Last night in front of 36,000 on lookers in East Hartford, CT the United States succumbed 2-4 against a solid Czech Republic team. The result is something that we really shouldn't be worried about as it was mostly the fringe players who earned their shots. The United States two goals were all about hustle and being in the right place. Maurice Edu slammed home a loose ball inside the six after a perfect free kick from Stuart Holden which Czech keeper Petr Cech failed to deal with after coming off his line. Edson Buddle threw himself at the ball and the foray off his head fell straight to Edu, who wasn't going to miss from just a couple yards. After conceding the Czechs two goals, one which raised concerns about Oguchi Onyewu's real readiness and the other gave more doubt to Heath Pearce's effectiveness. The United States' second goal was another thing of beauty, as another Stuart Holden set piece delivery, which was sent to the far post, found Clarence Goodson who headed the ball back across the goal mouth and found the head of Hurculez Gomez, who displayed why his ability to be in the right place at the right time. The US then conceded two more goals, which stained the thus far great game of Clarence Goodson who failed to clear a ball from under feet, and then after Maurice Edu was switched to CB after the departure of Onyewu, misjudged a header which allowed the Czech Republic in behind and Brad Guzan was helpless.
But those are neither here nor there, here is what really matters, player ratings:
Brad Guzan- (6)- Could've controlled his backline and organized better, but other than picking the ball out of the net, he didn't have much to do.
Steve Cherundolo- (6.5)- Cherundolo wearing the captains armband was pretty effective and only got beat once all night on a nice nutmeg. He and Spector will battle to the death for the right to start at RB come June 12.
Clarence Goodson- (7.5)- The best player on the field for the United States, outside of the mishap on the Czechs third goal. Solidified his spot on the plane with last nights performance.
Oguchi Onyewu- (4.5)- Showed a lot of the rust that people expected after seeing his first field time in seven months. His movement and 1v1 defending seemed fine, but should've done much better to defend on the Czechs first goal. His 65 minutes was enough for him as he moves towards full fitness.
Jonathan Bornstein- (5)- Easily the most problematic position on the US roster, and neither Bornstein nor Pearce did much to assure the coaching staff or fanbase.
DaMarcus Beasley- (6)- Showed the speed, the flash, and the willingness. His spot is assured.
Maurice Edu- (7)- Minus the misjudgment on the fourth goal, the US' fulcrum in midfield made a statement about his willingness and ability to start next to Michael Bradley.
Jose Torres- (6.5)- A better outing than his last one in the Netherlands. Controlled possession and distributed very well. Another player who made a statement.
Stuart Holden- (6.5)- Showed his class on set pieces and calmness on the ball. Should've done better on the Czechs first goal, but going the full 90 minutes is important for him.
Edson Buddle- (6)- Didn't score, but managed a gritty assist on the US' first goal. Buddle was a player about which the decision was made in the final hour.
Eddie Johnson- (5.5)- A better outing than last time with his full half of play. We can see his improvement in Greece, but I'm not sure it was enough to grab a seat on the plane.
SUBS:
Heath Pearce- (4.5)- A stinker from Pearce in this one. Lost his man on the Czechs second goal and failed to clear the ball on the third. Effectively played himself off the plane. Is it too late to call in Edgar Castillo?
Sacha Kljestan- (3)- Didn't even realize he was playing until halfway through the second half. Worthless and headed home after last night.
Robbie Rogers- (5)- Ehh, mixed reviews on Rogers. Tested Cech with a blistering shot from distance, but past that, wanted to hold the ball for far too long on several occasions.
Hurculez Gomez- (6)- Solidified his spot. He was brought in to score goals and he did just that, though most of the credit goes to Goodson, there's alot to be said for being in the positions to score.
Brian Ching- (5.5)- Typical Ching outing. Played hard, tough, drew fouls, and even set up Gomez with a nifty little nutmeg. Should've done enough to grab a ticket.
Alejandro Bedoya- (5)- Didn't do a whole lot, but was aggressive, attacked with flair and speed. The jury is still out on Bedoya.
That is all...now on to the roster reveal....we'll be back after.
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