My take on the MNT
The AR's post has done its job and inspired me to write something. For the most part, I agree with the positive take on Bradley's reign so far. I like what I see from players such as Feilhaber (his first half against Mexico was the worst he played in the Gold Cup), Bradley (although his red card was beyond stupid), Clark (who didn't impress me until the Mexico game in which he was outstanding), Bornstein (he looks very confident attacking from the left), Spector (seems like he takes a lot of criticism in the soccer press but I think has real talent) and Simek (ditto comments on Spector- I like his toughness), and I like that the players seem to have the freedom to attack and improvise on the fly. I think we are on the right track.
On the negative side, we still need to address some glaring weaknesses. I am not sure what is going on, but Gooch looks like he has slowed down considerably- his performance in this tournament can not have helped him get a better deal in Europe. Bocanegra also looked lost at times, but that may have been him having to cover for Gooch. I am not sure if Demerit is the answer, but central defense has got to be addressed immediately.
The other immediate concern is striker and no solution is apparent with this group of players. Ching gave a nice performance in the second half against Mexico but otherwise showed nothing- he can not be the answer. Similarly, Twellman shows heart whenever he is on the field, but he doesn't appear to have the technical proficiency to be more than a sub. Johnson is the most perplexing of all of our true strikers. His speed is mesmerizing and he looks good in MLS against poor competition, but since his injury his MNT performances have been tentative at best. While I hope that he will develop into what we thought he could be before his injury, I am dubious. Since I don't think Lando is big or tough enough to play in the middle of the field (either at forward or midfield- he clearly looks best out on the right wing running at people), the only answer seems to be Dempsey. He got criticized by the TV announcers (awful as usual) during the Mexico match, but he has a nose for goal and seems to be nasty enough to play up front, and putting him in the middle keeps Donovan out wide where he belongs. I haven't seen Altidore play, but maybe he will be the answer.
Two other points: 1) Can Lando lose that ridiculous pre-PK ritual?; 2) The next time this team misses an empty net I am going to scream (actually I have been screaming but I will do it louder).
2 comments:
Excellent post. I find nothing with which to disagree (darn!). I'm hopeful that the new group of players who'll be getting a lot of playing time during the CopaAmerica (however long the USMNT stays in the tournament) will show enough to begin filling the holes in back and up front.
I agree that Landon and Beasley aren't the answers to our limited ability to score during the run of play. They're both too slight and seem easily bumped off the ball by most defenders. Ching has the strength to play up front, and his miss in the 2d half against Mexico is somewhat forgiveable, given that he was under pressure and pushed wide. (The failure to convert on the breakaway (I forget who missed a shot that even Trudo could have made) is beyond forgiveness.) So who'll step up? Dempsey is pretty tough and has shown an ability to score. But after him? Just not sure. Again, maybe we'll find answers over the next three games.
Given the squad they are bringing, it would be a surprise if they won a game. I hope that observers will take note of who is not there and not use the results as an excuse to trash our team.
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