The USA performed Uruguay to a 0-0 draw on Sunday in Kansas Metropolis. The hassle mirrored a staff that’s nonetheless a piece in progress but additionally one that may dangle compete nicely in opposition to tough opponents. ASN’s Brian Sciaretta breaks down the sport and the efficiency of the gamers after a second viewing.
BY
Brian Sciaretta
Posted
June 06, 2022
6:30 AM
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THE UNITED STATES nationwide staff performed Uruguay to a 0-0 draw at Youngsters’s Mercy Park in Kansas Metropolis on Sunday in its remaining check in opposition to a World Cup-caliber opponent earlier than the September window. The outcome was definitely not dangerous, but it surely as soon as once more revealed that the U.S. staff remains to be very a lot a piece in progress.
A very powerful perspective to have when judging this recreation is that Uruguay entered the sport having received its final 5 video games by a mixed rating of 11-1. In different phrases, Uruguay is taking part in extraordinarily nicely proper now on each side of the ball. They boast a strong assault in addition to a protection that may hold opponents off the board.
“Give this team credit, Uruguay is a team that doesn’t give up many goals,” U.S. head coach Gregg Berhalter stated. “They have top of the line defenders and they compete like crazy.”
That streak was snapped by a U.S. staff that bought a bit fortunate on the finish, however nonetheless performed nicely for stretches. General, the primary two video games have certainly been productive because it reveals the U.S. staff does have expertise and high quality, however nonetheless must be extra ruthless and aggressive.
Berhalter introduced his beginning lineup the day earlier than to the media. The modifications from the 3-0 win over Morocco noticed Sean Johnson get the nod in purpose over Matt Turner. Joe Scally and DeAndre Yedlin changed Reggie Cannon and Antonee Robinson. Weston McKennie changed Brenden Aaronson though Berhalter famous that McKennie was capped at 45 minutes as he’s nonetheless rehabbing his foot harm. The entrance line of Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, and Jesus Ferreira remained unchanged.
Uruguay did nicely the primary 10-Quarter-hour and it’s greatest probability of the half got here within the tenth minute when DeAndre Yedlin was capable of clear a shot from Diego Godín off the road.
— USMNT (@USMNT) June 5, 2022
U.S. staff largely managed the ultimate half-hour of the half, regardless of not scoring. The U.S. had its possibilities. Weston McKennie appeared to carry some life into the assault within the 14th minute when he despatched a bicycle kick over the purpose. From then, the U.S. had extra possibilities. Jesus Ferreira had his shot late within the nineteenth minute saved by Fernando Muslera. Minutes later, Ferreira was not capable of drive a header on purpose within the twenty first.
Sean Johnson had sturdy efficiency on this recreation and two of his three saves had been tough. The primary of which was within the twenty third minute when Johnson denied Manuel Ugarte from shut vary.
Within the second half, as is typical with friendlies, the sport grew to become disjointed because of each groups making a wave of substitutions. Pulisic hit a shot broad within the 53rd. Minutes later, Uruguay squandered an opportunity once they hit the U.S. staff on a counterattack after a turnover within the midfield. Fernando Gorriarán’s shot ended up going over the bar from shut vary.
Within the 63rd minute, Mathías Olivera had his shot saved by Johnson for the NYCFC goalkeeper’s second spectacular save of the afternoon.
Within the 81st, the U.S. staff thought it had earned a penalty and if VAR existed, maybe it could have been known as. On the play, Pulisic performed Robinson into the field. The speedy Fulham left again despatched in a cross but it surely appeared to hit a sliding Sebastián Coates within the had however a penalty was not awarded.
In a recreation that was stuffed with misses, the sport led to stoppage time simply after the most important miss from this recreation’s greatest participant. Edinson Cavani had an open web off a transition play however shanked it broad proper.
— USMNT (@USMNT) June 6, 2022
Listed here are some ideas on the sport
Forwards nonetheless empty
Via two video games, the U.S. staff has appeared stable in purpose with good efforts from Sean Johnson and Matt Turner. Central protection has definitely conceded some possibilities it shouldn’t have (Erik Palmer-Brown struggled in opposition to Uruguay) however for probably the most half, it’s been extra constructive than unfavorable.
Central midfield and the wings have additionally been extra constructive than unfavorable for the primary two video games.
The U.S. staff needs to be involved proper now with each fullback positions and the middle ahead place. Each of those positions have been total weak within the first two video games.
Up prime, Jesus Ferreira had possibilities however hasn’t been capable of burry them. As an alternative, his photographs have been saved. The nineteenth minute shot was such an instance as Muslera was capable of make a giant cease.
Apart from being handed the ball to take a penalty, Haji Wright hasn’t been ready show he’s the reply. Towards Uruguay, Wright had simply 4 touches over 29 minutes. Ferreira, for his limitations, has at the least been capable of become involved and work with the wingers. However the forwards want to attain targets.
— USMNT (@USMNT) June 5, 2022
“It was more the finishing attacks phase that we struggled in,” Berhalter stated. “We got the ball into really good positions and then just didn’t take advantage of it…. Overall for the strikers, it’s a difficult game against big, aggressive centerbacks. Jesus had another really good chance. There were moments. We came up a little bit short, but we’ll keep working with these guys.”
“We want to get them chances,” he added. “We want to see how they’re finishing chances. we want to see how they’re competing against international players. That’s important. I still don’t think there’s enough of a sample size for Haji but we’ll continue to work with him. We have two Nations League games, and we’ll see if Jesus and Haji can hit the back of the net in those.”
Fullbacks blended
Fullbacks are a priority. Sure, Sergino Dest is out with an harm however the issues with the fullbacks shouldn’t be taking place even with the present gamers. Yedlin made a giant defensive play clearing a ball off the road and he additionally created a great probability however total, amongst every of the 4 fullbacks over each video games, the protection hasn’t been there. It has put quite a lot of stress on the centerbacks.
On this recreation, Joe Scally went 90 minutes (the primary 62 minutes at left again and the ultimate 28 minutes at proper again) and had a tricky stretch early. To start out the sport, Uruguay had a subject day attacking down Scally’s facet – the place there have been acres of house.
Berhalter, nonetheless, painted a constructive image on the younger fullback from Lengthy Island.
“For Joe Scally, the way he managed the game and hung in there, was battling, was cramping, going from left to right back – I was really proud of that effort,” Berhalter stated.
“Uruguay didn’t touch the ball in the first three minutes,” Berhalter added. “Then in minutes three through seven, it was just an adjustment. Joe [Scally] was getting too tight to the centerbacks. They were playing with two forwards and the forwards are inside of our centerbacks – he doesn’t need to be that tight. He can start opening up and reading those diagonal switches and get much tighter pressure on their wingback. Once we made that adjustment, it helped.”
— USMNT (@USMNT) June 5, 2022
On a extra constructive word, Antonee Robinson was improved after a tricky first half in opposition to Morocco on Thursday night time. DeAndre Yedlin created an opportunity and had a goal-line clearance as he stays in a really tight battle with Reggie Cannon because the backup rightback.
However total, the fullbacks haven’t been a place of energy in these video games.
Midfield was sturdy
The U.S. staff misplaced its spark within the second half – which was anticipated with the wave of substitutions. However total, there was loads to love concerning the return of the Adams, Musah, and McKennie trio that was unable to go in March because of McKennie’s harm.
On this recreation, the trio actually helped the U.S. take pleasure in stretches the place they managed the sport.
“Tyler Adams, for me, had an extra gear, an extra spark, was all over the place, and really helped us on both sides of the ball,” Berhalter stated. “Weston was able to compete for 45 minutes after not having started a game for five months. Yunus is a guy that just blows me away with what he can do at his age. He’s got a crazy amount of talent. We need to work with Yunus on the final product – the final pass, the finishing. Because he has a huge ceiling.”
It’ll be fascinating to see the dynamics of how the midfield evolves over the rest of this camp and into the autumn. Brenden Aaronson got here into the sport within the second half an appears to be like as if he may very well be extra deadly in producing targets and assists proper now. If that occurs, how would an Adams, Aaronson, McKennie midfield look?
There may be additionally the return of Gio Reyna and whether or not Berhalter may need to attempt him in a midfield position?
However proper now, the midfield appears to be like sharp and that’s truly shocking when you think about that Adams and Musah didn’t actually have sturdy membership seasons. For each, taking part in time was irregular however particularly for Musah, his membership profession is in its early levels. He doesn’t but have a set place though he has been taking part in his most popular central position extra typically. Adams, in the meantime, doesn’t have the rhythm he may have if he nonetheless had a beginning job at Leipzig. In the meantime, McKennie made his first begin in 5 months because of harm.
If this group can play nicely regardless of not having rhythm of constant membership minutes, think about what it could be like if they’re all in rhythm and kind.
Waiting for Nations League
The Nations League video games in opposition to Grenada and El Salvador are nonetheless helpful alternatives to offer the staff repetitions and develop chemistry. Drawing conclusions from the outcomes and particular performances may very well be deceptive. It’s not the extent of competitors that’s corresponding to the World Cup.
Berhalter indicated after the sport that the September window will characteristic two video games in opposition to World Cup opponents, however what are the constructive alternatives that the Nations League represents?
It’s a great probability to have a look at depth and the way the staff may hypothetically cope with accidents to key gamers. How would Kellyn Acosta slot in ought to he need to play the No. 6 rather than Adams? Or what may different central protection combos appear like even when they won’t get examined?
Grenada is perhaps extra experimental, however El Salvador is sweet sufficient the place it is perhaps helpful to check a mixed lineup that mixes first-team gamers and backups. That would at the least give the gamers extra familiarity to a state of affairs that might come up if there’s a wave of accidents in Qatar.
Johnson solutions the decision
After the sport, Berhalter revealed that Sean Johnson had been asking for a chance in opposition to a top quality opponent. Johnson has been the loyal third string keeper behind Matt Turner and Zack Steffen. Generally he’s additionally been behind Ethan Horvath. He didn’t play in World Cup qualifying regardless of being a daily on the roster. Usually, his solely performances have are available low-profile friendlies or Gold Cup video games in opposition to decrease CONCACAF groups.
Berhalter, maybe eager to award his loyalty and provides him an sincere alternative, gave him the beginning in staff’s most high-profile pleasant in years. Johnson delivered with a clear sheet efficiency that featured three stable saves.
SEAN JOHNSON.
STOPPING SHOTS ANY WAY HE CAN. pic.twitter.com/Xl4r9kC4BY
— USMNT (@USMNT) June 5, 2022
“Sean Johnson has been asking for a challenging game and he got it, and he responded with a very strong performance,” Berhalter stated.
What does this imply?
For one, Matt Turner is doing his half to be the No. 1 goalkeeper heading into the World Cup regardless of the outlook that he’s going to be the backup at Arsenal beginning this summer season. However the complete pecking order is hard to find out. Steffen doesn’t play at Manchester Metropolis and he has struggled when he does. Horvath is a backup at Nottingham Forest. Gaga Slonina isn’t prepared but.
Turner’s backup standing at Arsenal is a bit totally different as he has been taking part in for New England the primary half of this yr. At Arsenal, he’ll in all probability begin some preseason video games and a few early-season cup video games. It’s far totally different than Horvath and Steffen who’ve been sitting on the bench for many of the previous few seasons.
However Johnson turns into the very best guess to make the staff if Berhalter desires to have at the least one goalkeeper who’s taking part in usually for his membership. He helped his case in opposition to Uruguay, in all probability to the detriment of Ethan Horvath.
Participant Rankings
The starters
Sean Johnson: He requested for a top quality recreation to showcase himself and he bought one. He answered the decision and put out an ideal outing with large saves within the twenty third and 63rd minutes. He was essential in holding the clear sheet. Score: 7.5
Joe Scally: The Gladbach defender performed each left and proper again. He struggled with spacing early however then settled into the sport and battled. He didn’t make a huge impact getting ahead. Score: 5.0
Walker Zimmerman: The Nashville SC defender performed a giant position in holding a clear sheet and was the very best American defender on the day. He was credited with 4 clearances. He received 5/6 floor duels. He additionally had three blocks, together with a giant one in opposition to Diego Rossi from shut vary late within the recreation. He was 5/7 along with his lengthy balls, which additionally resulted in a pair of first rate scoring possibilities for the U.S. staff. His solely blemish was getting overwhelmed within the forty first minute, however aside from that, it was a great day on the workplace Score: 7.5
Aaron Lengthy: The Purple Bulls captain performed the primary half and was compelled to scramble in emergency defending early as Uruguay was typically awarded an excessive amount of house. He solely performed the primary half and was first rate, aside from a poor forty second minute backpass to Sean Johnson which the U.S. staff solely narrowly escaped with out conceding a purpose. Score: 6.0
DeAndre Yedlin: The Inter Miami proper again was helpful early as he cleared a shot off the road within the tenth minute. Offensively, he was vibrant early connecting with Ferreira for an opportunity. However he pale after his vibrant begin and struggled to get ahead successfully. Score: 5.5
Tyler Adams: The U.S. staff’s captain battled laborious, received duels, and helped in possession. He even made some good runs that had been unrecognized. Defensively, he received duels and tracked again late when Uruguay was urgent ahead for a purpose. Score: 7.0
Yunus Musah: General, a great efficiency from the Valencia midfielder who showcased athleticism and ball management that’s powerful to cease. As soon as the ultimate product is there, he’ll be a handful. However total, he was helpful in opposition to a tricky opponent. Score: 7.0
Weston McKennie: The Juventus midfielder made his first begin in almost 4 months. His tried bicycle that went over the bar appeared to be the place to begin for the U.S. staff’s assault. General, he wasn’t as concerned as the opposite midfielders but it surely was necessary to the U.S. staff having him again. Score: 6.0
Christian Pulisic: Had a pleasant interception that sprung him free on the wing within the twelfth minute – his cross to Weah wasn’t harmful. In contrast to Wednesday’s win over Morocco, Pulisic was not capable of get in remoted 1v1s with defenders or use his dribble successfully. His one shot went nicely broad Score: 6.0
Jesus Ferreira: The Colombian-born ahead did quite a lot of small issues proper and was useful within the buildup to possibilities however he had an opportunity early that he must bury to be a deadly finisher. That also is his predominant job even when he’s energetic in any other case Score: 5.5
Tim Weah: The Lille winger struggled to make an affect in opposition to Uruguay solely managing one weak header for a shot. He tried to hit a low, laborious cross to Ferreira that was only a bit too far out of attain. Score: 5.5
The Substitutes
Paul Arriola: Was a bit extra energetic on this recreation regardless of Uruguay choosing it up within the second half. He drew two fouls free of charge kicks, fought laborious in his duels. Score: 6.0
Erik Palmer-Brown: powerful second on the finish when he misplaced Cavani, who inexplicably missed. Earlier he was overwhelmed for an opportunity that Gorriaran missed excessive. His passing was okay at 24/28. Score: 4.5
Brenden Aaronson: Was energetic off the bench in changing McKennie. He received duel after duel to make Uruguay’s life tough. Score: 6.5
Haji Wright: Wright didn’t make an affect on this recreation and solely had 4 touches with one accomplished cross over 29 minutes. A part of that’s on his teammates not getting him service but it surely’s additionally partly on him. Score: 4.5
Antonee Robinson: The Fulham left again was an improve after coming into the sport within the 62nd minute. He bought ahead successfully and in addition defended nicely. It was an improved efficiency than his recreation in opposition to Morocco. He arguably ought to have earned a penalty within the 82nd minute after he successfully bought into the field and hit a cross that gave the impression to be a handball. Score: 6.5
Luca de la Torre: Got here into the sport within the eighty fifth however didn’t do sufficient to earn a ranking. Score: NR
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