I don't write a whole lot about soccer to this point, despite loving the game, as I really don't follow any one team or groups of teams to write a decent opinion or observation on any of it. However, US soccer is different, as I've been following the Gold Cup very closely and definitely have some thoughts. The Gold Cup started decently enough with a win over Canada, but disaster struck with a loss to Panama, followed by a 1-0 win over Guadeloupe where some things improved but finishing was lacking (or Dempsey was lacking, both would work). However, I think some things have been confirmed and others have been learned at this point, after a their best effort of the Gold Cup against Jamaica on Sunday:
The US Defense is Better with Carlos Bocanegra in Central Defense-
The difference has been noticeable in my opinion, as things seem much more collected and calm with the captain organizing things in the center. Tim Ream isn't a bad player, especially because he brings something to the table that most of the other center backs in the pool don't (above average ball skills and distribution), but he has been just ok for NYRB this season and isn't ready to be a starter at the national level at this point. He will get better, but it was not ideal to pair him with Clarence Goodson, who is fairly inexperienced at the international level as well. The two had some rough moments, and things just seemed to be a little off in the back with that partnership. However, Boca has stablized the central defense with his experienced presence, and the US is better for it.
In addition, it has allowed the U.S. to get more on the left flank, as Boca just isn't much of an attacking option. Moving him centrally has allowed Eric Lichaj to get on the field, and he has impressed to date. With good speed and a willingness to take on defenders, Lichaj has made some good runs forward to supplement the attack, and defense has been good as well, as he has a strong lower body and a willingness to mix it up. Is he the answer at left back? As a natural right back and right footer, I'm skeptical, but I'm always appreciative when a US left back gives back to back good performances in a US jersey, and Lichaj's done that. Well done by him.
Tim Howard is Really Good-
But we knew that already.
The Team is Still Lacking In Striking Options-
This isn't a surprise by any means, but when you are having to go to an 18 year old 11 minutes into a game to lead the line as a single striker, there are some problems at the position. Agudelo did really well considering the circumstances and is a very talented player, but he isn't ready for that responsibility. His ability to run at players and his speed definitely bring something to the table, but the hold up play necessary from a single striker will probably be lacking from an option as young as Agudelo going forward. However, because of the lack of options, Bob Bradley doesn't have a whole lot of choices. I will be interested to see what Bradley does in Wednesday's semifinal against Panama, whether he keeps Kljestan in the lineup and deploys Dempsey out wide, or if he stick with Bedoya and deploys Dempsey centrally. Which leads to my next observation...
Alejandro Bedoya Brings Something Different-
And that change was very positive in my opinion. The inclusion of winger helped out the Americans, as there was a little more space in the middle with Bedoya willing to stay wide. Sometimes the center of the pitch can get clustered for the U.S., as both Dempsey and Donovan like to float to the center in search of the ball. Bedoya's willingness to stay wide gave the U.S. a bit more room centrally, and he did a nice job of moving off the ball and running tirelessly. More chances were created in the first half than at any point during the Gold Cup, and I think Bedoya contributed to that. The Jamaican defense had to account for him at all times because of his tireless running, and because his skills bring something of a contrast to what the U.S. already has, I think he should get the start on the right Wednesday night.
I'm Fascinated by the Possibility of Jermaine Jones against Mexico-
Jermaine has played his best soccer in a US jersey in this tournament, which culminated in his best game yesterday against Jamaica. I figured that if healthy, he was the best option to play alongside Michael Bradley, considering his experience playing at the highest level in Europe. He is still prone to dumb yellow cards and anger issues in general (and always will be), but he brings a range of passing that the United States hasn't had in the central midfield in a long time. Plus, he is a fierce tackler, and people are always aware of him in the center of the park. I would think that one of the best ways to take Mexico out of their game is to have a big, strong, snarling dog in the center of the field, which is exactly what Jermaine Jones is. If that matchup comes to fruition, his physical nature will be a huge key in keeping the smaller, skillful Mexican midfielders off their game. I'm very intrigued by that possibility.
The US Will Go as Clint Dempsey Goes-
The one man that is consistently in the middle of everything for the US is Clint Dempsey, and I can't help but think he is the key to a Gold Cup Championship. He hasn't always played well in the tournament, but he has consistently been involved. Against Jamaica, he had 6 shots on goal as opposed to everyone else having no more than one. Clint's time at Fulham has improved his ability to find scoring chances, and he is the only player at this point who consistently finds those opportunities, especially with Landon Donovan not being at his best in this tournament. The only way for the United States to play at their highest level is for Dempsey to be the central attacking figure, and his ability to consistently be involved will go along way in determining the US' fate in this tournament. Floating wide, cutting inside, playing alongside Agudelo or Altidore up top, it doesn't matter where he is on the field. The only thing that does is whether he is involved and impactful.
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