Quote:
Originally Posted by WoodDraw
Some final thoughts:
-Bocanegra needs to resign the captaincy. He's not the first choice starter at any of the defender spots, and needs to be relegated to first CB sub.
-We've got to learn how to possess the ball from the defense through the MF. Too many of our defenders (everyone other than Onyewu?) tend to boot the ball as soon as they get it, giving way too much possesion away. It might be time to look at alternatives in the central mid too.
-Ching no longer should start for this team. He couldn't even hold the ball when he got it today. And that's what he's there for.
Positives:
-Davies showed he's an answer as a forward. Probably the best US performance today.
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Besides Onyewu, our defenders dive and (late) slide tackle way too often.
With that said - this loss is on Bradley. After the 10th minute, we had no players on the ball or behind the ball when Mexico had the ball. We literally looked like a hockey team on penalty kill with just about 10 men in or near the box.
I dont think Donovan had a bad game at all....same can be said for Jozy, etc. They freakin' never got any touches due to the penalty-kill "just clear it out" mentality.
I've seen the US play much, much better...and I've seen our midfield handle the ball at the very least repectably (Spain game and the 1st half of Brazil).
Yesterday's antics are a direct result of Bradley's gameplan. He must have thought we couldnt handle the altitude, smog, whatever....and the plan was to tire out mexico by hanging back and letting them bring the attack to us. Hell, I think 90% of the game was played in the last 25% of the pitch (unfortunately, that was our 25% of the pitch).
I mentioned it during the game yesterday...it was almost like watching Rocky fight Mr. T the second time.....trying to tire out the opponent by withstanding wave after wave of attacks. (except the US never went southpaw in the second half, nor went into any resemblance of an "attack")
Bradley pulled a Marty yesterday....when you play not to lose....you dont win. (and apparently dont "tie" either).
Oh...and Dempsey was worthless yesterday. With that said, there IS enough talent on this team to win (witness the Spain and Brazil outcomes) - but bad gameplanning has doomed this team before the first whistle has blown in several games now (mexico...at El Salvador...at Costa Rica).