US realities before Portugal

Photo credit: Time

When Jurgen Klinsmann was hired for the US national team position there was one request: do well at the World Cup. For most this would mean get out of the group stage. Wrong. Chances were that the US could end up in a group of death. And it did.

After US Soccer knew its rivals, Ghana, Portugal, Germany, in that order, the request changed: Beat Ghana. Why? History.

In 2006, the United States was ranked in the top 10 and Bruce Arena's men were poised for a better tournament than the quarterfinals in 2002. They lost 3-0 in the opening match to the Czech Republic, tied 1-1 with Italy and lost 2-1 against Ghana in a game briefly tied by Clint Dempsey's first World Cup goal.

In 2010 the United States were once again an underdog but were placed in the "group of life" along with England, new-comer Slovenia, and Algeria, in that order. A herculean effort gave a 1-1 tie against England, a come-from-behind 2-2 tie against Slovenia was another classic, capped by a Hollywood ending 1-0 win over Algeria thanks to an injury time goal by one Landon Donovan. The round of 16 pitted the Americans against Ghana and the African nation prevailed, once more, knocking Bob Bradley's team out of the tournament.

This is why Ghana was the priority for the Americans in 2014. This and the fact that both Germany and Portugal are top 10 teams. "Too tough," claimed commentator Alexi Lalas. Most of us knowledgeable soccer followers concurred.

Alexi Lalas had some words of encouragement yesterday following Michael Bradley's interview previewing Portugal. This Portuguese team is fighting for their lives without Coentrao and Pepe in the defense and Cristiano Ronaldo not 100%. A chance for a win.

But do not be fooled. This Portuguese team, despite a lopsided 4-0 loss to Germany, has quality all over it. From Nani to Meireles to Cristiano Ronaldo. They have years of experience in the World Cup with a top 4 finish in 2006

Portugal will come out to win. They will do so down the right side and exploit the spaces left for Ronaldo. Team USA has no Mertesacker, no Sami Khedira, no Jerome Boateng. This is the one game where everything will be on the line for the Americans. They must play for everything and they must play to win. That's where the spaces will open.

Against Ghana there were no spaces because Dempsey scored early and the team backed off. A gift and a curse, as the players themselves assured. Jermaine Jones will need an even bigger game, Beckermann will have to be stronger and Michael Bradley has to show up. Without Altidore there will be little hold-up up front so the attack must come up the middle, through Bradley.

In reality the chances are slim for the Americans today. They are just as banged-up as the Portuguese and will play in a high-humidity scenario that levels the chances for both sides in terms of environment. 

For Klinsmann and US Soccer the real goal was met. We did something we haven't done for two World Cups. We beat Ghana. This is a team looking to the future. Otherwise we would have Donovan in the 23. A win or a tie versus Portugal would conjure up memories of 2002. We are all allowed to dream.

No flop or flair in Dempsey's loan to Fulham

Photo credit: Fulham FC

Clint Dempsey took Juergen Klinsmann's advice. He used his time off from MLS to go on loan to English Premier League side Fulham. It was a return of a hero. A chance to play and regain confidence after an unconvincing time in Seattle. The loan started with a promise and ended with a quiet goodbye.

Back in 2010 there was another high-profile US National Team loan: Landon Donovan to Everton. He scored, he assisted, he did not disappoint. So what's the difference between these two highly-rated players in their loan to the Premiership?

For one, Dempsey is older now than Donovan was during his loan to Everton during the winter months of 2010. And although that should not be a pretext, it should be considered a factor. Dempsey had an underwhelming campaign with the Sounders where he finished with just one goal when it was assumed they would come in bunches as it had for Fulham and Tottenham.

Landon Donovan was in his prime in 2010 in what became a career year for him in the international stage. He was the savior of the national team on two occasions in the World Cup and continued on  pace to become the highest-scoring player ever to suit up for the American side. So when Everton came knocking he was ready to go, fans bought Donovan Everton jerseys that would last only two months of relevance and he was a force on the pitch as a striker for David Moyes.

Should national team fans be worried about Dempsey? After all, this is their team captain and one whose goals they have learned to count on for many years now. With him and a struggling Altidore we're beginning to wonder just what this team would look like if either of these players fail to make an impact.

But what are the positives for Dempsey? He stayed active. He played in one of the world's top leagues. He remained relevant in Europe, as odd as that may sound. Dempsey thrives on competition. He excels versus talented squads like Chelsea, Manchester United, England or Italy. If anything, this loan likely recharged his batteries for Seattle during a season in which they desperately need to win a trophy.

So Klinsmann has at least had his captain playing at the highest level during the MLS offseason. It was no flop with Fulham, the team is in a tailspin right now and threatened with relegation. There was no flair either, however. We'll see just how good Dempsey looks with the American squad versus the Ukraine today.

Bob Bradley, an American Coach in Europe

Photo credit: Stabaek

 

To say that Bob Bradley is a visionary American soccer coach might anger some. And yet today, when it was announced that Bradley would become the head coach of Stabaek of the Norwegian Tippeligaen, there was communal applause in American soccer circles. Bradley had become the first American head coach in a top division European league.  

Bob Bradley pushed the boundaries of American coaches abroad when he became head coach of the Egyptian national team in 2011. After a successful couple of years and going undefeated in qualifiers, a date with Ghana brought back memories of 2010 when his Team America failed to get past the Ghanaians in the round of sixteen. The team lost 6-1 abroad and won only by 2-1 at home, eliminating them from the competition.

Bradley was criticized by many for his ultra-defensive stance, his at-times unyielding 4-4-2, and his ill-fated faith on Jonathan Bornstein and Ricardo Clark. And yet, in the end, he brought much success to the national team. From winning the Gold Cup against Mexico in 2007, to booking a place in South Africa, to their unprovable win versus Spain at the Confederations Cup, to his come-from-behind games in the World Cup that brought the team to the round of 16.

Certainly, although his methods seemed odd at times, he had brilliant strategies for facing top teams like Mexico, England and Spain. One of the biggest compliments came at the World Cup in South Africa when the manager for the Swiss national team coach credited him for Switzerland's victory over Spain in the opening game of their group.

So now Bradley embarks on another adventure as a coach in Europe. Sure, he and so many others would have hoped that he would land in England for a Premier League team or a Championship side. But Stabaek is a good fit for him. An up-and-coming squad with potential. Bradley did always coach the underdogs and it fits him well.

Bob Bradley's new appointment in Norway goes a long way in elevating the stature of American soccer. This next step in his career opens up opportunity for other up-and-coming coaches like Jason Kreis, Caleb Porter and Mike Petke, among others, who might one day make the jump overseas. America has its own style of football now and it's making waves abroad. That's why Bob Bradley is a trailblazer and a path to the future.

Risky choice to keep Klinsmann for four more years

Photo credit: US Soccer

When we heard that Klinsmann would remain as coach of the US Men's National Soccer team for another four years and would also become a technical director, many of us questioned this decision's wisdom. Two World Cup cycles with the same manager almost never pans out.

This is true for many teams around the world, but even more so for Team USA. While the first cycles for coaches like Bruce Arena and Bob Bradley were hugely successful internationally, their style became stale and the rest of the world caught up with their strategies.

Bruce Arena may have gotten the US to the quarterfinals in 2002, but 2006 saw them score one goal and manage a unlikely tie against eventual World Cup winners Italy. Lacking Chris Armas, a clear attacking role, an aging Claudio Reyna and an under-used Landon Donovan resulted in a forgettable tournament.

The same goes for Bob Bradley. After a stellar Confederations Cup in 2009 and a great group phase in South Africa 2010, his miss-use of Ricardo Clark and reliance on Johnathan Bornstein gave Ghana the upper hand. And that was really the end for the coach. A year later the lack of depth in his team during the Concacaf Gold Cup contributed to a clear defeat to Mexico in the final. 

US Soccer made the right decision in replacing Brdaley with Klinsmann in 2011. The former German star's tactics and depth building were slow to kick in but eventually paid dividends in 2013 with important victories abroad, a Gold Cup win with a largely-experimental squad and record-breaking points and number one qualification in the Hexagonal tournament of World Cup qualifying.

But USA is in certain peril with their World Cup draw. Germany, Portugal and Ghana are all extremely talented and with a greater number of technically superior players like Mesut Ozil, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kevin Prince Boateng. It will take a little luck and playing the games of their lives to get through this group.

And what if there's another three-and-out in Brazil 2014? And a loss at the Gold Cup and no Confederations Cup again? Might we have jumped the gun already? Complacency? Lack of inventiveness for US Soccer directors?

There might be some positives, of course, with Klinsmann as a technical director. Player development from a young age is key for future tournaments. The involvement of MLS is another step forward. Finally, exploiting the German connection and adding Bundesliga players to the pool remains advantageous now and in the future.

As fans, we hope the best for him and that the decision to keep him another four years turns out to be a good one. Examples are available when it comes to second cycle coaches for other countries: Hernan Gomez and Luis Suarez for Ecuador, Sven Goran Erikson for England and Raymond Domenech for France. Need we say more?

A deadly group for Team USA at the 2014 World Cup

The sorting is done. The magic is about to begin. And now each team knows its fate. The official World Cup draw was held today in Brazil ahead of next year's tournament and it wasn't favorable for the Americans. Their group G includes Ghana, Germany and Portugal.

What do we mean by this?

Drama: First game is versus Ghana, the perennial enemy of the United States in official FIFA competitions, at least for the last 8 years. In 2006 their 2-1, after Dempsey equalized, sent the US packing with just 1 point and only 1 goal scored. In 2010 Ghana had Asamoah Gyan and Kevin Prince Boateng to dismantle Bob Brdaley's weak defense and a hole down the middle after Ricardo Clark's early yellow. It doesn't end there. Bob Bradley managed to lose to them while coaching Egypt in the decisive play-in match in Accra by 6-1. In Cairo the 2-1 was not enough.

Some glamor: Second game is Portugal, with CR7, a.k.a. Cristiano Ronaldo will be eager to avenge the 3-2 shock-loss to the United States in 2002, which made for a magical run to the quarterfinals in Korea/Japan. Now, for the media in the country and the casual soccer fans, this is a great game. 

Revenge: The final match is Germany, the perennial favorites. They are without trophy since 1990 and currently boast incredible talent: Mesut Ozil, Mario Gomez, Thomas Muller, Sami Khedira, Jerome Boateng come to mind. Germany also ended the magical run of 2002 thanks to a goal by Michael Ballack and a non-call that should have been a penalty in favor of the Americans.

So what are the tactics? Africa, Africa, Africa. Klinsmann will need to prepare for the African attack and he might want to play a couple of official matches versus Nigeria or Cameroon or Ivory Coast. Klinsmann is never one to shy away from taking chances in unusual friendlies and this game will be the key to this group. If US defeats Ghana then points versus Germany and Portugal wouldn't be unheard of.

Second is perhaps Portugal. The Portuguese haven't been the steamrollers they once were when Figo was still playing. They are, perhaps, a one-man team with CR7 doing most of the work. If he's out then the team is vulnerable. Hence the struggles in qualifying with a tie versus Israel and a disappointing second-place finish.

So how does Klinsmann feel about playing Germany last in this group of death? Excited, he says. Terrifying for the rest of us fans. Does the United States go into this match with an absolute need for a win? Will Germany need a win just as much? Can Beasley or Brad Evans stop Ozil and Muller and Julian Draxler? 

Nate Silver of the ESPN Soccer Power Index put it all in statistical terms. Germany almost sure to get out of the group (92% chance), but USA (39%) and Portugal (40%) dead even and Ghana (29%) lagging behind. Us Yanks hope this holds true.

Alexi Lalas had it right when he said that the soccer Gods give and also take away. The 2010 draw was a gift with Slovenia and Algeria as the lower-seeded teams, with only England as the difficult squad. This time the US has a chance to do something special simply by getting out of this group of death. Ever since 1990, every other World Cup has been a dud: 1990, 1998, 2006. The magic happened in 1994, 2002 and 2010. Coincidence or crazy superstition? Can 2014 break this cycle?

2013 was a great year for the national team: wins in the Hexagonal and the Gold Cup and great friendlies versus Germany, Russia and Bosnia. Added to this are new names like Diskerud, Bedoya, Corona and Johannsson. Klinsmann has a chance to prove why this American crew is special and only he can make us believe.

Bob Bradley versus Ghana

Photo credit: Sports Illustrated

If you are a US Men's National Soccer Team fan, then you remember the second round of World Cup 2010, an ill-fated, 7th minute yellow card for Ricardo Clark and the eventual defeat of Team USA versus Ghana. Bob Bradley was blamed due to his starting of Clark over a much steadier (and fan-favored) Maurice Edu.

It was America's second time to be booted from the tournament by the Ghanaians. The first one occurred in 2006 with Bruce Arena's 4th-ranked US team and although Clint Dempsey almost made things interesting, the Americans bowed out of the tournament with only 1 point and one goal scored.

Most people will undoubtedly remember Boateng's goal in the 5th minute and Donovan's penalty in the second half. However, it was Gyan's game-winner in extra time that will forever haunt Bradley and still gives him nightmares to this day. His ubiquitous choice of Johnny Bornstein at left back also opened up the most dangerous side of the field for most opposing teams, as we also learned with the 2011 Gold Cup final versus Mexico.

So what can Bob Bradley come up with this time around with his Pharaohs? He has an entire country dreaming of the World Cup and players hungry for the tournament and a chance for redemption after the 2010's cycle's games versus Algeria. There was some drama with those matches (3-1 Algeria win in Algiers; 2-0 Egypt win in Cairo; 1-0 Algeria playoff win in Sudan) and it included frozen diplomatic (not soccer) relations between the two nations.

But Bob Bradley has been almost spectacular for the Egyptians during this qualifying round. With an unmatched 100% record in the qualifiers, signs would point to certain victory for his team. But Bradley must be cautious in picking his squad and avoid the Clarks and Bornsteins. His side is heavily domestic-based and reliant on Al-Ahly players, especially at defense. At forward he has some quality in players like Koka (Rio Ave) and Salah (Basel). 

Should Bradley defeat Ghana it will be twice the victory. One for America versus their African nemesis and two for Egypt and making it to the World Cup after 24 years of absence. And, oh yes, an American coach qualifying for a World Cup with another nation's squad. Hard to beat. We are all cheering for you.

Grimace and Grin: USA wins in Antigua

Photo credit: AP

There was a collective grimace today as we watched the United States Men's National soccer team wait until stoppage time to score the second goal and defeat Antigua and Barbuda. Yes, Antigua and Barbuda. This wasn't Trinidad and Tobago or Jamaica or even Cuba. No, it was a cricket-loving, island nation of only 85,632 people. 

The grin came at the welcoming return of Eddie Johnson, whose career had been in decline after an ill-fated transfer to Europe and numerous loans in Britain and Greece. His positioning for the goals today was just what Klinsmann had wanted.

And yet, for the most part, as the television monitors closed and opinions began, it became certain that this national team had just had one of its worst performances. By virtue of beIN Sport being the sole proprietor of all the away USA matches, this game was not available for me. However, I was still able to keep up with plays through Twitter and other media and I saw the highlights afterwards. Where was the fighting spirit in these players? Even in the condensed version of the game the only ones enthused with being there were Michael Bradley, Zusi and Eddie Johnson. Everyone else was simply at work.

What happened to the team that won in Slovenia, Italy and Mexico? Those were the vintage Klinsmann games. Then again, with Bob Bradley the semifinal qualifying round was over at the fourth game with four straight wins and USA ended up taking the Hexagonal, reaching the final at the Confederations Cup and winning the group at World Cup 2010. Suddenly, for all of us that dreamed of something better than Bradley, the next step is hardly one in the right direction. 

Many of us were Klinsmann believers from the start, but stumbling into the final game before the Hexagonal is no way to repay faith. Yes, Concacaf can be difficult, but not for the USA or Mexico. It hasn't been that way for the past 10 years. Then again, Mexico just slipped into the Hexagonal last time around and Sven Goran Erickson lived for a couple more matches. The Aztecas regrouped under Aguirre and built one of the better teams in the world over the last 4 years. Could the Americans do the same? 

There is another truth to speak of here. Yes, Eddie Johnson was the savior and Gordon the provider in today's match. But what happens against a team like Mexico or Costa Rica or Panama? Or at the World Cup? Are we still not going to field Altidore or Boyd or Lichaj for the games that matter most? When Donovan, Shea, Fabian Johnson and Edgar Castillo go down, the first thing to do is to replace the players with those that matter. The team lived today without replacements, but just so. What if this scenario occurs again in the Hexagonal? Wait, we're not there yet either.

The final match in the semifinal phase of Concacaf World Cup qualifying is versus Guatemala, with whom the US is now tied in points at 10 and the same goal differential. A win provides safety and redemption, a tie will do and a loss could be enough depending on Jamaica's at-home match versus Antigua.Not once in the past 5 World Cup cycles has this occurred. Our players have the talent, they just need the guidance to funnel their strengths.

No goals: USA ties Canada in friendly

Photo credit: The Canadian Press

It was a friendly affair tonight at Toronto's BMO Field as the US national team tied 0-0 versus Canada. Few opportunities from either side and no real forwards making plays. From an American perspective this is both troubling and perplexing. Against Scotland, Klinsmann launched an all-out attack with a 4-3-3 formation devoid of Dempsey but with highly effective results: 5-1. Against Brazil this formula also worked and yielded the lone goal in a 1-4 loss but could have gotten a couple more if it weren't for the Brazilian defense.

Tonight Klinsmann reverted to Bob Bradley's flat 4-4-2. A useful and sometimes powerful approach that can undermine the opposing squad's attack and can set up great play along the flanks to have 2 players in dangerous situations at all times. However, this only works if the flanks are mobile and overlapping. This did not happen with the US today.

In previous matches a 4-1-2-2-1 formation, with Maurice Edu as a sweeper-like defensive midfielder, allowed Jermaine Jones and Michael Bradley to overlap in and out of the attack and maintained 3 players forward: Torres/Dempsey, Donovan, Boyd/Gomez. Tonight Jones and Bradley were static and unable to provide dangerous passes or to create spaces for Gomez and Dempsey while Donovan and Torres were double-marked into silence.

It's always great to see changes in lineups and formations, but it's even better when one notices them on the pitch as the play is happening. This did not occur today until Klinsmann made the changes for Torres and Edu and reset the delta in the midfield. Although Brazil took advantage of 5 players going forward, the game was more enjoyable and gave the US the opportunity to do something special. It could also come down to the absence of a Fabian Johnson, a Danny Williams, a Timmy Chandler or even a Freddy Adu. 

Player ratings:

Howard.................6

Cherundolo.............5

Bocanegra...............4.5

Goodson.................5

Castillo....................4

Torres......................5.5

Donovan.................5

Dempsey..................6

Bradley....................6

Jones........................6.5

Gomez.....................6

Subs: Onyewu (5), Edu (6.5), Altidore (N/A), Parkhurst (N/A), Wondolowski (N/A)

Finding Tim Ream

Tim Ream is set to join Premier League side Bolton Wanderers after his travel permit was granted. Scarcely over a year ago, Ream had just completed a standout 2010 season and was starting to look like the next generation of American central defenders. He played every match of his first season with the New York Red Bulls and earned a debut start with the national team in a 1-0 win over South Africa later in 2010. He was dominant in stature, had superb distribution abilities, and even scored a goal. The American soccer press pegged him as the next Bocanegra or Onyewu. All waited for what would happen in 2011.

This past year was rather forgettable for Tim. He still showed well in the beginning stages of the year both with club and country. His time with Team USA took him through friendlies versus Argentina, Spain, Chile and Paraguay and to a starting spot in the 2011 Concacaf Gold Cup. With his club, things went from rosy to blood red as the experienced and opinionated Rafael Marquez blatantly suggested Tim and company were to blame for the team's defensive woes. Marquez would be moved to midfield and Keel would team up with Ream.

Perhaps the ill-timed unprofessionalism of Marquez and an unstable locker room at the Red Bull Arena made it harder for Ream to concentrate. At the Gold Cup, after a great debut versus Canada, Ream committed a foul in the penalty area and cost the team the game versus Panama. He played again for the USA in October and was faulted--possibly--for Ecuador's game-winning goal due to his inability to mark his man.

It was, perhaps, a comedy of errors in 2011. But Tim continued his steady presence with the Red Bulls, enough to see them through to a playoff versus eventual-winners Galaxy. Still, Tim persevered and his connections, namely Bradley and Klinsmann, allowed him to pursue training stints in Europe at Bolton Wanderers after months of scouting by teams like Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven and West Brom.

We should credit a coach's vision when it comes to Ream. Clearly, the standout defender of 2010 is the person they see and the one that they keep on asking for. It is Tim's assertiveness and his control and distribution of the ball as a left-footed center back which sets him apart from other defenders. Will he get exposed in the Premier League? Yes, all of them do. Will this be a bust for the player and US Soccer? Not so fast. Ream is a mature player with two years as a professional and international experience. He is 24, not too old and not too young. He is calm and collected, patient but explosive. And, perhaps as a side note to all the doubters, it might just be that Bolton Wanderers, the Premier League, and US Soccer may have lucked out finding Tim Ream.

4-4-2 works: US wins at Slovenia

Photo credit: Srdjan Zivulovic/Landov

Klinsmann finally tried his luck with a familiar formation: 4-4-2. Bob Bradley's choice throughout most of his 5-year career with the US Men's National Team, 4-4-2 gave the US team more attacking options and clear penetration of the opposing defense. But Klinsmann still maintained an attacking style and went with a diamond midfield instead of the flat 4-4-2 that Bradley had used so much. It payed off: Dempsey (attacking mid), Buddle (forward 1) and Altidore (forward 2) all scored.

Besides the stylish attacking play of the front three throughout the first half and part of the second half, was the addition of Fabian Johnson to the team. The Hoffenheim midfielder added spark and creativity to the US attack. He was involved in Buddle's opening goal and Altidore's penalty-winning play. Johnson constantly broke down the Slovenian defense and showed that he could also play centrally if needed (today he was a left winger). In the absence of Donovan or Dempsey, Johnson is looking like a go-to playmaker.

When Michael Bradley started as a right midfielder it was clear that Beckerman would be the sole holding midfielder ahead of the 4-man back line. This had some uninspiring moments. Cherundolo and Chandler looked off and Goodson had trouble with the Slovenian attacks. As a good friend of mine put it: "entertaining match but the defense was terrible." Indeed.

Klinsmann's modified 4-4-2 formation was inspiring to see, fun to watch, and payed strong dividends with an away win in Europe. It comes down to when this formation can be played and how Klinsmann should revert to a 4-5-1 or a two holding-mid center. Clearly, this has not been efficient with either stronger teams (France, Belgium) or weaker ones (Honduras, Costa Rica). The goals came out of a more versatile 4-4-2 formation. It comes down to who the starting forwards should be and which player is tasked as holding midfielder.

Other questions remain: Who will go out wide with Donovan and Dempsey? Would Johnson still figure into the lineup? Does Bradley shift to the defensive midfield role? What will the healthy back line look like? All good questions, especially considering options left out like Omar Gonzales and George John. And what happens when Stuart Holden is healthy and Bedoya and Freddy Adu find form?

Player ratings:
Howard...............6
Chandler.............5.5
Bocanegra...........6.5
Cherundolo..........5
Bradley.................7
Dempsey..............7.5
Johnson................7
Beckerman...........5.5
Altidore................7.5
Buddle..................7.5

Subs: Edu (6), Shea (5), Williams (N/A), Jones (N/A), Rogers (N/A)

On Bob Bradley's future

Photo credit: twitter feed

Much has come to light in recent weeks about where Bob Bradley, former US Men's National Team coach, will turn up next. Europe? Mexico? Africa? At one point, Bradley was rumored to be headed to Villa Park right after the World Cup. When his name was announced as US coach for the 2014 World Cup cycle all those rumors were quieted. But now that Klinsmann is the US coach, Bradley needs to find work. National teams such as Egypt and Costa Rica came calling. Even club teams in Mexico (Santos Laguna) held conversations with him.

But where will he actually end up? Probably Egypt unless something major happens. He's by far their top candidate. His pedigree as a good national team coach is recognized worldwide. Confederations Cup 2009 final, Gold Cup 2007 and winning the the group at the 2010 World Cup are highly valuable milestones. His style is also very conducive for middle-of-the-road teams searching for a way to hold a good defensive line against bigger teams such as Argentina, England, etc.

Bradley's failed hiring at Santos Laguna happened more because he is regarded a top adversary by Mexican fans and they wanted a Mexican to take the helm. They ended up with Benjamin Galindo instead. And yet, the very fact that he was contacted by the Mexican squad is enough of an exclamation point for soccer media in the US. Should he be successful internationally, the market for US coaches would be greatly expanded abroad.

Bradley's international possibilities are a testament to his strengths as coach and to the continuing ascent of US Soccer and Major League Soccer. He will undoubtedly always have a home in MLS and there are quite a few teams that could use his services.

Fabian Johnson and the German connection

Photo credit: Liga Insider

The last three years have seen a new breed of American soccer player in the US national men's team: German-born Americans. Chandler, Jones, Johnson are all obvious American (Anglo-Saxon) names. In this case we are talking about Timothy, Jermaine and Fabian. They happen to all play for the German Bundesliga (first division) in established teams: Nurmenberg (Chandler), Shalcke 04 (Jones) and Hoffenheim (Johnson). The latter has been invited to the upcoming international friendlies against Costa Rica (Sept. 2) and Belgium (Sept. 6).

This German connection comes full circle with the recently-appointed US coach Juergen Klinsmann. The players are the sons of servicemen that were, at some point, stationed in Germany, and whose mothers are German natives. Such is the case of Jones and Chandler and also the legendary Thomas Dooley. These players represented Germany in their youth squads but ultimately decided to play for the senior US team since they didn't suit up for the European team in an official tournament, per FIFA rules.

The recent inclusion of these players has payed high dividends for the Americans. Jermaine Jones (age 29) was able to use his considerable talent with Champions League background to muscle the United States into the Concacaf Gold Cup final. He has replaced Ricardo Clark and Maurice Edu in the central holding midfield role alongside Michael Bradley. Jones scored one goal for the US in the Gold Cup (later deemed an own goal by the Jamaican defender). His play has been limited recently due to an uncertain club future and he didn't have a good match in the friendly versus Mexico earlier this month.

Timothy Chandler has had a love/hate relationship, mainly with the fans, after having an impressive debut against Argentina in a friendly in March as well as a second game versus Paraguay. His speed and ball skills made him a fan-favorite to play backup to Steve Cherundolo or provide a change of pace as a winger. His absence during the Gold Cup (recovery after first season in Bundesliga) and the Mexico friendly (desire to play for a starting spot with Nurmberg) caused many fans to question his allegiance. Subsequent communication with him and his club coach confirmed that he still wanted to play for the USA and that he would suit up during the September friendlies.

Now comes Fabian Johnson, recently transferred from Wolfsburg to Hoffenheim and having an impressive start with his new squad. It was just days ago that www.soccerbyives.net first posted that Johnson was interested in representing the US. Now we will have a chance to watch him to see where he fits in the crowded midfield of the US national team. It should be noted, however, that he can double up as an outside back.

Klinsmann has chosen to continue his search for "latin" talent in the form of Mexican-Americans (Orozco Fiscal, Edgar Castillo, J.F. Torres) but he is also looking at this new resource to bolster a squad that had become quite stagnant under Bob Bradley. Do give credit to Bradley for calling up Jones and Chandler, we should acknowledge he started this German connection.

As we near the upcoming friendlies, there are two missing pieces not of German descent: George John (centerback, recently signed by Blackburn of the EPL) and breakout Mexican-American Joe Corona. Both have chances to play for other national teams: Greece and Mexico, respectively. But there is only limited room in the US squad and marquee friendlies call for the best the team has to offer. More international matches are coming in October and later this year. For now, at least, the German connection is up and running.

Timmy Chandler: Friend or foe?

Photo credit: ISI photos

Much has been made of US national team player Timmy Chandler in the last few months. From his breakthrough games with the national side against Argentina and Paraguay, to his rise as a starter for Bundesliga side Nuremberg. But his relationship with US national team fans has been a bit rocky ever since those friendlies in March because of missed matches, tournaments, attention.

It started with the friendlies against the South American sides. Earlier this year we were introduced to the lad and watched him become a regular for his Bundesliga team. By mid-March, then-coach Bob Bradley selected him to represent the US in the exhibition matches. Fans had started to watch him closely in his games for Nuremberg and realized that he just might be the future of the right back position as Cherundolo is phased out.

Chandler was stellar against Argentina and provided a necessary spark out of the back and forced the team forward. Agudelo would eventually tie the match. Against Paraguay, Chandler was even more explosive and a bright spot in an otherwise flat game for the Americans.

Flash forward to the 2011 Gold Cup and many fans and soccer media were pinning Chandler as a starter if Cherundolo was hurt or even at midfield for mid-game changes in tactics. He also excelled at that position versus Paraguay. But then came word that Chandler was "exhausted" after his first full season with the Bundesliga team and that he needed some time off to recuperate. Really? Plenty of other players relish the possibility of being called up for the national team regardless of the length and demands of a full season. And this was an international tournament.

Was Nuremberg at fault for not releasing him? Bob Bradley wasn't strict enough to mandate his presence? Did Chandler want to represent Germany instead?

So on Friday, a day after he was called by Klinsmann to appear next week versus Mexico, Nuremberg and Chandler asked for him to remain in Germany and skip this match due to a "slight injury." But when he surfaced as a starter and had a great game for Nuremberg for the first game of the season, fans scratched their heads and were generally irate on twitter and other media. Some respected soccer journalists also posted the news that he was starting for Nuremberg but not willing to play for the US. "Hmmm," was the common denominator among journalists. Indeed.

Another snub by Chandler. Was he really not planning to suit up for Team USA ever again? Not necessarily. Washington Post's Soccer Insider posted an interesting article on the situation. It seems that Chandler is looking to secure his place as a starter during this month before he heads out to national team duties. His "slight injury" was a misnomer by US Soccer and Klinsmann had not talked with Chandler prior to his naming as a player in the 22-man roster for next week's friendly. According to the article, "Chandler and Hecking [his manager] committed to both U.S. friendlies next month: against Costa Rica Sept. 2 in Carson, Calif., and four days later against Belgium in Brussels."

So, I along with most US soccer fans out there will reserve judgement for now. Our team could certainly use Chandler's energy and skills as a new World Cup cycle approaches. He's a friend for now but people will certainly question his commitment further if he doesn't suit up for the national team within the next few matches.

Klinsmann's new team

Photo credit: US Soccer

It's important to try to make sense of Klinsmann's team for the date with Gold Cup champions Mexico to be played next week (August 10th). This is mostly because it's his first try and against a worthy foe. He stayed true to the fact that mostly experienced players would be called up for this match. He also called up players recently ignored by Bob Bradley and gave a first call for one player: Bill Hamid (GK, DC United).

"Klinsi" is known for an athletic, attacking style with significant support for players. This will be interesting to see given the lack of depth and production from our forwards. In are Agudelo, Donovan, Adu and Buddle. Adu and Donovan double as attacking midfielders but he looks to set them up as forwards. Surprisingly, his "forward" category also includes Beasley, who has had a mix-bag of results in his short stint in Mexico (Puebla). Beasley is a natural winger so suiting up as a forward is an interesting change of pace. Agudelo is, currently, the future of the attack and Buddle may just bring what this team needs. Bradley used him only sparingly at the World Cup, choosing Gomez and Findley instead.

Aside from the reliable trio of defensive midfielders that is Edu-Bradley-Jones, Klinsmann also elected to bring back Beckerman (never quite settled in with the national team under Bradley). Another player with plenty to prove with a new manager is much-maligned Ricardo Clark (E. Frankfurt). The former-Dynamo player has settled in with his German team and has played well in the defense. He has had plenty of great moments (his goal versus Trinidad and Tobago in the qualifiers) and also flops (early yellow card in the round of 16 match versus Ghana at South Africa 2010). Finally there's Brek Shea. Mister "haircut" didn't have great showings with Bradley in a couple of friendlies last year but has looked phenomenal for Dallas during the 2011 season. Torres (Pachuca) makes a comeback after not playing with the national team at the Gold Cup.

The back line has a lot of old faces: Cherundolo, Goodson, Bocanegra, Ream, Pearce. No Lichaj (injury) or Spector (recently transferred). Look for a reliable back four to start the match and perhaps Pearce will get the nod at left back. It's also nice to have Timmy Chandler back in the team after showing such promise in friendlies versus Argentina and Paraguay. Michael Orozco Fiscal (San Luis) makes the team after 3 years since his one and only appearance with the national side. Edgar Castillo is another player called up by Klinsmann to break from the Bob Bradley norm. Castillo was recently reintroduced into Club America and has made a couple of appearances. He's a naturally left-footed player and could start at left back.

What's a probable starting lineup? It could look like this:

Howard (GK)
Castillo (LB), Bocanegra (CB), Goodson (CB), Cherundolo (RB)
Torres (LM), Bradley (DM), Jones (DM), Shea (RM)
Donovan (F), Agudelo (F)

I could see Donovan and/or Beasley in the midfield instead of Torres/Shea. Adu-Agudelo at forward would be interesting also. Chandler could get the nod ahead of Cherundolo but I wouldn't bet on it yet. He will, however, be on the pitch at some point as a sub.

End of the affair: Bradley fired as US coach

Photo credit: AP

Bob Bradley was fired as coach of the US national soccer team today. When the referee called full time at the 2011 Concacaf Gold Cup with the Mexico team up 4-2 on the United States, some of us out there thought his days were numbered. But nothing happened. Days passed and international friendlies were announced (versus Mexico on the 10th), Copa America started and the US ladies made it to the final.

But today was different. A day after the thrashing of the MLS All-Stars at the hands of Manchester United, a symphony of news flashes gave us word that US Soccer had severed ties with Bob Bradley. But why not sooner? Time for searching and hiring a new man for the job? And yes, it seems they have Bradley's successor already with a "further announcement" on Friday.

Let's reflect a bit on today's events. What were the pros and cons of Bob Bradley? To start, his record was 43-25-13, winning a Gold Cup title, finishing in second place at the Confederations Cup and in the final 16 at the World Cup after winning the group over England. Also to his credit: the blossoming of Donovan and Dempsey, solidification of Michael Bradley, Onyewu, Howard and Bocanegra, and the addition of game-changers like Altidore, Agudelo, Jermaine Jones, Bedoya and Timmy Chandler. All in all, quite the resume.

Conversely, the national team has become quite stale after the World Cup and a 5-4-4 record this year. There is no inventiveness on the pitch and his tactics have been eviscerated by opposing squads. Do credit Mexico on their win, however. Their "golden generation" has come to life and, somehow, a run at the World Cup semifinals in 2014 isn't out of the question.

But back to Bradley. In reality, second term coaches (1 term being a world cup cycle) never quite do well in their reprisal as managers of national teams. A national soccer team is a completely different animal from club competition in soccer and, for that matter, other sports. There are only limited times in which you have your players each year and individuals that are central to the national team may not be playing at all for their club sides. Just the length of time alone does away with continuity. There's no "rebuilding season" or even "relegation battle." Other examples abound: Bruce Arena (2003-2006, early exit from 2006), Marcelo Lippi (Italian champions in 2006, eliminated in group stage in 2010), Sven Goran Erickson (English team became stale and lost flair in 2006).

So it's a new beginning for US Soccer. Who will be our coach? Juergen Klinsmann? Guus Hiddink? Sigi Schmid? Jason Kreis? Carlo Ancelotti? Marcelo Lippi? Claudio Reyna? All good candidates but my preference is a foreign coach right now. Someone that understands the larger scale of things. Jason Kreis is food for thought but I'd like him to have a few more titles and seasons with Real Salt Lake. Right now is too soon for the international arena. Collegiate experience, such as Arena had as a coach in college soccer, can only take us so far since a vast majority of our players are now in world-renowned teams and leagues. Arena and Bradley took this style of coaching to its very limit and with pleasant results. But a new line of thinking is needed.

So, we bid you adieu, Coach Bradley. You made us proud and made us believe. You brought us exhilaration, consolation and fantasy. We thank you for your hard work and we know you'll succeed wherever you go. No hard feelings either. Sometimes you just have to say "time's up."

Sportsmanship: a short letter to US fans

Anger and disillusionment are natural human emotions. It doesn't matter if you're El Salvador losing to Panama, Holland losing to Spain or US losing to Mexico. We call for the heads of our coaches, question the benching of players, remark about the loss of form of individuals or the phantom calls by referees. But we should not resort to violence, not physical nor verbal.

The most recent emotional event for US soccer fans was the loss of Team USA to Mexico at the Gold Cup final. Fans and critics were irate and suggested Bradley should be deposed as coach. But in the stands there was verbal violence of Mexican fans to Americans and vice versa. And players too. Landon Donovan refused to comment on Bob Bradley's status and also expressed his disillusionment for being benched for the start of two Gold Cup matches. Tim Howard, star goalkeeper for the US, was quoted saying:

“CONCACAF should be ashamed of themselves. I think it’s a (freaking) disgrace that the entire post-match ceremony was in Spanish. You can bet your ass if we were in Mexico City it wouldn’t be all in English.” His apology followed: “I am the father of young children, and I certainly do not believe profanity is appropriate in public comments. I was caught up in the heat of the moment.”

Caught up in the moment indeed. We all do it. Apology accepted. He didn't have the best of nights and he knew it. However, I'm in agreement with the fact that the ceremony should be held in the languages of both participating teams. Where's our FIFA fair play? Howard also said in his apology statement that he stood by his words about the language used at the Gold Cup ceremony.

Reading fans comments in several soccer blogs I found silly language and unfortunate prejudice. And yet, through it all, I reminded them that this country is unique. For some of us, when two national teams play it might just be the case that you will find no qualms with either team losing. You might be cheering for the country you love for a moment and the country you were born in a minute later. There was an image that struck me before the match started: a fan wearing a green Mexico jersey holding his right hand on his heart as he sang the Star Spangled Banner.

Reset: US loses to Mexico in Gold Cup final

Photo credit: CONCACAF

USA lost to Mexico by the score of 4-2. With it went the ticket to the Confederations Cup and a bit of pride. But now is not the time to put our heads down. Now we can press the reset button and start anew.

We press the reset button because the US can no longer subject itself to giving away early goals. In today's case it was in the second half when Barrera scored the go-ahead goal.

We reset because we can't give up promising players to club intentions. This is about Timmy Chandler, arguably the best prospect in the young US defense. Bradley had the chance to bring him in but decided to waive the idea when the club and player requested extra resting time. How important would he have been when Cherundolo got hurt early in the game?

Reset the defense more. Bornstein has had spotty playing time in Mexico and hardly ever at left back. Why not players like Loyd or Pearce that are actually playing every game with their clubs.

Reset because some players need to be considered higher in the pecking order even if they are nursing injuries. Charlie Davies is having a great comeback season with DC United but Bradley chose Wondolowski over him but still called up Onyewu (also nursing an injury coming into the Gold Cup). Davies was back on the pitch the weekend the Gold Cup restarted. Again, judgement call but one with considerable weight behind it.

Reset the location. Why does CONCACAF continue to play the Gold Cup only in the USA? Further, why does US Soccer go ahead with this? It's better for the players if they play in other countries. But somehow the final is set for the Rose Bowl. Chicago was a more neutral location four years ago. I'm scratching my head with this one still.

Reset for the fans. We know this country has great athletes. We know they are playing more soccer these days. Having Thomas Rongen miss a chance with the most talented U-20 in a decade only thwarted development further. That team never made it to the U-20 World Cup and players like Agudelo, Salgado, Kitchen won't be exposed to the elements. Rongen was let go. Should Bob Bradley?

Howard....................5
Cherundolo.............N/A
Bocanegra................4
Goodson...................5
Lichaj.......................4
Adu...........................8
Jones........................5
Bradley.....................6
Donovan...................6
Dempsey..................5.5
Bedoya......................4

Subs: Agudelo (4), Bornstein (3), Kljestan (N/A)

Mission accomplished: USA defeats Panama and reaches Gold Cup final

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Mission accomplished today. The USA played a complete game against Panama today and got what it needed: a 1-0 win over Panama to catapult them into the Gold Cup final. It is mission accomplished because the US fought hard to evade an early score by the opposing squad. Because Eric Lichaj continued to show why he's the future of the fullback position, left or right. Because Agudelo showed that he can step in where Altidore left off. Because Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey ascertained their place as America's top players. Because we had the pleasure of seeing an old friend, Freddy Adu, return to the national squad--and excel.

It was also mission accomplished because Jones and Bradley continue to solidify the midfield in a region where Ricardo Clark showed inconsistency and where Maurice Edu had not settled. Mission accomplished because Bob Bradley has changed his lineup from 4-4-2 to 4-5-1 without clogging up the midfield and allowing for more control of the game. Mission accomplished because Clint Dempsey has now become the go-to guy when a decisive strike is needed, something sorely required given Donovan's recent struggles with the national team.

For the US national team, reaching the final will be its mission accomplished. As resilient as this team may be at the moment, it's missing the arguments that will allow it to win the tournament. No Altidore, Davies, Holden or an in-form Onyewu means that a speedy, creative Mexico is technically, on paper, a more fluid team with several weapons. Add to this the fact that the match is in Los Angeles and you are basically letting the Aztecas play at home.

So the US will be the underdogs again, and even if they do not lift the trophy they will have planted the seeds for the future: Agudelo's strength and speed, Lichaj's dominance at left back, the rise of Jermaine Jones and the return of Kljestan and Adu. And yes, a confirmation of our superstar: Clint Dempsey.

Player ratings:

Howard..................7
Lichaj.....................7
Bocanegra.............6.5
Goodson................6
Cherundolo...........7.5
Dempsey...............8
Kljestan.................5
Bedoya...................6
Bradley.................7
Jones.....................7
Agudelo.................7

Subs: Donovan (7), Adu (8)

Rekindled: US defeats Jamaica in Gold Cup Quarterfinal

Photo credit: US Presswire

Bob Bradley may have saved his job a little while longer. The US dominated and defeated Jamaica by the score of 2-0 in a match that served as a preview of what the team can do without Donovan or Altidore. Donovan was left on the bench for two thirds of the match and Altidore (2 goals in the Gold Cup) had to be subbed off early in the game due to a hamstring strain. But team USA responded with smart plays by Kljestan and Bedoya and great teamwork in the defense.

This game was also Dempsey's game. He was severely criticized by media and fans alike (myself included) after the game against Guadeloupe. Indeed, the "Deuce" missed three or four chances in that match that could have increased the scoreline to a more appropriate difference between two squads with considerable spacing in quality and experience. But today Dempsey responded with constant attacks, shots on goal and a superb strike to put the Americans up 2-0.

When Altidore went down injured at the start of the game, Americans nationwide held their breath. Might he miss the rest of the tournament? Would the US still be able to get past Jamaica? But Agudelo picked up where Jozy left off. He provided an additional spark and passes that gave way to the goals scored. His center provided the assist for Clint Dempsey's strike. The youngster proved why he belongs with the team and why he is a player to watch for the future.

Another hero tonight was Jermaine Jones. Always controversial and full of pride, Jones received a yellow for an unnecessary foul but was involved in the attack much more than in previous games. He had his share of chances and his strike from outside the area proved to be the difference-maker in this game.

The back line also had a solid game today. Goodson and Bocanegra held the middle of the field with great poise, although they were outrun on a couple of occasions by the speedster Dane Richards. Cherundolo and Lichaj were great at countering the wings and also by providing great crosses for the US attack. Lichaj, in particular, impressed with his poise and positioning. Hopefully this means more playing time in the Premier League or wherever he ends up next.

Up next is Panama, who just defeated El Salvador on penalty kicks. This could be both good and bad since the players will be full of pride after defeating the Cuscatlecos but also tired from the 120 minutes on the pitch. Team USA will have to undo the damage done by Panama in the group stage loss to the Canaleros. A tough task indeed, but if they play like today then the outcome is likely to be positive.

Player ratings:
Howard.................7.5
Lichaj.....................7.5
Bocanegra..............6
Goodson.................6
Cherundolo............7.5
Dempsey................8.5
Jones......................7
Bedoya....................7
Bradley..................7
Kljestan....................7
Altidore....................(N/A)

Subs: Agudelo (7), Donovan (6), Edu (6.5)

Not good enough: US vs Guadeloupe

Photo credit: Fox Soccer

1 - 0. Yes, that was the score for the USA tonight at a sold-out Livestrong Sporting Park for the last game in the 2011 Gold Cup group stage. And the US needed at least a tie. But wait, this was Guadeloupe we're talking about. Then you throw in last Saturday's loss to Panama and a lukewarm win versus Canada and suddenly you have to wonder if the US national soccer team is regressing.

The match started with two changes that were forced due to the loss against Panama. But did Bob Bradley get it right? Tim Ream out for Lichaj, who was inserted into the left back position, allowing for Bocanegra to return to his center back spot. But Wondolowski in for Agudelo? And no change in the midfield? Why not try Edu instead of Jones or even Bradley? Why not slide Dempsey forward from the start of the game with Bedoya covering the wing? No, these are important questions without clear answers.

The game had possession, countless chances but no real fluidity in the final third. What kept Donovan from taking shots from distance the way he used to? At other instances even Dempsey missed his chances on open goal. This was Guadeloupe defending, not Chelsea or Liverpool or Manchester United.

The sad truth is that the US is just not good enough at this point. Altidore's lone long-distance shot was the difference in a game that should and could have ended 10-0. How is the US suppose to counter this against Jamaica (zero goals against)? And how does the US defend against Chicharito (if they make it that far)? The days of the "Miracle on Grass" at the Confederations Cup and "story book ending" at the World Cup are far behind. There's no DeMerrit or in-form Onyewu on the pitch. Donovan isn't running at the defense like he used to. Michael Bradley and Cherundolo do all the work themselves. Altidore is still not as explosive as we all thought and hoped he would.

Does Bob Bradley take the fall? Or is the US truly in a downward spiral?

Player ratings:
Howard..............6
Cherundolo........7
Bocanegra..........7
Goodson.............6
Lichaj.................5.5
Dempsey............5.5
Donovan.............5
Bradley...............7
Jones..................6
Wondolowski......4
Altidore..............7

Subs: Bedoya (6), Kljestan (5), Edu (N/A)