March Qualifiers: No giant-slayers to kill giants

Photo credit: AP

If you are a fan of the US Men's National Team, the title of this post should say it all. Ahead of the most important game in qualifiers, Juergen Klinsmann lost 8 players, some to injuries, others to inactivity. More importantly, there will be no Howard, Fabian Johnson, Bocanegra, Chandler or Donovan.

This is the team called up for the games: 

GOALKEEPERS- Brad Guzan, Nick Rimando, Sean Johnson.
DEFENDERS- Geoff Cameron, Omar Gonzalez, Tony Beltran, Justin Morrow, Clarence Goodson, Matt Besler.
MIDFIELDERS- Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, Maurice Edu, Graham Zusi, Brek Shea, Joe Corona, Sacha Kljestan, DaMarcus Beasley, Kyle Beckerman.
FORWARDS- Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, Herculez Gomez, Eddie Johnson, Terrence Boyd.

It's true that Carlos Bocanegra is on his way out, so that absence may not be as significant. That the team has lost Tim Howard, the perennial US goalkeeper, and the flanking Germans Johnson and Chandler, puts the team in a potentially-messy situation. Half of the defense is gone. How does the team face Costa Rica and Mexico?

It seems like we have done the left back position story too many times before. When Fabian Johnson took the spot, it seemed to fix the problems. And yet the team has still struggled on that side. Indeed, even the much-maligned Timmy Chandler didn't live up to his Bundesliga talent at right back versus Honduras last month. So were they the permanent fixes? Are we missing Cherundolo that much? May it be that the left back is still up for grabs?

With Klinsmann's team there are always more questions than answers. One thing we may not need to worry about is talent from the midfield up. In the absence of Donovan, Dempsey has taken up the slack by scoring goals and controlling play. The American ace's absence has also given rise to players like Graham Zusi, Brek Shea and Joe Corona. Up top Jozy Altidore and Terrence Boyd are potent European-based forwards and Eddie Johnson and Herculez Gomez are getting things done in the New World for Seattle and Santos, respectively.

And what about Tim Howard? Yes, a casualty of the Premier League and a terrible loss for the US. Then again, these things are going to happen and Brad Guzan, likely to start, has seen his share of action as a starter for Aston Villa in the Premier League. Only communication should be a factor for him, his hands already know the job.

So, do we look at these upcoming qualifiers with optimism? Hard to answer. The back line sounds more like an experimental friendly-type roster as it is. Beltran, Morrow and Besler all have one international cap: against Canada in a friendly in January. Omar Gonzalez just got to know Cameron and it's likely that Cameron might be deployed on the flank, where he has played for Stoke City. 

The midfield options have a couple of defensive options: DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu. Beasley has seen his share of games as a left back, and although he hasn't shined in that spot, his experience playing in Mexico should speak volumes for him. Maurice Edu, on the other hand, has plenty of experience at center back, including a famous win last year versus Mexico at the Azteca. So a back line of Beasley, Goodson, Gonzalez and Cameron in that order isn't so bad. Not perfect but not bad.

But there are missing giant-slayers in this squad: Donovan and Howard. Without both of them we are looking at the next American national team. Anything short of three points in the next two games might make a trip to Brazil highly tenuous. There are giants to defeat: Chicharito, Guardado and Dos Santos for Mexico, Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell for Costa Rica. New slayers will need to rise.

Bradley, a general, and USA ties in Russia

Photo credit: ESPN

There were several subplots in yesterday's international friendly between the USA and Russia in Krasnodar: Josh Gatt and Joe Gyau were new call-ups, Altidore was returning, an army of youngsters headlined the team, and Timmy Chandler had another chance. In the end, the most important part of Team USA was Michael Bradley and he was instrumental in earning the US a 2-2 tie versus the Russians.

Starting from the back, Tim Howard was superb and once more showed why he's one of the top 10 goalkeepers in the world. The score could easily have ended up 5 or 6 to 2 in favor of the Russians. Pure instinct in positioning and impeccable reflexes mixed with great communication saved Team USA time and time again, especially early in the second half in a scene reminiscent of the Americans' win at the Azteca. Without Timmy, this team would struggle.

The defense was supposed to be closer to the ultimate starting group: Chandler was back and ready to take up the right back spot, Johnson was healthy and the left back position is his, Cameron has continued his rise at center back and paired up well with Bocanegra. The aging Boca, however, saw his game end early with an injury. Clarence Goodson, the next best player, came in. Goodson didn't have a good night, however, including the penalty he was forced to concede. Johnson was exposed several times tonight and Chandler didn't show the flair displayed in earlier matches with the USA.

At midfield things were a bit different, and perhaps confused. Three defensive midfielders were trotted out by Klinsmann: Danny Williams, Jermaine Jones and Michael Bradley. At times, the three stumbled in figuring out who had which man and who was supposed to attack. Jones was very active in the attack, however, and led to important crosses. Williams had a less stellar night and a mistouch allowed Russia's opening goal.

The 4-3-3 formation had Herculez Gomez and Josh Gatt on the outside and Jozy Altidore as the center forward. Jozy did much better in this game than in recent qualifiers, a cause for him missing out on the final two games in the tournament. He still had some moments of absence and showed trepidation when controlling the ball, perhaps due to his recent form with the national team. 

The brightest new start today was surely newcomer Josh Gatt. A member of Norway's champions, Molde, Gatt has been showing excellent speed and talent in the Tippeligaen. This was enough for Klinsmann to call him up to qualifiers, although he was injured, and ultimately to this game. Gatt showed his speed, but more importantly, he showed that he has passion for the game and an understanding of his position on the pitch. 

As happens in many friendlies, substitutes tend to be difference-makers. Such was the case with Agudelo and Diskerud. Juan Agudelo's headed back pass to Michael Bradley allowed the Roma man to unleash a superb shot that defeated the Russian goalkeeper and tied the score at 1-1. Diskerud would go on to tie the game at 2-2 in stoppage time in similar fashion to Bradley's goal, with Terrence Boyd as the provider.

Michael Bradley controlled this match. When the score was down 0-1 he managed the midfield and stopped the Russian attack. When he needed to come forward, he did so, and it always turned into a dangerous situation. He scored the equalizer in a dramatic, world class manner, from outside the area. He also set up the second goal with a well-placed long ball to Terrence Boyd. As Alexi Lalas argued, it was his economy at positioning that set him apart. Dempsey may be the offensive key for the United States at the moment, but Bradley is undoubtedly the engine at midfield and a general on the field.

Player Ratings:

Howard.............9

Johnson.............6

Cameron...........6.5

Bocanegra..........N/A

Chandler..........5.5

J. Jones............6

D. Williams.......4.5

Bradley.............8

Gomez..............5

Altidore.............6

Gatt..................7

Subs: Diskerud (7), Agudelo (7), Edu (5.5), Kljestan (6), Boyd (6), Goodson (4)

Made and Broken: USA defeats Guatemala

Photo credit: Getty Images

It was a make or break moment the likes we haven't seen since the 2002 qualifiers. The US national team needed at least a tie versus Guatemala to advance to the final Hexagonal of Concacaf qualifying for Brazil 2014. They made their case and they broke Guatemala by 3-1 in what could easily have been a more dominant score.

As with political campaigns, this game was about coming out punching. Team USA pressed from the first second but a mishap in communication between Cameron and Bocanegra meant that a lofted ball got to Pescadito Ruiz's boots for an easy one-on-one versus Howard for the former MLS player. 0-1 wasn't the way Klinsmann wanted it. But Bocanegra answered back 5 minutes later thanks to a headed assist by Dempsey.

And yes. Dempsey returned tonight with a vengeance after critics categorized him as dull and ineffective at Antigua and Barbuda last Friday. An assist and two goals later and the Tottenham Hotspur ace has once again carried team USA.

There were a few kinks in the defense today, something that Klinsmann will need to continue to work on after so many months of trials. Does Bocanegra retain his spot? Can Tim Ream or Omar Gonzalez break into the fold? As for left back it is Fabian Johnson's spot but in his absence a person like Eric Lichaj should be considered ahead of Edgar Castillo or Michael Parkhurst, simply because of what he did with the position when he had it. Right back is Cherundolo's position and one that can be manned by the likes of Lichaj, Sean Franklin or, if ever, Timmy Chandler.

The offense clicked today for Klinsmann. Possession, passing and calculated moves was what we saw. Graham Zusi has been a revelation and we should expect interest from Europe in the coming months. In the absence of Landon Donovan and Brek Shea he has performed with etiquette and flair. It was a vision of a post-Donovan era, but we will need the all-American for the Hexagonal and, if we're lucky, for the World Cup as well.

Eddie Johnson and Herculez Gomez did their job as strikers but the talent that Jozy Altidore, Chris Wondolowski and Terrence Boyd possess cannot be forgotten. Indeed, we will need all of these players in the ten games reserved for next year's Hexagonal. Somewhere in that time a true stable lineup will finally be drawn by the US coach and some semblance of continuity can finally reign over the national team. This is sorely needed and perhaps the root of some of the more deplorable games in the qualification semifinals we just experienced.

Player ratings:

Howard................6.5

Cherundolo.............7

Bocanegra.............6.5

Cameron...............5

Parkhurst...............6

Zusi........................7

Dempsey...............8

M. Bradley.............7.5

Johnson.................6

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

D. Williams............5.5

3 points: USA defeats Jamaica

Photo credit: Reuters

It may seem that it would be written in the stars for the United States: playing at home in a qualifier on the 11th anniversary of 9/11. So much pride, spirit and desire. And the men in stripes did not disappoint. Team USA got their win and vengeance over Jamaica after a shock loss in Kingston last Friday, and they are now in better position to qualify for the next round of World Cup Qualifying.

It was, however, a tale of two halves. Not necessarily the temporal halves, but the before and after the goal was scored. Before the goal, the US held 79% of the possession, hit the post three times and was denied, miraculously by Dwayne Miller twice. Most of all, the US looked great throughout the first half with Zusi, Cherundolo and Danny Williams looking especially impressive. 

After the goal, the Americans looked disinterested and, at times vulnerable. Marking became sloppy and Dempsey could not get forward with clarity. It could have been so much more if they had kept the same tempo going. It may have been a perfect match altogether.

If the Americans had had Michael Bradley or Donovan on this night, the score could easily have been much more emphatic. Even so, however, nothing in the first 55 minutes made us feel that those two legionnaires were absolutely necessary to win; the score might have been 4-0 by the end of the night. 

The forwards did their job tonight. Dempsey held the ball, looked dangerous and demanded respect. This gave Herculez Gomez more room to roam, strike, open spaces and ultimately stand up to take the free kick that gave the US the victory. Altidore's insertion late in the game gave the front line more stability and a way to hold up the play.

The midfield clicked tonight. Even Jose Torres, long-heralded the playmaker by Juergen Klinsmann, looked clear and precise in his passes and his shots. Danny Williams excelled at defensive midfielder and outshone recent efforts by Edu, Jones and Beckermann. Graham Zusi has made a case for himself as a good option on the wing with great passing ability and a superb shot. We will see more of him in the future. Jones was probably the weakest link tonight but he held the Jamaicans back and took a few knocks in the process.

The defense was rather stout with Cherundolo and Bocanegra back in their respective positions. There is no arguing that, for the moment, there is no replacement for Bocanegra, only approximations, and we need Boca for matches like these. Cherundolo has also made a clear point that he is still the man to beat at right back unless Timmy Chandler joins the team or Eric Lichaj improves further.

The ball is now clearly in the US' half for qualifying. A trip to lowly, feisty, and eliminated Antigua and Barbuda and a home match versus Guatemala. Win both and the US advances. Jamaica and Guatemala will face each other next in Central America in a match that could decide their fate in this group. No team can take anything for granted anymore. This is where it ends and it begins.

Player ratings:

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

Cherundolo.......7.5

Bocanegra.........7.5

F. Johnson.........6

Cameron............7

Zusi...................7.5

Torres................6

Jones................5.5

Williams...........8

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

Gomez..............7.5

Subs: Edu (6.5), Shea (6), Altidore (5.5)

Stoked: The Rise of Geoff Cameron

 Photo credit: NBC Sports

Geoff Cameron has had a swift change in his career during the past year. Once a defensive midfielder for the Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer, he was switched to center back when his teammate experienced an injury. After that, his poise, versatility and style quickly caught the attention of Juergen Klinsmann and he cemented himself as an option at the center back position.

Klinsman's choice of Cameron as a center back was key in the development of the national team since the top choices Bocanegra, Onyewu and Goodson aren't getting any younger and Tim Ream was relegated to the League Championship in England. Orozco Fiscal also hasn't shown to be a reliable option and George John and Omar Gonzalez have seen their form drop due to injury or other distractions. In any case, Cameron's recent games since his first start versus Venezuela earlier this year haven proven that he's exactly the type of player that can succeed internationally.

One key match that finally sealed Cameron's appeal to US national team fans and his new employer, Stoke City, was the game against Mexico two weeks ago. There, Cameron paired up with soon-to-be-teammate Maurice Edu at center back and helped win the game for the United States in a location the had never been conquered in the past. Cameron denied Chicharito Hernandez on several occasions and had a superb saving header that could have ended as an own goal. It was a true Kodak moment. 

Both Cameron and Edu have similar qualities as versatile defensive midfielders that can also play in the defense. In the case of Cameron, he is a more withdrawn defender than Edu, which can be advantageous for a mid-table team like Stoke City.

Today, Cameron debuted for Stoke City in a game versus legendary Arsenal. And he succeeded. Not only did Cameron keep his poise, he also looked in control at all times, was never intimidated by the lights of the Premier League and had great tackles, passing and his trademark offensive throw-ins. Stoke City have won a valuable asset in this player and his being with the "Potters" at the world's best league can only further cement his position as a starter for the national team in the coming years.

Good luck, Geoff. We are cheering for you.

Dissolving the American Rangers

Photo credit: SNS Group 

 

At one point the Glasgow Rangers was the ultimate American soccer destination for a sizable fraction of Yanks playing abroad. From Claudio Reyna and DaMarcus Beasley as the more classic representatives to Alejandro Bedoya, a promising young US star. Scarcely a few months ago, however, debt and tax problems forced the team to go into administration and was demoted by league members to the Sottish third division.

So what are the Americans to do? Along with Bedoya are two automatic starters for the national team: Carlos Bocanegra and Maurice Edu. None of these players are keen to return to MLS and there is a future in Europe still. For Bedoya, even a return to the Swedish first division would work. Edu could have a chance in bigger markets in England, Germany, Italy and Spain. For Bocanegra, a move to the Mexican Primera wouldn't be so bad.

It's sad to see such a storied club like Rangers go down in such a drastic manner. This is, after all, the Manchester United, New York Yankees of Scotland. For the Americans, however, it means perhaps less lucrative deals wherever they end up. Still, for a player like Maurice Edu, a move to a bigger club with more chances at being in the Champions League is a plus. Bedoya's lack of playing time meant less chances with the national team, so a move to better on-field opportunities is a welcome one. In the end, this unfortunate event might end up benefiting each of the players and the national team itself.

Speed Bump: USA loses to Brazil

Photo credit: Washington Post

Juergen Klinsmann's impressive 5 game unbeaten streak with the US national team had to end at some point. Tonight it happened against one of the world's best teams: Brazil by 1-4. And it happened because of questionable refereeing and having to chase a 0-2 scoreboard against the always-dangerous Brazilian attack.

As the US coach would assert, there were plenty of positives in tonight's unfortunate romp at FedEx Field: great attacking from the flanks, good offensive posture, great goalkeeping, and having Dempsey and Donovan on the pitch. It was a good night for Herculez Gomez, sort of, since he scored on the 5-time world champions. It was the dating runs made by Fabian Johnson that provided the assist for the goal and that could have accounted for a second.

Dempsey still has some rust to shake off and perhaps he should not have been used in the match and perhaps should be rested until Guatemala, the most important match of the summer stretch. The offense clicked well with Torres and Donovan--when the US No. 10 wasn't being double marked--, as well as Bradley and Jones. Terrence Boyd nearly got his first international goal if it hadn't been for a sprawling Rafael.

The back line, sorely untested against Scotland, left many questions by the center two: Bocanegra and Onyewu. Indeed, Onyewu's positioning cost the team Brazil's fourth goal, while the second was an unfortunate handball. Bocanegra had a difficult time controlling the ball and building plays from the back. One wonders if the Confederations Cup Centerback duo will ever be a viable option again. There are plenty of capable centerbacks in the pipeline: Goodson, Ream, Parkhurst, Cameron. Perhaps Bocanegra may continue on for a couple of more years but Onyewu's stock at this level is swiftly falling. 

The wings had their own aging aches as Cherundolo was constantly forced to chase Neymar's shadows and his frustration translated into scuffles with Marcelo. The same can't be said about Fabian Johnson, who manned the often-troubled left back position with flair in attack and temperance in defense. At last, it seems, the left back position might have a winner.

Up next for the US is a familiar foe: Canada. The Americans defeated Canada 2-0 in last year's Confederations Cup in Detroit. This time the game will be played at Toronto's BMO Field. It is a fitting end to the "friendly" portion of the mini summer tournament dished out by Klinsmann: a Concacaf rival in an away game. This is the key to getting to the World Cup and our national team coach knows this road well.

Player ratings:

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

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

Bocanegra................4

Onyewu...................3

F. Johnson................7.5

Edu..........................4.5

J. Jones....................6

Bradley....................7

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

Torres......................6.5

H. Gomez................7

Subs: Boyd (6), Dempsey (6), Parkhurst (N/A), Castillo (N/A), Beckermann (N/A)

Old Firm in the USA

Photo credit: MLS

Yesterday we were treated to a rare event: The Old Firm match between the two Scottish superclubs Rangers and Celtic. What a game and what an atmosphere. And it's great to finally be able to see matches like these in the US, especially considering that Rangers has three American players in their squad. They are indeed the American Glasgow Rangers.

The match took place with all the flair that comes along with a true derby. Raw emotions, interesting undercurrents with Rangers' financial woes, a title on the line for Celtic, and plenty of goals, fouls and red cards. Aluko's opening goal was particularly impressive with his cutting move and quick finish. Wallace's game-winner was a vintage 2-man advantage type goal and one worth celebrating.

As far as our American legion playing for Rangers, Bocanegra was impressive until the point he was sent off for a foul in the penalty area. Captain America still has it, however, winning balls left and right and taking part in the attack when summoned by inspiration and reflex. Maurice Edu had a quiet yet constant game. He settled the midfield and provided some key passes. It's clear that both of these players should remain top options for Klinsmann's national team. Unfortunately, Alejandro Bedoya didn't make it onto the pitch, although he was on the bench for Rangers.

Perhaps the most important part of this game for the US fans was the very fact that it was on TV. Suddenly, a couple of days before the match there were advertisements for it and we were quick to set up the DVR. It's also a part of a very encouraging trend in soccer coverage in the United States. From MLS getting a contract with the newly formed NBC Sports to the expanded coverage of the UEFA Champions League on the various FOX networks, more and more futbol can be watched on television. Add to this the recent purchase by FOX of the World Cup rights for 2018 and 2022 and suddenly it's not just ESPN with soccer.

At any point during the week, anyone with expanded cable or satellite coverage is treated to soccer from around the world. Even basic cable and regular television in areas with Spanish network or Fox itself will showcase MLS, Mexican Primera and English Premier League matches.

So yes, thank you to the Old Firm for a great match. And thank you FOX for this treat. To all the TV soccer networks: please keep it coming.

The American Glasgow Rangers

Photo credit: US Soccer

The Scottish Premier League team Glasgow rangers added two Americans during the summer transfer window: Alejandro Bedoya (Orebro) and Carlos Bocanegra (St Etienne). Rangers already has one American international: Maurice Edu. The Ibrox team has been the home of DaMarcus Beasley and Claudio Reyna in the past.

So what has caused this influx of American talent to the Scottish champions? A recent article indicates that the Rangers front office is seeking to broaden American appeal for the squad. Whether this will work remains to be seen. However, those of us following Americans abroad always have an eye on what's happening with the team. Adding Captain America Carlos Bocanegra could mean more interest in soccer media to air matches involving this squad.

There are some interesting undercurrents within the context of Rangers moves. For one, this team has shown a commitment to developing US players in a way that few other club teams in Europe have. Fulham, for example, is another squad that has hosted Americans (Keller, McBride, Bocanegra, Eddie Johnson, Clint Dempsey). This means recognition that there is significant quality in this country, enough to build a squad around. Let's not forget that many teams in Europe have Brazilian and Argentinean spines. Comparing Americans to those countries isn't necessarily fair, but it's becoming clear that our national team players are viable candidates.

The three Americans currently fielding for Rangers occupy different positions on the pitch: defensive midfielder (Edu), attacking midfielder/winger (Bedoya). and central/left back (Bocanegra). This is a testament to the continuing solidification of the defense and, especially, the midfield in this country. Players like Bradley, Donovan, Dempsey, Holden, Jermaine Jones and Edu are notable not just in this country but abroad as well. And even though Maurice Edu may be on his way out of Rangers, having two regular starters in a major European team speaks volumes for the evolution of the American soccer player. Mexican squads have also taken up this cause and have added Herculez Gomez, Jose Francisco Torres, DaMarcus Beasley and Jonathan Bornstein to their teams.

As the summer window closes, players like Edu, Bradley and Jones may move to more traditionally powerful teams. Bradley is reportedly attracting interest from Napoli (in Champions League) and Roma (eternal contender). Clint Dempsey might make a move at any point. His presence in the Premier League is solid already. As for Rangers, their outreach goes a step beyond the Scandinavian attraction towards US soccer players. The Ibrox team has significant pedigree and is looking more American every year. As our young players grow up and become stars, more and more European teams are paying attention to the widening pool of talent in this country.

Implossion: US loses to Panama

Photo credit: Fox Soccer

Seriously? Not a typo? Bound to happen? How many headlines do we require to convey the message? The US just isn't that good at the moment. It is possible the team peaked at South Africa 2010 and now we are picking up the pieces and restructuring. You could even make a case for 2009 being a higher point for the American squad. No, the USA was outclassed, outdefended, outplayed and just not good enough.

There were no heroics from Donovan, no clinching goal from Bornstein, no superhuman saves from Howard, no cohesion in the central midfield or defense, no real spark from Agudelo. And we were at home? And we think we can win the tournament?

If I had been a commentator today, I would have duct-taped my mouth like Carlos Albert did when the Mexico U-23 squad failed to qualify for the 2008 Olympics. Yes, it really was that bad. My non-soccer friends were just as disgusted and pointed to sad details that even I was blind to. Where was Goodson and Ream? And our Captain America--Bocanegra? Who do we turn to now? Onyewu still isn't 100% and DeMerrit is with his club. Lichaj? Spector? Bornstein? Are you also cringing now?

And we cringe not just because of today. Every team is allowed to have bad games. Even Spain, with its all-star cast lost at the World Cup (not to mention the US game in 2009). We cringe because there are other teams in this tournament capable of significantly more damage if the US has another bad day. What if it had been Chicharito instead of Blas Perez? Dos Santos instead of Tejada? Saborio? Maynor Figueroa? Need we say more?

Today was the highest lesson in humility. Donovan mentioned how they "needed to learn from this game." We sure hope they did. The dreams and thoughts after the Canada game, a near-perfect game for the US, were quickly erased today by a team of significantly less stature. What else can we say? Bradley? Our US coach has taken the US to new heights and relevance. But we have also seen his game unravel--early. In the first half hour of play. Over and over again. I find it difficult to see Bob Bradley remain at the helm if the US does not capture the trophy. And right now that doesn't seem likely.

Player ratings:
Howard...............5.5
Cherundolo............6
Ream.....................3.5
Goodson................5.5
Bocanegra..............4
Dempsey...............7
Donovan.................5
Bradley..................6
Jones.....................4
Agudelo.................4
Altidore..................5

Substitutes: Kljestan (6), Bedoya (6), Wondolowski (5)

Jozy strikes back: US vs Canada

Photo credit: AP

The United States started the 2011 Concacaf Gold Cup with the right result today: a 2-0 win over Canada. The 0-4 deficit versus Spain four days ago was quickly forgotten thanks to savvy play by Donovan, Bradley and Dempsey, outstanding central defense, lateral penetration thanks to Cherundolo, scintillating goalkeeping by Howard, and great offensive plays by Altidore.

The match started fast for the Stars and Stripes, Michael Bradley showed why he's such a gifted box-to-box player and he combined well with Jermaine Jones. Dempsey played a slightly withdrawn forward role in a 4-3-1-2 formation at times. It worked. Donovan's penetrating runs and crosses fed Agudelo and Altidore on several occasions and could have added another pair of goals.

The defense was stout in the middle with a Goodson-Ream tandem that just might be clicking the way Onyewu and Bocanegra once were. Bocanegra's new position at left back looked vulnerable, at times, due to his lack of speed, which in turn meant he restrained from going forward too much. Cherundolo was solid for the most part. Then there's Tim Howard. This game and his various saves en route to a shutout are the reason why he's one of the top goalkeepers in the world. One sequence after a corner, in particular, required feline instincts and reaction.

And then there's Altidore. Redemption from constant attacks from media and fans alike. Why isn't he scoring? How can we rely on him as our top striker? He gave us the reasons today. Protecting the ball by using his strength and size and centering his strike with enough force to slip past Hirschfeld. And Dempsey's masterful sliding goal came from a pinpoint Altidore center. And this is what people forget--Altidore provided two of the most important assists at last year;s World Cup. One was a cradling header to set up Michael Bradley's tying goal versus Slovenia. The second was the center he provided for Donovan's goal versus Algeria. This is how important Altidore is to the future of the US national team.

Let's not forget that a likely rival in a possible final is Mexico. Chicharito and company are a whole new level above what Canada has to offer. However, Canada is a team with similar characteristics to the US. This is important to gauge similar weaknesses and strengths that can be exploited by other squads like Mexico or Costa Rica.

Well done, team USA. Great way to start a tournament.

Howard......................9
Cherundolo...............7.5
Ream..........................6
Goodson.....................6.5
Bocanegra..................5
Dempsey....................7.5
Bradley......................8
Donovan....................7
Jones...........................6
Agudelo......................5.5
Altidore......................8

Subs: Kljestan (5.5), Edu (6), Wondolowski (N/A)

America's college game: Akron prevails

There may be no promotion/relegation in America's professional soccer league system. The Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps are entering MLS as expansion sides, not as promoted squads from the USSF-2 lower division. There is also a rising tide of player development within MLS teams, but nowhere near enough to have significant homegrown talent. But American futbol has another type of soccer: the College game. Today, Akron prevailed by the score of 1-0 over Louisville and are now the NCAA champions.

Caldwell's strike in the second half gave the Zips the only goal of the match in a game that was largely controlled by the Ohio team throughout the first half. Louisville could have scored at least twice in the dying moments of the game in front of an open net. In the end, it was a deserved win for Akron and its outstanding coach: Caleb Porter. The Zips could and should have won last year but were defeated on penalties by Virginia.

But what is the real importance of the college game? How does it affect US soccer? Very much so. If you are familiar with certain names: Dempsey (Furman), Charlie Davies (Boston College), Carlos Bocanegra (UCLA), then suddenly it becomes obvious that significant talent can be found in this player pool. It is also a means for MLS to acquire the best talent available in the United States, even international players like Zakuani and Ngwenya. The US' love affair with "college draft" is preserved in the American soccer league and it deserves credit for portioning talent in an equal manner for all MLS teams.

There are some caveats to the college game, however. For one, there are the "time outs" and countdown clock. These two are as American as apple pie. There's no such thing in the world's game. Even if there are 45 minute halves, the fact that these rules remain in place surely subtracts from the league's reputation. It thus places it as an afterthought for many American fans of the game and even more so for the rest of the planet.

How long will the college tournament last in its relative prestige? With the increasing player development in most MLS teams, the situation for college players changes a bit... or does it? Maybe it should be regarded for what it is: a lower division full of youngsters eager to make the jump to professional soccer. If the NASL (formerly USL and USSF-D2) is the "Championship" or "Serie B" of the USA, then the NCAA is the "League One" or "Serie C" of US soccer. Or is it more of an alternate second division? In the end it means this: more players, more talent.

US vs Holland: step by step

Today, the USA played the #3 ranked team in the world, the Netherlands, and although it wasn't a positive result, the game still had certain value for the team. Bob Bradley himself said he had learned "a few things" from the match, especially given Beasley's performance and companionship for Jozy.

Yes, the final score was 1-2 in favor of the Dutch, but let's explore that a bit further: the first goal occurred due to a misguided move by Bornstein when he tugged on the shirt of a Holland player and created a penalty for the opposing team. The second goal was due to brilliant play by Sneijder, Huntelaar and company, and although Howard may have had it, an unfortunate bounce (off Bornstein) deflected the ball to the back of the net.

But the Americans bounced back near the end of the game. Even though Donovan was muted during most of the game (perhaps through clever marking or maybe fatigue due to Everton play), players like Bradley, Edu, Holden, Torres and especially Beasley, created the situations and provided Jozy with the ball. The American's goal came due to sheer perseverance and by Captain America, Carlos Bocanegra. It was a set piece, America's secret weapon.

Jozy Altidore once again showed his class, but he was missing a counterpart. It may be interesting to see him paired with Donovan or Dempsey if charlie Davies is unable to come back. Holden's early injury was a blow to the team's attack, but Beasley stepped up and may have sealed his place in the team for South Africa (as long as he gets minutes with Rangers).

Player ratings:
Howard...6
Bornstein...4
Spector...5
DeMerrit...5.5
Bocanegra...6.5
Torres...5.5
Holden...6
Findley...3
Donovan...5
Edu...6
Bradley...6.5
Altidore...7
Beasley...7.5
Bedoya...6
Johnson (NA)

Collapse: US falls to Denmark in friendly

This was a chance for newcomers to shine. It was a chance to prove the US can do it without Dempsey, Donovan and Howard. It was a chance to see how the US might do in a tough World Cup group. They failed. No one served the attackers. The defenders were overrun and got no help from midfield.

What do we make of this? Clearly, Donovan's presence is key to the US attack and drive as a whole. Onyewu's absence in the back line was flagrantly obvious, along with Bocanegra's mishaps. DeMerrit, Goodson, Marshall and Conrad are all good options, with DeMerrit being at the top of the list. Unfortunately, Goodson-Conrad, Bocanegra-Spector did not work today. Spector was miserable as a center back, even though he is occasionally played there in his club team, West Ham.

On the flanks, Bornstein had a quiet day but let a few balls slip through. Hejduk was a trooper and played with his trademark spunk, but Cherundolo and Spector remain better options at that position. Castillo was not used as a left back, from what I could tell and failed to impress.

The attack was quiet with a seemingly out-of-shape Altidore and with Cunningham and later Johnson lacking enough service to be dangerous. This was ultimately the problem... The midfield. Holden was exceedingly out-of-pace with the rest of the game, Bradley was caught ball-watching and Clark didn't contribute enough defensively. This was the major cause for the collapse at the start of the second half with three unanswered Danish goals. The defense needed more numbers in the back and the defensive midfielders were caught ball-watching.

Some positives include Feilhaber's resilience and Cunningham's opportunistic chance. I'm not sure if Castillo will be called up again, maybe for another friendly, maybe not. Donovan and Dempsey are clearly the aces in this team. It's hard to see the US faring well without them. Another point is Altidore's companion up top. Davies' speed is missing right now and the only other dominant player that can do this is Donovan. But who would be the creative force without Donovan in the midfield? These are questions that need to be mauled over by the coaching staff and the players themselves. There's not much time left until the World Cup and there are only a handful of FIFA dates to work with next year ahead of the competition. Indeed, it's crunch time.

Player ratings:
Guzan...6
Hejduk...5
Bocanegra...4
Spector...4
Bornstein...4.5
Holden...4
Bradley...4
Clark...5
Feilhaber...6
Cunningham...6
Altidore...4
Subs: Johnson (5), Goodson (5), Conrad (5.5), Castillo (3.5),

Truth be told: Why the US won't beat Trinidad tomorrow

At the danger of sounding pessimistic, I'm simply stating this: the US lacks the arguments to beat Trinindad and Tobago at Port of Spain. Why? Lack of communication in the defense. With DeMerrit out, it will be interesting to see what Bob Bradley does with the back line. Pearce is very far from the left back position at this point. Bornstein showed he can't quite cut it internationally and showed that vs El Salvador. Beasley was atrocious at the Confederations Cup. Bocanegra is needed to pair up with Onyewu in the center. Castillo has just been cleared to play for the US but too late for this match. Of the above, we know that Pearce, Castillo, and Beasley weren't even called up.

There is the possibility of switching Spector to the left as he's used in West Ham, but that would introduce Cherundolo on the right, where he showed difficulties in Mexico. Putting Bocanegra out wide and inserting Marshall reintroduces some of the miscommunication seen last Saturday. There's no clear winning solution here against a fast-paced and physical T&T side.

In the middle of the pitch, it might advisable to reintroduce Clark as a holding midfielder with Bradley. If he can regain his form things might fare better. Bradley needs to keep composed also. Dempsey requires more impetus from the defense in order to work as a valid option in the attack. He showed glimpses of that in the last game. Up front, barring injuries, Davies and Altidore should be the starters.

It will be a difficult match. T&T is likely to take advantage of the US early-score-by-the-other-team bug and the stars and stripes will go down 0-1 at the half. Some heroics are possible in the second half with Donovan as the orchestrator. We should also take note on the fact that a good majority of the players are carrying yellow cards and may be unavailable for the Honduras match in October, were they to get another yellow. Prediction: 1-1.

Benny's return and Boca the hero: USA-Honduras

It was a nail biting experience. Down in the first 5 minutes at home versus a rising Honduran team in front of an unfriendly crowd. Wait, I thought this was a home game. Nope. Not when you have your players play an important qualifying match in a major city, easily accessible, to a crowd with significant presence in the United States. It was 0-1 on the scoreboard in Chicago.

But this was different. No Marvell Wynne to leave open spaces, no Beasley in an unnatural left back position, no Bradley or Torres in midfield and, again, no Ching. Instead we had Conor Casey (top scorer in MLS at the moment and with Bundesliga experience) with Altidore. Spector did his job at right back (although the position is still up for grabs), Bornstein cleaned it up on the left side and Clark was surprisingly strong in the defensive midfield.

As the first half wound down it was a Donovan penalty for a well deserved tied score at halftime. Then came the spark of Benny Feilhaber (Aarthus, Denmark), substituting an absent Mastroeni. Things started to roll again. I was cheering for Benny to score another stunner in Chicago, as he did in 2007's Gold Cup in the final against Mexico, but instead we got tremendous possession and play as a creative role in the middle of the pitch. I highlight him because of all the bad press he has gotten for the past 2 years after two injuries and bad form. He just plain showed why he deserves a spot in the current squad when veterans like Mastroeni are down or yellow card fears impose a change on the field. Benny was there for it and should remain in contention for a supersub at worst.

Finally, let's rewind to the game winner... A corner kick, always an important weapon in the Americans' arsenal, a re-centering of the corner by Dempsey, and an opportunistic head-dive by Captain America Carlos Bocanegra. Never mind the fact that he could have been injured by the defender, or the fact that he actually did get injured later in the game. It was a goal. The (American) crowds went wild and South Africa looked a step closer. More so with Mexico's defeat at El Salvador. The US is now in second place with 10 points, 2 behind Costa Rica, 5 clear of 3rd place El Salvador. This qualifying round will be down to the last game, it looks, and there may still be a game against a South American team for the final play-off. This could be true for Mexico or even the US. Ouch.

Player rankings:
Howard...7
Spector....6.5
Onyewu....6.5
Bocanegra....7.5
Bornstein....6.5
Dempsey....7
Donovan....7.5
Mastroeni...4
Clark...6.5
Casey...6
Altidore....6
Subs... Beasley (N/A), Feilhaber (7), DeMerrit (6)

Premier Relegation

Fulham wins today. The all-American Premier League team is close to safety from relegation. Much has been said about this Premier League side and its American contingent. Whilst Clint Dempsey made a name for himself with 7 goals early this season and Brian McBride started scoring for him lately, winning crucial games for them in the process, other players such as MLS standout Eddie Johnson and US national team captain Carlos Bocanegra have been relegated to the bench and sometimes to the team reserves. How does this play out for the US national team? True, Bocanegra was still on the bench for all the recent Fulham games and this may, as some commentators have suggested, count as a strategic move by the Craven Cottage Coach. He just recently scored in a shocker win against Poland in Polish territory so I hope he can get back on track at the club level soon or his time as national team member/captain could be compromised. There has been serious speculation about EJ's recent performance both club-wise and in the national team. Some, like Ives Galarcep are worried that he could turn out to be another Clint Mathis and whither out of the picture. I hope not. EJ has good treatment of the ball and I think that with Fulham he showed pretty good skill but was somehow afraid to take more chances. As for Dempsey's future... he should have no problem finding a Premier League job if Fulham does indeed get relegated. McBride on the other hand should consider going back to the Crew, where a blue-collar fanbase is ready to refill the stands if they have their hero back.
Another side that could go down into the Coca-Cola Championship is Reading. I've seen them play and they are certainly lacking in the final touch and their defense is anything but stellar at the moment. It's too bad, because one of their players is once Ecuador great Ulises de la Cruz. He is getting old, however, so I can see why he's on the bench. Bobby Convey certainly hasn't looked anywhere near as good as when he played in the US. Recent national team play has also shown this downward trend in his play. As for the goalkeepers, Kelsey and Hahnemann might be headed to the MLS. Indeed, Hahnemann has stated more than once that he'd like to be in the expansion Seattle team next season. That would be great for the league and for them as well.
As for Derby County. Hopeless. I feel for their fans. Sometimes teams are just bad and need restructuring. Benny Feilhaber should try to find work elsewhere. He was seldom used in this team and has a bright future if we count his various appearances with the national team.