USA v RUS

DocLove

about 12 years

Overall, I think we had a poor game across the back line and don't feel anyone deserved a 6.0. I was disappointed that Chandler didn't do more, but he didn't have too many chances either. Cameron was the best of the group but still not up to stuff. Bradley was great as always, and his goal was world class (if not lucky). If he gets touches in the midfield, we go. But when he is not getting the ball (see 1st half), we have no ability to hold the ball. Jones had his best game in a really long time. I am not a Jones fan, but he was the only other person who could do much of anything out of the midfield handling or passing wise. Gatt played well up until he had to make a 1v1 move and then had trouble, but I think he has a lot of promise. Agudelo and Boyd again showed why they are in the mix off the bench. Diskerud had the goal and not much time in otherwise. I thought Jozy played his "hardest" game in a long time. When he, Herc, and Gatt were pressing late in the 1st, the Russian back line was really bothered. If Jozy will work hard pressuring up front (along with 2 others), opportunities are going to come. Klinsmann takes 2 steps forward and 1 back (or vice versa) all the time for me. I hate that he chose Jones and Williams in the midfield together. He had all kinds of non-CDM options this time (finally), and he still can't give up putting 2 (or 3 if you still count Bradley) CDMs on the field. In spite of Jones having his best game in a long time, he is STILL NOT ANYTHING OTHER THAN A DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER. Overall, I'm excited about where we are headed and think this was yet another gritty American win. Just not sure we can make it there by 2014 to please our fan base.