ASN’s Brian Sciaretta discovered some disturbing traits and some encouraging performances within the U.S. nationwide staff’s 2-1 loss to Colombia on Friday night time in London.
BY
Brian Sciaretta
Posted
November 15, 2014
10:40 AM
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THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL TEAM misplaced 2-1 to a really sturdy Colombia staff on Friday night time at Craven Cottage in London. The sport supplied Jurgen Klinsmann’s males with a beneficial studying expertise towards a high quality opponent.
There have been each positives and negatives to remove from the competition, and with only one match remaining in 2014 and the following FIFA worldwide window not till March, Klinsmann could have loads to consider within the months forward. Listed here are my ideas on the sport.
1. A tiresome pattern
For the third straight recreation america scored early and for the third straight recreation Jurgen Klinsmann’s staff was dominated within the second half and conceded a late aim—after the 86th minute. It’s changing into a well-known storyline proper now and whereas these are friendlies, it is a vital factor to handle proper now.
Conceding objectives will occur however the continued poor play within the second half of video games displays a mentality that factors to a bigger drawback that this staff can’t put collectively a 90-minute efficiency.
2. Nguyen reveals properly in U.S. return
In a 12 months during which he may win the MLS MVP, Lee Nguyen lastly made his first look with the U.S. nationwide staff since 2007. He didn’t disappoint. The Texas native was energetic within the assault and made a sequence of fine runs and good performs. He’ll get extra callups transferring ahead and maybe can present the staff’s anemic offense with a much-needed spark.
Nguyen brings a lot of what Klinsman has stated he needs from gamers. The New England Revolution playmaker will not be afraid to attempt issues with the ball, he likes to take defenders on, and he’s all the time in search of methods to be harmful. Most significantly, he’s assured. Extra, please.
3. Rubio Rubin appears to be like poised
Not many 18-year-olds play for the nationwide staff and fewer earn a begin of their first cap towards among the best groups the world. It wasn’t an ideal efficiency from the Oregon native—it could have been nice to see him end his two probabilities on aim—however Rubin performed with confidence and didn’t take a look at all intimidated by the massive stage. He drifted again into the midfield to assist with protection and possession however he additionally moved ahead successfully.
4. Johnson and Diskerud struggled
Crucial cause why the U.S. staff misplaced the midfield was attributable to a pair of off-performances from two of its extra dependable performers. Fabian Johnson made the transfer again within the midfield and Combine Diskerud was coming off a sequence of sturdy performances because the World Cup. Nonetheless, each gamers delivered ineffective performances towards Colombia.
Johnson merely couldn’t get entangled and was not a part of any severe offensive probabilities. His pricey turnover within the thirty seventh minute resulted in a golden likelihood for Colombia and he was fortunate that Carlos Bacca’s shot hit the skin of Brad Guzan’s upright moderately than the again of the online.
Diskerud, for his half, was not capable of run the midfield as he has in latest video games. His function within the formation was to be a frontrunner within the playmaking duties and the athletic, technical Colombia midfield prevented him from doing that.
5. Jermaine Jones in central protection
Jermaine Jones was given a real check in central protection and the outcomes had been once more blended. When the U.S. was enjoying properly early, so was Jones. However as Colombia raised its recreation, Jones’ inexperience on the place was uncovered. He ought to have been known as for a handball penalty within the forty fifth minute, and on Colombia’s gamewinning aim, Jones was sluggish to react on the preliminary passing sequence.
The issue once more with this experiment is that whereas Jones has constructive moments, it’s exhausting to see him bettering on the place until he persistently gamers there for his membership. Jones is dominating MLS within the midfield, and New England head coach Jay Heaps could have little incentive to play him there. The place shift will not be in his membership’s finest curiosity.
6. John Brooks stands out
John Brooks, alternatively, was very sturdy in protection towards Colombia. He has performed in three video games because the World Cup and all have been sturdy performances. It’s value stating that america’ backline was extraordinarily inexperienced. Fullbacks Greg Garza and DeAndre Yedlin are each of their first years as professionals and Jermaine Jones is new to protection. Brooks remains to be younger however he was requested to supply some management within the backline towards Colombia, and he did.
The massive query can be whether or not or not Brooks can get again within the good graces at Hertha Berlin’s teaching workers. Even with good appearances for the nationwide staff, Brooks must play for his membership. With all of the hope amongst U.S. workers for gamers like Jozy Altidore, Bobby Wooden, Timothy Chandler, and Julian Inexperienced to reverse their membership conditions, Brooks is crucial out of any of them from a U.S. nationwide staff perspective.
That is Brian Sciaretta’s take—now share yours. The feedback part is open for enterprise.
