11 Friendly Points
The purpose of a friendly in international soccer is to try new things. These are not games that should be solely judged on the final scoreline --despite the fact that FIFA rankings do take them into account-- but rather by what sorts of innovations happen on the pitch.
Friendlies are nothing more than scrimmages that everyone gets to watch. The outcome doesn’t determine tournament placings or World Cup Qualifications. In a way, we are watching the try outs for Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad.
With that in mind, the 1-0 loss to Costa Rica was not as bad as it felt. The USMNT outplayed Costa Rica for the majority of the game. They dominated possession. In the first 30 minutes, they looked like a top 10 team in the world with excellent ball movement. However, they just could not finish off several opportunities.
The next game is in Belgium, on Tuesday. Landon Donovan will not suit up, but Clint Dempsey, Steve Cherundolo, and Kyle Beckerman will all be available for that one. While preparing for Belgium --realistically a tougher opponent than Costa Rica-- these 11 points should be considered when thinking about this practice game.
If you’re looking for player rankings, consider them ranked 1-13 based on the order they are mentioned below.
- GK Tim Howard was, as is usually the case, the best American on the pitch. The single Costa Rican goal was off of a great pass that shredded the American defense leaving Howard exposed, he made the save, but then Castillo could not clear the ball before it was put away.
- The more I watch MF Jose Francisco Torres the less I like Bob Bradley. Torres played deep in the middle, creatively setting up great balls that were reminiscent of Tab Ramos and Claudio Reyna. Towards the end, when the game
- MF Maurice Edu looked like the only internationally fit player --not named Tim Howard-- on the pitch for the USMNT last night. While not as calming as Kyle Beckerman was in the Mexico game, he clearly seemed like an upgrade from either Jermaine Jones or Michael Bradley in the CDM role.
- Nothing that he did last night will stop MF Brek Shea from earning a full time spot on the National Team. However, I stick by the assertion that he should be used as a late game sub in the final 20-30 minutes. He looked tired at the end, sending in inaccurate crosses, but some of this could be chalked up to the fact that between CONCACAF Champions League, US Open Cup, MLS league play, and international duty he has just played 400 straight minutes.
- It might be time to move MF Carlos Bocanegra to Left Back. I understand that he is vital on the backline, but the continual non emergence of LB options is getting mighty frustrating.
- For the first time since before the Gold Cup, DF Timmy Chandler took the field for the USMNT. While not looking as incredible as he did against Paraguay and especially against Argentina he was more than serviceable for a young, up and coming Right Back.
- The original complaint for FW Jozy Altidore was that he did okay for the National Team and nothing on the club level. Now that he’s been pumping in goals for AZ Alkmaar, the fear is that he will do well for his club and nothing for the National Team. I’ve seen every minute Jozy’s played this season. The great runs he’s been making off the ball, his efficient riding of the offside line, and the goals were all missing last night.
- FW Juan Agudelo is not losing his roster spot due to a bad showing, and last night was Agudelo’s first truly bad showing for the USMNT. While he remained aggressive throughout --perhaps his best attribute-- he was bad in the box, bad with the pass, not taking gifted opportunities, this was not a good night even if there is only Juan Agudelo.
- Speaking of one bad night, someone stole Landon Donovan’s #10 shirt and made a mockery of it last night. Luckily that guy will not be showing up for the Belgium game. With any luck, the real MF Landon Donovan will return to the team by October 8th for the Honduras friendly, because the guy on the pitch last night was awful.
- MF Sascha Klejstan was ok in limited time coming on for his slightly more handsome twin, Robbie Rogers. Klejstan may have saved his international career during the Gold Cup, but he is starting from scratch with Klinsmann and more work needs to be done on the pitch for him to be a factor.
- There is nothing wrong with being a professional footballer. There is nothing wrong with doing at as a very good MLS player. MF Robbie Rogers might be that player. He definitely does not have the ability to be a starter at this level, but maybe he could come on for the last 15 minutes as a spark. It’s apparent that DF Michael Orozco-Fiscal, DF Edgar Castillo are not international caliber, but the jury is still out on Robbie Rogers.
Abram Chamberlain blogs about Major League Soccer and the United States Men's National Team (amongst other topics). Follow him on Twitter @AChamberlainSC.
