A spot in the Under-20 World Cup is on the line today for the U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team in a do-or-die CONCACAF qualifier against El Salvador (5pm, Fox Soccer Plus/FoxSoccer2Go.com).
The Americans are riding a three-match winning streak into today’s decisive clash, and will look to shut down a dangerous El Salvador attack. The U.S. defense has posted three consecutive shutouts, but against competition not nearly as potent as El Salvador.
Offensively, the U.S. will need to step up the offensive production after a pair of somewhat lackluster showings in wins against Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago.
SBI will be providing live commentary on today’s match so please feel free to follow the action here. As always, you are welcome to share your own thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.
Enjoy the action (Today’s commentary is after the jump):
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I meant good observations by Wink and Dr. K
Ok, I have watched 3 games now and I see a couple of glaring problems with this team. The main problem is that they do not move the ball fast enough. Almost every attacking player holds the ball too long and that results in a loss of possession. If they kept it moving to an open man and dumped off sooner, they might get more chances.
Second, too many unforced turnovers. Poor dribbling, bad passes… way too many
Finally, what is the attack plan? seems like its cross it in the middle and hope for the best.
These are the things that need improvement with this team
Really poor effort in all areas. The 2 main attackers in the 1st half,were awful! no touch , no skill ,way too tall and awkward. PLease dont say it was tactical. The midfield is devoid of creativity, Too much dribbling, holding on to the ball with no purpose, Long passes into space that was not existant. the defense is big, fast and lacking any idea about how to play. That old USA bugaboo of big, fast, athletic with no talent is here again. Dont blame the pitch, they were playing El Salvador for god sakes!
Everyone’s a critic.
Ramos as a coach is SO average
Very good observation. These boys need to be coached
Then talk to their club managers.
How much time do you think they spend with their US coaches versus their club coaches?
Oh please tell us Mr. Soccer
What do you work for US Soccer? No one can criticize this very average coaching staff without you thowing a hissy fit
Lars,
You don’t like your criticism being criticized?
Then why don’t you provide some more above average criticism than “these boys need to be coached”? What does that mean exactly?
Coached on what? Are you saying better coaching can get these guys to, for example, score more goals? Who exactly is the coach that can teach that and don’t you think the US or any big time team for that matter would hire that person instantly if he existed and could guarantee that his coaching actually worked?
Criticize all you want but when it is as nebulous and airy fairy like “these guys need to be coached” don’t be surprised if someone points out how limp that is.
Strong work gentlemen!
Going to the U20 World Cup!
Go USA!
i dont agree with that red, yellow at most. SLV got hosed
Lynden Gooch! the Sunderland youth player!!!
apparently I’m on a 10 second delay, i guess US is about to score a goal…
HUGE save on that penalty to keep the 1-0 lead. I still don’t know what the penalty was given for.
Yeah. That was a sketchy call.
was it for a slight hold in the box or a handball? i literally don’t know why it was called still. lol
Still some issues with cheap turnovers in the midfield, but the U.S. has been the more dangerous team so far. Could have had multiple goals. Need to expand the lead and end any hopes El Salvador might have for a late equalizer.
Gall looking a little nonchalant in his 1-on-1s. but he seems talented. hyndman looking good. i haven’t seen too much out of the strikers but its only 25 in
Yeah, hes trying to take it too slow. He has had some moments where just being more decisive might have gotten him or the ball past the man.
stream anyone?
fox sports 1
im streaming off their fox sports go app
US U20s off to a good start a couple minutes in. put it in the goal but it was after a US foul that allowed the shot.
What?
“it was (->called back<-) after…" sorry, still think it was coherent enough. the same was said in the SBI live commentary above (read theirs after i commented). gooday
it was not coherent, but we all make those mistakes:
“The ball hits the back of the net for the U.S., but it’s ruled back for a foul in the box. Spencer catches an El Salvador defender breaking for the ball just before the shot gets off. “