Photo credit: ESPNGenoa, Italy. February 29, 2012. A day in the history of the US Soccer National Team. A perfect game by the Americans that gave us their first ever win versus the Italians in 11 all-time meetings. No Donovan, no problem. Not when we have Dempsey.
So Clint did it again. A sublime pass by Altidore as the AZ attacker used his body to keep possession found a well-positioned Dempsey. The Fulham attacker dribbled slightly and released a low, well-placed shot to the right of Buffon. Goal.
Dempsey had a scintillating performance not just in the offense as he found the spaces and complemented Altidore, but also in the defensive end of play. The Furman University product stayed close to Pirlo for good stretches of the match and was effective in slowing down the talented Italian.
This national team had more than just Donovan missing. Also out were Onyewu, Torres and Timmy Chandler. But in stepped Fabian Johnson and Jonathan Spector at left back, Brek Shea on the left wing and Terrence Boyd as an option at forward. The left side struggled at times but was still able to deconstruct the Italian attack from the right flank.
This game was an affirmation that the Klinsmann system may indeed be working after all. That's 4 wins in a row and 3 away from home, two versus European sides with full squads and one away to a Concacaf foe. His positioning of Altidore with Dempsey right behind him emulates the way "Deuce" is utilized at Fulham. As forward/midfielder, Dempsey is the best option at that position.
The left back spot is up for grabs, as always, although Chandler/Spector/Johnson seem to have a good grip on it for now. Any one of those players can hold their own in that spot even if it isn't their natural position. Until a true left back option emerges, a defensive "committee," of sorts, will do.
The defensive midfield also performed quite well today. Maurice Edu and Michael Bradley were both excellent in their positioning and awareness. Bradley's experience with the Italian game (as a member of Chievo Verona) has made him grow in important strides as a soccer player. He had style today, no doubt about that.
Player ratings:
Howard..............7.5
Bocanegra...........7
Goodson..............6.5
Cherundolo..........7
F. Johnson..........6.5
D. Williams.........6.5
M. Bradley..........8.5
Edu......................7.5
Shea.....................6
Dempsey..............8
Altidore................7
Subs: Kljestan (6), Spector (7.5), Boyd (N/A), Buddle (N/A)
So Clint did it again. A sublime pass by Altidore as the AZ attacker used his body to keep possession found a well-positioned Dempsey. The Fulham attacker dribbled slightly and released a low, well-placed shot to the right of Buffon. Goal.
Dempsey had a scintillating performance not just in the offense as he found the spaces and complemented Altidore, but also in the defensive end of play. The Furman University product stayed close to Pirlo for good stretches of the match and was effective in slowing down the talented Italian.
This national team had more than just Donovan missing. Also out were Onyewu, Torres and Timmy Chandler. But in stepped Fabian Johnson and Jonathan Spector at left back, Brek Shea on the left wing and Terrence Boyd as an option at forward. The left side struggled at times but was still able to deconstruct the Italian attack from the right flank.
This game was an affirmation that the Klinsmann system may indeed be working after all. That's 4 wins in a row and 3 away from home, two versus European sides with full squads and one away to a Concacaf foe. His positioning of Altidore with Dempsey right behind him emulates the way "Deuce" is utilized at Fulham. As forward/midfielder, Dempsey is the best option at that position.
The left back spot is up for grabs, as always, although Chandler/Spector/Johnson seem to have a good grip on it for now. Any one of those players can hold their own in that spot even if it isn't their natural position. Until a true left back option emerges, a defensive "committee," of sorts, will do.
The defensive midfield also performed quite well today. Maurice Edu and Michael Bradley were both excellent in their positioning and awareness. Bradley's experience with the Italian game (as a member of Chievo Verona) has made him grow in important strides as a soccer player. He had style today, no doubt about that.
Player ratings:
Howard..............7.5
Bocanegra...........7
Goodson..............6.5
Cherundolo..........7
F. Johnson..........6.5
D. Williams.........6.5
M. Bradley..........8.5
Edu......................7.5
Shea.....................6
Dempsey..............8
Altidore................7
Subs: Kljestan (6), Spector (7.5), Boyd (N/A), Buddle (N/A)
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