ASN: 5 Ideas on the US’ Defeat of Puerto Rico

Bobby Wooden, DeAndre Yedlin, and Paul Arriola shined for the U.S. in Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Puerto Rico. However a handful of Yanks appeared overly passive within the match—not signal for Jurgen Klinsmann.

BY

Brian Sciaretta

Posted
Might 22, 2016
6:15 PM

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THE U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM defeated Puerto Rico 3-1 in Bayamón within the first of three friendlies this week because it prepares for the Copa America Centenario. General, the People dominated possession and some gamers stood out.

With many gamers nonetheless with their golf equipment, this recreation featured a mixture of expertise that shall be on the Copa America crew alongside gamers who’re on the fringes of the crew or a part of the long run. Given the character of this makeshift crew, it was a worthwhile train and an essential studying device. Listed here are 5 ideas on the match.

1. Arriola loves the worldwide stage

Paul Arriola had a dream debut—registering a aim and an help in a person of the match efficiency. In his youth profession, Arriola has at all times thrived on the worldwide stage, the place he has appeared to boost his recreation. On the U-20 World Cup, Arriola was a scrappy distinction maker and that effort helped flip round his once-flagging membership profession.

Now he’s taking part in extra constantly at Tijuana and he did properly sufficient with the Liga MX aspect to earn a U.S. call-up. It could not be stunning to see Arriola again with the U.S. quickly after Copa America. If he continues to play properly, he has the kind of skillset that may assist the U.S.: velocity, passing, and the willingness to attempt issues.

2. Yedlin has raised his recreation

Yedlin established himself within the English Premier League this 12 months however the Copa America Centenario might assist him elevate his recreation even additional. Puerto Rico was a weak opponent and it is harmful to attract any agency conclusions primarily based on one pleasant, but when Yedlin retains taking part in assured soccer he might lock down a place that has been troublesome to fill since Steve Cherundolo retired.

3. Wooden’s aim was spectacular

Bobby Wooden’s Thirty fourth-minute strike gave the U.S. a 2-0 lead and it was a really properly taken aim that had a excessive diploma of problem. He made a sensible diagonal run to the skin to obtain a top quality cross from Arriola. His first contact was clean and it performed him into the field. Wooden was then ready to make use of his velocity to chop across the defender and transfer in on aim. He didn’t have an enormous window to shoot however positioned the ball properly over the charging goalkeeper.

Wooden goes to be essential to the success of the U.S. this summer season. With out Jozy Altidore, the Yanks won’t have as a lot power within the field. Scoting targets would require skillful performs much like what Wooden confirmed on Sunday.

4. Some gamers have been too passive

Whereas just a few of the youthful gamers introduced vitality from the opening minutes, a number of veterans didn’t have robust performances and allowed Puerto Rico maintain the sport shut. John Brooks, Danny Williams, and Tim Ream didn’t play as much as their requirements. Ream, in his protection, isn’t a pure left again and typically struggles along with his tempo at that place.

Williams was notably disappointing as a result of the U.S. wants depth at his place, the No. 6 function. He misplaced out on a Copa America spot as Klinsmann elected to go together with Perry Kitchen as a substitute however Williams has the expertise to be a part of the crew’s future. His most up-to-date U.S. look got here in a pleasant loss to Costa Rica final October and Williams was very dangerous in that contest as properly. Williams must make the most of each likelihood he will get or else he’ll fade from the image rapidly.

Brooks, for his half, regarded drained in opposition to Puerto Rico. Matt Miazga changed him on the half and was an enchancment, offering high quality passing out of the again. Brooks had a terrific season with Hertha and needs to be top-of-the-line gamers on the U.S., however he didn’t deliver his A recreation to Puerto Rico. The truth that he has had many subpar outings defensively with the usshould be a priority for Klinsmann, who wants a participant like Brooks to translate his membership success to the worldwide enviornment.

5. Stefanowski Had His Workforce Ready

Puerto Rico head coach Jack Stefenowski deserves credit score for growing a sensible recreation plan and holding the sport shut. The New York Metropolis native stored his protection compact up the center and actually restricted the American assault. The extra gifted People have been at all times going to have the lion’s share of possession however Puerto Rico stayed inside hanging distance for many of the afternoon.

Early within the second half Emanuel Sánchez missed a golden likelihood to equalize after receiving a terrific cross within the field. The rating ought to have been 2-2 at that time and the sport would have taken on a very totally different really feel. When an overmatched crew performs past expectations, the coach deserves a tip of the cap.