USA Men’s National Team Camp a success: Jurgen Klinsmann
In the end, USA Men’s National Team boss Jurgen Klinsmann declared the January camp as a a success, which culminated with a 2-0 win over South Korea at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. Chris Wondolowski scored for the USA in the fourth and 60th minutes to seal the win for the States.
February 1, 2014; Carson, CA, USA; USA head coach Jurgen Klinsmann before USA plays against Korea Republic at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
“I thought the guys showed a lot of quality, they showed a lot of effort,” Klinsmann told MLSSoccer.com’s Blair Angulo. “We got rewarded with a win and, obviously, you’re pleased with all the work and also implemented in a game. Overall, South Korea was always dangerous, especially on set pieces – corner kicks and free kicks. There was always a feeling that something was up in the air, but we handled it well.
“Seeing Wondo start the year 2014 with two goals was awesome. It’s awesome for him.”
South Korea dominated the USA in terms of shots, 16-9, and the backline of Brad Evans, Omar Gonzalez, Matt Besler and Michael Parkhurst had their backs against the wall at times.
“You can always work on group stuff,” Gonzalez said. “With Jurgen, there is one style he wants us to play and we all know what he wants.”
“What we tried to implement this camp was attacking quickly, playing that first ball in, penetrating the ball either to the forwards or to the winger, and then attacking from the flanks,” said midfielder Graham Zusi. “And our two goals came from flank play.
“A big part of this camp was about not going side to side, but it was about penetrating the ball. If it happens like that it can lead to a quick attack.”
One player that did not show up was Mike Magee, who came down with food poisoning on the eve of the match.
“He had issues [Friday] night and then again before we actually left [for the stadium], and so we left him back at the hotel,” Klinsmann told MLSSoccer.com’s Scott French. “He threw up last night a couple of times and this morning, and it’s so unfortunate.
Oct 27, 2013; Harrison, NJ, USA; Chicago Fire forward Mike Magee (9) celebrates his goal against the New York Red Bulls during the first half of a game at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
“But we had a good talk, and he knows we watch him now. He’s part of that group now, and his best argument is, like Wondo’s is, scoring goals [with his club side]. It was great to work with Mikey finally in my time here as coach, and he knows that the door is open to him.”
Still, despite the issues, the door is open for Magee to return to national team action, and the hope is that no further issues will doom Magic Mike.
“He’s had a really good camp. I think he’s played really well,” midfielder Landon Donovan said. “I think he’s been confident, he’s fit in very well, but we saw him this morning, and he couldn’t even get out of bed. So we’re bummed for him, but such is life, and, hopefully, it’s happened for a reason.”