USA vs Guadeloupe: Recap, Ratings, and Stats

USA couldn't improve their spot in the group with a win but would have fallen out of second place had they loss. Worries were put to rest with Altidore's strike from distance in the ninth minute for the ultimate game winner.

Guadeloupe had trouble serving the ball into the oversized American defense and their lack of fitness became apparent quickly. Defensively the Guadeloupeans held their own for as much as they could. Goalie Franck Grandel reacted a tad slow on the goal but made some other saves that kept the game at 1-0.

Player Ratings

Clint Dempsey - (13...8.5/4.5) - People want to trash Dempsey's lack of finishing but he's really the only American getting in the position to make those mistakes. No one gets this close to scoring multiple times and doesn't eventually start finding the back of the net consistently. And we know Dempsey's history, especially this last year. Nothing to be worried about but definitely room for improvement.

Eric Lichaj - (11...8.5/2.5) - My favorite aspect of Lichaj's play is how he forcibly interjects himself into the game. A lot of players have the mindset of "Just don't mess up," but Lichaj is aggressively up and down the field. Continuation of his successful play (and perhaps a little patience) and he may lock up the LB position yet.

Steve Cherundolo - (10...7.5/2.5) - Much improved on both sides of the field. I was actually excited when I saw him with the ball this game unlike vs. Panama ("Oh no not again...").

Jermaine Jones - (10...7.5/2.5) - His best game on off-the-ball defending. Great positioning. His aggressiveness sets a great tone for the rest of the team.

Jozy Altidore - (9.5...7/2.5) - The king of drawing fouls moved so much better off the ball. Goal aside, although it was probably his best goal ever, he still needs to get his feet moving more but he did well this game. Something to build off of for sure.

Michael Bradley - (9...7.5/1.5) - Stopped so many counters by reading the Guadeloupeans passes and jump started the offense.

Landon Donovan - (9...6/3) - Wasn't too excited to see Donovan hesitate on some shots from distance. Yes the defense was shaky and your teammates were making good runs, but take a shot from 20 out if you're lined up well. Your service will be negated if they're always looking for you to pass first. Although his free kicks and crosses are improving greatly.

Carlos Bocanegra - (7.5...5.5/2) - Shut down the opposing offense well.

Clarence Goodson - (6.5...4.5/2) - Same as Bocanegra, but less chances on ball.

Chris Wondolowski - (5...3.5 /1.5) - I understand the disappointment from the lack of goals but he's not the only American not scoring right now. He's undersized but I would argue he's the hardest worker on the field at the moment. He has a decent touch and good vision. Unfortunately, he's 28 and his time is running out. If this is his prime then his time is definitely running out fast.

Tim Howard - (4.5...4.5/0) - Couldn't ask for more.

Alejandro Bedoya - (3...2.5/0.5) - Exciting to watch.

Sacha Kljestan - (1.5...1/0.5) - Also exciting.

Maurice Edu - (0.5...0.5 /0.0) - Nice to know Bradley hasn't given up on the 25 year old.

Game Stats

Subjective Point Graphs

First Half

USA - 73.57
Guadeloupe - 12.43

Second Half

USA - 70.73
Guadeloupe - 5.23

Final

USA - 143.30

Guadeloupe - 17.66

Momentum Graphs

First Half Dominance

USA - 76

Guadeloupe - 0

None - 24

Second Half Dominance

USA - 71

Guadeloupe - 0

None - 29

Final

USA - 73

Guadeloupe - 0

None - 27

GG Rating - 64/100

Numbers

***Example Category***

Team - Chances...Threat Rate/100

Team - Chances...Threat Rate/100

First Half

Possession

USA - 37...20.3

Guadeloupe - 15...9.1

Passing

USA - 44...21.3

Guadeloupe - 17...10.6

Shooting

USA - 13...50.6

Guadeloupe - ...24.5

Second Half

Possession

USA - 52...16.2

Guadeloupe - 17...3.1

Passing

USA - 46...20.0

Guadeloupe - 24...6.0

Shooting

USA - 9...60.7

Guadeloupe - 2...11.0

Final

Possession
USA - 89...17.9

Guadeloupe - 32...5.9

Passing

USA - 90...20.6

Guadeloupe - 41...7.9

Shooting

USA - 22...54.7

Guadeloupe - 6...20.0

Conclusion

Various comments:

• "If we play like we did tonight against Jamaica, we will get punished and more than likely sent home."
• "There’s no excuse for Yanks’ lawl in the second half they should’ve continued to pressure Guadeloupe who was almost giving the USA a second goal. Bottom line is that we must be better when we play the Reggae Boys next Sunday."
• "Right now Jamaica is playing its best soccer since reaching the 1998 World Cup, while the U.S. is struggling."
  

If people are only going to look at the scoreline then yes the Americans underperformed. However if you were to watch what is unfolding with the team then you'd be rather happy. While Guadeloupe isn't the strongest of opponents, US is creating tons of chances to score and shutting down offenses, admittedly with cracks along the way. The outcry sounds a lot like England's constant desire to do better, which I'm in full support of doing better but let's not make it sound like the USMNT is just waiting to get pounded by another CONCACAF opponent.

Highlights

USA vs. Panama: Recap, Ratings, and Stats

USMNT faltered in their second group game, losing to Panama 2-1. They struggled to convert in front of the goal and minimal defensive mistakes proved costly. They play their third and final group game against Guadeloupe to determine their spot in the group standings.

Player Ratings

Clint Dempsey - (12...8/4) - Finishing was the only hurdle Dempsey didn't clear in this game.

Landon Donovan - (11...6.5/4.5) - Second half set piece service is exactly what US has been looking for from Donovan for years.

Tim Ream - (11...6/5) - A work in progress...

Carlos Bocanegra - (9.5...5.5/4) - Clueless on the first goal.

Clarence Goodson - (9.5...5.5/4) - The goal bumps him up despite his poor defensive play. Will continue to grow with time though.

Steve Cherundolo - (9...4/5) - Incredibly ineffective. Poor service that killed the attack too often.

Michael Bradley - (8.5...5.5/3) - Not his best game. Eh...

Jozy Altidore - (7.5...3/4.5) - Pretty typical game from the frustrating striker.

Jermaine Jones - (5...3/2) - His play reminded me a lot of Clark in their World Cup game against Ghana.

Tim Howard - (4.5...3/1.5) - First goal was definitely saveable. The rebound shouldn't have happened. He did well otherwise.

Alejandro Bedoya - (4...3.5/0.5) - Was given a lot of room but used it.

Juan Agudelo - (4...1.5 /2.5) - Still dribbling with his head down into numbers.

Sacha Kljestan - (3...2/1) - Gave a nice spark to the offense.

Chris Wondolowski - (1.5...1 /0.5) - Not the first American to miss from that close.

Game Stats

Subjective Point Graphs

First Half

USA - 18.17
Panama - 27.33

Second Half

USA - 55.23
Panama - 11.27

Final

USA - 73.40

Panama - 38.60

Momentum Graphs

First Half Dominance

USA - 20

Panama - 31

None - 49

Second Half Dominance

USA - 47

Panama - 0

None - 53

Final

USA - 33

Panama - 16

None - 51

GG Rating - 43/100

Numbers

***Example Category***

Team - Chances...Threat Rate/100

Team - Chances...Threat Rate/100

First Half

Possession

USA - 25...7.4

Panama - 14...24.7

Passing

USA - 34...7.7

Panama - 17...17.6

Shooting

USA - 6...25.3

Panama - 6...36.0

Second Half

Possession

USA - 52...11.6

Panama - 22...6.0

Passing

USA - 57...14.5

Panama - 19...9.1

Shooting

USA - 9...44.4

Panama - 7...11.4

Final

Possession
USA - 77...10.2

Panama - 36...13.3

Passing

USA - 91...12.0

Panama - 36...13.1

Shooting

USA - 15...36.8

Panama - 13...22.8

Conclusion

The USMNT made a strong push towards the end but couldn't rally back from the 2-0 defecit. Should the Americans have lost? Well when you don't convert, yes. Should we be worried with the loss? No. America's problem doesn't lie in their lack of talent but problems with clicking and using their abilities. They'll rebound as they always do.

Highlights

Hello to our Greece audience! We just hit 700 views with a very respectable 9 coming from Greece! And oddly one view from Kuwait... Probably made it on accident...

USA vs. Canada: Recap and Ratings

Player Ratings

CM - Michael Bradley - (13...11.5/1.5) - A classic performance in the role of a box-to-box midfielder. He was shot out of the gun from the beginning and ended the game with the same amount of energy as he began it. This was one of the most complete games of his career. Our vote for man of the match.

LM/ST - Clint Dempsey - (11...9.5/1.5) - The only threat down the left was through Dempsey. He took his goal well, and his "scorpion kick" effort almost made history. He also played well when he switched to forward in the 2nd.

ST - Jozy Altidore - (11...8.5 /2.5) - He finished off a very difficult well, making a dangerous run, taking a great touch, turning his body, and hitting a fierce shot early before his angle was taken away and the GK was set. Altidore played well in the air and hit a great ball across the 6 yard box on Dempsey's goal (though Agudelo got the "assist"). This was a step back in the right direction for a forward the U.S. needs to perform.

RM - Landon Donovan - (10...8.5/1.5) - He was excellent both defensively and in launching darting counter-attacking runs through the midfield. His final pass was lethal.

RB - Steve Cherundolo - (9...7/2) - Cherundolo rampaged up and down the right flank, contributing to attack after attack. His final crosses needed work, but his combination play was brilliant.

CM - Jermaine Jones - (8...5/3) - Jones knack for connecting long passes complimented Michael Bradley as a midfield partner well. His vision opened seams in Canada's midfield and contributed to a stifling U.S. possession.

ST - Juan Agudelo - (8...5 /3) - An early reliance on long balls over the top didn't suit his style. That said, he didn't leave his mark. He made the keeper work on a couple of occasions, but didn't really get his teammates involved.

CB - Clarence Goodson - (6...3.5/2.5) - Goodson is a very well-rounded, ordinary player and supported that tonight. He made few mistakes and connected well with Ream and Bradley.

CB - Tim Ream - (6...3/3) - The young defender is increasing his stock game after game. He was cool under pressure (wasn't much) and his long-balls were useful. He got himself in good positions, but repeatedly made clumsy challenges at the last moment.

LB - Carlos Bocanegra - (5...3/2) - Boca defended well but his lack of speed on the left hurt the team tonight. The U.S. attack would be far more dangerous if our left back got up and down as well as Cherundolo. Too many attacks came down the right side (too predictable).

GK - Tim Howard - (4...3.75 /0.25) - This quote sums up his performance: "He was absolute magic. I almost clapped on the save." - Stephen Hart (Canada's coach, during post-game.) Ali Gerba had a few decent chances during the 2nd half, but Howard performed his customary heroics.

CM - Maurice Edu - (4...2.5/1.5) - He covered ground and combined well in the midfield, but his touch seems hard. He can't replace Jones' pure ability to pass the ball.

LM - Sacha Kljestan - (3...1.5/1.5) - Good touches in the midfield, but didn't really get involved.

ST - Chris Wondolowski - (2...0.5 /1.5) - Virtually Irrelevant. Wondolowski represents a significant drop-off of talent in the American forward pool. He is a smart player with good touch, but simply doesn't have the athletic ability that Juan & Jozy bring to the team.

Game Stats

Subjective Point Graphs

First Half

USA - 41.93
Canada - 6.40

Second Half

USA - 29.73
Canada - 31.77

Final

USA - 71.66

Canada - 37.17

Momentum Graphs

First Half Dominance

USA - 64

Canada - 0

None - 36

Second Half Dominance

USA - 16

Canada - 16

None - 68

Final

USA - 40

Canada - 8

None - 52

GG Rating - 42/100

Numbers

***Example Category***

Team - Chances...Threat Rate/100

Team - Chances...Threat Rate/100

First Half

Possession

USA - 43...12.7

Canada - 21...3.3

Passing

USA - 49...9.8

Canada - 26...3.4

Shooting

USA - 14...22.4

Canada - 3...17.3

Second Half

Possession

USA - 33...11.4

Canada - 42...10.1

Passing

USA - 37...9.7

Canada - 41...7.0

Shooting

USA - 8...25.5

Canada - 10...25.4

Final

Possession
USA - 76...12.2

Canada - 63...7.8

Passing

USA - 86...9.7

Canada - 67...5.6

Shooting

USA - 22...23.5

Canada - 13...23.5

Conclusion

Three notes from the game:

1) This is the kind of complete performance that the U.S. needs: No player really had a BAD game, and guys like Bradley, Dempsey, Donovan, and Altidore we'll need to continue to have big games. The team started the first 5 minutes of each half slowly, but there really weren't any long periods of absent play.

2) The play of the two center backs: Goodson and Ream played well together tonight, but weren't really pressured until Gerba entered the game. De Rosario played as a withdrawn striker which only left Jackson to harass our back line during the 1st half. Between the two, they won almost everything in the air and made few mistakes (Ream was mainly responsible for the few there were).

Bradley said after the game the highlight of the night was the pair's successful outing, which shows how important it is that the U.S. finds some chemistry in central defense.

3) Still skeptical about Michael Bradley starting for the United States? Well he is making a serious case to prove you wrong. He sniffed out any Canadian attack from deep in the midfield while he also served as the link between the center backs, flanks, and forwards. He tested the GK a couple of times and made clever runs into dangerous areas of the attacking third.

Highlights

Want a laugh? Why I watch these games in Spanish or on mute...

As always, feel free to discuss, argue, or agree in the comment section below.

USA vs. Canada Preview

 USA:

The U.S. men opens Gold Cup group play tonight against Canada as they hope to make a strong statement after being freshly embarrassed against Spain. Starting the Tournament against a moderately strong team like Canada should provide a good test as they Americans begin play; the Canadians are a skillful, athletic team that could easily surprise some and should advance from the group.

The Americans will start a much stronger side tonight than the group that performed the comedy-sketch against Spain on Saturday night. Here's what we'll see, more that likely: 

There are some exceptions, of course. Bradley likes Tim Ream's ability to pass the ball from the back, as well as his mature level of composure. It wouldn't be a stretch to see him get time. 

Left-back is a bit of a toss up. Bocanegra should start tonight but Bradley could opt for speed on the left with Lichaj or Bornstein (Lord, no).

Central midfield has been somewhat of a revolving door recently. Michael Bradley has secured his place, while Jermaine Jones and Maurice Edu have had mixed reviews. We think Edu gets the nod, but Coach Bradley may find Jones' strength and passing ability a valuable contribution. Even if Jones doesn't start, he should get some time.

It's a bit of a long-shot, but Bradley COULD opt for trying a 4-5-1 again. He can insert Klejstan as an attacking midfielder in front of Edu and Bradley, use Dempsey and Donovan on the wings, with Altidore up top. This is a versatile formation that can easily be changed back to a 4-4-2 as Agudelo can be added up top with Altidore (Agudelo off the bench is a formula for his success, apparently).

Canada:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Canada has been taken lightly by the media in recent weeks, but really could be up for surprising the U.S. They'll be motivated to prove something to the rest of the region and surely have somewhat of a chip on their shoulder after being constantly looked over behind the U.S. and Mexico's success. They'll hope for a chance to qualify for a World Cup and the Gold Cup is a strong first step. 

Canada has a strong core of veteran players, while they also cope with a sharp drop-off in talent through some of the roster. Atiba Hutchinson (PSV Eindhoven) anchors the midfield, while Dwayne De Rosario, Will Johnson, and Simeon Jackson lead a potent attack. Their goalkeeping and defense will also be somewhat of a liability going forward for them, and they'll need to perform admirably as a unit in order to stifle the U.S. attack. 

This is a possible line-up, but don't be surprised if veteran forward Rob Friend or emerging Vancouver (MLS) midfielder Terry Dunfield either start or see serious time. Versatile midfielder Tosaint Ricketts also impressed in a recent draw in a friendly versus Ecuador. 

 Bottom Line:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Expect this to be hard-fought game that could end up being a lot closer than many expect or hope it to be.  The U.S. really need to win by at least a 2 goal margin, anything less than a firm victory may be a moral defeat. Going 3 goals up to start the tournament means a lot more than insurance on the field in this case--here it means they shut people up and salvage some pride.  

As unlikely as a blow-out may be, anything is possible considering the results of the trigger-happy tournament we've enjoyed so far.

2011 Gold Cup Preview

Gold Cup Guide:

After a recent surge of support for US national teams, especially around World Cup time, we thought we would provide some coverage of this summer's major soccer tournament. Though it's early in the next World Cup cycle, success in the Gold Cup is critical for teams hoping to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Those who do well give a good indication of who will succeed during the next two years of qualification play.

The Gold Cup is the championship for the Confederation of North American, Central American, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF). CONCACAF is just one of the regions that comprises FIFA, the world governing body for football.

The United States will host the 2011 edition of the tournament and the winner earns a trip to compete in the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil. Simply put, this tournament is the most important competition for the United States' region.

The Confederations Cup is a veritable "trial run" for the nation that is hosting the world cup, the FIFA Confederations Cup is played the year before the World Cup (always an odd year). It features some of the stadiums, a sample of the teams, and helps test the infrastructure of the host nation. (Remember the Confederations Cup in '09, where the team defeated Spain 2-0 and lost (choked) to Brazil 3-2 in a thrilling final?)

Tournament Schedule:

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Group A: Mexico, Costa Rica, Cuba, & El Salvador

June 5: Mexico vs. El Salvador [5-0 final], (Arlington, TX)

June 5: Costa Rica vs. El Salvador [5-0 final], (Arlington, TX)

June 9: Mexico vs. Cuba (Charlotte, NC)

June 9: El Salvador vs. Costa Rica (Charlotte, NC)

June 12: Costa Rica vs. Mexico (Chicago, IL)

June 12: El Salvador vs. Cuba (Chicago, IL)

Group B: Honduras, Guatemala, Jamaica, Grenada

June 6: Jamaica vs. Granada, [4-0], (Carson, CA)

June 6: Honduras vs. Guatemala, [0-0], (Carson, CA)

June 10: Jamaica vs. Guatemala (Miami, FL)

June 10: Honduras vs. Jamaica (Miami, FL)

June 16: Guatemala vs. Granada (Harrison, NJ)

June 16: Honduras vs. Guatemala (Harrison, NJ)

Group C: United States, Canada, Panama, Guadeloupe 

June 7: Panama vs. Guadeloupe (Detroit, MI)

June 7: USA vs. Canada (Detroit, MI)

June 11: Canada vs. Guadeloupe (Tampa, FL)

June 11: USA vs. Panama (Tampa, FL)

June 14: Canada vs. Panama (Kansas City, MO)

June 14: USA vs. Guadeloupe (Kansas City, MO)

Quarterfinals:

June 18: (East Rutherford, NJ)

June 18: (East Rutherford, NJ)

June 19: (Washington, D.C.)

June 19: (Washington, D.C.)

Semifinals:

June 22: 7 & 10 p.m. (Houston, TX)

Final:

June 25: 9 p.m. (Pasadena, CA)

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What to expect:

The U.S. has never lost a group-stage game during the Gold Cup (23-0-2), and the fans, along with the team, always expect to reach the furthest stage of the tournament. Of course Mexico and the U.S. are the favorites and that match-up holds potential for a blockbuster final.

The U.S. will have some extra motivation to win CONCACAF's crown this year. A very experimental side meandered its way through the 2009 tournament, which resulted in a shameful defeat in the final to a superior Mexican side. The result still stands as a scar on the Americans' resume (a 5-0 loss at home).

A recent 4-0 loss at home to recent world-champion Spain is still fresh on the team's mind. This should provide some extra encouragement to salvage their pride while playing well against some weaker opposition.

Coach Bradley has assembled an exciting mix of youth and experience (like Dempsey, Donovan, and Howard, mixed with players like Lichaj, Klejstan, and Ream). This team is stronger than those of previous tournaments, and we should see the Americans fare well until the knock-out rounds where strong Central American teams such as Costa Rica, Honduras, and Mexico lie in wait.

Add Ons:

U.S. Soccer has done a good job of keeping fans informed about the United States' involvement in the tournament. The have a complete page involving calendars, history, and rosters that you can see here. They also have a handy, well-designed infographic. Check that out while you're at it.

USA vs. Spain: Recap, Ratings, and Stats

Player Ratings

Eric Lichaj - (11.5...8/3.5) - At first I thought he was out of position defensively but then I started to notice that he was out of position because he was making up for the center mids' horrendous play. Very aggressive and smart when attacking the ball. Was willing to make forward runs but didn't click with Rogers but I don't know who could have. One of the few bright spots in the game.


Jonathan Spector -(9.5...6/3.5) - Did well too contain the extensive Spanish attack that he witnessed funnel into his side despite little help from Klejstan. In the second half he was moved up to right mid but you could tell he was still playing right back mentally. Speed is an issue but he has the vision for the game that most US defenders don't.


Tim Ream - (8.5...5.5/3) - The biggest problem from Ream's play against Spain was his lack of communication with Lichaj. The second goal is a result from either Ream's lack of knowledge for a defensive shape (doubtful) or that he was unaware of how deep Lichaj was playing, which allowed the run to start. This wasn't his best game but the fact that he's averaging an 8.24 with New York is very promising.


Sacha Kljestan - (7.5...3/4.5) - Awful play outside. Kljestan offered little to no help in either the offense or defensive realm while playing wide. But his play in the middle was eons better. He loved getting touches on the ball and worked with in combination play. One time he ended up in the 18 with Dempsey on a fabulous set up but his indecision quickly turned into a disaster by not shooting nor connecting on a pass. Despite his overall poor play, he wasn't at all the worst player on the field.


Steve Cherundolo - (6.5...5/1.5) - The exact kind of right back Bradley is looking for. Defensively sound and productive going forward. Will be reassuring to see in the Gold Cup, likely rested too.


Michael Bradley - (6.5...5.5/1) - One of them more offensively-minded games he's had. Sparked the offense from the start of the second half.


Clint Dempsey - (6.5...5/1.5) - Created more chances single-handedly than the entire first half team did.


Maurice Edu - (6...1.5/4.5) - One of the worst games I've seen him play. We know he's good and he's shown it in the past but he was a complete wreck in the midfield. He worked hard, admittedly, but his shape off the ball was killing the US team. The first and third goal (which may look familiar if you saw the Champions League Final) were almost exactly the same and both times fans everywhere yelled "Who's covering that guy??" Well it was the center mids loafing back to play "defense."


Jermaine Jones - (6...1/5) - (Same review for Edu but slightly worse.)


Clarence Goodson - (5...3.5/1.5) - Did well coming off the bench ... and didn't concede three goals in one half.


Oguchi Onyewu - (5...2/3) - Seems to be getting more unfit as time goes by... I'll go ahead and make a bold prediction that he won't be in the starting XI for USA when they visit Brazil in 2014.


Juan Agudelo - (4.5...2/2.5) - We still like him (a lot) but he dribbled into pressure way too often, especially when we were virtually running a 4-4-1-1. And we don't know if Spain meant to double/triple team Agudelo (it may have just been from USA's lack of offense...) but Agudelo ended up finding himself against numbers more times than not. He needs to get his head up, survey his surroundings, and know when to dribble and when to pass.


Robbie Rogers - (4.5...0.5/4) - I'll quote Mr. Launius from an article he wrote after Bradley announced the Gold Cup roster, "Freddy Adu and Robbie Rogers?! FREDDY ADU AND ROBBIE ROGERS?! Yes, Freddy Adu and Robbie Rogers. FREDDY. ADU. AND. ROBBIE. ROGERS." And Robbie really solidified the reasoning behind that comment so I'll just leave his review at that.


Chris Wondolowski - (4.5...2/2.5) - He's been playing well in the MLS but his small frame is killing him up top. He's going to work, granted, but he becomes so ineffective so quickly. Still, he did way better than his predecessor.


Tim Howard - (4...3/1) - Goals weren't his fault and had little action otherwise. That said, we're not too happy with his distribution. A lot of times he plays out wide, which is nice, but too many times he hits a long ball into a small striker with two defenders. We love when he yells at his defenders because you can tell he's not happy (obviously) but he's still giving instructions to improve the play.


Jozy Altidore - (3...0.5/2.5) - Almost completely irrelevant. He never really made his mark on the game.


Alejandro Bedoya - (1...0.5/0.5) - Subbed in pretty late and took an awful touch on a long one-on-one. Ran around, whatever.

Game Stats

Subjective Point Graphs

First Half

USA - 8.07

Spain - 71.97

Second Half

USA - 13.47

Spain - 35.20

Final

USA - 21.54

Spain - 107.17

Momentum Graphs

First Half Dominance

USA - 0

Spain - 80

None - 20

Second Half Dominance

USA - 0

Spain - 31

None - 69

Final

USA - 0

Spain - 56

None - 44

GG Rating - 42/100

Numbers

***Example Category***

Team - Chances...Threat Rate/100

Team - Chances...Threat Rate/100

First Half

Possession

USA - 24...6.2

Spain - 44...19.5

Passing

USA - 28...5.4

Spain - 36...18.8

Shooting

USA - 1...12.0

Spain -14...45.9

Second Half

Possession

USA - 22...9.3

Spain - 44...11.5

Passing

USA - 25...11.0

Spain - 48...11.2

Shooting

USA - 5...8.4

Spain - 5...37.2

Final

Possession
USA - 46...7.7

Spain - 88...15.5

Passing

USA - 53...8.0

Spain - 84...14.5

Shooting

USA - 6...9.0

Spain - 19...43.6

Conclusion
Feel free to compare the stats with the Champions League Final.

Quickly, three reasons why this game was so awful:

1. Bob Bradley didn't care about this game. Not that he just goofs around with the MNT, but that the Gold Cup is on the horizon. Bradley has his priorities in line and for whatever reason (which we already blasted for earlier) USA played Spain three days before the opening day tournament. So Bradley, wisely, started an inexperienced team so he would lose to Spain and beat Canada and not tie Spain and lose to Canada.

2. Offensive woes. The 4-4-2 that USA runs requires the outside backs to run up the sides of the field and send the ball into the 18. But the MNT couldn't even control the ball to start an attack. Not until Bradley and Dempsey subbed in the second half.

3. Defensive woes. (Surprise, surprise.) Center mids were no where to be found on the first and third goal. The gap between the strikers and midfielders was humongous. Inside the 18 was a mess... blah blah blah it looked like 11 guys who have never played together, which may be true.

All-in-all, this game only made money for the US and gave some time for the youngsters to get pounded by the best in the world (minus key players). Tuesday is much more important and worth evaluating. If we lose to Canada 4-0, we have some major problems...

Side Notes

In the face of countless allegations, corruptions, and speculations with FIFA and CONCACAF, US Soccer President Sunil Gulati answered questions during halftime about said problems with class and elegance, something America could use more of. I'm sure Gulati wants nothing more than a revote for the 2022 World Cup but he's playing his cards well for the country.

"This is preparation for not Gold Cup, but World Cup in three years..." - Alexi Lalas


"60,000+, you're playing the champion at home... what an opportunity for the players to make some noise, make a name for yourself..." - Taylor Twellman


"When was the last time we heard [Altidore] was the most dangerous player on the field?" - Twellman


- "Taylor, what's the first thing you think of when you think of Gerard Pique?"
- "Shakira, Shakira"
- "Alright what's the second thing?" - Lalas and Twellman


"How many back passes to Tim Howard [in the first half]? Not one." - John Harkes (completely wrong)

United States vs Spain Preview

 USMNT vs Spain Preview

The U.S. men recently wrapped up their camp in North Carolina and have now traveled to New England in preparation for a much anticipated friendly versus Spain at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts (Saturday, June 4 at 3:30 p.m. Central on ESPN).

The impressiveness of Spain's roster cannot be understated. They make a convincing case for being the best team in the world (even while leaving home stars like Xavi, Puyol, and Fabregas), and will provide a "warm-up" for the U.S. as the team prepares to compete in the Gold Cup (CONCACAF's regional championship) during the next few weeks.

The U.S. men play Canada just three days after (June 7) to start Gold Cup play and will round out their group against Panama (June 11) and Guadeloupe (June 14). U.S. fans always expect their team to reach the final of the regional championship (North America, Central American, and the Caribbean).

Mexico waits on the other side of the bracket, and if there are no significant surprises, the two North American powerhouses could meet in a highly anticipated final on June 25 in Los Angeles.

The Spain game in New England is only a friendly, and serves as a warm-up match for the busy month ahead.  However, unpacking the recent history between the two teams reveals a dramatically set stage.

The reigning world champions have brought 17 players from their 2010 World Cup roster, which also includes 6 who play for the recently crowned European Champion, Barcelona. Despite Spain's impressive résumé, many will remember the United States' 2-0 upsetting of Spain back in 2009 at the Confederations Cup in South Africa. However, history doesn't favor the Americans, who have only beaten Spain once.

So the leading question should be, does this fixture serve as a constructive warm-up game for the United States? 

At first glance, it's tempting to say yes because it's true the the U.S. won't face a more difficult opponent during the month of June (obviously, Spain is the world's best). So, if the Americans can squeeze out some result against Spain tomorrow, their confidence will sky-rocket going into the tournament.

Realistically, though, getting a result against Spain comes against high odds. They will have to fight just to draw the game, and Bradley will employ the same sit-back-and-defend tactic that they've had to rehearse recently against Argentina and others. 

In order to get a result against Spain, the U.S. will absorb pressure for long periods of time, and will count on breaking out in bursts as their only offense (really this isn't a tactical knock against Bradley--that's the way you have to play Spain or Argentina).

In order to advance in the Gold Cup, the U.S. will need to employ a more balanced, attacking style against some of the weaker teams in CONCACAF. The style of play we will see during the rest of June will be much different than what we see tomorrow. We may even see a totally different line-up or formation against Spain than we see against Panama or Guadeloupe.

This is where it doesn't make much sense. Why schedule a team that looks much different than any team you'll see in a tournament you hope to win, that will force you to play a style very different than the style you hope to win with? When you approach it like that, Spain doesn't appear so serve as a very effective "warm-up."

Now, will it be fun and will it make money?

Sure.

Will confidence soar if, by chance, we win or tie?

Yeah.

Is it likely that we'll lose 2-0, 3-0, or 4-0?

Also yes. 

Is that what you want "warming-up" for a big tournament?

Absolutely not.

Spain's 23 Man Roster:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), José Manuel Reina (Liverpool), Víctor Valdés (Barcelona)

Defenders: Álvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Raúl Albiol (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Piqué (Barcelona), Carlos Marchena (Villarreal), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Andoni Iraola (Athletic Bilbao)

Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Santiago Cazorla (Villarreal), Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona), Bruno Soriano (Villarreal), Borja Valero (Villarreal)

Forwards: David Villa (Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Pedro Rodríguez (Barcelona), Manu Del Moral (Sevilla), Álvaro Negredo (Sevilla)