Saturday, June 19, 2010

USA 2, Slovenia 2: Post Game Reaction

I will try not to rant about Koman Coulibaly, but yet I may have to, but I'll try my best to judge the things we actually had control over.

Everyone watched yet another early let down from the States, and another remarkable comeback, that finished 3-2 2-2.  But the US isn't out of it yet, in an up and down group where England continues to disappoint and Slovenia continues to overachieve.

Not going to be a typical review from us, since its the same things that has happened against El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Turkey to name a few. 

The good:  The US' innate ability to counter after being punched in the face.  Bob Bradley's halftime tactics and adjustments, moving from this:

------------Altidore--------Findley

Dempsey-----Torres-----Bradley-----Donovan

to this:

-------------------Altidore

---------Dempsey----------Donovan

Feilhaber------------Edu-------------Bradley

Torres and Findley just weren't cutting it, Bob realized it and adjusted accordingly, Edu took over the holding midfield role, allowing Feilhaber and Bradley to push forward and it was this formation that directly led to both US goal.  Jozy Altidore enjoyed one of his best games in a US shirt, Donovan showed his class on his cannon of a goal, and Bradley displayed his 90 minute motor.

The bad:  Another poor first half showing from the Americans.  Dempsey looked slack, the defensive communication was shaky, and the supposed insertion of Torres to help control possession fell on its face.

The ugly: Koman Coulibaly

Player Ratings:

Tim Howard- 6.5- Was caught out on the first goal and should've told Onyewu to step up on the second one.  Did make some trademark saves and clearances.  Not at his best, but even then, he kept the US in the game.

Steve Cherundolo- 6.5- Defended 1v1 quite well but couldn't get forward, as is his penchant.

Jay DeMerit- 6.5- Was beaten aerially on a few occasions, but kept a cool head and made some solid tackles.

Oguchi Onyewu- 5.5- Still showing the rust of being off for 8 months and was caught out of position on both goals.  Luckily these are easy fixes.

Carlos Bocanegra- 5- Unimpressive performance from Captain America today.  Birsa was a force unfortunately and failed to communicate on the first goal, but got better as the game wore on.

Landon Donovan- 7- Attacked, was a force, and the goal was grease lightning into the roof of the net.  Glorious from the number 10 today.

Jose Torres- 4- A stinker today from Torres.  Couldn't match up against the physicality of the Slovenian midfield.  As much blame goes to Bradley for putting him in this situation.  Torres would've made a great second half sub once the game had opened up.

Michael Bradley- 8- His full 90 minute motor shined, as he was all over the midfield.  His goal was absolutely fantastic.  9/10 players would've ballooned that ball over the bar but Junior did well to just fire over the top of the keeper.  One of his best games ever.

Clint Dempsey- 5- Poor from Clint today.  Didn't make a difference on offense.  Did work some on defense, but that's not why he's on field.

Robbie Findley- 4- Why does Findley continue to get starts?  His touch and decision making are not up to par on the international level.  Plain and simple.  His yellow was a joke, but it could end up being a blessing in disguise. 

Jozy Altidore- 1st half- 4- 2nd half- 8- Probably the best 45 minutes of his short national team career.  Strength and size in the box late directly led to the tying goal.

SUBS

Maurice Edu- 6- Shaky early on, but sat in and allowed Bradley and Feilhaber to push forward and drive the attack.  Expect a start on Wednesday.

Benny Feilhaber- 6- Showed some flashes and helped maintain possession and helped track defensively.

Hurculez Gomez- 6- Made the run that opened up space for Bradley to score his goal.