More late game woes and USA surrender to Colombia

Image: ISI Photos

Team USA lost to newly-promoted powerhouse, Colombia, by a familiar score of 2-1. Why familiar? The U.S. played with strength and belief and new faces but a top team still steamrolled the USMNT for the majority of the game.

The worst part about this loss was how it came. They lost it at the end of the game when they could have walked away with a galant tie. That part wasn't as much Colombian magic than the same game management problem that robbed the team of wins in October.

It's true that friendlies are about careful observation and experimentation. Yet Klinsmann has shown time and again that he will experiment the day of the game. One thing that could have gone better for the team in Brazil was a sense of longevity and cohesiveness. That goes out the window with 6 substitutions.

Let's face one thing. We can blame the October friendlies on the multitude of substitutions inthe second half, completely different teams won't play the same way. Against Colombia he turned to John Brooks and Jermaine Jones. While the latter always imposes himself in a match, the former was a head scratcher for sure.

Colombia is Colombia. I haven't seen a team play so seamlessly since the Spain we all knew and loved from a few years back. So, in reality, the game was Colombia's to lose. And, truthfully, there should have been a penalty called in their favor also, which would make the 2-1 result a moot point.

The game against Ireland is a more interesting game in that it is technically "winnable" if Klinsmann plays his cards right and sticks to a stout defense. Rubin needs to play, for sure, and maybe he can get his first goal. Altidore has the tools to dictate a match and will look to these friendlies to catapult him to a new team on January.

Elsewhere for the team, Bedoya and Diskerud were impressive, as was Kyle Beckermann. Why he didn't play more in the latter games of the World Cup, we will never know. Fabian Johnson and DeAndre Yedlin might need to switch spots. Yedlin is becoming a speedy menace at midfield and is another gem for Klinsmann as we move forward into the regional tournaments and, eventually, to a place in Russia 2018.

Thank you, Landon

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Landon Donovan played his last match for the U.S. Men's national team tonight in a game versus Ecuador in East Hartford, Connecticut. He didn't score but sure got close. There was spectacle while he was on the pitch and his teammates wanted it for him.

Altidore served Donovan the perfect ball and he Landon struck it well. The post, however, disagreed. The rest of us, all of us, wanted it for him. 

But Landon gave us so many goals already with the national team. 57 of them, actually. Some were expected, some spectacular, some made us dream, some made us cry. There was the second goal in the 2-0 versus Mexico in 2002 and a passage to the quarterfinals. There was also the goal versus Mexico that clinched the qualification to Brazil 2014. And, of course, the goals versus Slovenia and Algeria in 2010. 

Donovan's goal versus Algeria encapsulated what it is to be an American soccer player. The goal started from the bottom up, from Tim Howard's pass, to teamwork between Altidore and Dempsey, to Donovan's sublime final touch off a rebound. It was meant to be and it was meant to be dramatic. Americans love drama and Donovan wrote us the script.

Andres Cantor put it well during his narration of the goal. The goal was and had to be scored by America's franchise player. 

Tonight we say goodbye to his presence on the pitch for the USMNT. True, he was missing at the World Cup and it would have been nicer for his career to end with another tournament. And yet, in the end, Landon chooses his own path, as he did by staying in MLS and foregoing a career in Europe. He knew it was his time to end this journey. Landon chose to say goodbye at 32 with his head held high, still scoring, still smiling, still dreaming.

Thank you, Landon, for helping us dream of soccer.

Czech rewind: Gyau and Klinsmann's young crew

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The game against the Czech Republic in this past Wednesday's international friendly had a purely experimental USMNT squad. Young players, uncapped players, and 24-year old Jozy Altidore as captain. And they won against a solid European team in Prague.

Perhaps the most impressive outing was that of Borussia Dortmund reservist Joe Gyau. He commanded the flank as a midfielder/forward in Klinsmann's 4-3-3 and looked great doing it. In fact, he was only outdone by Nick Rimando, who really, trully should be thanked for this unprovable win.

Was young Julian Green active? Sure, but not as much as we would like the heir of Donovan to be. Miskerud, on the other hand, showed why he's so special and why it was sad that he never got to play in Brazil this summer.

There was cohesiveness in the back for the USMNT versus the Czech Republic, at least In the first half. Orozco showed his steadiness in the back. Fabian Johnson also displayed his abilities and, perhaps, why his going to Moenchengladbach was ahead of the World Cup was perhaps not the best first choice. John Brooks also showed he wasn't just another lucky head against Ghana. Timmy Chandler also seems to have finally won over the American public. He can't go anywhere else now, folks.

Certainly, the channels weren't there for Altidore to thrive. He hardly had a chance and became more of a defensive midfielder far upfield. One would hope that this could be remedied with a more experienced midfield. However, shouldn't the team be expected to start doing better?

Klinsmann wasn't kidding when he said he would go young with his next set of international games. Joe Gyau showed that the coach still has an eye for young talent. This is, after all, how John Brooks won us the game versus Ghana and how DeAndre Yedlin went from experimental substitution in midfield to Tottenham Hotspur transfer over the course of two months. We can't wait to see others on the pitch like Luis Gil, Perry Kitchen, Jack McInierney, or dare we say, Geidon Zelalem?

Bradley/Altidore the key as the US defeat Nigeria

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Jozy Altidore scored a brace today versus Nigeria in the final send-off game before Brazil 2014. It was a significant moment not only for Jozy but for the whole of the team. Now their starting striker is back in scoring form and Michael Bradley is the provider.

Michael Bradley remains the key. He was always a fulcrum for his father, Bob Bradley, but years of playing at the highest level in Europe have made him a world-class player. Klinsmann's genius move to try a 5-man midfield with two holding mids behind Bradley allows him to be a creator, a number 10. 

There were at least 10 such moments of true magic from Bradley. He created the chances, the spaces, the game. Most of his passes get through, but it's the chippy ones, the blind crosses, the small moves that make the magic. He is a complete player.

But Bradley wouldn't be here if it weren't for Beckerman and Jermaine Jones. In effect, Beckerman has substituted Bradley's place as a holding midfielder and relieved Toronto's designated players of a crucial duty: defense. Make no mistake, Bradley won quite a few balls on his own today. But it was the space and time left for his creativity that stole the show. That's what Beckerman's role did.

The defense is set with DaMarcus Beasley at left back. Chandler's communication with Besler just wasn't there versus Turkey or today. Omar Gonzalez is also behind Cameron at the moment as a center back. Hat's off for a great performance by Cameron.

So Klinsmann has his formula now. Bedoya, Zusi and Brad Davis seem to be interchangeable. That is probably where the change might come versus Ghana June 16. But as the commentators said during the broadcast, Bedoya brings the defense. Against Ghana, all the defending possible will be required.

USA defeats Turkey but questions remain

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Photo credit: AP

 

It was a good game. A "wide-open game," remarked Klinsmann. The US Men's National team defeated Turkey at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey in its next-to-last sendoff game prior to the World Cup. 2-1 was a just score but it hides some important questions as the US heads to Brazil next week.

Julian Green or Landon Donovan

We all expect some magic from the youngster. We get flashes of fantasy and a good bit of speed. We have yet to see a dominant game from Green, and many American fans are starting to wonder whether  his inclusion in the final 23 was worth dropping Landon Donovan. We can imagine that Donovan would have made quite an impact had he come in in the second half versus turkey. Green came in but was not as large a factor.

Flat or diamond midfield

Jermaine Jones was exposed several times in the first half. He was also dominant. But that is his nature. There is no denying the prowess of the German-American's skill as a holding midfielder. But he is also a good box-to-box player and, in Klinsmann's diamond formation, lies right behind Bradley. This exposes the back line to attackers from the opposing side if Jones decides to go forward. His interchanges with Bradley sometimes fail to materialize and this could spell doom versus Ghana on June 16.

Can Beckermann be a better option? That's though to answer and validate, given Jones' illustrious career in Europe. But it comes down to what formation Jones is playing in and whether he can follow through.

The back line 

Fabian Johnson will likely start every game during the World Cup. He has proven time and again that he is reliable, consistent, and dangerous. Today he scored his first goal for the National Team and it was a beauty. He provided the type of dynamic flank performance required of the modern right back position. 

Timmy Chandler got his first start in 15 months and was fairly steady, except for the play that led to Turkey's goal. Cameron and Besler remained in the middle. This, by far, has looked like the steadiest group since the qualifiers. But does it come down to strength and quality in the back four? Alexi Lalas, the great American defender, argues that it's a lot more important to have good collective understanding and cohesiveness within the defensive corps. If this is to be the starting defense, then they had better hurry in understanding each other's moves and positioning.

Diskerud mixes it up for the USMNT vs Azerbaijan

Photo credit: Ezra Shaw

 

Mix Diskerud showed two things in last night's 2-0 USA win over Azerbaijan: he is a supersub and he can be a number 10. The number synonymous for so many years with Landon Donovan was given to Mix by Klinsmann as a message to the new generation of players: This is your team now.

Diskerud's place

Diskerud has shown, repeatedly, that he can be counted on as a game-changer. He did so versus Russia in an impressive tie last year and then versus Mexico in the qualifier that clinched a place in Brazil for the US. In a perfect sequence versus Mexico, Diskerud skillfully lobbed the ball to himself at the edge of the area and provided the pass for Donovan's tally and the eventual "dos a cero."

Other observations

The back line continues reshuffling and this is worrisome. With Cameron moving ahead of Gonzalez at center back, Howard has to retrain and reconfigure his communication with his sentries. Fabian Johnson on the right could work but Beasley's inclusion, however just given his stellar record, is suspect versus the Group of Death opponents. There wasn't enough of Timmy Chandler last night.

Would things have been different with Dempsey on the pitch? Possibly. Especially regarding the fact that he was set to start as second forward and in a preferred tandem with Altidore. How this affects forward-corps substitutions in the tournament will also be interesting to watch. Does Wondolowski remain the go-to sub? What about Johannsson's performance (and goal!). 

The wings also had an interesting, younger look to them with Zusi and Bedoya. Both performed well but their impact in a marquee game has yet to be seen with both as starters. The middle with Bradley and Jones is set and does not need tinkering.

Observations following USA's tie versus Mexico in Phoenix

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Ian Darke put it well. At the half, Klinsmann's Team USA looked to be playing some of the best soccer under the current coach. They were sharp, they scored, they defended. Second half, however, was all Mexico. 2-2.

Bradley rules the midfield

Michael Bradley showed again why he was playing for Roma in the Serie A. He was fearless in defense and inventive and powerful in attack. He scored the first and assisted beautifully on the second goal. Without him Team USA will not stand a chance at the World Cup.

Wondolowski is our striker

For all the doubters of San Jose's great forward, today should have put a final seal on their arguments. Wondo can score internationally and he can do so well. He was active, even if with a lack of flair, but he was a poacher and scored the second goal. That's all that counts at the World Cup.

Back line not quite there yet

Do they need Evans and Cameron? Perhaps Fabian Johnson? And how does the best defender, and DP of the LA Galaxy leave Rafa Marquez alone in the box? Gonzalez left much to be desired today and not just on that play.

No Donovan, no problem

Injury or lack of form could make America's most talented soccer player a bench warmer. It happened today and what happened to the team? Nothing. In fact, they fared quite well, actually. Zusi picked up the slack and connected well with Beltran in the 4-4-2. But Donovan did inject an extra dimension when he came on board. So don't count him out yet. 

Yedlin in, Green not ready yet

Tonight was Julian Green's chance to make noise in the international scene and possibly book a trip to Brazil. He may yet, but only if the  U-23 team makes it to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Green was nervous tonight and made several mistakes. Rookie mistakes, yes. But he's no amazing prodigy for the news media to fall in love with. Not yet. Yedlin, however, was something else. He defended well and his darting runs forward undid the Mexican left flank several times. I would book Yedlin ahead of many others on the way to Brazil.

We need Europe

Finally, yes, our players abroad very much have a say in this team. While the first half may have made us pause with a razor-sharp game, the second half was flat and without answers to Mexico's changing tactics. This is where players like Jermaine Jones, Fabian Johnson, Mix Diskerud, Geoff Cameron and Aaron Johannsson come in. They belong in this squad and make us better. Without them the group of death might as well be called the death sentence.

USA v Ukraine: negatives are positives

Photo credit: KATIA CHRISTODOULOU / EPA

 

The USA lost its FIFA international date match versus the Ukraine mostly due to players unfamiliar with one another. Ukraine seemed inspired with the tragic backdrop of their torn nation. This, perhaps, was a dignified result for the game.

The negatives were the inexperience shown by John Brooks and rustiness presented by Onyewu. It was clear that this was a highly-experimental Europe-based crew that served to showcase the different individuals plying their trade in the old continent.

It's clear that the Gonzalez-Besler tandem is here to stay as the center backs and everyone else from Brooks to Onyewu to Ream is auditioning for the backup role. Do keep in mind that DeMerrit was a backup last Wrold Cup and played the hero when Onyewu was struggling. 

Klinsmann's biggest ideas played out in the midfield, where he slotted Fabian Johnson on the left flank and Kljestan in the middle. Does Kljestan still have a chance in this group? And is Fabian Johnson not the best left back option? It seems that Klinsmann would really want him in the midfield but has no reliable options to cover the left defensive position. Sound familiar?

Barring any injuries, Fabian Johnson is likely to remain with the back four. The rest of the midfield is still a question mark with the different lineups the German coach has tried. What happens when Zusi and Donovan return? Where does Dempsey fit in if he's not a withdrawn forward? And what about Bedoya and Diskerud?

And then there's the central midfield role. Michael Bradley, barring injury, is an undisputed starter. Jermaine Jones is likely to be his partner, but a diamond formation would pose interesting problems. Do they both remain box-to-box players? Who takes more of a defensive role? Last night it was partly due to Jones that Ukraine got their first goal. There was no help from the central midfield.

With Maurice Edu out for now, it comes down to Kyle Beckermann as a backup, with Brad Evans or Geoff Cameron able to shift to that role. Danny Williams has suddenly seen his stock rise with a good game versus Ukraine and a starting role with Championship side Reading. Beckermann better show up for the Mexico game in April.

The forward situation did not get any help from yesterday's game except to say this: Jozy is in trouble and Johannsson is the answer. Altidore had one clear chance at goal but it went wide like so many chances for Sunderland this season. Tough times for the youngster. 

Aron Johannsson almost made it a rescueable game for the Americans late in the match. His shot was saved by the defender on the goal line. He's a poacher and we need him. We do wish we had seen more of Agudelo and Boyd, especially the latter. Hopefully they will get some chances in the upcoming friendlies.

Zusi and Wondo win it for USA vs South Korea

Photo credit: LA Times

 

The US Men's national team defeated South Korea yesterday in a tune-up game for the World Cup that also served as the end point for the January camp. It was an all around good showing for the squad and a few questions were raised, positively.

It is nothing new to see Chris Wondolowski scoring poacher goals. Scoring them internationally has been a bit more difficult when facing more relented sides. Although South Korea is a step up from say, Belize, it is still no Ghana or Portugal or Germany. And yet his poaching, right moment at the right time style might just be enough to send Wondo to Brazil.

Yesterday we wanted to see something breathtaking from players vying for a spot in 2014 and a sort of accreditation for those we know to be on the plane regardless of what happened on the pitch.

We wanted Yedlin to light it up in the right side, for Luis Gil to create plays and score goals, for Brad Davis to score a free kick and for Mike Magee to show why he's one of the top players in MLS. We wanted to see some Diskerud magic, solidification of the Besler-Gonzalez partnership and settling the question that is Zusi or Donovan.

We got very little time to see Yedlin, although he looked self-assured. Luis Gil was unfortunately rarely visible. Brad Davis played well but didn't make enough of a dent to assure a spot in the final 23.

For many fans out there, Mix Diskerud was who they wanted to see. But they wanted the magic of the Gold Cup games, the Russia game and, especially, the Mexico game. Instead we got only flashes. And this is because of the type of midfield Klinsmann prefers, a flank-friendly and interchangeable attack type of soccer. Diskerud approaches more of a Number 10 role in his inventiveness and positioning.

For all the praise deserved by Wondolowski, most of the attack really came from Graham Zusi. His play led to Wondo's second goal and he was active defensively and offensively, winning balls and serving lofted and grounded plays. Indeed, you can expect him to remain with the squad, if not a starter, when June comes around.

Sporting Kansas Ciy didn't just give us Zusi, it also gave us Matt Besler. He partnered well with Gonzalez at center back and cleaned up messes left behind by Brad Evans, who may be seeing his right back spot slip away.

The team moved as a unit yesterday but still lacked enough offensive bite, something we hope Dempsey, Altidore, Bradley and Johannsson can bring. The back line had some scares, and that's where it gets interesting. As Alexi Lalas pointed out: "Ghana will score on those plays." Indeed.

Team USA after The November friendlies

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Against Scotland the United States came out flat in a 0-0 tie. Against Austria things were better! Albeit in a 0-1 loss. Plenty of questions remain. Can this team do without both Dempsey and Donovan if they are unable to suit up for the national team?

The answer, sadly, at least to some extent, is no. The truth is that the "would be" replacements in Zusi, Bedoya, Kljestan and Diskerud aren't quite there. The latter might have a chance at some magic but he is hardly the goal scorer that both Donovan and Dempsey have been historically.

The attacking third might be much better now and with a wider arrayof options. The truth is, however, that Altidore remains the best striker due to maturity and skill. When he lacks service or is in a slump (as is the case at the moment) then the entire team suffers. Johannsson is likely to be the new focal point of the attack but it seems like he's more effective with some company up top.

The Jermaine Jones - Michael Bradley tandem seems destined to stay as the swivel point for the national team through the World Cup unless either one gets injured or if Jones loses form. We don't see Bradley having any problem remaining on the starting team as he is integral to the way Klinsmann's system operates when at its brightest.

The flanks just didn't produce as much with Eddie Johnson out of position, or a Brek Shea reuniting with form or even Bedoya, who looked lively and dangerous but still couldn't transform his attacks into Dempsey-Donovan magic.

The defense is a tossup after watching these two matches. Does Besler come back for the Gonzalez-Besler MLS duo at center back? Is Goodson out for sure or might John Brooks break through? The NBCSN crew put it clearly: no US squad has every been in a World Cup without a center back with previous World Cup experience. 

As we watched Geoff Cameron shine in attacking fro a right back position we understood why it is that Mark Hughes likes him in that spot with Stoke City. His attacking quality putts him ahead of Brad Evans but he is still not a pure right back in the mold of Cherundolo or Eric Lichaj or even Timmy Chandler. The latter saw his last USA game the first time he got cap tied earlier this year.

Then there's the left back. For now it is Beasley's to lose. And to think that this was an area of so much concern under Bob Bradley. Only Johnny Bornstein worked for him and we all know how that turned out. 

Losing at Austria shouldn't be considered a failure. They're a strong squad and playing at home in Europe. But wait, this is the USA that defeated Italy and Bosnia and tied Russia. All on European soil. Maybe more consistency from the best team in Concacaf should be a requirement. If they are to make a statement at the World Cup then all games, small or large, should count and they should go for AND achieve the win.

Landon and Clint, we are on hold until your arrival.