(EDITORIAL) – This past Friday the U.S. Men’s National Team took on Guatemala in a pre-Gold Cup friendly, winning 4-0. It was not the prettiest of first halves from the Americans, with lots of missed opportunities.
The opening 20 minutes had a very dry feel to it; then came a cross from DeAndre Yedlin that led to the most spectacular own goal I’ve seen since Mario De Luna with Chivas USA.
From there, the Americans controlled the rest of the match on the scoreboard. Short of a Jozy Altidore missed penalty, it was a comprehensive victory for them – at the end of the day, this was a dress rehearsal. While it was against Guatemala, there are several things we can take away from USA vs. Guatemala:
1. Brad Guzan is the preferred starting goalkeeper.
Brad Guzan went the full 90 minutes in this match. When trying out new keepers or when trying to compare them, Jurgen Klinsmann has historically made a goalie substitution in the second half. When the objective was to give a starter playing time for an upcoming tournament, that keeper has gone the full 90. Tim Howard played all but one half in the three warm up games prior to the 2014 World Cup.
If Klinsmann was really on the fence about who he was starting in goal, Nick Rimando would probably have gotten 45 minutes of play in this match. Guzan is clearly ahead of him in the pecking order. Klinsmann did play Sean Johnson in one match in the 2013 Gold Cup after the group stage was well in hand, so we could see Rimando at some point in the coming three matches, but it is clear Guzan is the starter until otherwise.
2. Outside midfield play is almost there but not quite.
Yedlin looked excellent and confident on the ball going forward. Right midfield seems to be a good position for him at this time with his ability to go forward. His greatest weakness might still be his 1-v-1 defending and playing him in the midfield masks that to a certain extent. The maligned Timmy Chandler had a wonder strike in the second half but his defensive focus (or lack there of at times) is still a bit of a concern. Fabian Johnson was himself from the left back position.
Graham Zusi made his first appearance with the national team since October of last year. I hesitate to criticize him considering that, but he did not look good at all. He seemed very out of sorts on the left and his crosses from that side of the field were off their mark. It is only one game, but he is better suited on the right. That’s where he is comfortable and where he plays most of the time for Sporting KC. Zusi’s biggest asset is his service from the flank and on set pieces. He was otherwise invisible in Brazil. Zusi needs to gradually improve and get more comfortable with each match otherwise he is probably better suited moving away from left midfield.
What stood out from these four against Guatemala was their combination play with their respective flank partner. Each of them did a good job stretching the field and making overlapping runs, especially Johnson. Yedlin’s even taken a few tricks out of Johnson’s book when it comes to cutting inside towards the box and taking defenders on. This aspect of the U.S. showed the most potential against Guatemala. With more time and experience, the near-excitement from the Guatemala match should eventually see goal creation.
3. The Gold Cup back line might actually be finalized.
With a few untimely injuries and Klinsmann using friendlies to experiment, the back line had yet to see any consistency. Ventura Alvarado appears to be a new pet project of Klinsmann’s and it’s been clear who several of the preferred players were. But a starting line up and first subs off the bench had yet to be known. Based on this friendly, it appears that the U.S. will be going with Chandler – Omar Gonzalez – John Brooks – Johnson.
Considering the 23-man roster that was called in, this appears to be one of the better lineups. Gonzalez has been excellent for the LA Galaxy this year, especially of late. He’s by far the most experienced center back at the national team level on this roster. Brooks has been the most used center back in 2015 and has often been the most senior defender in the Europe-based friendlies. Johnson goes without saying. While left back may not be his best position, considering Brek Shea‘s injury, this is the biggest concern on the back line and he is the best suited to fill it.
While Chandler may be a concern at times defensively, being paired with Yedlin on the right helps. As a natural right back, Yedlin can cover up when Chandler goes forward.
4. Gyasi Zardes just keeps getting better.
Since opening his national team account against the Dutch, Gyasi Zardes has been flying high. He came on against Guatemala at half time and made a significant impact going forward. The 23-year-old was very comfortable on the ball and taking defenders on. He’s hand trouble at times as a striker with recognizing runs and getting on the ends of chances. He’s very much followed Robbie Keane‘s direction with the Galaxy. From the midfield, instead of having to anticipate his teammate’s actions, he can react with the ball based on what is in front of him. This simplifies the game and his confidence, skill, and potential showed. Instead of finishing off plays, he’s creating for others as shown in the fourth goal.
