An open letter to US coach Bob Bradley

Dear Mr. Bradley,

After watching the last two performances by the United States National Team it is clear that some major adjustments need to be made in the team's starting lineup. While some pundits point to the goals we conceded against Italy and Brazil and they say that are defense was torrid on these particular plays, I don't believe that this is the problem. What is more disheartening is our inability to compete on the offensive side of the ball, in particular, our lack of creativity and technique. Benny Feilhaber has shown that his technical ability is better than any of the other players competing for the second CM spot and he has to be on the field against Egypt. Another change I would make is removing Beasley and putting in Freddy Adu or Fransisco Torres.

I would prefer Adu get the nod. He has more attacking flair than any other player on the roster. At some point in time you have to put him out there. Yes you are going to take some bumps with his poor defense and his untimely dribbling into traffic, but the upcoming game against Egypt has nothing on the line. My recommendation would be to play him as an attacking mid or second striker in the slot behind Altidore. The two have shown that they have a good understanding while playing together. Then you can put Donovan and Dempsey on the left and right sides. Both had decent games against Brazil, but when either one ran with the ball they had little support. For this reason I would put Adu in as second striker and give him the freedom to roam about the field. As long as he has the will to run off the ball I think our attack will show a different dimension.

In conclusion, we have to have Feilhaber and Adu in the lineup. Feilhaber will provide service from the center spot and Freddy simply adds a dimension we haven't had in the last few games, actually he adds something we have never had, you have to start throwing him into the fire just to at least see if he can live up to his billing. If not, then, well, it will be a short World Cup for us. Bob, for God's sake, take a risk once in a while.

Yours Truly,
A disgruntled US soccer fan.