After reading Leander Schaerlaeckens' grades on ESPN, I felt he needed a better outlook on the US squad and the steps they took onto improving for the World Cup.
So here's Crazy49er1313's US Soccer American Send-off Review:
USA squad analysis
Strikers
Robbie Findley: 9
After all the bashing, sh**-talking, and "WTFs" given about this selection, he showed in the second half that we can still play the style we've been accustomed to with Davies. He's not the same ball-control, his speed is pretty much the same, but do think he's a better passer than Davies. Overall, Findley allowed Donovan, Altidore, and Dempsey to play their natural positions and made us better.
Jozy Altidore: 7
He clearly hasn't missed a beat and will be key for years to come for the US. His first 30 minutes were embarrassing, especially being out-muscled for soccer balls, and he's our low-post player. Near the end, when he set up the near Dempsey goal at the end of the 1st half, he showed talent with breaking through defenses and a second gear he hadn't shown previously. In the second half, he showed that his talents are the best in a spread-offense type in the 4-4-2, where Donovan, Findley, and Torres can pass him the ball and he can get better one-on-one looks. His goal brought the team back to life and his presence spread the defense enough to help lead to Dempsey's goal. One more warm up and he'll be back to killer-form
Herculez Gomez & Edson Buddle: Didn't play
Theory: Gomez will be a situational substitute for Findley, and Buddle plays similarly to Altidore so no need to have two Altidore's on the field, so Buddle will most likely be Altidore's sub if tired or *KNOCK ON WOOD* injuried.
Midfielders
Landon Donovan: 9
For 90 minutes, he showed why he's the best player on this squad. There's no denying his talents (2 assists) and that's all that needs to be said
Jose Torres: 7.5
Showed great ball control and was one of the key pieces in the comeback today. His near goal on the penalty shot in the late 86th minute mark shows how he quite possibly will become a full starter come the England game.
Ricardo Clark: 6
He wasn't bad, but he wasn't great either. He has speed, but needs to build a rapport with this squad. His speed and ball handling will be good enough to keep his spot, but could still improve overall game-time decision making.
Clint Dempsey: 8
Looked like he needed to get some more rest, and was clearly out of his natural position in the 1st half. The second half, putting him back at center midfield allowed him to exercise his full talents and showed in the overall team execution. He is intricate to our success and his 1 goal in 3 shot attempts showed.
Michael Bradley: 7.5
He had some slip ups in the first half, but even though he's the coaches son, he has clearly earned his position on this squad and should be a starter. Played full tilt for 90 minutes and helped set up many great offensive attacks and helped stall some possible Turkey scoring opportunities. Only mess up was that I think he kept bumping into Clark and Spector too much, and if I'm not mistaken (could be wrong) but was suppose to be the switch with Spector when Spector Advanced the ball, leading to Turkey's first goal.
Benny Felihaber: .5
He's a sub at best and needs to be replaced ASAP. Did nothing to show he deserved to be a starter, or even on this squad.
Stuart Holden: 5
Did his job and played strong defense. Only played 6 minutes so fulfilled his need for substitute.
Maurice Edu & DaMarcus Beasely: Didn't play
Theory: Will only play if massive injuries ensue, though Edu and Beasely are good enough to start, so not bad options. Beasley might start if Bradley wants an infusion of speed into the squad.
Defenders
Carlos Bocanegra: 6
As a captain, he should have played better. The transition to left back seems to be throwing him off a little, but expect him to be back to his old self, especially with his ability to push the ball up and shut down his side of the field.
Jay DeMerit: 6.5
Played well, not the same dominant performance he had during the Spain and Brazil matches, but once paired with Oneywu, began playing smarter and with better talent. His late tackle most likely hindered Tim Howard's capacity to stop the goal.
Oguchi Oneywu: 7.5
Only played 45 minutes, but showed how vital he is as a defender for this squad. The middle was near impenetrable when he was in and made DeMerit even better. Hopefully he can play a full 90 minutes by the time England game starts.
Clarence Goodson: 6
Not as strong as the Czech game, but did his job and will serve as a good player for this squad. Not an All-Star, but good enough nonetheless.
Steve Cherundolo: 7.5
Earned a starting position and kept up with the quick attacks of the Turkish squad and kept making great passes. Kept the offensive pace up for the US and showed great ball-control. Also, outside of Dempsey, the most aggressive player on our squad.
Jonathan Spector: 2
Pretty much shown to be speed-only. Constantly beat on the right and quite possibly lost his starting position. Can make up for it, but Cherundolo will push for his spot all the way to June 12th.
Jonathan Bornstein: 2
Showed why he's a sub and will remain a sub with poor passing and bad ball control.
Goalie
Tim Howard: 7
Normally would be rated higher, but he took too many risks, but I felt that was in part due to the new defensive line in front of him. I have no worries about him on the big stage (star at Everton) and will be good.
Overall Grade: 7.5
Best way to leave off beating FIFA's #29 squad who was a game away from the 2008 Euro Finals and had a lot to prove, not making the WC Finals since their 3rd place finish in 2002. They brought their A game and we beat them nonetheless b/c we're talented and will have to structure our squad to fit those talents.
Looking forward to the Aussie warm-up, though I don't expect us to show anything new. Will hopefully try out Gomez, but Findley showed he can bring back the life into this club.
Future Direction for WC
4-4-2 formation
Strikers
Jozy Altidore; Robbie Findley
Midfielders (left to right)
Landon Donovan; Mike Bradley; Clint Dempsey; Jose Torres
Defenders (left to right)
Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Oneywu, Jay DeMerit, Steve Cherundolo
Goalie
Tim Howard
GO USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[ Edited by Crazy49er1313 on May 29, 2010 at 11:58 PM ]
