Sunday, June 8, 2008

Landy's 100th CAP


It started out as a frantic onslaught against Tim Howard, the Argentine attackers were unleashing shot after shot against the US keeper in the first 15 minutes, but thanks to several key saves Howard was able to keep the US in the match. With the hoopla surrounding Donovan's 100th cap, our guys came out very flat, and it took them the first 20 minutes to establish anytime of comfort and rhythm in front over 80,000 fans in Giants stadium. I felt that most of the MNT played well in the first half. Thanks to strong outside defenders and midfielders, the US was able to get forward, posses the ball, and switch the point of attack in a comfortable manner against the Argentine side who were much more skillful. The US went into half 0-0, and this was mainly a credit good defensive positioning, athleticism, and Tim Howard's ability to blank Julio Cruz 4 times one on one. The U.S. came out of the half much more focused and determined to show no signs of intimidation, they were able to elevate their game to match the Argentines, creating just as many dangerous opportunities as the South Americans. Mastroeni led our back line that saw Cherundolo and Cariff play a hard fought match. While Donovan was MIA for much of the game, he did show flashes of brilliance, Michael Bradley had another mediocre match, and Dempsey played well on the right flank, he has stepped up his defensive presence noticeably in the last few matches. Eddie Johnson played well, but not spectacular; the difference maker from an offensive standpoint was Freddie Adu, Adu came on midway through the 2nd half, and he was the only player confident running at the back four of Argentina. Freddie Adu should be a regular starter in the USMNT period, he's got more ability, heart, determination, speed, and skill than any other player Bradley has run out during his tenure. Oneywu played suspect in the back, but when Demerit was substituted on late in the match, it was clear he was better suited that Oneywu, and hopefully Bob Bradley starts to notice that the Watford defender should be paired along with Mastroeni (who was sent off for a phantom 2nd yellow for an unknown reason) to anchor our central defense. Ever since his move to Newcastle, Oneywu has seemed out of sorts, confused, and clumsy for the US, and he needs to be benched until he figures it out.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

I'd like to see a pairing of Demerrit and Mastroeni at center backs myself. Boca and Gooch just isn't going to work against anyone good. Bradley will keep getting the call at center mid as long as Big Bradley is coach...which is garbage. Freddy no doubt deserves the center mid role and should be given the chance to grow into it...but that'll never happen either, because that would be the smartest and simplest thing to do.

Tgalietti said...

yea, and I'm sure that Freddy thought he was past the point in US soccer where the coaches son gets to play just b/c he's the coaches freaking son. Playing full fielded games with 11 a side, no more oranges & juice boxes at halftime, and no more starters being picked based on the fact that they are the coach's son is all supposed to stop at age 11 or 12, not on the US Men's National Team!

Alex said...

I like oranges and juice boxes at halftime. I don't think we should do away with that.

Tgalietti said...

good point kid.....good point