The result in Honduras wasn’t what U.S. soccer fans expected. A difficult game, yes, but a loss?
That kick started the final round of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The 2-1 loss left the U.S. at the bottom of the six-team standings.
That’s the bad thing. The good thing is only Honduras won their opener. Mexico and Jamaica tied in Mexico City, and Costa Rica and Panama also drew.
Jamaica’s scoreless draw at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City was as surprising as the USA’s loss. The reality is Mexico and Jamaica, considered to be contenders for one of the top three spots in the final standings did not gain much of an advantage over Jurgen Klinsmann’s team.
Expectations were high for the U.S. after Clint Dempsey got an early goal for a 1-0 U.S. lead. That did not last long.
A brilliant bicycle kick gave Honduras the equalizer. However, that should never have happened. Lack of pressure on the service resulted in the goal being scored.
The game-winner with eight minutes left in the second half came on a total defensive blunder by defenders Jeff Cameron and Omar Gonzalez, and goalkeeper Tim Howard.
Howard came off his line and didn’t get to a ground ball, Cameron didn’t clear, and Gonzalez failed to cover the goal on an easy tap into an open goal.
The U.S. defense has been suspect for a long time. Klinsmann took this game to start Cameron and Gonzalez in the middle. Maybe long term it has potential, but in the moment inexperience ruled the moment.
Steve Cherundolo is injured and is expected to miss the game against Costa Ricao on March 22 in Commerce City, Colorado. But Tim Chandler started against Honduras, and was expected to be a very capable replacement.
However, Chandler played poorly. Next time out he has to play better, and expectations are that he will do well.
Then there is the “Where’s Landon Donovan” question. The all-time leading scorer is taking some time away from the game. There was a question of whether he would retire from the game at age 30.
It appears now that he will come back to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy this season, and also with the U.S. MNT. However, he has negotiated an arrangement that allowed his to remain out of the Galaxy preseason until the end of March.
That means he will not be playing in Commerce City on March 22.
It was obvious in Honduras that the U.S. missed Donovan. Klinsmann needs him on the field, and needs for Donovan to play well.
The U.S. forwards will also need to improve their efficiency in finishing scoring opportunities. Jozy Altidore is tearing it up in Holland, and both Chris Wondolowski and Eddie Johnson score goals in bunches in MLS, but not so much with the national team.
In fact, Wondolowski, one of the top goalscorers in MLS over the past 5-6 seasons, has never scored a goal for the USA. He has had his chances with nine national team appearances.
Maybe it would be a good idea to put Hercules Gomez back in the lineup. If Donovan isn’t back soon, a player like Jose Torres might be able to find the forwards with his vision and ability to deliver an effective pass.
Finally, the dilemma continues in the middle of the field where Klinsmann has played three defensive midfielders. Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones can both get forward into the attack. Doing that will be critical against Costa Rica.
Costa Rica, like Honduras, will be a difficult opponent. But this time we are playing at home. In recent years, home games have actually drawn home support. The U.S. has done well at home, and after all the blueprint for advancement is will all your games at home, and pick up some points on the road.
After Costa Rica comes road trips to Mexico City and Jamaica. The U.S. will need a confident team to get positive results in those games. Winning breeds confidence.
Klinsmann’s team has had some positive results over the past year. Wins in Italy, at Azteca in Mexico City and in Russia. Those results have been impressive.
But the U.S. has started 2013 with a scoreless draw against Canada and the loss to Honduras. Klinsmann didn’t have his A roster against Canada, but he did in the loss.
Put it all in perspective. As bad as the U.S. played, they could have won. Actually, probably should have won. They can’t play that bad next time out.