The US beat El Salvador last night 2-1, thanks to two late strikes by Brian Ching and Sacha Kljestan.
The first 30-35 minutes were unwatchable. El Salvador was overly casual with the ball and the US’s pressure forced multiple turnovers. The US failed to do anything with their possession and looked like they needed someone to remind them what they were supposed to do with the ball. Its called soccer fellas . . . the sport you get paid to play!!!!
After the “Amateur Hour in Tampa Show” was over the US started to put things together a little better. Conor Casey got a few nice touches and set up Kljestan with the best scoring opportunity of the first half. Beckerman dominated the midfield for the US giving Kljestan a little bit more time to create. The defense was rarely troubled in the first half, and Goodson, Bornstein, and Pierce enjoyed a solid half defensively. Brad Davis had a good half, demonstrating some poise and skill.
The second half was more of the same. Brian Ching and Eddie Gaven, subbed in at the half, were creating chances for the US. Rogers moved to the left and started to produce a little more. The US dominated El Salvador physically but a mistake by Brad Evans saw El Salvador take the lead. El Salvador’s keeper, Miguel Montes, batted away several good US chances. The US finally leveled in the 76th minute when Brian Ching headed home a Heath Pearce cross. Kljestan found the game winner two minutes into stoppage time. Kljestan collected an errant pass and played a quick 1-2 pass with Ching for any easy finish.
Positives:
The US was willing to attack. It was good to see the US players aggressive and hungry to find the goal. Miguel Montes was in great form for El Salvador and he saved them from a possible 5-1 scoreline. I think they were also a little lucky that our finishing was poor all night.
Negatives:
I can’t believe the US can still field players with such a disturbing lack of fundamentals, both technical and tactical. I thought we were passed these days but I guess we still have a few years to go.
Players, the good:
I thought Eddie Gaven, Brian Ching, Beckerman, Heath Pierce, and Brad Davis did themselves a favor last night. Ching was mobile and hungry. It doesn’t hurt that he got the tieing goal and assisted on the game winner. Gaven was lively and showed some clever ball skill. His final touch to pass or shoot failed him, but he had some highlight reel moments. Beckerman is reliable and coaches love players they can depend on. Pearce was lucky that he played on El Salvador’s weak side. He locked down the left side defensively and put in a nice cross for Ching’s goal. Davis’s performance on the left was probably bolstered by Robbie Rogers poor play, but Davis looked sharp and dangerous in the first half.
Players, the bad:
Robbie Rogers was a mess last night. On the right side of the field he looked like he belonged on a Wednesday night coed team. He moved to the left and played much better but still didn’t have a good night. Robbie Findley needs to rely on more than just his speed. His fundamentals looked poor, and in my opinion, he shouldn’t wear the US jersey until he cleans that up. Similarly, Jeff Cunningham might have worn the US jersey for the last time. He started brightly but disappeared completely from the match. Brad Evans . . . poor Brad Evans . . . he is a good player but he isn’t a right back. I want him to get a chance at center mid and show that he can play. It’s tough not to blame him for El Salvador’s goal but we all knew that if El Salvador was going to score, it would be down our right side.
Players, did just enough:
Conor Casey, Jonothan Bornstein, and Clarence Goodson demonstrated more of the same. Goodson looked solid against a weak El Salvador attack. He was also dangerous on set pieces. Casey reminded Bradley that he can win the physical battles and play good passes up top, but he won’t work like Brian Ching. Bornstein didn’t shine but he was steady and that is what Bradley was expecting from him.
Sacha Kljestan found the game winner last and put himself into good spots. Before the game winner, I was going to put him in the bad category because I don’t think he did enough on either side of the ball to say he had an overall good game. I’ve always liked Kljestan’s style and hopefully this game winner will spark his confidence and get him out of the slump.
Final Thoughts:
The season of the B-team is over. THANK GOD!!! It was ugly, painful, and embarrassing but we survived. As terrible as these last few games were, I still think they are necessary for the growth of our national team. Our MLS guys need to play international matches and top competition in order to grow.
I’m looking forward to our next friendly against the Netherlands. I think Ching has earned a right to make the trip, along with Bornstein, Goodson, Perkins, and Beckerman. I’m still hoping for Conor Casey to make the trip but if Bradley can only take one target forward, I think Ching edged him last night.
Share your thoughts on last night’s match. Who do you think should make the trip to the Netherlands?
