The United States Men’s National Team started off their CONCACAF Gold Cup defense on a winning note last night in Frisco, guided by Clint Dempsey’s double, but it is clear that there is work to be done.
After two terrific offensive displays last month in Europe, the US relied on a familiar formula to earn all three points. Set pieces, counter attacks, and goalkeeping once again led the way for Jurgen Klinsmann’s side. Honduras came out and pressed the Americans into playing compact, and thus could not keep possession. The Honduran gameplan worked perfectly, until the 25th minute, that is. On a well organized corner kick, Jozy Altidore made a near post run that resulted in a shot that was saved, but the rebound was headed in by Clint Dempsey to give the US the lead.
Honduras opened the second half with the same aggressive mentality, and put the US under pressure again. However, it appeared the USMNT had settled the game in the 64th minute when Dempsey netted a second goal, once again on a set piece.
Honduras would not roll over though, and drew back within one goal 5 minutes later. Carlos Discua had been on the pitch for only a matter of seconds before he embarrassed Ventura Alvarado in the back and scored to Brad Guzan’s left hand side. It was a well deserved goal for the Hondurans given their efforts. However, the US would hang on for a 2-1 win (which could have been a 3-1 win had goal line tech been in place).
Even though a win is a win, there are problems with the defense that are exposed. Timmy Chandler, John Brooks, and Ventura Alvarado were all mediocre at best last night. All three defenders were exposed badly at times, and for the moment, are more liable than helpful on the defensive end. Chandler’s defending was suspect on the flanks, as he was torched by Andy Najar on multiple occasions. Both Alvarado and Brooks were exposed in their one on one defending in and around the area as well.
Klinsmann can and really should completely overhaul the defense for the next match against Haiti. Fabian Johnson can be moved to right back, Omar Gonzalez and Tim Ream can be inserted into central defense, with Greg Garza being brought in to the left back position. The real question is, will Klinsmann risk completely overhauling his backline in the middle of the group stage? Only he can answer that, but if he does, it will be understandable. The defensive effort last night will hold this team back from reaching its full potential; the midfielders had to drop back last night into a 4-5-1 due to the strain being placed on the defense, and that will not make this team better in attack or possession if they have to park the bus for dear life.
Regardless of the backline for the next game, the fullbacks, notably Timmy Chandler, will have to pair with the wide midfielders to help keep possession in the midfield, and not just bomb forward on the flanks. While the US does have the pace to send the wingers and fullbacks forward, if they don’t tuck inside once and a while to keep possession, the attack becomes predictable and one dimensional, and virtually eliminates flank play as an advantage.
In his 100th cap Michael Bradley had a nice game, contributing an assist on the second goal, and nearly earning a goal of his own on a free kick taken off the line. Nevertheless, with the struggles on defense, he had to drop deep into the midfield to help on defense which limited his ability in the attack. If the US can’t keep possession, Bradley can’t have time on the ball to create opportunities on offense, and the USMNT’s best playmaker is negated.
The USMNT face their next Gold Cup challenge on Friday night in Foxborough against Haiti, and will need to improve on defense if they hope to go far in the tournament.