Alright we're back online...

Apologies, circumstances beyond my control have limited my appearances lately, but now we're back, and we have seven US games to prepare for in the next month.  First comes the roster discussion, then the US-Spain breakdown.  I'm backkkkk. 

Paraguay Quick Thoughts and Player Ratings

Well what a rough patch for the United States.  It has been since the May 2010 match against Turkey in Philadelphia that the US has won on home soil.  The matches at home the US has played since then?  Brazil, Poland, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, and Paraguay.  Some shocking statistics from MLS Analyst Matthew Doyle:

"Since the start of 2010, the US have played 17 times and are 5-6-6. They have scored 21 goals and conceded 24. In 12 of those 17 games – including all three this calendar year – the US have conceded the first goal.

Of the five times the US have scored first, two were 1-0 wins where the goal came in the dying minutes of the second half: the first over Algeria in the World Cup, the second over South Africa last November in a friendly.

In each of the three other games in which the US took the lead first, they gave it up at least once:

1. Against the Czech Republic in a WC warm-up, it took 27 minutes. The US lost 4-2.
2. Against Australia in another warm-up, it took 15 minutes. The US then reclaimed the lead after another 12 and held it for the last hour en route to a 3-1 win.
3. Against Poland in a post-WC friendly, the US went in front twice. The first Polish equalizer took 15 minutes, the second 21. That game finished 2-2.

That hour – technically 59 minutes – of playing in front against the Aussies is the longest the US have held the lead in any game since July 4, 2009, against Grenada. Those two games also represent the only times in the last 44 matches the US have scored inside the first 10 minutes.

Of the 1,560 minutes the US have played since January of 2010, they’ve held the lead for a grand total of 159 minutes. They’ve trailed for 558.

Take out the Australia game and the US have led for only 85 minutes of the 1,470 for which they’ve turned out. For comparison’s sake, Mexico led for 83 of the 90 minutes against Paraguay last Saturday."

Those are some telling numbers.  Bob Bradley and his staff should be very, very concerned.  While individually, some players played quite well against Paraguay, the full US team just isn't meshed like it should be with only a game to play until the most important tournament the US will play in for at least the next two years.  More needs to be done.  Now we all see just how much the loss of the Egypt friendly really hurt the preparations.

Most of you have seen the match and or highlights so I won't describe that much to you on that front. 

I can say that the crowd at LP Field was outstanding and the weather was phenomenal for soccer.  Well done to all who turned out, setting a new Tennessee record for soccer match attendance. 

I'll run down the player ratings:

Marcus Hahnemann (6)- Didn't have much to do but made a couple long range saves and probably could've been more aggressive in coming off his line on the goal scored.  Certainly made no glaring errors.

Timothy Chandler (8.5)- What a start this young man has had to his international career.  Was a terrific threat on the flank and showed multitudes of pace.  Warrants more callup's AND starts.

Jay DeMerit (6)- He gets a six for having the heart of a lion.

Tim Ream (6.5)- Well, it was a decent outing for Ream, and while most will praise him for his composure and distribution, I'll remain cautious about all that.  Paraguay was baiting him into playing some of those balls straight up the middle.

Jonathan Bornstein (3)- "Don't mistake activity for achievement" - John Wooden.  That is all.

Clint Dempsey (7)- Clint was in beast mode for this one, and his "let's just see what happens" blast from some 35+ yards showed it.  Probably should've scored from Lichaj's cross in the second half, but overall, a solid night from the Texan.

Michael Bradley (6.5)- Much better against Paraguay than against Argentina and his cannon from 25 yards was worthy of a goal. 

Maurice Edu (5.5)- Not his best night in a USA kit.  Seemed to be a step behind all evening and was sacrificed at halftime. 

Landon Donovan (6)- Another mehhh performance from Donovan.  His set pieces were off the mark and was continually fouled on the counterattacks.  

Jozy Altidore (5)- He's just lost it a bit.  Regular playing time in Turkey will help him regain his form and confidence. 

Juan Agudelo (6)- Showed flashes of potential once again, however, its easy to see how ineffective he can be when an opponent is keen to his abilities. 

SUBS

Carlos Bocanegra (6.5)- Played well once he entered for DeMerit, no glaring mistakes.

Jermaine Jones (6.5)- Much better in relief of Edu and nearly equalized in the dying seconds.

David Yelldell (6)- Didn't have a single save to make from what I recall, decent enough for a first cap.

Eric Lichaj (6.5)-  An injection of pace that nearly resulted in a goal, Lichaj and Chandler seemed to be very fluid on the right.

Sacha Kljestan (6.5)- A solid 15 minute outing for the Belgian man, be interested to see if he makes the Spain squad. 

Postponed Paraguay Thoughts, USA Tactics During the Drought, and USA 23 for the 2011 Gold Cup

Dearest all NP faithful,

My sincerest apologies for the lack of coverage.  Taking 18 hours of classes plus starting a 40-hour/week job really runs down time to actually sit and analyze soccer all day (unfortunately).  But fear not, for as the title says, it is all coming, perhaps a post tonight and tomorrow on my day off (kinda) I'll get us all caught up on the comings and goings of the USMNT and the U-20 kids, who are currently runnin' game down in Guatemala for the U-20 CONCACAF Championships. 

For a sneak peak of the 23 for the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup, here is this:

USA vs Paraguay: An Exceptional Examination

NP attended the game last night and my personal thoughts will come later this evening, but until then here is a great look in to the match from Shin Guardian contributor Jay Bell. 

USA 1, Argentina 1: The Aftermath

In the midst of eighteen hours of classes, a Kentucky run to the final four, and starting a new job, I somehow managed to find time to finally rewatch and break down the USA-Argentina battle from last night.

First off, let me just say the fighting spirit and the resilience shown by the United States is a thing of legends.  Never before have I see a side so capable of shouldered such tremendous pressure over the course of 90 minutes.  There is a heart about this side which makes me proud to call myself an American.  There is a fight worthy of recognition from anyone who calls himself a patriot. 

Off my soapbox and on to the action. 

From the first minute, Argentina made it known they had come to play, and to play with no mercy.  Argentina's maestro Lionel Messi was a constant nuisance to Tim Howard, as the South American giants pressed the US back-four for basically the entire match.  The US managed 42 minutes of bending until Esteban Cambiasso cleaned up from a brilliant piece of play from Messi, who nutmegged a hapless Carlos Bocanegra and found Angel Di Maria in the box who shot low, Tim Howard saved initially but the ball fell straight to Cambiasso who blasted over a grounded Howard. 

Second half adjustments were needed.  Badly.  The three man midfield employed by Bob Bradley to start the match simply wasn't working.  Jermaine Jones, Michael Bradley, and Maurice Edu, in initial design, was supposed to help containing the exploits of the attacking Argentine diamond of Messi, Di Maria, Ever Banega, and Ezequiel Lavezzi.  It didn't.  And perhaps this was the plan of Senor Bob the whole time.  Trusting the first 45 to tested, experienced veterans, and then flipping his ace in hole to start the second half.  Bradley's ace in the hole was youthful exuberance and pace.

The introduction of Juan Agudelo and Timothy Chandler changed the game for the United States.  The addition of pace into the backline helped shield an under siege Tim Howard in the second half, and Chandler's marauding runs forward created a few good chances for the US.  An instant improvement against an overmatched Jonathan Spector. 

Jermaine Jones was sacrificed following a disappointing first 45 in favor of 18 year old Juan Agudelo, who's pace opened up the pitch for guys like Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, and Landon Donovan to exploit.  Though it was an Altidore drawn foul which allowed the United States the opportunity to draw level.  Donovan picked out Carlos Bocanegra at the far post, who sent a stinging header towards goal.  Argentine keeper Mariano Andujar did well to stop the shot, but could not control it.  An on rushing Agudelo tapped home from a foot away for his second international goal in three matches.

The Yank's goal shellshocked Argentina for all of a minute, when Howard was forced into a quick save following the restart.  The rest of the half was filled up with US stonewalling, Javier Mascherano flailing, and finally after 92 minutes, the referee blew for full time and the US had earned a hard fought draw with one of the worlds best.

Player Ratings:
Tim Howard (8): Absolutely mythical performance from Howard.  Making save, after save, after save.  Could do nothing on the goal allowed.

Jonathan Spector (4.5)- Was easy to see who Argentina were planning on attacking on the night.  Yep, the West Ham hero this season was thrown into the oven by Bob Bradley.  Played good enough on the night to keep earning call ups, but his strength is against slower wide midfielders, not speedy wingers. 

Jay DeMerit (6)- Well, he certainly showed a bit of rust considering this was his second full match since the Ghana match.  Also nipped in with his usual hard tackles and timely marking of the weaving Argentine runs. 

Oguchi Onyewu (5.5)- Probably also not best served playing against slithering snakes like Messi and Lavezzi, but made no glaring errors, save in the early first half when he lost his footing, on what was honestly a crappy surface.  Really needs to work on his distribution out of the back.

Carlos Bocanegra (5.5)- Yep, he turns 32 in a couple months, and he showed it.  Again, not exactly the best player to go up against Argentina, but right now he is simply all we have. 

Jermaine Jones (5)- Poor night from the Blackburn man, always seemed a few seconds behind.  Which happens to a lot of players against Argentina.  Nothing to worry about I'm sure and he'll be able to bounce back against Paraguay in a couple days.

Michael Bradley (6)- Well, it was a mehh performance from Junior on the day.  Showed the rust from not getting much time at Aston Villa, but also showed some glimpses of World Cup's past with his distribution and keen tackling. 

Maurice Edu (5.5)- Forced to play out of position in the first half as the advanced central midfielder, Edu quietly enjoyed a good performance in the second half, and was a foot from equalizing early in the period. 

Clint Dempsey (6.5)- Dempsey was a workhorse on the night.  Managed a couple shots on goal, and led a couple breaks for the US in the second half. 

Landon Donovan (6)- Landon had one of those nights where he fades in and out of the match but usually ends up with an assist or a goal.  His brilliant service led to Agudelo's equalizer. 

Jozy Altidore (5.5)- Tough night for Jozy.  Playing on an island up top is a job for Brian Ching, not Jozy, who plays best with someone to play off of.  The second half was much more productive.

SUBS:
Timothy Chandler (6.5)- How's about a two point upgrade over the man you replaced?  Chandler showed a good deal of pace and a natural crossing ability.  He's a Steve Cherundolo in his hayday.  Well played by the youngster.  Hopefully Bob rewards him with a start on his birthday.

Juan Agudelo (7.5)- Let me just say this.  It's fantastic that Agudelo is a young, energetic, and highly talented kid.  The goal was mehhhhh. Right place, right time? Yes.  But it took little soccer skill to do what he did.  All the credit in the world goes to him for being able to absorb a bit of pressure and to pass out of it.  I'm excited for the kid, don't get me wrong, but I will check that with cautious optimism moving forward.  I've seen too many young forwards like Agudelo start their careers on fire, only to burn out in European proving grounds.


Last but not least I'll post the highlights from US Soccer: