Timmy Howard- MOTM. Again. Going to get more opportunities to be MOTM playing behind USA center backs. We need help in the middle of the line. Serious help.
Well the central defense is a mess. A complete and utter mess that has no resolution in sight right as the Hex is starting. If Bocanegra isn't healthy by February we are in DEEP trouble.
don't want to overreact... but I really hope Goodson isn't our 3rd centerback going forward. Maybe 4th, but we'll see. I think Gonzalez might have him beat.
Depending on how Donovan is feeling on a day-to-day basis, Bradley should be the first name on teamsheet. He should also be inscribing his name on the Honda trophy.
Defense was bad, but also put in some bad situations by Williams going missing from the 6 spot all game. Russia had all kinds of freedom in front of our back four. Glad we got the tie, but that wasn't pretty. Seems like, against good competition, it's still either bunker or get torn up.
I got the sense that most of our defensive players weren't mentally in the game. Two goals conceded from two absolute brainfarts: Williams on a free kick, Goodson pushing down a player when Howard already had the ball covered.
Why didn't we call up Besler when we had the chance again? But yeah that defense was pretty bad all around.
Really a crime that Brooks wasn't on this squad, just to get a look. Personally, I think we are in trouble if Boca is healthy and our starting CB. He's not good enough.
I don't think Cameron was bad at CB, but he and Goodson should never be a tandem again. not Fabian's best game as a defender either. All the young guys contributed to the tie. Jozy had a lot of bad moments, but I thought there were good moments as well. Herc and Jozy cannot play together in a 4-3-3 When Jones runs out attack we are sloppy. When Mikey runs it, we look decent
I think if you add Dempsey and Donovan into the original starting 11 and we look fairly good, except for the backline which is just a mess. I know I said that earlier but I just can't get over it.
Great result really. A tie in Russia without Dempsey or Donovan. A courageous fight back after a horrible early mistake. Both goals very well taken. I'm in no mood to grumble right now. The roster we had available and the way that game started off, the late penalty... This tie feels almost like a win to me.
Defense is a shambles and not going to lie a big concern for me in the Hex. Defon 4 critical. But good fight back. Wonderful goal from Bradley. Big congrats to Mix. Great fight back. Well done.
Media narrative seems to be that we 'stole' a draw, but I don't see it. Russia's goals came from a comical free kick error and a PK. They swarmed us in the first 20' but conceded possession after that. Howard made some good saves but we're not talking Keller v Brazil here or anything. 2-2 seemed fair to me.