I thought Gatt showed good off the ball movement. Most of our guys have too poor ball control to play quick combinations past tight defenses. This was compounded by the fact that no one was sharp. Gonzalez and Besler should take the 2 of those spots just to send a message.
Craptastic game all around, for sure. That said... The Good: Beckerman Zusi Feilhaber Gonzales Sean Johnson The So-so: Eddie Johnson Wondo Davis Besler Morrow Gatt Agudelo Bedoya Evans (at RB) The Ugly: Beltran Evans (in midfield) The Incompletes: Bruin Morales
Ok but just because the match sucked doesnt mean it was worthless. Jurgen probably learned alot about Gonzalez and Davis in particular from camp. I think that is very important, especially the Gonzalez factor.
This game coulda needed some Deleon.. too bad Pontius was injured also because US lacked speed tonight against a team like canada who bunkered in. Only slightly improved when Gatt came on. Gonzo and Besler I'd still take to the hex but they didn't really get pressured much at all this game.
Some nerves yes, but very poor attitude vs. a team like Canada. Bad mindset, we're home, should play with waaaaay more tempo.
I can see your point. However against better teams he might take that hole, and then just get stripped by a good defense. To be more than just a speedster, he needs to be able to cross and pass on the wing. If he hugs the touchline, he needs better crosses. If he comes inside, he needs to pass. I really like his attitude and his willingness to show up. Time will tell if the rest shows up. He could have it in him, absolutely. He deserves more call-ups to see what happens.
I don't get it though. If you want to practice how to bunker, why play a defensive team like Canada? And if you want to play to learn how to break a bunker, why not play the masters at it, Greece or Paraguay, instead of this bunch?
I dont believe in comparing Gatt and Dono. Were I to do so, I would say that Dono plays with his head up, Gatt plays with his head down.
Too bad Nguyen is injured - he could have brought something to the table. Also would have liked to see Conor O'Brien at d-mid.
I think we expected everyone to do a lot better but yea I expected him to kill it out there especially since it was in front of the Houston crowd.
Good to see Omar and Besler together and they look like they have a lot of promise as a pairing. They complement each other extremely well. With more time they could really lock down the back. We are in dire need of good young centerbacks, and although this was only their first "trial" if you can even call it that, I liked it. What to say about that attack, though? I was surprised that we didn't play better on the wings after Klinsmann emphasized that in an interview this week. It took forever and a day to get a corner kick. I think we looked semi-dangerous on the set pieces. I liked the possession, especially in the first half, but it seemed rather aimless, which frustrated everyone. Sometimes I think Klinsmann talks so much, and everyone is so keyed up to make that special play. They don't play patient enough, and the attacking in the final third was pretty woeful against the bunker. Quicker passing, better first touch (Wondo) and more quality outside shots were needed.
The 4-0 Denmark/Canada game was the worst thing to happen to this game. I'm sure the US team came out overconfident, and Canada decided to park the bus for 90 minutes to avoid another demoralizing defeat (I watched parts of the Denmark/Canada game and Canada played a much more open game - I think they were in a 442 not the 4-5-0-1 they seemed to play today). Good news is that the only two players who are likely to play key roles in qualifying (Besler, Gonzales) showed well.