Honduras v USA Match Thread

I dont think Bradley got more out of his players than could be expected, but I do think he usually got the maximum out of them. Maybe that's the same thing, but regardless it is the sort of thing that can happen when you have a tactical plan based upon the specific game and opponent before you. The number of journalists and former players who have remarked that our midfielders dont seem to know what they are suppose to do is worrying after 1 1/2 years of Klinsmann at he helm. I have feared for a while that Klinsmann thinks if he brings in enough players trained in Germany, and throws in a couple of others playing in top European leagues, then they will just know how to play and how to win. The Timmy Chandler situation was absolutely unacceptable and one I dont think an American coach with CONCACAF experience ever would have allowed. He was absolutely horrible on Wednesday and should have gotten and cleared the ball that led to Garcia's goal (although Bradley's clearance was awful too). I dont have a problem with Chandler changing his mind about representing the US, but he should have been required to play a number of friendlies with the US under Klinsmann's "system" so that he gained more experience with everything involved regarding WC qaulifying for the US and the tiring trips from Europe. Instead Klinsmann felt pressure to cap tie him in the opening game of the Hex in Honduras - it is not the same thing as playing for the US in a friendly while on break. He clearly was not ready.

Barry as far as wings, Klinsmann had Brad Davis, arguably the best winger and crosser in MLS, on the bench. He should have been in that game. I think Klinsmann's "plans" were for his two German backs to get forward but they were often under too much pressure to do so. As far as Adu, yes, he has never done well at any of his club teams, but I cant think of one match he has played for the USA, at any level, in which he hasnt made a positive impact on the field. He always does well when he puts on that USA jersey. Just like people accept that Messi in an Argentina jersey, isnt going to be what he is a Barca jersey; I wish people would accept that the reverse is true of Adu. I actually think Bradley had come to that conclusion. Also, every time I saw Adu in MLS last season, he was feeding fantastic balls to his forwards who just simply couldnt finish. Maybe the issue with Adu is still defense. I'll admit that when it comes to creative, attacking players, I dont tend to watch what they do on defense so their effort has to really stand out for me to form an opinion.

I also dont agree that Robbie Rogers didnt cut it as a winger for the USA. He was the spark off the bench in our last WC qualifier of the 2010 cycle when we came from behind to tie Costa Rica, getting himself a couple of good chances on goal and the game winning assist. He also bagged a game tying goal against Mexico - it was a sitter but you cant blame the guy for being in the right place at the right time. His time over in England has been plagued with injuries, but I think he is now on his way back to MLS. Hopefully he'll get fit and start to have some success with whoever picks him up. Since he is one of Klinsmann's boys, I'm definitely hoping for this happens.

Fielhaber is another option on the wing, he played there in Europe I believe and is too talented for the US not to use just because he cant win a central midfield spot for a coach that fields 3 defensive mids. Didnt Bob Bradley play Stu on the right also? So perhaps he is a possibility if he can return to form.

Finally, believe it or not Bobby Convey is only 29, I havent given up on the Beas, and Gatt and Darlington Nagbe are getting close to being ready

So pure wingers - Donovan (he'll be back), Davis, Adu, Shea, Zusi, Rogers, Convey, Beas, Gatt,
Can play at wing but not preferred pos. - Dempsey, Feilhaber, Holden, Darlington Nagbe (when he gets his passport)

I think Bob Bradley and other guys like Sigi, Kinnear, and Arena could manage better than Klinsmann with such options.

 

Mo I think you just argued my case for a lack of wings better than I did. When you have to pull out Convey and Beasley and throw Feilhaber's name in for consideration you are looking at a weak and shallow pool. I love your loyalty to players but even Bradley gave up on Beasley and Adu never learned that he is not so special that he does not have to play defense.

 

For me, it just looked like a collection of German-American players thrown in with the best American talent JK had at his disposal...No real game plan, very disappointing...