ASN: Fast Assault, Stout Protection Assist Carry U.S. Over Canada

The U.S. under-23 crew secured a 3-1 win over a disciplined Canada aspect and now sits atop its group within the Olympic qualifying match. Brian Sciaretta has extra on the U.S. win.

BY

Brian Sciaretta

Posted
October 02, 2015
11:00 AM

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KANSAS CITY, Kan.—Final night time’s 3-1 victory over Canada highlighted the U.S. U-23 crew’s strengths and weaknesses because the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying match acquired underway.

Listed here are 4 ideas on the competition and a glance forward at what Andi Herzog’s males must do to step up their sport and safe passage to the 2016 video games in Rio de Janeiro.

Pace was the distinction

The People could have received by two targets but it surely was a one-goal contest for a lot of the sport. The U.S. prevailed due to its pace benefit—forwards Jordan Morris and Jerome Kiesewetter had been just too quick for the Canadian protection.

On the opening purpose, which got here simply 34 seconds into the sport, Kiesewetter burst down the precise aspect and crossed to Morris who had additionally damaged free from his defender. On the second purpose, Morris outran his defender to obtain a wonderfully timed cross from Wil Trapp. On the ultimate purpose, Kiesewetter’s quickness drew the penalty.

At occasions the U.S. midfield lacked endurance and tried to pressure balls to Morris or Kiesewetter. That accounted for the U.S. dropping possession rapidly and maybe was a significant factor why Canada received the possession edge 55%-45%.

Because of its speedy assault, nonetheless, it seems as if this squad will get its fair proportion of alternatives and provides opposing defenders nightmares.

Central midfield chemistry missing

Herzog utilized a 4-4-2 formation, with the U.S. enjoying in a slim diamond that featured 4 gamers preferring to play in central roles. Wil Trapp, Fatai Alashe, Emerson Hyndman, and Gedion Zelalem didn’t appear to be on the identical web page at occasions, and might want to do higher because the competitors will get stronger.

Zelalem, specifically, appeared misplaced for a lot of the sport earlier than popping out for Marc Pelosi within the 57th minute. The Glasgow Rangers midfielder failed to attach together with his teammates. Sure, he made some fancy strikes and his expertise is apparent to see, however his link-up play left a lot to be desired.

As a substitute, america’ finest possibilities got here with direct balls up the center—like Trapp’s help on the second purpose, or Hyndman’s beautiful lengthy via ball to spring Kiesewetter into the field within the nineteenth minute.

“We have to settle the ball a little bit more,” Luis Gil stated after the match. “Obviously they packed it in a little bit more at first in the midfield but we took advantage of the counter attack. This is the type of game where that was to our advantage. Every game is different and hopefully in the next game we settle the ball and keep the ball. It’s never going to be pretty if we don’t keep it on the ground.”

Herzog didn’t point out any particular names however acknowledged that the midfield requires some retooling. With Zelalem subbed out earlier than the hour mark, maybe his beginning place on the crew just isn’t a lock.

“In our midfield with Gedion Zelalem and Emerson Hyndman, they looked really good in training,” Herzog stated. “They’re nice technical gamers. That is why I wished to convey them [here] along with the 2 younger centerbacks and Zack Steffen. So we’ve got a variety of gifted younger boys however now we’ve got to seek out the precise steadiness and the precise combination for the second sport as a result of as we speak it was a tricky sport for everybody.

“We had to bring a lot of energy to win this game. So in two days, we have to find a fresh team.”

Polster crammed in nicely at proper again

Even earlier than the Montreal Influence recalled proper again Eric Miller on the eve of the match, the U.S. squad’s best weak point was on the fullback place. Miller, a proper again, was changed by Boyd Okwuono, who has struggled in latest coaching camps.

Herzog elected to start out Chicago Hearth rookie Matt Polster at proper again towards Canada—a place he had by no means performed with the U-23s. The transfer additionally pressured Polster to mark Michael Petrasso, Canada’s finest attacker.

“He had a real tough opponent,” Herzog stated after the match. “Michael Petrasso had an actual good sport. After his yellow card I used to be just a little bit scared. However I’ve a variety of confidence in Matt Polster as a result of he had a very nice camp in England. He’s very bodily and really sturdy. You may see that if a younger participant is an everyday starter in MLS, that he has a variety of confidence and a variety of energy.

“I knew he would do a good job without receiving another yellow card. This was huge for us.”

Carter-Vickers and Miazga thrived

Sensible transfer. Miazga gave a robust defensive efficiency and demonstrated some clear passing out of the again. Carter-Vickers was additionally stable, profitable almost all of his aerial duels and developing with some key clearances. Canada’s finest possibilities got here from the flanks and off set-pieces—it couldn’t do a lot of something via the middle of the pitch.

“Cameron and I have a really good understanding and partnership together,” Miazga stated. “We’ve been playing for the past two years together. I think we played well together [against Canada]. They did not get many dangerous chances.”

Herzog praised his younger central protection pair, but additionally advised there may be room for enchancment.

“Both are very young but you can see a lot of their qualities,” Herzog stated. “Overall I think they did a very good job. The problem today was we conceded a very easy goal off a set piece. That is something we have to avoid in the next games. The two young players did a good job today and I think they have a great future with the U.S. team.”