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Ok, I have to admit, I was thoroughly disappointed with the US team's performance on Saturday night vs. El Salvador. We didn't control the midfield as we should have and the starters up top didn't provide the offensive spark that was necessary to win the game. The defensive was also very poor, especially on the flanks. Pearce and Hejduk were consistently outmatched on the edge, but at least Hejduk provided some offensive spark in the second half. With all this being said I would like to give some input on what I think the roster should look like on Wednesday night.
Howard
Hejduk Onyewu Bocanegra Spector
Donovan Bradley Torres Dempsey
Ching Altidore
Everyone knows that Howard will play this game. I don't think Guzan was as terrible as some people do, but his leadership isn't as strong as Howard's. On the back line I would keep Hejduk. He hasn't been all that impressive, but the other options aren't that tempting. The only thing that I can think of is to put Spector on the right and Beasley out left, but not sure if a position change is the right thing for a qualifier. That being said, Spector is the most talented fullback in the pool and he can play on either side, so he should start over the much-maligned Heath Pearce.
The midfield is where the biggest change should be. Kljestan did not do enough to cement himself as a starter and Francisco Torres looked vastly better than he did in the second half. With Bradley and Torres in the center the US should do much better in controlling possession. I would also drop Donovan from the second striker role and put him on the right. While I don't think this is his best spot, Bradley needs to pull him back into the midfield to get more touches. This would move Dempsey to the left, a role he plays for Fulham pretty frequently. Donovan and Dempsey could switch sides throughout the evening, I think this would provide more offensive creativity.
Ching should stay up front as his ability to hold the ball up helps maintain possession. I would add Altidore as a strike partner. His talent is undeniable, and with Ching doing the post-up work, he should be able to make runs all night to get behind the defense.
As for the substitutes. I would definitely have Beasley on the bench to come in as a fullback or a midfielder. The most intriguing option is Freddy Adu. I know he isn't seeing the field at Monaco, but he could provide some much needed wizardry on the ball as a sub. I would sub him on for Ching, if needed, and have him play in the hole in front of Jozy. He and Donovan could switch off to give the defense fits. Jay Demerit also needs to be on the bench over Califf, Califf was poor on Saturday.
My changes are probably more aggressive than what Bradley will do, but I think it would work. I understand the importance of three points here, and Bradley will take a conservative approach to lessen the risk of counter attacks. Our talent is vastly better than Trinidad's and with more aggressive, offensive-minded tactics we could dominate them, but our coaching staff is a little too afraid sometimes.
Howard
Hejduk Onyewu Bocanegra Spector
Donovan Bradley Torres Dempsey
Ching Altidore
Everyone knows that Howard will play this game. I don't think Guzan was as terrible as some people do, but his leadership isn't as strong as Howard's. On the back line I would keep Hejduk. He hasn't been all that impressive, but the other options aren't that tempting. The only thing that I can think of is to put Spector on the right and Beasley out left, but not sure if a position change is the right thing for a qualifier. That being said, Spector is the most talented fullback in the pool and he can play on either side, so he should start over the much-maligned Heath Pearce.
The midfield is where the biggest change should be. Kljestan did not do enough to cement himself as a starter and Francisco Torres looked vastly better than he did in the second half. With Bradley and Torres in the center the US should do much better in controlling possession. I would also drop Donovan from the second striker role and put him on the right. While I don't think this is his best spot, Bradley needs to pull him back into the midfield to get more touches. This would move Dempsey to the left, a role he plays for Fulham pretty frequently. Donovan and Dempsey could switch sides throughout the evening, I think this would provide more offensive creativity.
Ching should stay up front as his ability to hold the ball up helps maintain possession. I would add Altidore as a strike partner. His talent is undeniable, and with Ching doing the post-up work, he should be able to make runs all night to get behind the defense.
As for the substitutes. I would definitely have Beasley on the bench to come in as a fullback or a midfielder. The most intriguing option is Freddy Adu. I know he isn't seeing the field at Monaco, but he could provide some much needed wizardry on the ball as a sub. I would sub him on for Ching, if needed, and have him play in the hole in front of Jozy. He and Donovan could switch off to give the defense fits. Jay Demerit also needs to be on the bench over Califf, Califf was poor on Saturday.
My changes are probably more aggressive than what Bradley will do, but I think it would work. I understand the importance of three points here, and Bradley will take a conservative approach to lessen the risk of counter attacks. Our talent is vastly better than Trinidad's and with more aggressive, offensive-minded tactics we could dominate them, but our coaching staff is a little too afraid sometimes.
