USMNT vs. Mexico friendly - Highs and Lows

Playing under newly appointed head coach Jurgen Klinsmann the U.S. came away with a draw in Philadelphia against rival Mexico. VASoccerNews traveled to Philly and observed the match and here are our breakdowns of the "Highs & Lows" of the night.


Starting USMNT Roster:

Highs - The U.S. was able to limit Mexico to very few attacking opportunities despite giving up the lone goal of the first half. Michael Bradley could not have marked Oribe Peralta any tighter but the Mexican forward did just enough (part skill/part luck) to get his boot on the end of the cross for the goal.

Lows - The Americans were also unable to create much in the way of any promising attack against Mexico and looked very stale on the offensive side of the ball. On defense, U.S. defender Edgar Castillo could not have played a worse game. Castillo was repeatedly beat on balls played into the corner and never quite seemed to be in the right position throughout the first half, constantly being caught "on an island" on the quick give-and-go passes by the Mexican attackers.


USMNT Subs:

Highs - Suprissingly Klinsmann returned the same starters to the field for the beginning of the second half however he would go on to use four subs later in the game. The first substitutes, Brek Shea and Juan Agudelo, immediate showed flashes of energy and creativity nearly connecting on a criss-cross run from 40 yards out but could not finish with a quality shot.

Later in the second half Shea was able to connect with the third U.S. substitute, Robbie Rogers, as Shea used pure muscle to shield the Mexican defender and play a great ball across the goal face for Rogers to tap in for an easy goal that tied the match.

Lows - Ricardo Clark seemed the most ineffective of all the subs coming on in place of Jose Torres and made plenty of odd decisions including poor shot choices and a clear miss that could have put the Americans up late in the game.


Liberty Financial Field:

Highs - The home stadium of the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles is a beautiful park and puts D.C. Uniteds' home field, R.F.K to shame. All seats offer quality views of the action and the large screens at each end are excellent for viewing replays and close-ups of the on field battles.

Lows - The only possible "low" could be that one end of the field (Mexico's first half side) looked as if it had recently had some patch work sod repairs done to it. Possibly from an event or concert? Though the field conditions seemed to be more cosmetic than anything and never seemed to disrupt the play.

Lower than Low - Speaking of disrupting the play, unfortunately one USMNT supporter decided to make his way onto the field of play during the action causing a brief pause until he was removed. Running around shirtless and carrying an American flag he wondered around for about a good minute until seemingly bored he was easily apprehended by security. What exactly motivates fans to do this at sporting events? POINTLESS!


New U.S. Head Coach, Jurgen Klinsmann:

Highs- Realistically speaking one game is not much to go on when trying to guage how Klinsmann will mold this team and/or what style of play he plans on implementing for the U.S. squad as they move forward. One thing was made very clear when speaking to the players and even listening to the new head coach, he has already set a positive tone in the locker room. The players seem to be responding to the positive energy Klinsmann brings to the position and the confidence boost that comes from that energy.


U.S. Midfielder BREK SHEA
On the difference between tonight and his debut:“I was excited and nervous that night.  It was way faster compared to the soccer I’ve been playing.  Today, I just got in there, relaxed and did what I had to do.  I got a lot of playing time this year, and that definitely helps in raising confidence, and Coach Klinsmann also brings positive energy.  He’s all about if you mess up, it’s not a big deal, you move on.”

U.S. goalkeeper TIM HOWARD
On Klinsmann’s appointment and moving forward:
"It's been good and upbeat so there’s a positive feeling."

U.S. Midfielder Kyle Beckerman
On Klinsmann:
"He is super positive."




Overall: The mix of energy and creative play making seen from the younger substitutes combined with the experience of players such as Landon Donovan, Steve Cherundolo, and Tim Howard and topped off with the fresh outlook and positive energy that Klinsman seems to be instilling may just end up being the perfect recipe to move the U.S. team to the next level of international teams.