MLS Castrol Ratings

(If you haven't heard about MLS Castrol Index I suggest you check it out before continuing on in the article. Long story short, it just rates a player's performance 0-10.)

There's a pretty interesting computerized rating system aimlessly floating around. I say aimlessly because it's putting out a lot of information and I have yet to see any real use of it outside of comments like, "Well this exists...". I did find two articles that were bold to do more than just present a link to the website. The second article had an intriguing point about how the Castrol Index discounts a midfielder's importance in games and ratings.

The website is incredibly disappointing in more than one way. The presentation is nothing more than a copy-and-paste result with bare minimum information. Sorting by position, or listing position at that, would be nice. Nationality would be an added plus. Player profiles, club profiles... There's a lot that could be added to bolster the Index and maybe gain some credibility, which would be great because statistics in soccer are awful and untrusting enough already.

All that aside, sometime around the 14th week of season I copied the information into an Excel document. I actually had completely forgotten I had did this so it was a bit of a treasure chest. A treasure chest for a stat-loving pirate. Anyway, I weighted the players' ratings by the minutes played and did some more mathematics to find a club's overall rating.

Club, Club's Rating, Games Played

LAG	7.84	15.0
NYRB	7.77	12.0
SSFC	7.73	14.0
FCD	7.65	12.9
HOU	7.51	13.0
CHIV	7.51	10.9
COLU	7.41	11.0
COLO	7.14	12.9
PHI	7.14	11.0
RSL	7.14	9.0
PORT	7.13	11.0
CHIC	7.04	11.0
SJ	6.93	11.0
NE	6.86	12.0
TORO	6.80	12.9
VAN	6.75	11.9
DC	6.69	11.0
KC	6.44	8.9

You'll notice errors in the numbers like "8.9 games played" but I think we can just chalk that up to minor players not getting put in the ratings. But it shouldn't affect the overall rating too much so I think we're safe.

Complying the new information the same way we get...

FCD	7.19	22.4
LAG	6.66	22.9
NYRB	6.37	22.3
SSFC	6.37	23.0
CHIV	6.36	21.9
COLU	6.30	23.0
RSL	6.26	18.9
HOU	6.16	20.0
COLO	6.06	23.8
CHIC	6.02	17.0
KC	6.01	20.8
PHI	5.94	18.7
PORT	5.69	21.6
SJ	5.60	22.2
NE	5.46	20.7
DC	5.29	21.2
VAN	4.87	20.6
TORO	4.55	22.2

A big drop off is apparent, not to mention clubs playing 22.2 games. The club ratings dropped an average 1.24 points overall. Toronto FC specifically went from a 6.8 to a 4.55. That means in the 9.3 game span (10 games, in reality) Toronto played a collective 1.4. Yikes. This isn't impossible to believe as they've been outscored 24-11 in the gap. But, amongst others, Alen Stevanovic, the 20 year old Swiz for Toronto FC is missing from the list. I had him tacked down at a 6.54 at 700 minutes after 13 games. (Currently he has been recalled back from his loan to Torino.) There are a handful of players who aren't on the list that have been on previously weeks so the gaps in numbers are somewhat explained.

Regardless, the bigger point is that there is a lot of potential in the Index that the MLS hasn't tapped into. Hopefully they're looking into something long term and just haven't announced anything at the moment, fairly typical MLS, but there's a good chance the MLS will take years to do anything with this.

But with this being a US-focused blog, I put in the hard-work to Wikipedia all the players' nationality and find the top 25 American players on the list.

Rank...Player...Age...Club...Caps with USMNT

1	Landon Donovan	-	29	-	Los Angeles Galaxy	136
2	George John	-	24	-	FC Dallas	0
3	Nat Borchers	-	30	-	Real Salt Lake	3
4	Chance Myers	-	23	-	Sporting Kansas City	0
5	Omar Gonzalez	-	22	-	Los Angeles Galaxy	2
6	Ugo Ihemelu	-	28	-	FC Dallas	2
7	Chris Wondolowski	-	28	-	San Jose Earthquakes	5
8	Brek Shea	-	21	-	FC Dallas	3
9	Chad Marshall	-	26	-	Columbus Crew	11
10	Danny Califf	-	31	-	Philadelphia Union	23
11	Jeff Parke	-	29	-	Seattle Sounders FC	0
12	Matt Besler	-	24	-	Sporting Kansas City	0
13	Geoff Cameron	-	26	-	Houston Dynamo	1
14	Sheanon Williams	-	25	-	Philadelphia Union	0
15	Drew Moor	-	27	-	Colorado Rapids	5
16	Mike Magee	-	26	-	Los Angeles Galaxy	0
17	Eddie Gaven	-	24	-	Columbus Crew	8
18	Bobby Boswell	-	28	-	Houston Dynamo	3
19	Nick LaBrocca	-	26	-	Chivas USA	0
20	Justin Braun	-	24	-	Chivas USA	0
21	Cory Gibbs	-	31	-	Chicago Fire	19
22	Zach Loyd	-	24	-	FC Dallas	1
23	Ned Grabavoy	-	28	-	Real Salt Lake	4
24	Heath Pearce	-	27	-	Chivas USA	32
25	Tim Ream	-	23	-	New York Red Bulls	6

USA vs Mexico: Recap, Ratings, and Stats

While typically a game against Mexico brings enough headlines and drama to the table, America was a more focused on their new coach and if he could revive a stagnated team. Jurgen Klinsmann announced his first roster call ups less than two weeks before the heated match against Mexico. The call ups contained familiar faces (some that had held their spot for years and some that had fallen out of contention) but also contained newer faces, specifically on defense.

USA opened in a 4-1-4-1 with a crowded midfield but a familiar lone forward Bob Bradley had toyed with to some degree. The first half showed lack of cohesiveness in the midfield, a frustrated attack, and a shakey backline. With one shot (arguably, at that) in the first half, America had little to show against a patient yet dangerous Mexican side. However the second half had role-reversals when the two sides changed dramatically. Mexico lost their creativity while subs for the US provided a spark to the team.

After 90+ minutes and some dubious reffing, both sides proudly left with a 1-1 draw. Mexico still reigns in North America as the number one team while USA took an obvious step forward with their own program.

Player Ratings

Landon Donovan - (11…8.5/2.5) - A typical game from the second most capped player in USMNT history. Drew some would-be penalties by penetrating the 18 and displayed his trademark high-pressure counter multiple times.

Kyle Beckerman - (9.5…6.5/3) - The MLS all-star showed he could play at Mexico's pace, a top ten team in the world, according to Klinsman. He provided a cork in the middle of the field defensively but his offensive input left us wanting more. He didn't press too high, which is acceptable as it wasn't his role, but he didn't start too many attacks with his feet.

Steve Cherundolo - (9...6.5/2.5) - There has been a small amount of things that have stayed consistent with the Americans after up and down play in the past two years. One of those things is Steve Cherundolo. Although there was less service from Cherundolo with in-swinging balls as usual, the Mexican attack had nothing to show for on the right side of the field. The main altercation he faced, a shoving match that ended with Tim Howard waltzing over like Mr. Wilson to Dennis, Cherundolo greeted with a warm, "How are you?" smile. But time is not on Cherundolo's side. Currently sitting at 32 years old and with Timmy Chandler in the shadows, one has to wonder where Dolo will be come 2014.

Jose Torres - (9…6/3) - After starting in the World Cup game against Solvenia, Jose Torres went MIA with the national squad. The crafty left-footer started the game outside and struggled significantly with positioning and field vision. In the second half he was moved to the middle and his comfort level rose considerably. While this wasn't his best game, Torres gave flashes of speed and playmaking ability that makes us excited for the future. And after a so-so play, he still received praise from multiple commentators, one calling him a possible number 10 player for the team, which makes us wonder all the more why he wasn't around before August.

Michael Bradley - (8.5...6/2.5) - Bradley opened the game in more of an attacking role with a CAM placement. He played his usual brash, smart game but more than once subsided into his CDM position, widening an already large gap between Buddle and the rest of the team. This game doesn't rule out possibilities of him playing CAM or going back to the defense so it'll be interesting where Klinsman puts him in the future. But all nay-sayers are starting to go quiet after his overall strong performance.

Edgar Castillo - (8.5...2.5/6) - "Nervous train wreck" may be the best term to describe Castillo's play. He's 24, so he's not done for, but Castillo needs to pick up his mental game speed if he wants to be a part of anything in 2014.

Carlos Bocanegra - (8.5...4.5/4) - The captain maintained his armband but had trouble playing alongside Fiscal. Positioning and knowing when to attack/drop in the back plagued Bocanegra and Fiscal as well. While he did have a terrific header on goal, he but didn't provide too much more outside of that.

Michael Fiscal - (7.5...4/3.5) - Fared significantly better than Castillo. His aggressive play isn't new to American defense and nor was his boot-it strategy either.

Jermaine Jones - (6.5...4.5/2) - Largely blasted by multiple analysts after the game but probably because he was so under the radar. He came within inches of scoring early on and provided some nice, long balls out of the back. While he didn't insert himself in the offense like usual, he didn't hurt the team either. In the end he played a reserved CDM role for 60 minutes.

Brek Shea - (5...4.5/0.5) - Came in at the 60th minute and made a strong case for his role in the future. His touch was great throughout the 30+ minutes of play, whether it was a one-touch pass or a controlling touch. He jump started an eager offense and played a smart, well-played ball to Rogers on the back post for the goal. Almost came away his a goal himself with a shot from a top the 18 but a good save kept it out.

Tim Howard - (4.5/3.5...1) - Americans are spoiled to think Howard could have saved the goal.

Edson Buddle - (4...1.5/2.5) - Incredibly frustrating to watch Buddle's play. The gap between the midfield and striker was too much for anyone. It felt somewhat of a wasted night for Buddle.

Juan Agudelo - (4...3.5/0.5) - Still dribbles with his head down but his willingness to come back on defense helped set up a great pass to Rogers that should have led to a red card on the obvious-goal-stopping foul. Possibly the most creative player for America but can't really negate that by taking on too many defenders.

Robbie Rogers - (3.5...3/0.5) - Was given a lot of room and was out of positioning on the right with Cherundolo multiple times but the lone goal scorer displayed his speed and willingness to work tonight.

Ricardo Clark - (1...1.0/0.0) - A few minutes of game time but made the most of it. Unfortunately not too many people have forgotten about his turnover in the Ghana game but luckily he only has to impress Klinsman not drunkards.

Game Stats

Subjective Point Graphs

First Half

USA - 10.30
Mexico - 29.10


Second Half
USA - 38.93
Mexico - 12.43

Final
USA - 49.23
Mexico - 41.53

Momentum Graphs


First Half Dominance
USA - 9
Mexico - 22
None - 69

GG Rating - 16/100


Second Half Dominance
USA - 36
Mexico - 0
None - 64

GG Rating - 31/100

Final
USA - 22
Mexico - 11
None - 67

GG Rating - 23/100

Numbers

***Example Category***

Team - Chances...Threat Rate/100

Team - Chances...Threat Rate/100

First Half

Possession

USA - 16...8.5

Mexico - 39...9.8

Passing

USA - 17...19.3

Mexico - 46...12.2

Shooting

USA - 1...6.0

Mexico - 6...23.3

Second Half

Possession

USA - 27...19.6

Mexico - 23...6.2

Passing

USA - 25...17.2

Mexico - 23...10.7

Shooting

USA - 10...28.2

Mexico - 4...18.0

Final

Possession
USA - 43...15.5

Mexico - 62...8.5

Passing

USA - 42...18.0

Mexico - 69...11.7

Shooting

USA - 11...26.2

Mexico - 10...21.2

Conclusion

While a win over Mexico would have been nice, the real goal in Philadelphia was determining specific player evaluation and Klinsman's cohesiveness with the team. Aside from players who didn't perform, both came to light. Certain players solidified their place with the team (unfortunately for some, it is away from it for some time) and Klinsman put a decent lineup together on short notice. His subs were as effective as could be and the energy everyone was buzzing about is more than encouraging. Looking forward, Klinsman is managing an aging squad and needs young players to step up fast and hopefully this game was a sign of things to come.

Pretty interesting video with post-game player commentary. Gives you an idea of what the players are looking at in a game.

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)

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

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.