do enough, IMO. Especially when EJ should have had the winning goal in a half we played so much worse in.
Stats are about even.
Since Oct ’12 – EJ 7 goals, CW 9 goals
Toughest opon. scored on besides Mexico EJ Boz & Herz, CW South Korea B squad
EJ scored lots in early WC Qual
CW rocked the Gold Cup
It’s going to be a tough call for JK. I think the next months worth of MLS games might be the deciding factor.
I don’t think it’s a tough call. I don’t think Wondo and EJ effectively bring the same things to the table. Wondo is clearly a much better finisher and poacher. EJ is capable at contributing at more spots on the field, has much better speed and is better in the air. To compare goals between the two is misleading b/c Klinsi has often lined up EJ as an outside mid and Wondo always lines up close to goal.
Frankly, I think decisions on guys like Wondo, EJ, Green and a bunch of others are going to be effected by some other combinations on the roster. For instance, if Fabian Johnson ends up at outside back than Green makes the team as an outside mid. Some of these guys will have their fate determined not just on their individual play but also some other guys on the team and who ends up being slotted for a particular role or position.
Silveray,
I think if you can swing it,
you take both.
because WonderWow, and EJ, have different skill sets that both show to be useful.
The ways in which they scored highlighted those differences.
“stats” with a small sample size. You have to use the much maligned eye test to make sense of this. I actually think wondo is on the plane, and should be, as a desperation sub. Unless Green is already promised a spot.
I like his game and something about him tells me that no matter what the situation, he won’t be intimated or shy away from the pressure, which has got to count for something when we are talking about playing on the big stage of the WC. I don’t think the U.S. has faired well picking the fast, strong guy instead at striker (like Buddle, Findley, EJ?)
I’m with you, but I think EJ brings A LOT more to the table than Findley and Buddle ever did.
Green lost it in a bad area…and he knew it; he tracked the attacker all the way to the 18 but couldn’t…quite…get…there.
He definitely had some shaky moments and that wide-eyed deer-in-the-headlights look you’d expect when an 18-year-old steps into a USA/Mexico blood match in a raucous stadium packed with 65,000+…despite that, he did show some moments where you could see his legit quality.
You can definitely see why Bayern wants him on the USMNT. It’s holy hell for anybody to make the 18 at Bayern right now…with big clubs like that, the standard is so high, and the schedule (usually) so unforgiving, it’s hard to get him his minutes…but he needs minutes, and hard competition, to develop…I think Bayern would like to see Green work out the yips (and his mistakes) and get used to the bright lights and big stage…somewhere other than Bayern. Win/win for them.
Does Green make the plane to Brazil? Dunno. Think a lot still has yet to be determined in those three friendlies.
Also thought Yedlin was night-and-day better than he was his first cap, looked much like he did with the Sounders. I think he may have made the plane. Parkhurst might have made the plane as well.
EJ and Wondo definitely did not make things easy to decide who gets that third (and probably last) pure striker spot. That one will probably go through May before a final verdict is reached. Wondo’s poaching against EJ’s speed and athleticism?
how quickly we forget… ej scored the game winner with his head in a qualifier against mexico–the most important game the us played last year. AND he scored tonight by making a clever run and making a quality finish. Altidore scored 8 times for the US in 2013. Hes scored against Spain and Germany. Wondo has scored against B versions of Mexico and South Korea. no other American has scored more goals than Altidore at his age (24) with the exception of Donovan. Next in line for all time US goals? EJ. And you want to start a 31 year old with no hold up or face the goal abilities, or prior world cup experience ahead of them? Makes sense…I guess.
Nate- Altidore is our #1 striker and should start. He has great qualities and is not just strong and fast. He has the potential to do everything pretty well. I am just talking about the 3rd/4th strikers, we choose. I also like Iceman but I am not totally sold on him performing at international level, but still he’s our #2 pure striker right now mainly based of his recent form and skill. I’m talking about the last spot (or 2).
They’re both bring different things to the table. Jk will look at the ej goal blunder by the refs and say they’ve both produced. What’s more valuable in the WC, goal poaching or speed and arial heading skills. One has to lean towards speed and arial presence but then again ej has to produce for horrible dc united. It’s a toss up.
Good points. I will also add that Wondo > EJ at playing possession soccer, which the U.S. is doing much more of under Klinsman. When the ball goes to EJ, it’s pretty much a turnover every time (unless it’s a goal or shot). Wondo is great at this, but at least he keeps the passing flow/combo play alive.
correction: …Wondo is NOT great…
+1
21 goals at 24 years old versus 9 goals at 31 years old. Which would you choose?
If I were buying the player, boy I’d sure like that 24 year old… which one is he?
I’m actually not even sure if you’re advocating here or just pointing out two guys with insanely different career arcs. I’d take EJ by a nose if it was my decision and needed to be made now, but it would be based on a specific skill set and what I thought he could contibute during 2-4 week period during June/July 2014, as well as recent form and yes probably some weird mental biases although I’d convince myself I hadn’t . But It’s not a lifetime achievement award. 24 was a long time ago for either of these guys.. who cares?
He does seem to find a way. I don’t think Jozy would have score that
Cairo,
You missed what I was going to say…and I love Wondo and hated watching EJ last year for 89 minutes every game….but that 1 minute….
when the game is late ( and let’s face it neither will start ) and we need a goal….we need an athlete out there that can do something no one else in the world can do. EJ is that guy.
Wondo has scored plenty of goals…he is a phenom. But against Germany…not gonna happen. EJ gives us that chance.
I take Wondo on my MLS team 100 times out of 100, but against Germany, as a sub, EJ.
My quick thought
– Good debut for Green, I was psyched to finally see him play. Having said that he left his mark on the initial shot that lead to the second goal, overall liked what I saw though.
-Beckerman>Edu. Edu was constantly out of position.
-Dempsey and Donovan really need to step it up, yes they had moments, but need to do better especially against better competition.
-It’s no coincidence that Bradley has his best games for the US when he’s not paired with JJ. Either JJ needs to sit or play strictly as a DM and let Bradley roam
I 2nd the Edu out of position comment he seemed to chase most of the game.
I was surprised to see edu get caught out too many times. All pi can say is that kb plays that position almost exclusively with RSL and so his positional awareness is much greater than edus. Edu had me nervous at the end.
Glad to see a full offensive positioned game from Bradley. Agree on JJ. I think he needs to be MBs sub. For the #6, Beckerman/Edu/Cameron, I am indifferent, but maybe one of those needs to be a CB option to Gonzo.
It’s easier to be out of position as a deep lying mid when the game gets hectic and your fullbacks are getting forward and your oponent is getting a decent amount of possession. I think the value we saw of Edu was his ability to clean up messes. He won a lot of balls on the ground and in the air, and this athleticism is useful against the fast/strong guys we’ll see in the group stage. If we could somehow combine Edu, Beckerman, and Jones, we’d have a great partner for MB.
AnalThera. + 10 for Pele!.
Initial thoughts from the game:
1. MB90 is a beast.
2. J. Green will not be ready for the World Cup.
3. I’d take edu over Beckerman due to his speed. Similar games but edu can cover a lot more ground.
4. LD is not an every game starter this WC. His status will be dictated by the opponent.
5. Clint is stuck in limbo. Not a true forward but not a true playmaker.
6. I’m looking forward to this tournament but man oh man will 2018 be fun.
7. Gonzo sucks.
You look at Gonzalez and think he has all the tools to be an excellent center back. Then, in certain key moments, he becomes a spectator just like the rest of us, and the cost is often a goal. Back four is a total question mark at the moment.
Agreed. Gonzo should be more consistent than he shows. Reliable and the starting back-line are not one in the same at this point.
damn.. the first 30 mins I was praising gonzo which I rarely do. He looked solid and beisler less so.
The center back options scare me. I think we need to see Orozco back there and Edu. We need to see who’s hot.. exhaust all options.
Landon looked slow. Yedlin stock increased.
I’d like to see Green get another rep.
His brain just shuts off entirely 2-3 times a game. I hoped he would get better at this by now, but it hasn’t happened. We can’t have this in Brazil. Time to strongly consider our alternatives, I think.
Yes there is an illusion we feed ourselves about cernter backs that just isn’t true. Words like “seasoning” and “maturity” are cute but they really don’t have anything to do with the fact that Omar is fundamentally mistake-prone because lacks concentration. Name a a legendary defender like Maldini or Tony Adams and you will not find that they went through this period for more than a few hours.
Okay that’s fine we don’t need legendary, right? … But even go through the “decent” defenders or the guys we’ve relied on in in the past two decades of USMNT and you might not find a whole lot of guys with his gifts and his dominance but you will find more than a few who could focus their way through a big match and make zero mistakes.
I liked that JK left him in and paired him with Goodson. I was confused at first– if Besler is the presumed first choice, why not give him time with the other guy who may be his partner? I have to believe JK left Omar in because taking him out would have meant airlifting him out of a game where we still had a lead, and relieving him of the responsibility of making the critical mistake to allow Mexico back in. I am sure the second half was probably very uncomfortable for him — had we lost, the negative assessments we see now would be downright angry. I don’t know that it is worth the effort, but I’m glad JK is still challenging him to get there. Really is just 5% more focus (to those of us who aren’t him, it certainly sounds easy!)
We can’t afford the lapses in concentration against Ronaldo, Mueller, Gotze, etc…scary.
I think its games when he has his hair pulled back too tight… lol
Personally I have never got him but JK makes up his mind and it’s hare for him to change it… no matter what games show.
Interesting bench dynamic last night. JK’s German buddy had JK’s elbow and Tab was relegated to the seat after instead of the Vasquez position.
Herzog is Austrian not German.
The problem is there aren’t any alternatives, at least not this close to Brazil.
I would strongly consider cameron next to besler with parkhurst (or maybe someone else, not sure) at right back and FJ at left. bocanegra was playing left back almost exclusively at club level in the cycle leading up to 2010 world cup and he still brought it at centerback for the US
Cameron is prone to the same brain farts at CB and has had next to zero time there in quite some time. Ain’t gonna happen.
I was disappointed in Bradley’s 2nd half performance, he got schooled by two midgets and forget the way Marquez handled him…
Green needs another opportunity. Tonight obviously wasn’t what we all dreamed it would look like, but I think we can all agree that’s one tough environment/situation to come on as a 60 minute sub. He took some people on, but he also made too many bad passes, and his header to a Mexican attacker led to the second goal.
With all that being said, the final roster spot may come down to Shea v. Green. Who do you bring? Shea is more physically appealing, and they have the similar attacking, aggressive style that is so refreshing late in games. But Shea is soooo inconsistent, it’s hard to justify his inclusion. I think the spot is still there for Green to take, and I really want to see him for at least another half of soccer before coming to any kind of conclusion.
Neither honestly.
You see what you want to see.
His defensive header 50 yards from goal had sh*t to do with Mexico’s goal. There were 4 or 5 passes after that including a long shot off the post that bounced out to a man that Gonzalez wasn’t marking.
I’ve got no beef with you or Julian Green, but want to or not I also saw what Umlaut saw.
Green was just ok, but there were signs that he could really become good one day. If you have to, take Green. He’s fast, has touch, and has soccer IQ. Shea only gives you straight line speed in one direction, but his touch is horrible and he always dribbles it straight to the line for a goal kick (just like EJ!).
Unless there’s a secret deal, Green should stay home and prep for 2018. If there’s a need for a sub, I’d rather use Aron (assuming he doesn’t start).
Green’s technical ability looked excellent. Superb touch. Good thinking in tight spots. I was very pleased with what I saw.
I agree. If EJ is on the roster, then that makes Shea redundant. Either would only be used as a late sub if we’re looking for a goal. I think Green is going but won’t play.
Green showed me that he is not ready this cycle. While I don’t care for Shea much, I think he would have been more dominant last night because of his size. Green was hacked a lot … welcome to CONCACAF refs. He was fouled just outside the area and EJ looked onside
I think Juan would have been more effective than Green last night but he has 4.5 years to get ready.
Donovan might b e done. He looked slow and tried to do too much to impress. It didnt work
You take Green because you already promised him a spot – at least that’s my assumption. And because Green most likely has more future upside, so consider 2014 his orientation – an investment for 2018 and beyond.
Gonzo does suck. To see him against Ronaldo and Thomas Mueller is gonna be painful 🙁
Ha yeah. For me it’s actually easier to see Muller making us miserable than Ronaldo. That dude punishes bullshit, and we will almost certainly be bringing some bullshit to the table on occassion back there.
I agree on everything but Edu over Beckerman. Beckerman isn’t great but he plays that #6 role better than anyone else and that allows Bradley to do what he does best. Once Beckerman came off Bradley wasn’t as completely dominant as he had been.
Nothing against Edu but Beckerman is the better option right now.
Yeah, I see the positives of both. Beckerman absolutely does his job and does it exceptionally well. But, my preferred choice is Edu. He just bring that something extra to the attacking end. I know Beckerman doesn’t it for RSL but I haven’t seen it with the national team.
Yeah, but we don’t need whoever is playing alongside MB to bring anything to the attack. Beckerman has the positional sense to clean up when Bradley pushes, and he’s also probably the best at keeping the ball moving outside of Bradley.
Beckerman > Edu for possession/offense. Defense is a bit of a question mark depending on how well Edu positions himself. But he shines towards the end of a game that is wide open and where we need someone quick, strong and athletic to win 50/50 balls and sprint back after a turnover. So for the last 15 minutes of a tie game or with a lead, Edu is a perfect sub for Beckerman. But I don’t know that we give him a roster spot just for that role.
if you think beckerman can protect that slow center back combo against germany, portgual and ghana, then youve got another thing coming. Bradley wont have nearly the same freedom to get forward against those teams like he had tonight.
But if that’s the reasoning, then the answer is Cameron rather than Beckerman.
None of it matters, though, because JJ will be MB’s partner in the middle.
1. Yep
2. Weather fans think he is or isn’t ready. He has a solid shot because jk likes him and bayern give him pt than he’ll be in.
3. Edu is faster but his positioning was bad a few times.
4. It depends on how he plays for LA.
5. That’s always been the dilemma with duece.
6. Yep
7. He did take a nap on the second Mexico goal didn’t he.
He ate the screen on the first one too. He has to be able to power through that.
Both Gonzales and Beckerman to blame for the Rafa goal. Done with Gonzales. Green will go even if he doesn’t see the field. Beckerman much better positioning than Edu. Donovan not as fit as last summer. Dempsey is not fit enough, continuing a trend.
I’m not smart enough to see what Mexico did differently after the half – what changed? What did USA need to do to respond?
Two clear fouls committed against Green right in front of the ref and no whistle?
EJ was barely on side. UniMas replay during the game and their common taters agreed it was a bad call. UniMas replay after the game chose to delay marking the video line until just after the touch to make it look like Eddie’s head was beyond the defender. They are ECSTATIC about the comeback. Just now sharper taters agreed it was on side, and commented on the fouls ignored.
I’d take Beckerman over Edu in a heartbeat… and I might even start him in the WC. Beckerman nows his role, and lets Bradley float, with these other centers Bradley is forced to tandem. If you want to see Bradley have more MoTM performances bossing the attack… play Beckerman holding.
Could not agree more. Beckerman’s speed of THOUGHT and skill is hands down better than Edu. Granted, Edu has more strength and speed. But I have zero confidence with Edu on the ball other than an immediate obvious pass to relieve pressure.
Good observations. I’ll have a crack.
1. Absolutely the most important point. Michael Bradley showed up to this game in a spaceship and everybody else showed up on a rickshaw or a donkey (or in the referee’s case, a tornado of shame) It is that simple — the standard he showed from the opening bell was where we need our best guys to be for all three games to get out of that group. Dempsey and Donovan were just not sharp. Period. We don’t make it out of that group if they can’t get to their best in the coming months. But they are competitors and they have delivered before and again and I’m sure they know what needs to be done.
2) Oh no qT… I am not touching this. Although it seems counterintuitive based on the usual discussions here, *we do not actually HAVE to talk about this* Find me a person who took a position on Green either way before the game and I will find you a guy who already has 10,000 words drafted explaining how his position is confirmed, and how people who didn’t see that “don’t know football”. There will be youtube clips with timestamps for every JG touch.. Relax everybody. Green will be back for a few encores and probably some first team minutes in Germany, I think we all agree here. There will be more data. Stop.
3) I’m undecided here and didn’t learn too much. Something to monitor though.for sure… Somehow I see JK perhaps trying find a way to take both.
4) This genuinely seems to be Klinsmann’s position– I had thought at first he was simply trying to motivate Donovan in this way, and I don’t think it is a slight so much as a view that having a sub like Donovan allows an opporutnity to really change the entire approach of the attack, because he has such exceptional awareness can play anywhere. If things just aren’t working in a match, it’s a pretty comprehensive Plan B compared to simply bringing some teenaged winger as most countries in our tier would,
5) Not sharp yet either, and I am getting a little worried (not panicked, but you’d like to see him find his best or something like it soon. Looking at his face as he was about to take the final free kick there in extra time — not sure I’ve ever seen hm less focused. My girlfriend was watching with me (and she is not the soccer junkie I am or anything like it) but even she said “ha… here comes garbage.” It hurts me to my soul when she is right like that and I could see it coming too.
6) Yes and yes.
7) Yes. I actually didn’t get surprised/angry. It’s not news and it’s not getting fixed before June Fact is we are going into this tournament with a shaky at best back line. Luck, inspriation, Tim Howard. That’s the way we get through.
Edu only brings more speed and athleticism. But, his positioning and passing are so far behind Beckerman, it is not even close. Beckerman was masterful in the first half. He is always in the right position to break up the play. His passing is so much better than anyone gives him credit for. Yes, he is a sub-par athlete and cannot run with people. However, a D-mid, destroyer doesn’t really need to run with guys.
Beckerman is by far the best choice to play with Bradley. I know he is not sexy, but his positioning and passing are way better than Jones, Edu and any other options there. He needs to be starting in Brazil next to Bradley with more offensive options as second half subs when the USMNT needs to chase the game.
Yedlin looked much more confident and confortable than his debut. Hope Green feels the same way if he gets called for the pre-world cup games. And much love to wondo but still dont think he goes to brazil, not yet at least
And i think parkhurst got his ticket to brazil
Hopefully he won’t have to play on the left. Wouldn’t use his left to save his life.
FJ is the only guy i wanna see play LB
+1
+2
+3
EJ’s goal was great.
The pass, the run, the finish . . . all world class. Very unfortunate that it was ruined by a bush league assistant ref.
Didn’t they say the ref was from Panama?
I saw an angle that showed his elbow was offside. Isnt the rule that no part of the body can be offside?
Yes, but can’t you lets us whine in peace, jeezz…
Just another Twellman with his unbiased logic.
Any part of the body that can be used…he cant score with his hands thus onside
Nope, the Law is any part of the body you can play the ball with. So elbow isn’t counted. However the shoulder is, it’s just a really close call but you want the AR to keep the flag down when it’s that close.
No, because you can’t play the ball with an elbow, or any part of the arm. So it gives you no advantage. That’s still level.
The interpretation you will see from any COMPETENT linesman is, “If I can see your shirt, you’re offside.”
Looking at the picture, most of his torso appears to be beyond the defender. It’s a 50/50 call, imo. Not unjustified but a bit nitpicky, especially in a friendly
Assumes the linesman is exactly where he’s supposed to be … dead even with the last defender … more specifically, that assumes that his dominate eye is even with the last defender.
That said, I say the flag should NEVER go up incorrectly … stay down incorrectly on a really close one, OK. But, a beaten defender shouldn’t get bailed out by a bad call.
Actually, I just watched a replay of the goal on PTI. Anyone who says it was a goal doesn’t understand the offside rule. Our own American cameras captured it, so it was no conspiracy. I replayed it 10 times in slow motion and his entire body started in the off side position then looked on side (or 50/50) when the Mexican backs moved back into position. You have to back up a few frames before the ball was played. I’m assuming everyone here knows you can’t start offside, then move back on side to receive the ball. Watch it for yourself, the camera was looking straight across from where the assistant referee was standing. He made a good call.
Len Bengston, I saw the same thing you did.
nice kinda slinky S swerve along the back line from left to right.
What may have been missed was that the ball was not released until after EJ, had come back onside.
and in this case it is not like pro footbal/NFL, where once you step out/offside, you are ineligible.
False. It’s any body part you can use to control the ball. You can’t control the ball, legally, with your elbow.
No not any part, the arm/hand can be off since it cannot play the ball.
IFAB
Decision 1:
consideration should be given to any part of the head, body or feet of the attacker in relation to the second last defender, the ball or the halfway line for the purposes of this decision, the arms are not considered to be part of the body
Arms are not included, since a goal can not be scored with the arm. EJ was NOT in an offside position when the ball was played. It was a mistake by the AR.