The match was shown live on Fox Soccer and the first observation is one that was easily noticed by any fan watching the broadcast, even those like me who do not have an HD TV:
#1 - The playing surface was horrific! The grass field was installed on top of the existing artificial turf playing surface used by the Detroit Lions. The seams between the pieces of "natural grass" were clearly seen by the naked eye and the players commented after the game about how the ball did not play as it should on a "natural" surface.
Neither team was allowed to warm up on the field before the match. A clear sign the field quality was questionable at best.
Multiple times throughout the match players would lose their footing and slip from the slightest changes in direction.
#2 - Juan Agudelo is not ready...yet - The 18 year old Red Bulls Striker was out of sync all match and was unable to create many real opportunities. He had a somewhat interesting strike from the outside of his right foot deflect to the keeper. Agudelo reminds me of a young Jozy Altidore, with speed and strength he just needs to mature with his decision making and timing of his runs to take advantage of the many crosses the US was sending in front of the box all game.
Don't expect Agudelo to get the starting nod again in the next Gold Cup match agianst Panama on June 11th. Instead I believe coach Bob Bradley will go with either Chris Wondolowski or possibly move Clint Dempsey up top to pair up with Altidore.
#3 - Tim Howard is still at the top of his game - Howard not only held the Canadians scoreless he also managed the back four brilliantly, helping keep the defensive shape and even draw Canada offsides throughout the match.
During the second half Howard single handily shut down any chance for Canada to get back in the game with a spectacular (Howard-esque) save of Gerba in the 70'. The Everton keeper also withstood a final flurry inside the box in the 85' to ensure the clean sheet.
#4 - The U.S. needs more quality shots - Although Jozy Altidore got the USMNT on the score board first, his shot was less a quality strike and more poor form by the Canadian keeper. Clint Dempsey was able to make good on a cross by Altidore that Agudelo was unable to reach but during the match the U.S. was not producing quality shots to go along with the excellent play in midfield and many crosses in front of goal.
Look for MLS leading goal scorer (w/8 goals) Landon Donovan to get some more opportunities in the next match and if Wondolowski (2010 MLS Golden Boot winner with 18 goals) gets the start or subs in earlier maybe he can channel the goal scoring magic he has created the last season and a half with San Jose.
#5 - Clint Dempsey was having fun! - More of an opinion than a technical observation but watching the match you noticed Dempsey was fit, relaxed, and having fun on the field. Dempsey was constantly including cheeky moves like back heels, multiple crossovers, and even at one point juggling mid dribble.
His goal was the well deserved reward for his hustle and awareness and it seemed as if the confidence of Dempsey is at 100%. It was great to see an American playing with some style and not just relying on athletic ability.
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Hey Chris -
ReplyDeleteA really good analysis of the game. I'm concerned about the quality of chances the US are creating; it's downright disheartening. And, yes, Howard is a mad man out there and I look forward to him standing tall.
I'll be in Tampa this weekend and I look forward to a strong showing. Go USA!