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Saturday, October 9, 2010

Bradley 2.0: US vs Poland

Same dog. New tricks? Perhaps. Jermaine Jones sure showed why he was the missing catalyst that may have pushed the USA to a special place in South Africa. Smart passes, good possession and a bit of grit. And yes, he was at fault for Poland's second tally.

Edu in the back line? Not so far fetched. It may even work, but he has been away from this position for a while now. Bocanegra is great at left back...when the opposing right mid lacks pace. Onyewu had an up-and-down match. He gifted Poland their first goal but scored the second for Team USA. When was the last time "Gooch" scored for the US? Against Cuba in 2008. And before that? Poland.

Stuart Holden showed glimpses of why he's likely to take over Donovan's spot once the great American retires from international football (2018?). He had the passes, the shots and the awareness. Just needs the goal.

And up top? Dempsey was nearly flawless except for actually scoring. Altidore scored, for once. The kid needs some company, quick. We all love him but his final touch is still lacking and this has hampered his evolution for the time being. However, Jozy is a #11 and a #11 cannot live without a #9.

Bradley pulled another one on us today. Bedoya for Feilhaber.... and no one else. Six substitutes at his disposal and no one else comes into the match? I like to believe that this is part of some ploy and that he's waiting to unleash the next "Miracle on Grass." Competitive play isn't until next summer's Gold Cup, so his scheming has 9 months to marinate.

Colombia is next on Tuesday. Might we see Brek Shea and Eric Lichaj?

Player Ratings:
Howard.....................7
Cherundolo..............8
Onyewu...................6.5
Edu..........................5.5
Bocanegra...............6
Bradley....................6
Jones........................7
Holden.....................8
Feilhaber.................5
Dempsey................7.5
Altidore..................6.5

Subs: Bedoya (6)

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