After two friendlies – a 3-2 loss to Denmark and a 1-1 tie to an under-strength Switzerland side – yet again not much was learned about the U.S. men’s national team that wasn’t already known.
What was reaffirmed:
The team can’t hold onto the ball, losing possession by at least 20 percent in both games. It’s not a bad thing considering that the U.S. is capitalizing on its chances, except …
The defense is shaky after allowing three more goals past the 80th minute in the two games. They have given up 13 goals past the 80th minute in their past 13 games, an alarming and bizarre total. Part of the issues on defense can be traced to unfamiliar partnerships. The other part can be traced to the fact that the U.S. simply has no one who can dictate play from the midfield. Manager Jurgen Klinsmann continues to push Michael Bradley into a playmaking role. He can deliver the occasional incisive pass, but often the point of his passes are simply time-wasters or possession-keepers with no point. When the pressure comes, opponents take the ball and are already in prime position on the field from which to build an attack.
What was revealed:
Alejandro Bedoya should be a lock to start on the right side of the midfield, either inside or outside. His play against Switzerland was inspired.
If Klinsmann wants to continue to experiment — and there’s no reason to think he won’t — try Timothy Chandler on the outside right in the midfield. His crosses are great but his defense isn’t. For a team that is desperate to build any type of offense, Chandler’s right foot is an asset.
More worrisome is the script that the U.S. continues to follow, one that seems unaffected by opponent, venue, manager players or situation: the U.S. lacks an ability to take a game to an opponent. They will score goals — almost always against the run of play — and then when the opponent absolutely needs to score, it will finally take advantage of its possession and do so.
The loss to Denmark, in which the U.S. gave up two goals, is a perfect example of why some soccer pundits are beginning to question Klinsmann’s leadership, tactics and player choices.
He is an easy target because the U.S. doesn’t seem to have advanced as a soccer nation from the time he was appointed manager.
Instead of more Americans playing in the higher leagues in Europe, fewer are (with the exception of the German-Americans, whom Klinsmann has recruited and convinced to play for the U.S.), the results haven’t changed on the field, nor has the team’s style of play.
2018 World Cup: A small, bipartisan group of U.S. senators have asked FIFA to drop Russia as host of the 2018 World Cup, citing the crisis in Ukraine as the impetus.
The 13 senators asked FIFA to select an alternate country as host.
There are a few countries around the world that could handle the event on short notice, the U.S. being one.
FIFA has said in the past that it will not move the World Cup from Russia, though.
NASL news: The NASL had a full week with announcements that ESPN International will carry its games this season to select countries and regions through the network's various platforms.
Additionally, nine of the league’s 11 teams have local TV partners. Atlanta is not one of the nine.
Lastly, New Era will become the league’s official cap provider.
Silverbacks: The Silverbacks opened the NASL spring season with a 1-1 draw to the Indy Eleven on Saturday at Silverbacks Park. Shaka Bangura scored for Atlanta in the 47th minute, but Don Smart's penalty kick in the 90th resulted in the teams splitting the points.
Atlanta will host Ottawa at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
Georgians in MLS
Here’s a list of players with ties to the state who are in MLS:
Joe Bendik (@jtbendik), Toronto, GK, Kennesaw
Started, made six saves and allowed three goals in team’s 3-2 loss at Chicago on Saturday.
Next game: at FC Dallas on April 18.
Mark Bloom (@markbloom21), Toronto, D, Marietta
Did not make the 18 for team’s 3-2 loss at Chicago on Saturday. He is recovering from an injury.
Next game: at FC Dallas on April 18.
Ricardo Clark (@RicoC13), Houston, M, Jonesboro
Started, played 90 minutes and had two shots in team’s 1-0 loss to Seattle on Saturday.
Next game: will host Montreal on Saturday.
Warren Creavalle (@warrenspeak), Toronto, D, Acworth
Started and played 67 minutes in team’s 3-2 loss at Chicago on Saturday. He received two yellow cards.
Next game: at FC Dallas on April 18.
Chris Duvall (@chrisduvall91), New York Red Bulls, D, Duluth
No game last week.
Next game: At D.C. United on Saturday.
Sean Johnson (@sjohn25), Chicago, GK, Snellville
Did not make the 18 for team’s 3-2 win over Toronto on Saturday. He is recovering from an injury.
Next game: at Montreal on April 18.
Alec Kann (@akann90), Chicago, GK, Decatur
Made the 18 but didn’t play in team’s 3-2 in over Toronto on Saturday.
Next game: at Montreal on April 18.
Chris Klute (@chrisklute), Columbus, D, Silverbacks, Clayton State
No game last week.
Next game: at Vancouver on April 8.
Jack McInerney (@jackmcinerney9), Montreal, F, Alpharetta
No game last week.
Next game: at Alajuelense in the CCL on Tuesday and at Houston on Saturday.
Kwadwo Poku, NYCFC, M/F, Silverbacks
No game last week.
Next game: at Philadelphia on April 11.
Andrew Wolverton (@a_wolvie), Los Angeles, G, Atlanta
Did not make the 18 for team’s 2-0 loss to Vancouver on Saturday.
Next game: will host Seattle on Sunday.
Walker Zimmerman (@thewalkerzim), Dallas, D, Lawrenceville
Started and played 90 minutes in team’s 3-1 loss to Portland on Saturday.
Next game: will host Colorado on Friday.
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