Ugh, 2-0 to the Motherland

May 29th, 2008 | By: Carter Daly | 4 Comments »

That match was blah, in every sense of the fricken’ word.

Not many positives to take from this match for the Yanks. There were a few periods of extended possession, but for the most part, England thoroughly dominated the USA in ever facet of the game. The quality on the field for the USA was just not there, and it was always going to be especially difficult missing Donovan in a game where he would be expected to be the “game-breaker”.

Although I know it was England, I am still disappointed in a few things. For one, Bob Bradley starting Josh Wolff was just dumb. I can honestly say he did not make a meaningful touch on the ball until about the 40 minute mark. 40 minutes! Are you kidding me? Freddy needed to start and that showed as soon as he came on. No, he didn’t pour in a hat trick, but he provided a flow in the midfield that was not there prior to his substitution. He faded in and out of plays just as a number 10 should and was pretty sure in possession most of the time.

The other positives were Dempsey and Bease, who showed that they are truly just a class above most of the other USMNT players. Dempsey controlled the game well and showed he was willing to take people on from the edge. I have always preferred that as his permanent roll after his performances against Italy and Ghana in Germany.

Onyewu had a pretty good performance for himself as well, hopefully catching the eye of a few prem. scouts in the process. Bradley didn’t do anything to shatter American transfer records, but he didn’t hurt himself either. A solid, gritty showing. Nothing spectacular.

EJ looked flat out gassed after about the 60th minute. You have to wonder how much of that is match fitness and how much is the fact that he still might just not be that good of a soccer player.

It won’t get any easier after this, as the USA shifts their focus to Espana. At this point USMNT fans can just hope that the roster is at full strength heading into that one.

Thoughts on the game? Who were you happy with? Who not so much? Spain?

Tags: bob bradley, Clint Dempsey, England, Friendly, Game Analysis, USA

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Comments

By Pseudinho | May 29th, 2008 at 8:51 pm

I was unhappy with Bob Bradly. I don’t see why Josh Wolff starts ever. Especially against world class teams like Brazil and England. He plays for 1860 Munich which is a second division team in Germany. That added with the fact that he’s not very good shouldn’t justify him starting against teams like this. Against teams like Barbados and St. Lucia I have no doubt Josh Wolff could get the job done, but not against England or Brazil. Here’s a tip Mr. Bradley. Against top teams how about starting are talented young players. You got nothing to lose, they are just friendlies and getting the youngsters experience in these spots will help when we are playing meaningful games. Old marginal players should never get the nod against the big boys.

Posted from United States

By yomama | May 31st, 2008 at 6:21 pm

oh please, you can’t say england won because donovan was missing! that is the most sorry excuse i have ever heard.

Posted from United States

By Ben | June 2nd, 2008 at 3:56 pm

I couldn’t agree more with the Wolf comments..the guy has been solid and played hard but now is the time to play guys for the future. Wolf has one more world cup run in him at best. Where is Taylor Twellman?

By soccer fan | June 3rd, 2008 at 12:48 am

one should not really expect US to beat or even tie with a full squad England, in England!

I think our guys did just good enough.

Cheers
Soccer Nation

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