ASN: 4 Takeaways From U.S. Soccer’s 2015 January Camp

From the loss to Chile to Sunday’s win in opposition to Panama to Jurgen Klinsmann’s provocative feedback, ASN contributing editor Brian Sciaretta appears to be like again on the 2015 U.S. nationwide workforce coaching camp.

BY

Brian Sciaretta

Posted
February 09, 2015
1:25 PM

SHARE THIS STORY

THE U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM wrapped up its annual January camp with a 2-0 win over Panama on Sunday—a outcome that ought to present a short respite from the back-and-forth bickering between Jurgen Klinsmann, U.S. soccer followers, and the media.

The previous week didn’t characterize a high-water mark for the U.S. Soccer Federation. Klinsmann blamed soccer home “culture” as to why among the gamers on his workforce weren’t match and likewise the MLS schedule. And in a recurring theme, he didn’t settle for any blame for his workforce’s failings, inflicting many followers and media alike to query his management.

All informed, the 2015 January camp that might be remembered extra for what occurred off the sector than on it. Listed here are 4 key takeaways on the final 4 weeks.

1. Klinsmann Maintained Standing Quo

The U.S. wanted that win over Panama, if solely to show that Klinsmann can nonetheless lead his workforce to victory. In case you hadn’t seen, it had been some time.

With only one win in its earlier 9 video games, Klinsmann blamed the poor string of outcomes on participant health, the shortage of a soccer “culture” that pressures gamers, and even the MLS schedule. For some followers it appeared curious that he by no means took any of the duty for the workforce’s shortcomings. And why didn’t he merely lower the gamers he thought had been unfit? Or take possession of the truth that they’re his gamers now and he ought to know the participant pool effectively sufficient to pick out those that meet his necessities?

The win over Panama was a good displaying however it was hardly inspiring and it served to take care of the established order. Klinsmann apologists are little question nonetheless in his nook, and people who are prepared for a change actually did not see sufficient in opposition to the fifty fifth ranked workforce on the planet to have a change of coronary heart.The march friendlies in Europe will current Klinsmann with more durable competitors—Denmark and Switzerland—and if the U.S. doesn’t carry out effectively lots of the similar subjects we have been discussing will resurface then.

2. Gyasi Zardes Has Arrived

A lot of gamers get alternatives with the nationwide workforce. Gyasi Zardes made his rely.

The Los Angeles Galaxy striker turned the Panama match into a private showcase and made a case for turning into a daily participant with the workforce. Enjoying out of place on the wing versus his most well-liked ahead position, Zardes was persistently harmful within the first half. And his long term and help to Clint Dempsey within the thirty seventh minute stood out as one of the spectacular sequences within the contest.

Zardes made a transfer up the U.S. depth chart during the last month because of his displaying in opposition to Panama but in addition due to his spectacular minutes instead in opposition to Chile. If he performs effectively in any of the upcoming friendlies, the 23-year-old has an excellent probability to go to the Gold Cup this summer season.

3. Michael Bradley appears to be like match

Michael Bradley didn’t have a spectacular 2014. He struggled within the World Cup. His MLS membership, Toronto FC, did not make the playoffs. And for what it is value, the 26-year-old midfielder dropped to No. 5 within the ASN 100—his lowest rating ever.

However he regarded nice in opposition to Panama, shifting comfortably and taking command of the midfield and even delivering an Olimpico on a nook kick.

After present process surgical procedure in October to restore a nerve situation in his foot, Bradley’s stable outing means that the issue is now behind him. We could by no means know the way a lot this harm bothered him final season or through the World Cup however we do know he regarded robust and assured on the StubHub Middle. And that is nice information for the U.S.

4. The place Have been the Olympic prospects?

One of the crucial disappointing points of January camp was the truth that Klinsmann didn’t give many alternatives to the U-23 gamers he named to his roster. Forward of January camp Klinsmann mentioned that the U-23 workforce was one of many largest priorities for U.S. soccer in 2015—however the two friendlies provided little perception into their capabilities.

DeAndre Yedlin began each video games however he’s a recognized amount. Most of the younger gamers initially named to camp had been lower for the precise video games and people who made the roster noticed very restricted motion. Wil Trapp performed a part of the second half in opposition to Chile. Luis Gil solely performed 10 minutes in opposition to Panama. Shane O’Neill and Dillon Serna didn’t play in any respect.

Have been these Olympic hopefuls up to now behind the core workforce that they did not warrant a begin? Was Klinsmann so determined for a win in opposition to Panama that he felt obliged to roll out a lineup that featured Dempsey, Bradley, Jermaine Jones, and Matt Besler?

Looks as if a missed alternative.

Brian Sciaretta is an American Soccer Now columnist and an ASN 100 panelist. Comply with him on Twitter.