One Giant Step Backwards

Even Torres scored....

There is a lot that can be said about the USMNT’s “performance” against Spain on Saturday, but almost none of those words would be positive. In fact, the backlash of that game could potentially dismantle the team’s chances at the upcoming Gold Cup. While missing their top stars (which is completely baffling outside of Landon Donovan’s exclusion) a Spain team initially comprised of only 5 players that started the World Cup final completely dismantled the US defense and midfield.

Spain dominates every team they play possession-wise, and all USMNT supporters knew that possession was going to be at a premium when the game began. That said, fielding a less than full strength squad against the best team in the world probably wasn’t Bob’s finest idea (and if you know me at all, I think he NEVER has a good idea). Instead, Bradley decided to start with an ultra defensive lineup of misfits, some of which could (and should) have seen their last game in a USMNT kit on Saturday.

It may have been a mistake to schedule such a high profile match just 3 days before the start of an important tournament, but after its scheduled you still need to honor your agreement. Instead of saving face and “resting” his top players, Bradley blatantly exposed just how big the drop off the USMNT second rate players are compared to that of a footballing nation like Spain. Players that don’t regularly start for La Furia Roja showed no different style or poise than the like of Iniesta, Xavi and Pedro, while second rate Americans like Spector, Klesjtian and Rogers looked as though they didn’t even want to be there.

The second half was a slightly better showing once Baby Brad and Dempsey were introduced (and Onyewu was replaced), but even with the improvement Spain outclassed a visibly discouraged American side. Hell, the defense even let Torres score, and made Chelsea fans everywhere rejoice. Since everyone and their mother has already written a recap, here are my notes on what the USMNT needs to do, aside from fire Bob Bradley, which I hope happens after they fail miserably during the Gold Cup.

• Defense: The outside back issue has been around for well over two years now, and Lichaj did reasonably well out of place on the left, while Cherundolo is quite obviously the only choice out right since Spector was, yet again, awful. The center never used to be an issue, until now.  Onyewu just doesn’t cut it anymore. While still aerially dominant, he offers nothing else to the back line, and actually creates more issues than he cleans up. In my opinion his US career may be done until he can learn to position himself. Goodson and Ream look a better center pairing than Gooch in there at all.
• Forward: Altidore is neither fit nor in form. Granted he saw very little of the ball, but Wondolowski’s second half performance proved what form can mean. Even though it was only his second cap, the Earthquakes man was much more threatening than Altidore was (though in truth at least Wondo saw the ball). Agudelo should be a shoe-in for the second striker role.
• Mid: While I, personally, am not a huge fan, Michael Bradley showed exactly why his dad never rests him during international games. Without him in the middle there was no structure or pressure, but second half Bradley’s presence was immense (well, as immense as was allowable). Edu looked off, and much like Onyewu, caused more issues than he should have, while Jones spent too much time cleaning up after Edu and Klesjtian to have a positive performance. Both Klesjtian and Robbie Rogers should never be allowed to play for the USMNT again, why they are favorites of Bob is beyond me, they are simply awful players, especially when you have the talent of Jose Francisco Torres not even in the squad.
• General Notes: What the hell is wrong with the US and choosing locations that have TERRIBLE pitch conditions. I’m sick and tired of watching these friendlies played on pitches worse than I practiced on in high school. Why wouldn’t the ball bounce at all on Saturday? What was wrong with that field!?

Let me know what you think, but I legitimately feel as though my Canadian team may have quite a chance come Tuesday given the performance shown by Bradley’s boys yesterday.