The USMNT is ready to host Chile tonight in what would be the crew’s hardest take a look at underneath Gregg Berhalter. ASN’s Brian Sciaretta previews the sport with 5 issues to look at for within the pleasant.
BY
Brian Sciaretta
Posted
March 26, 2019
8:00 AM
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THE UNITED STATES nationwide crew will faces its strongest opponent but underneath supervisor Gregg Berhalter when it hosts two-time defending Copa America champions Chile in Houston on Tuesday night time.
It is going to be a giant take a look at for Berhalter who has seen two of his greatest gamers depart camp following Thursday’s 1-0 win over Ecuador. In a transfer that was preplanned, midfielder/proper again Tyler Adams returned to RB Leipzig after a full 90 effort within the win. In the meantime, midfielder Weston McKennie returned to Schalke after struggling a sprained ankle which ought to drive him out of motion for a number of weeks.
However the absence of some gamers creates alternative for different gamers. Berhalter might be pressured to make modifications to his lineup.
Listed below are issues to look at in the course of the U.S. – Chile pleasant (ESPN2, 7:55pm EST):
Will the entrance three be extra medical?
America outplayed Ecuador final week however nonetheless solely mustered a single purpose. A part of this was because of the truth that Ecuador bunkered for lengthy stretches whereas hoping for a counter assault. However the U.S. crew additionally didn’t profit from its probabilities. Paul Arriola had a very good sport however noticed a golden probability saved – and one he must bury in video games that matter.
Gyasi Zardes was fairly good in opposition to Ecuador however he, together with Jordan Morris, will want higher motion within the field to open up the sport and create harmful probabilities. When Trapp is passing properly, Pulisic is within the sport, artistic motion will result in probabilities.
Chile might be stronger than Ecuador but in addition gained’t bunker both. Will the U.S. crew have the ability to create extra harmful probabilities from its entrance three?
Who will play alongside Pulisic?
With Weston McKennie out, there might be a possibility for somebody to step up within the midfield.
The issue with changing McKennie is that he helped the crew in a bunch of various areas. On offense he was good with fast passing and profitable aerial balls. However it’s his protection that might be harder to switch.
When the usteam was with out the ball, McKennie moved out of the twin No. 10 place and additional again into the midfield alongside Wil Trapp – who is a superb passer however isn’t as robust defensively as many worldwide No. 6 gamers. There McKennie could possibly be a disruptive drive and a ball-winner.
The defensive facet of what McKennie dropped at the sport might be tougher to switch. Cristian Roldan and Sebastian Lletget are good offensive gamers however neither can change what McKennie brings defensively.
Wither it’s Roldan, Lletget, or another person, the sport in opposition to Chile might be an enormous alternative to construct a case to presumably play a giant function on the Gold Cup as Mckennie would possibly miss the remainder of the season and never be match for the event this summer time.
Will Bradley/Trapp have the ability to open up the sport?
With out McKennie in motion, the central midfield could have a void defensively. That is compounded by the truth that Tyler Adams has additionally returned to Germany. With that stated, Michael Bradley appears prone to begin in opposition to Chile as a result of he’s higher defensively than Trapp and Berhalter might want to discover methods to disrupt the proficient Chileans.
However no matter whether or not it’s Bradley or Trapp within the 4-1-4-1 formation, that participant must take the lead in opening the sport up with an extended vary of passing. What the pleasant in opposition to Ecuador and the 2 January camp friendlies confirmed is that that function is important to creating every little thing work. Trapp performed properly in opposition to Ecuador when he hit some excellent passes from the midfield that performed the ball dangerously into wing positions or performed Pulisic and McKennie close to the field in the midst of the sphere.
If the U.S. desires to compete in opposition to higher competitors, whoever is in that function must be instrumental in hitting key passes, typically from an extended vary. Chile might be an important take a look at.
Will Lima have the ability to replicate his January kind?
Tyler Adams did properly in the proper again function in opposition to Ecuador the place he coated a ton of floor and made 116 touches. He was always concerned.
Now that job will possible fall to Nick Lima (with DeAndre Yedlin possible persevering with to play on the wing). The San Jose proper again performed properly the 2 January camp friendlies the place he reduce into the midfield created alternatives. The issue for Lima, nonetheless, is that his kind to begin the season hasn’t been spectacular. San Jose has struggled and Lima has been at fault for a number of of his opponents alternatives.
So which Lima will we see in opposition to Chile? The participant from January camp who seemed snug and prepared for higher opponents, or the one at San Jose who has struggled?
Can the midfield/defenders deal with the press?
On Thursday, Ecuador was a really passive opponent which conceded possession to the U.S. crew and seemed for counter assaults. Chile will press lots tougher than Ecuador and will probably be a distinct take a look at for Gregg Berhalter’s crew.
For one, the central defenders won’t have all day to play the ball into the midfield. Brooks and Lengthy had been spectacular with their passing in opposition to Ecuador – and whether or not it both them, or Miazga, fast distribution might be key.
The flip aspect of it’s that if the midfield can get by means of the press, the attackers ought to have more room to both take defenders on 1v1 or get open to make extra harmful runs.
Tonight’s sport vs. Chile might be about faster resolution making and avoiding turnovers. It is a vital take a look at.
