November 19, 2009
Things started out well enough for the U.S. against Denmark but the second half quickly turned into a nightmare as the team’s depth issues and poor play in the midfield crippled any comeback effort.
Bob Bradley put out a competitive starting eleven that included MLS Golden Boot winner Jeff Cunningham partnering Jozy Altidore up front. Cunningham had never scored in a
Cunningham’s 26th minute tally after an errand pass from the Dutch goalkeeper left him one v one with the keeper was the only real
Cunningham would have trouble having an impact on the game from then on along with Jozy Altidore. The two forwards aren’t at fault for that, however. The
The second half saw the Danes score three times in ten minutes. It wouldn’t be as disappointing if the Danes were playing with a full squad, but unfortunately they were playing with a squad similar to what the
That half showed that Frankie Hejduk’s absences due to injury over the last year combined with his age have possibly put the international game past him. Hejduk was poor in this one and it’s just a continuation of his poor form toward the end of
The backline’s demise in the second half wasn’t entirely their fault, however. Poor support from Michael Bradley and Clark in the midfield left way too much space between the midfield and the defense leaving the defenders in tough positions. Jonathon Spector’s performance went down hill as the game continued, but overall it still seems possible that he can partner Bocanegra if Onyewu doesn’t make it back in time for 2010 and Jay Demerit can’t stay healthy.
Despite playing with a lot of heart, Jonathon Bornstein often times looks outclassed against bigger sides. He is at the present time the best option for left back with Bocanegra having to be in the middle but that doesn’t mean that anybody within
Benny Feilhaber came out looking positive in the early going but as the game wore on his name was barely mentioned. Playing out left isn’t really natural for him but he still managed a handful of dangerous passes while on the other side, Stuart Holden brought some good moments of high energy play. Neither, however, were able to help provide any decent service into Cunningham and Altidore.
The two forwards were pretty uninvolved and that didn’t change any as Eddie Johnson provided another running in circles sort of effort. The forwards couldn’t find a way to get involved and it cost the
Substitutions in this one didn’t help a bit as the only player that stood out even somewhat was Clarence Goodson who was decent in the back. At 6’4, Goodson is a serious option for this defense. He plays regularly in
Regardless of whether or not these games mean anything, it’d be nice to see that less than a year from the World Cup the Nats are ready, but unfortunately that isn’t the case. This squad’s depth is a major issue. If Landon Donovan or even a guy like Steve Cherundolo picks up an injury, this squad has no one to fill in that is of any quality.
If the Americans are lucky that won’t happen and Onyewu can return to be the same player he was and someone like Robbie Findley or maybe even Jeff Cunningham can fill in for Charlie Davies. If not, next year we may have a
written by ed hardy, February 24, 2010
Jimmy went into a shop, took a toy tank, gave the shopkeeper fake money and started to leave.
So, the shopkeeper told ed hardy outlet him, "Excuse me, little boy,this isn't real money."Little Jimmy didn't reply, continuing walking out of the shop. The shopkeeper repeated himself, and Jimmy kept walking.
The third time the shopkeeper called Air Max him, "I'm sorry, young man, but this is not real money."
-
- +0
-
-
written by air jordan, February 27, 2010
air max for sale
-
- +0
-
-
The midfield did what it was supposed to in terms of disrupting the Danes. The Danish goals came from one turnovers or at least losing out on 50-50 balls (one was A 50-50 involving Spector, and another I think was Feilhaber).
There is still a disjointedness about the US, the backs have trouble passing to the midfield and the midfield has trouble reaching the forwards. The former is I think due to most of the backs not being as comfortable as they should be on the ball (Spector and Bornstein are the best at this and Spector is much better than Onweyu at this even while Onyewu's physical presence is missed). I think, the forwards inability to show for the ball when the midfielders or backs have an opportunity to pass is a big issue (it is no good being open if you are only "open" when the player on the ball is under heavy pressure), Altidore was better than the others at showing for the ball, but did little positive when he received the ball. It could be that lack of familiarity was the cause of the poor connection between Cunningham and the rest of the team. Johnson looked a bit lost, but at least he chased and tried to pressure the Danish back line.
Spector and Bocanegra did OK, but Hejduk had what might be his worst performance since his first national team appearance (in a 3-0 loss to the Danes in San Diego in 1995 or so). Bornstein can always be faulted for being too small and he does too often get caught forward when being more cautious is called for. Goodson and Conrad looked competent, but by the time they came on things were pretty much decided.