I have let the 3-1 scoreline marinate for two days, trying to find some reason on which to base the match as a failure, as any two goal defeat should be labeled. However, even after trolling the message boards that continue to spell doom for the USMNT, I still do not buy into the fact that the match can be labeled a disappointment.
One of my biggest gripes during any national team performance is the work rate and effectiveness put out by many of our higher profile players (Landon, Clint, etc). The Italians, however, always seem to bring the best out of our #10, as his work rate and composure were on level with where you would expect a player of his caliber to be. Dempsey, to his credit, was also measurably better, as he was able to help the play through the midfield. Combined with the efforts of Jozy, Benny and Bradley, it was the first time in recent memory (save the early qualifying rounds) that I felt the Americans were dangerous through the run of play.
That being said, it was still a haul of zero points. Results now are not paramount, but with the expulsion of Ricardo Clark (unwarranted I might add), Bob Bradley was left handcuffed in his ability to find real 90 minute solution in the center of the park. The effort and performance can be commended, but the Americans were not to legitimately answer any of the questions coming into the match. That leaves a stern test tomorrow morning when they face a Brazil side looking to dispel the nightmares of the Egyptian scare.
Player Ratings (out of 10)
Tim Howard: 5. Nothing to really blame the American keeper for, three well taken goals and some good saves at the end to keep the boys alive. As my goalkeeper trainer always harped, however, three goals is three goals.
Jonathan Bornstein: 4. Was the culprit of numerous poor touches and seemed to get exposed out wide (not to mention the near own goal that would have surely undone the side). Still a better option than Beasley.
Oguchi Onyewu: 6. Solid in the air, commanded his area. Did not look completely comfortable communicating with fellow center back Jay DeMerit (chalk that up to unfamiliarity). Why does he still take long throws into the box?
Jay DeMerit: 5. Provided a number of strong challenges and clean tackles that the US have seem to been missing in recent matches. Organization was decent, may have been able to step earlier on the first goal. Undone on the third, was completely gassed though.
Jonathan Spector: 6. Second game in a row he looked strong in the back and comfortable going forward. For the love of God please let him remain fit.
Landon Donovan: 7. Best, most industrious match this year. Displayed the fire and leadership necessary from him (except in the post match interviews, of coarse). Showed courage once again to step up and bury an important penalty. Still needs to find a solid connection with someone up top.
Ricardo Clark: 5. Robbed of the match with the poor decision. Still, he must understand his reputation preceeds him for being a harsh, sometimes clumsy tackler. Would have liked to see his influence on a full 90 minutes.
Michael Bradley: 7. Was the catalyst for most of the offensive flow and organization. Worked hard in the middle to break up attacks once Clark was sent off. Why is there so much derrision towards this player from so many circles? I don't care if it's nepatism, the boy can play.
Benny Feilhaber: 5. The match was a microcosm of his career: wonderful play to setup Jozy's attack that drew the penalty. Poor giveaway to set up Rossi's blast. If he can minimize mistakes, he's an automatic selection.
Clint Dempsey: 6. Looked more like the Fulham man who USMNT fans have been waiting to see for their side. Must have the feeling like the breakout is coming soon...
Jozy Altidore: 7. Did well to draw the penalty. The Italians were happy to see him go midway through the second interval, as he was causing them all sorts of problems. Help was too late to come once he got the ball. Bradley must find a way to make his support more dynamic so he is not a tackling dummy again. Did I hear 4-4-2?...
Subs:
Charlie Davies: 6. Did the same things Altidore did to the defense when he came in. Circumstances of the match did not provide him with a platform to succeed, as he was asked to chase rather than attack. This kid looks primed to be a super choice of the bench for Bradley in 2010.
DaMarcus Beasley: 4. Looked to have more life than in previous matches when he came in. Still did not look sharp on passing or service.
Sacha Kljestan: 6. Provided a spark and almost leveled the score with a curling hammer that would have beaten Buffon with a little better weight on it. Wasn't on long enough to make a real impact or make any poor mistakes.
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