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USA vs Honduras (WCQ); Tues June 18, 2013; Sandy, UT
Topic Started: Mar 30 2013, 10:55 AM (849 Views)
Yogi
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I think Sammy has summed it up pretty well. Nice finish by Altidore, he had a previous effort in the net called back rightly for offside but he did what you want from your center forward, finished his one real chance in the game.

Like Sammy I thought Zusi and F. Johnson were each pretty good and it was fitting they combined on Altidore's goal. Beasler had an early give away but settled after that and played quite well although Honduras' offensive threat was minimal. Besler-Gonzalez are getting better and these games are what they need to develop into a good defensive combo. OK Gonzalez still makes some mistakes but he is becoming more comfortable and seems to play better alongside Besler than any other central defender.

13 points from 6 games, it looks pretty good for getting to Brazil. Looks like Costa Rica will join them.
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shelsoccer
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With the two teams basically cancelling each other out in central midfield, I thought the difference was the US ability on the flanks. It wasn't very evident during a labored first half, but the US got a lot out of F. Johnson, E. Johnson, Zusi and even Davis as a sub. Honduras showed some ability out wide early via Martinez and Najar, but they seemed to wilt and Iziguirre wasn't very involved going forward. Also, Costly going off early and Bengston's falling out with the coach left Honduras pretty bereft up front.
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raconteur
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I too thought the game was pretty even until the start of the 2nd half when the US began to assert itself more, you could see the goal coming and it was nice work by Zusi and F. Johnson which set it up. shelsoccer as a Sporting Kansas City fan must have enjoyed the fact that Zusi and Besler for the US and Espinoza for Honduras were three of the best players on the field.

The US used 5 MLS based starters and they all made good contributions to the team, the rise of both Zusi and Besler have been two of the most significant developments for the US in the past few months.

shelsoccer is right that flank play ended up being a determinative factor in this game. F. Johnson was especially active and these past weeks have shown how he and Zusi have become the providers for Altidore's scoring.

The defense should get better with more time together but going forward the US has some pretty good options.

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robdog
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Hey people I found some nice sites to assist you on learning Brazilian Portuguese. vê-lo no Brasil :D
Supporter for FCK, San Lorenzo, Chelsea, Pachuca, Corinthians & Real Betis
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Manzanares
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I have to say I was impressed with Zusi, Fabian Johnson and Besler. And Altidore is in great form now, for the US' sake hopefully he is playing like this a year from now as the US surely will need robdog's Brazilian-Portuguese phrasebook next year!

Honduras did a good job of frustrating the US for most of the game but I thought both Bradley and Jones were not as sharp as they have been. Could be the effect of a long season combined with this prolonged series of games. Actually the same applies to Dempsey too who I thought was relatively anonymous in all 3 US qualifiers.

A perfect 9 points out of 9 available this month. Hard to ask for more. The US achieved their goals and now are practically in Brazil. Time now to refine the team as they prepare to head to the World Cup.
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Johnbuildr
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True, Dempsey has been remarkably quiet in these last three matches Manzanares. He looks a plain 'ol tired to me, particularly last night. Playing him 90 in the warm up matches, where he did score four times if I remember correctly, was a significant mistake imo. He was totally in form and it was silly and pointless.

Possibly the defenses have been concentrating on him so much as to free up Altidore much more often. That can happen when you have 2 or 3 serious scoring threats instead of just one.

Zusi, and even Besler, is a textbook example of how quickly a player who was not even on the MNT radar screen over a year ago can rise to prominence. Doesn't happen this successfully very often, but it is fun to watch and great for the team when it does.

Seriously thinking about going to Brazil, so appreciate rob's link. Would like to try the "immersion" technique, but that may be a little tough in Omaha. :D
Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum



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Martin
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An excellent month for the US with those 9 points earned. Fabian Johnson is effective whether he plays left back or left midfield. With he on one flank and Zusi on the other the US has legitimate threats on the wings, something which Altidore as we have seen is fully exploiting. When is the last time that the US has had such effective wing play on both flanks?

Neither Bradley nor Jones were as effective as they usually are, that may be attributable to the same fatigue John mentioned re Dempsey, though it also could be because they were going against the non stop motor which is Roger Espinoza (he has become one of my favorite players in the world to watch play) or maybe the one attacks/other covers play between Jones and Bradley just was not clicking last night.

One decision Klinsmann will have to make between now and next year is does the dual two way midfielder tandem of Bradley/Jones work best or would Bradley be more effective paired with a more pure defensive midfielder like Edu or Cameron? That is something I would look for the coach to explore in the next 9 months.

Take the team that played last night and substitute either Cherundolo or Chandler for Evans at right back and Donovan for Eddie Johnson at left midfield and I think you have the US' best current XI.

Why was Tim Howard wearing my wife's dishwashing gloves last night?
Club Sportivo Desamparados
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shelsoccer
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You're right, Raconteur, in my pride at seeing Zusi's and Besler's ascendance. I take pride too in Espinoza, but I sure wish he was still in KC. In my opinion, his absence is the biggest reason in SKC's mediocre start to the MLS season.

SKC may have to get used to that. While the club was able to re-sign Besler during the winter, I don't think there's much doubt that Zusi will be European-bound soon.

Vermes has shown a notable ability to pluck college players, nuture them for a couple of years and then elevate them. It's not just Besler, Zusi and Espinoza, all of whom Vermes drafted, but he also drafted Bunbury, Myers and Sapong while also making something of acquired players like Kamara and Sinovic.

I don't think that necessarily translates to the job of a national team coach, but Vermes has to be in the conversation when the Klinsmann era comes to a close.
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americafutbol10
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After re-watching the game on my DVR, a couple of thoughts:

- Gonzalez & Besler are developing nicely as our top CB tandem

- Evans was much better than the Panama game IMO

- Fabian Johnson is becoming one of my favorite Germ-Americans...whether at LB or LM

- For every good pass or tackle he makes, Jones makes multiple, bone-head plays...the midfield duo should be Bradley-Cameron, period!

- Altidore is on a roll & FINALLY become the striker we've been missing since McBride retired

- Zusi is an AWESOME crosser & passer

- Dempsey...contrary to public perception...was very involved & effective. Just unlucky, not to score.


Conclusion...the second half was MUCH better, in terms of movement & pressure. Credit must be given to Honduras, for slowing the game in the first half, but good to see the USA keep composed & not get frustrated.

Starting with the Germany friendly, it was a FANTASTIC month for the USA...hopefully, continues into the Gold Cup B)
US Soccer...Don't Thread On Me!

Michigan Football...Harbaugh Effect (GO BLUE!)

LA Galaxy...5-time MLS Cup Champions!

Colombia...VIVA, Cafeteros!
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