Team USA bounced back from their last defeat against T&T, and defeated Guatemala 2-0 in Colorado. This was not the usual Team USA, with a number of players starting their first WCQ for the USA. The lineup went: Guzan, Bornstein, Goodson, Thorrington, Parkhurst, Adu, Mastroeni, Clark, Kljestan, Altidore, Cooper. The one downside of the game was the attendance, which was a paltry 9,303 in Commerce City, Colorado. They may have been put off by the cold, the fact that Team USA had already qualified for "the hex," or the fact that it's soccer, but it didn't seem like much of a home match.Guatemala did not look like the same side that lost 1-0 to Team USA at home(in front of 28,195 fans). They didn't have the same pace, and it seemed like there was a force field protecting the 18 yard box in front of Team USA's goal. Guzan spent most of the game as a spectator, but did make one diving save when called upon. He did well to start counter attacks, but there wasn't a lot to judge him on. I must say I was impressed by the Guatemala keeper, who kept this game close. Goodson and Thorrington looked good in central defense, but they were also not tested. Of the two wingbacks, Bornstein made more progress upfield. Playing behind Adu for much the of the match, he often got behind the Guatemala defense. However, the crosses he played in were rather weak. Parkhurst looked solid, and played a couple good balls.
The midfield of Team USA performed well, and definitely dominated the center of the pitch(field). Mastroeni did a great job of patrolling the space in front of the back line. His hard tackles, and steady passing show why he's still relied upon at 32. He did pickup a yellow, and will miss the next match. Ricardo Clark floated in and out of the game, but sent a number of pinpoint diagonal balls forward. Kljestan impressed, and did well pushing forward. I would like to see him track back some more, but I think he has a good future in the center of midfield. Freddy Adu was the most impressive player in midfield, and scored his first goal for Team USA. He curled a free kick into the top left corner, and the Guatemala keeper had no chance. His runs created plenty of space for the rest of his team, and he's starting to fulfill his potential.
The strike tandem of Altidore and Cooper was the most impressive thing. Altidore looked incredibly comfortable, and made a case for a starting place in "the hex." He plays a Wayne Rooney role, coming back to get the ball, going out to the wing to put in crosses and even mixing it up in the box. He supplied Cooper's goal with a curling ball in that Cooper slid for and put in the back of the net. Cooper is the kind of player who is comfortable with his back to the goal, holding up the ball for the rest of the team. He is almost a younger version of Ching, and after scoring 18 goals for Dallas this season, he's pushing for a spot on the team.
After the disastrous performance against T&T, this was what Bob Bradley wanted to see. The United States has a weird system for developing players. Adu and Altidore, having a more international background, were developed in a more international style. They signed for professional clubs, and were scoring goals before their 18th birthday. Players like Guzan, Bornstein and Kljestan went to college to play soccer. So while Kljestan is four years older than Altidore, they have roughly the same amount of professional and national team experience. The MLS clubs are starting to set up academies and recruit from their regions, which should lead to the development of younger players. A college diploma is great, but a World Cup trophy would be even better.
One Liners
- Terry makes up for gaffe against Germans with late winner, his head is like a soccer ball magnet
- Lippi breaks record for most games without a loss, he usually retires after something good like this
- Gallas says there is a rift in the dressing room, younger players keep whipping people with their towels
- League says that City can sign a temporary keeper, David Seaman tries to fit into jersey
