The United States MNT won 1-0 on a goal by Brian McBride in their final tune-up game against Latvia.
The starting line-up included some more of the big guns than the last game and the passing and the pace were much better. Keller had to make one save at the end of the game and the defense did well with Pope and Conrad holding down the middle. Cherundolo and Beasley were running the right side and while Cherundolo continued his steady play (crossing the ball that McBride headed home), DMB looked a little off. He was OK, but the DMB we have come to know and love wasn’t out there today. On the left side Eddie Lewis played left back and did well again throwing in some crosses and for a few minutes in the second half running wild on the flank, although at the end of the game he seemed to be taking some knocks. JOB played left mid and it was encouraging to see him out there. His vision and passing were pretty decent but his fitness still looked a little bad but at least he walked off the field in one piece. Landon and Pablo ran the middle of the field and Pablo played well stunting the few attacks Latvia threw at the US, LD was running at guys and making some good passes and while not playing great he seems poised to step it up in Germany.
Eddie Johnson was more aggressive as Bruce Arena called him out on. He was offsides a lot (some that were called incorrectly) and was pushing forward more using his speed to his advantage. McBride scored the goal from Cherundolo’s cross after getting another bump on his head. He played a classic McBride game, winning the 50/50’s and scoring the game winning goal.
Convey came on as a sub and over the 3 games he seems to be pushing the listless DMB for a position. Overall, the team played OK but not great. Over the next two weeks they will prepare for the Czech Republic and use these past three games for Bruce to point of their weakness and strengths and get ready to show the world we are for real.
been surfing for the last 30 mins trying to find commentary on tonights game and finally i found it at your site. thanks! linked here from dunord.
pretty much agree with your sentiments. beasley listless and i believe convey should start ahead of him at this point. maybe beasely better on the left? eddie johnson was ok but often his first or second touch let him down. i do believe he is the best option up front after mcbride, but perhaps arena will go 4-5-1 with donovan as the withdrawn striker? lastly, the us lost the ball at midfield a few too many times and teams like italy and the czechs will make you pay moreso than did latvia. looking forward to the cup. enjoy!