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I found it interesting that the Mexican coach pulled his team to another location to practice because of the field conditions yet when he went to examine them when asked to for determining the game to be played he said it was fine. I forget the article I read it in but it was from the day of the game.
The field was truly awful but I'll take the win. This team needs all the momentum it can get, no matter the players we put out there or the players the other team puts out there. Was happy to see us win and glad to see some of the inexperienced players that we may need in 2018 get some playing time in a heated match.
The field looked and acted like shi!. Luckily for the US, especially on the 1st goal, the ball seemed to bounce more in favor of the US than Mexico. I know the USSF wants to spread the team around the country to increase exposure; but, it has to balance the need to have a quality product on the field and these experiments with temporary natural grass fields over artificial turf needs to end.
As for the game itself, Mexico has a dept issue after it's normal starting line-up and I think the "Dos a Cero" has really gotten into their collective psyche. The looked good in the '14 World Cup and were unfortunate to lose to the Dutch on a late PK given to the Oranges for Robben's diving theatrics. The US, on the other hand, only had a chance to advance against Belgium (and did not thanks to Wondo's empty net miss) because of Howard's spot-on imitation of Superman.
Inside the Almodome, the US seems to be most comfortable in a 2-4-4 unless Altidore is around, then its a 1-5-4. Morris's opportunistic goal seems to be a classic Klinsmann result; but, the young guys (Green, Yeldin, Brooks, etc.) need to be more consistent.
- Keeper: Not sold on Rimando, hoping Yarborough or someone steps up for the #2 slot.
- Backline: Gonzalez did very well on the back line and Alvarado was a pleasant surprise. I have hope for the central back line.and the US may need it as keepers with Howard's skill and leadership are not always going to available to the USMNT to bail out defensive mistakes.
- Midfield: I still think Bradley need to play on the defensive side of the center midfield with a more creative playmaker, Dix maybe, in front of him. Beckerman puts in an honest days work and I hope his injury is not bad. Klimnsmann obviously sees something in Brek Shea playing in the defensive side of midfield. No interest in Coronoa. Who is Perry Kitchen ?
- Strikers: One word, speed, second word, confidence. Morris is fast and confident enough to make the most of a gift. Nothing wrong with that. Was glad to see Agudelo contribute.
http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2015/02/05/jurgen-klinsmann-son-jonathan-cal-golden-bears-soccer