6 Things USA Learned from Friendly with Mexico
The United States menโs national team and Mexico tied 2-2 on Wednesday night with goals for the Americans coming from Michael Bradley and Chris Wondolowski.
The draw came in the U.S.โs last international friendly before its World Cup training camp opens up next month, and it came with a squad made almost exclusively of players from Major League Soccer.
Here are six things we learned.ย
MLS Is More Important Than Ever to USMNT
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Despite the fact that the USMNT allowed Mexico to recover from a two-goal deficit, the importance of the U.S.โs MLS contingent was obvious. After lackluster games in which the U.S. was shut out against Austria, Scotland and Ukraine in recent months, while playing primarily their European players, the U.S. looked much better on Wednesday with its MLS regulars.
Michael Bradley was sharp, as usual, and the U.S. got solid efforts out of Michael Parkhurst, Matt Besler, Kyle Beckerman, Nick Rimando, Chris Wondolowski and Eddie Johnson.ย
USMNT Needs to Seriously Consider Staying in 4-1-3-2
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Although the U.S. allowed Mexico to come back in the second half, the U.S. dominated theย first 45 minutes fromย a 4-1-3-2 formation. With Kyle Beckerman holding, Michael Bradley was free to roam forward, something that usually does not happen in the 4-2-3-1 Klinsmann has preferred for much of the past year.
It also raises the question again about whether Jermaine Jones-Michael Bradley is really the best combination for the team. When Bradley plays with Jones, it is Jones who roams forward. Bradley was all over the field on Wednesday, linking play with the attacking players and creating dangerous opportunities for the U.S. over and over again.ย
Is It Time to Replace Omar Gonzalez in the Starting XI?
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After some questionable displays of late for the LA Galaxy, Omar Gonzalez was at least partially responsible on both goals that Mexico scored.
On their first goal, Gonzalez was picked on a corner kick, and his man headed home the service. On Mexicoโs second goal, Gonzalez was slow to react to a rebound off the post, which Mexico tucked home for the equalizer.
With Geoff Cameron waiting in the wings, as well as a few other potential replacements, the Matt Besler-Omar Gonzalez combination may not be the best choice for the U.S. headed into the World Cup.ย
How Will This Game Affect the World Cup Roster?
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While itโs important not to put too much stock into any one game, this match was the last opportunity for players to prove that they deserve to be called into the U.S.โs World Cup training camp next month.
Brad Davis got the start, but failed to significantly impact the match. On the other hand, Michael Parkhurst put in a tidy performance on the left and that versatility alone could get him on the squad.
The battle at forward seems to still be up in the air. Chris Wondolowski and Eddie Johnson are probably fighting for the last roster spot at forward, and while Wondo scored, so did EJโit was just incorrectly ruled offside.ย
The U.S. Is Blessed at Goalkeeper
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There arenโt too many countries in the world who can bring in their third-choice goalkeeper and not miss a beat, but the U.S. is one of them. Without a standout performance by Nick Rimando, Mexico could have easily scored four or five goals.
Rimando was outstanding handling repeated services into his area with good catches and strong punches and made a number of acrobatic saves to cover up for holes in his back line.ย
Julian Green
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All eyes were on Julian Green on Wednesday night and he put in a decent performance on the left wing.
Green did struggle a bit defensively, but connected passes well on the attack. He also looked to have earned a free-kick on the edge of the box (it wasnโt called) and got in behind the Mexican defense for a split second at one point, but he failed to pull the trigger and was closed down.
Heโll almost certainly earn his way into the 30-man training camp roster. From there, it will be up to him to make it to Brazil.
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