In a match that meant nothing a lot was said. First and foremost, Edson Buddle is a very opportunistic striker. His play in MLS has transferred over, for this game at the very least, and the Yanks will benefit from it. It was very obvious from the start of the match, however, that not too much effort was going to be invested. That was to be expected, honestly, with only a week left til the first World Cup games for each of these teams. I think this was the perfect team to play our last friendly against. They are a disciplined team with very talented players across the board. The US held its own against them, a very promising sign. There will be 2 parts to this post. First, the pros/cons of the game for the US. And second, the player ratings for the US.
Pros:
The obvious one is simply named Buddle. He was very good in front of goal with his opportunities. He benefited from other players greatly in each of his goals, but nonetheless, someone has to put the ball in the net. I tip my hat to the guy. I was very critical of him in the past, today I bought more into him. Not completely sold, I think he can be a bit lazy, but a very dangerous/hot striker.
Next would be the 75 minutes Dempsey logged in. He was brilliant with the ball, wasn't going to take excuses, and was the flair we need him to be in the middle of the park. My only complaint with him, as with everyone, is that he burns out and doesn't always seem to be putting forth full effort. However, we have learned that is when he will do something superb usually.
Dolo. His work on the right side of D was good. Sure, he didn't have a perfect game, but nobody does. I really like him out there and think he is a wonderful asset on the offensive end as well. Need proof? Edson goal #2 was all Dolo with Buddle putting it in the net.
Michael Bradley's work rate. Jr is the true US player. He isn't fantastic with the ball, isn't the best shooter, isn't the smartest passer, but he puts in more effort than anyone else. I love to watch good holding center mids work up and down the pitch. Bradley is our staple there.
Seeing Gooch. While he didn't have a spectacular game, he did get time which is huge. While I have my doubts for the England game with him, he should be healthy to go 90 by the Slovenia and Algeria games.
Hercules! Hercules! Gomez came off the bench and added a spark to the game. Surprisingly, we might have some depth up top for this tournament. To even have that argument is wonderful given how stressed we all were about the position leading up to this tournament.
Overall the US played well. There were, as expected, some dips in play and Australia was there to take advantage of them. The game as a whole, however, was good for the US. A 3-1 win over Australia, a very talented side, is a good result.
Cons:
Mr Findley. As RSL fans we saw the 2010 Findley on display today. I have a hard time throwing him out as a con, but he sure wasn't a pro. As we all have come accustomed to, he does something brilliant, makes a great run, cuts a defender or even the goalie, then fails to finish. Its amazing how just a couple inches can change a players game from superb (he could have had a hat trick) to less than desirable.
Crosses. Time and time again the ball would find its way across our box with our defense looking as though they weren't sure what to do. I partly blame the keepers (both Timmy and Marcus) as they were not as big as they should be, but I also blame the ball. Having heard all the complaints about it I watched closely and this ball does have a lot of action on it. It dips and swerves very easily. A strikers dream, but a defenders and goalies nightmare. Hopefully they can adjust in a week or else Crouch will be Rooney's partner up top, scaring us all with every cross.
Mental lapses. While every game is going to have them, this game featured a couple that were just inexcusable. This part of the game was the weakest, from both teams. Against England, and for Australia against Germany, this can not happen. Mental focus decides tight games, we must be fit in this arena.
Player Ratings: 1-10 with 10 being amazing
Timmy: 6.5
He was good between the pipes for his half. I wanted some more demand of his box, but its Timmy, I have faith in him
Dolo: 7.5
Quality right back that should have his spot solidified for the whole tournament. Love this player, he is one of the most underrated players we have.
Demerit: 7
Had a few mental lapses that made me scratch my head but was solid in the back. A better ref wont punish him for being big as this ref wanted to do almost the entire match.
Goodson: 7
Quiet night from him in terms of his offense but great where he should have been. Nothing amazing, but got the job done back there. Solid backup if needed
Boca: 7
El Captain had a good game on the left wing. He was great at swinging the attack and keeping possession while also looking to attack.
Bornstein: 6
I was scared when he came on, but really he didn't do too bad. He was the fault for some set pieces conceded, but he was good for what we expect out of him.
Gooch: 6.5
Limited view of him, but solid in back. Hope he continues to get back into form by Saturday.
Donovan: 7.5
Great runs and decent service. He still struggles on some set pieces, but that was partly the field and the ball. I like Cakes and think he will be key in our success this tournament
Bradley: 7.5
Great work rate out of him. I was really hoping to see him paired with Edu or Torres but it didn't happen. I think he is our destroyer in the middle. Love the kid's heart.
Clark: 7
I like Clark, but at the same time I think we can do better. Bradley seems to have a lot of faith in the player, so I will let it be. He wasn't superb but he wasn't the reason for break down. Decent game
Dempsey: 8
A bit of a high score, maybe, but the guy is quality. He was getting hacked right and left and that's a sign of a player frustrating the opponent. I wish he had Bradley's work rate, then he would be simply amazing. But at the same time, his slow then shocking style is what makes him so special
Beasley: 7
He did well in the very few minutes he had. I think the guy is great off the bench if we need a speedy spark and Deuce or Cakes are lacking. Hopefully his little knock is nothing.
Findley: 5
He could have been a 8 or 9 with just a couple more inches this way. However, the cruelty of the striker position is that you are more remembered for your misses than anything else. Hopefully this was just a little bad game and he is back to the Turkey form we loved. One goal and I think he explodes with confidence. England better watch out, he will likely be a sub with unlimited energy.
Buddle: 8.5 Man of the Match
Simple enough, he finished. While he frustrates me with his touch and lack of effort at times, he is good in front of goal. We need that
Gomez: 7.5
Good sub but only saw a limited amount of him. I think he and Findley will be a fun duo to watch come off the bench, and Gomez could even start against a team like Slovenia I think. Way to rep the #9 jersey Hercules.
Team: 7
Nothing spectacular but a good game. Lets fix up some areas and take it to England.
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