Posted by: Tex
The US Mens team has so far lost two of the three friendly matches for this summer. A complete fizzle against England last week made the US look just like it did in the World Cup two summers ago, with no talent and no wins. The 2-0 loss to England was contributed to a lack of power in the midfield with Landon Donovan not making the trip due to a groin strain and Freddy Adu coming in late in the game.
Wednesday's match with Spain was almost a complete turnaround, at least in the first half that is. Still no Donovan, however, with Freddy Adu getting the start next to Maurice Edu and having Eddie Johnson up front, the US was able to scare the Spanish defense several times before the whistle blew for halftime. After numerous substitutions at halftime, the team sat back on its heals and took attack after attack until Xavi Hernandez walked through our defensive line and put it past Brad Guzan. The entire team seemed to be out of gas by the 65 min. What is going on? Are these players not able to make it a full 90 min? Even with 5 substitutions, the US cannot play a full match. Maybe it is because the MLS players are used to playing on a smaller field.
So, the match this Sunday against ARG may go either way. I was impressed by the play in the first half against Spain; however, at this point it all comes down to who Bob Bradley wants to start. With World Cup Qualifying only a week away with Barbados at Giants Stadium on the 15th. Getting a starting 11, that can hopefully play a full 90min match should be Mr. Bradley's top priority.
Who do you think will get the start against ARG and Barbados?
What are your predictions agains ARG?
Here's Mine: US 1 ARG1
Wednesday's match with Spain was almost a complete turnaround, at least in the first half that is. Still no Donovan, however, with Freddy Adu getting the start next to Maurice Edu and having Eddie Johnson up front, the US was able to scare the Spanish defense several times before the whistle blew for halftime. After numerous substitutions at halftime, the team sat back on its heals and took attack after attack until Xavi Hernandez walked through our defensive line and put it past Brad Guzan. The entire team seemed to be out of gas by the 65 min. What is going on? Are these players not able to make it a full 90 min? Even with 5 substitutions, the US cannot play a full match. Maybe it is because the MLS players are used to playing on a smaller field.
So, the match this Sunday against ARG may go either way. I was impressed by the play in the first half against Spain; however, at this point it all comes down to who Bob Bradley wants to start. With World Cup Qualifying only a week away with Barbados at Giants Stadium on the 15th. Getting a starting 11, that can hopefully play a full 90min match should be Mr. Bradley's top priority.
Who do you think will get the start against ARG and Barbados?
What are your predictions agains ARG?
Here's Mine: US 1 ARG1
