US Soccer Power Rankings: Post South Africa Edition

Another friendly to chew on, who’s rising and who’s falling?

First let me single out who is sorta sucking right now…

DaMarcus Beasley - Very inconsistent of late with his touches and runs. Not providing that game changing element that he is usually counted upon to bring. After what was in my opinion a very good and promising summer for the Beezer, he is now looking like he is in a bit of a slide. As of now he is not at all a lock for Bradley’s WC starting XI in my mind. It’s all peaks and valleys with this guy, just don’t valley again at World Cup time.

Benny Feilhaber - Not a right mid. Not even close. On top of his less than Beckham-like display out on the right against South Africa, his move to Derby has been a complete disaster and it finally seems to be catching up with his national team play. Seems to be a very awkward and tough point in Benny’s career and let’s all hope he gets a ticket out Derby in January.

Now onto the positives and the rankings…

10.) Landon Donovan - Two consecutive Landon-less matches has shown both good and bad signs. The good is that we are winning without the poster boy, the bad stems from how static the US attack is. By way of others not showing those game-breaking abilities, Landy moves into the top ten.

9.) Jozy Altidore - Got his first cap, with Real supposedly sending reps to New York to discuss his transfer. Red Bull says he is not for sale. Regardless, people are starting to take notice. Can’t really judge his SA performance; look forward to seeing him get a run in the Mexico game.

8.) Ogouchi Onyewu - Is starting to turn his good club play into solid national team play. Just as the Boca/Gooch pairing was being questioned, he showed well for himself and held the back together during South Africa’s most dangerous second half attacks.

7.) Steve Cherundolo - He will be the right back for 2010, and although he had a few shaky defensive miscues early on he was able to tighten up his play and made the difference with an absolutely unstoppable top cheese ripski.

6.) Carlos Bocanegra - Another good performance from the man with the armband, this pairing may just work after all.

5.) Maurice Edu - Arguably the MOTM against South Africa. After what I thought was a way over-praised performance against Switzerland, he proved me wrong by showing that same grit yet controlling himself a bit more and helped in setting up Cherundolo’s goal.

4.) Freddy Adu - Showed really well in my opinion for his first international start. Did his best to be inventive when he could, missed his opportunity at goal and sort of disappeared in the second, but without a doubt the kid belongs out there and will only get better.

3.) Tim Howard - Made the saves when he needed to, a top class keeper who is excellent and commanding his back four.

2.) Clint Dempsey - Really being played out of position with no true forward to help. Not his fault though, would like to see him moved around a bit more, too much skill on the ball to be left up top to dry.

1.) Michael Bradley - Bob Bradley doesn’t edit this blog so you can’t call it nepotism. Every game he brings solid passing, intimidating tackles, and a never ending motor. Constant beastliness, what else can you say?

It’s only the second rankings so the kinks are just starting to be worked out.

Got beef? Hit up the comments…