The United States men’s national team did little to establish themselves as the team to beat in the CONCACAF region with their 2-2 draw at El Salvador.
Bob Bradley’s men had a depleted defending corps, an inconsistent midfield and an expected struggle in the attacking third. These factors combined to salvage one point in the second match of a 10-match final round of World Cup Qualifying Saturday night.
The biggest story of the match came from an American who didn’t even play. Keeper Tim Howard’s yellow card accumulation forced a rusty Brad Guzan to mind the net for the Americans. Guzan is no slouch, but Tim Howard he is not.
To add to the defensive uncertainty, Sam’s Army was without their towering center back Oguchi Onyewu and it showed. Onyewu’s familiarity with center back partner Carlos Bocanegra was sorely missed throughout the match. The United States missed Onyewu’s power and organization.
The American midfield, which has recently been a strong point for the squad, looked shaken by the hostile crowd. The crowd noise made communication a difficult task. Sacha Kljestan looked like he was still on the training ground and was not prepared for the intensity this road tilt offered.
All was not lost, however, as Michael Bradley seemed to sense the lack of focus of his compatriots. Bradley ranged from box to box in an attempt to inspire his teammates, and his passing and tackling showcased the commitment that has come to be expected of him.
For the American attack it was the same song, different verse. Brian Ching did his usual grunt work of drawing fouls and holding the ball for his midfield. Landon Donovan withdrew his position in an attempt to form a link between Ching and the midfield.
This match in San Salvador had all the makings of a trap game, and it became just that. However, instead of giving in to the adversity, the Americans fought back in the last 20 minutes.
A great sequence produced the United States’ first goal. Jozy Altidore headed home a Frankie Hejduk cross in the 76th minute after Hejduk’s well time overlapping run into the box was met by a through pass from Ching.
Hejduk found himself in the mix again 11 minutes later. Landon Donovan’s corner kick was poorly cleared by an El Salvador defender and Hejduk found space on the back post to head the deflection home.
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