Team USA Random Thoughts and Analysis

So the U.S. beat an incredibly weakened Germany side in the nation's capital (hey - at least it's better than Cleveland?) in what was ultimately a pretty exciting game that gave Team USA a few answers but  failed to answer some important questions.

I'm not gonna pretend that I know a lot about the current state of affairs but there's at least one thing I do know. I'm a Jurgen believer. I think he has a genuine plan and a vision of what he wants the team to be and it involves maintaining American grit while mixing in some genuinely good soccer. He hasn't shied from the spotlight and hasn't been been afraid to make some tough decisions that a lot of people haven't agreed with. Most recently - the Landon situation. When LD returned from his soul-searching journey deep into the jungles of Cambodia, the media was ready to immediately bring him back into the international fold. But...the greatest American player of all time they said, Captain America they said, Mr. GO GO USA!!!

...Or something like that. Anyway, the truth of the matter is that the US media outside of a few people knows nothing about soccer and Landon really doesn't deserve a spot in the squad...yet. His pace, experience and skill is ultimately something the U.S. just doesn't have right now. But his absence has allowed the U.S. to settle in up front and I think Donovan will fit in perfectly once he inevitably makes his return to the Red, White and Blue. Ultimately, I see this for the U.S. up front.

Jermaine Jones     -     M. Bradley

LD     -     Clint     -     Zusi

Jozy

JJ put in a man of the match performance against Germany and his presence along with Bradley's is what the US needs to try and gain control of the midfield which has been their biggest weakness in recent friendlies and WCQ games. LD will inject pace along with the motor of Clint. Jozy has gotten a lot of criticism lately but his season in Holland proved he is by far the best option for the U.S. up top. 

The back line, however, is very far from set and looked pretty awful against Belgium and not much better at times vs. a weak Germany team. Beasley has been solid at LB and CB is basically between a bunch of young guys (Besler, Gonzalez and G. Cameron of the prestigious Stoke City F.C.) I think Klinsmann sees a lot in Gonzalez and is going to stick with him. The other spot is still up for grabs though. Besler is the reigning MLS defender of the year and Cameron is an experienced English Premier league rugby player...so yeah...someone step up?

There are 3 incredibly important WCQ games in the next 2 weeks and the U.S. needs to play to their potential and take points. At Jamaica, Panama and Honduras at home - we should take 7. Fairly recent losses to Jamaica and Honduras must be avenged. The best case scenario for the U.S. would be for Jozy to bang a few in and have a couple solid performances from the back line. I have a bad feeling that there's a loss in one of those 3 games but screw it, let's do this.