United States: Time for Oguchi Onyewu to Make Way for Goodson at Center Back

One of the most striking deficiencies in the United States' 4-1 defeat against Brazil on Wednesday night was the inability of defender Oguchi Onyewu to play effectively at center back.

At one time, Onyewu was considered a lock to play alongside captain Carlos Bocanegra in the center of defense, but that time is no longer upon us.

There are many things to blame for Onyewu's poor form: his lack of playing time when he moved to AC Milan for two years and did not see the pitch, or it could be his injury that he suffered before the 2009-10 season that forced him to miss that entire season.

For whatever reason, Onyewu or "Gooch" (as he is affectionately known by American fans), is not the player he was before his move to AC Milan.

Gooch did have a productive season with Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, but his showing on Wednesday night against Brazil did not help his national team cause.

Another reason for the decline of Onyewu's opportunities is the development of Clarence Goodson.

Goodson, 30, has been somewhat of a late bloomer in the American soccer picture since making his debut at the age of 26.

Since his debut, Goodson has been a solid second option to Onyewu and filled in for him while he was hurt.

Goodson has turned in mostly good performances at center back, and with no true successor to fill Onyewu's shoes currently and looking further in the future to replace Bocanegra, Goodson should be the man of the moment in defense.

It seems that center back is right now the position lacking depth on the American roster with Omar Gonzalez still injured and Geoff Cameron proving he is not fully ready to take on the responsibility either.

The good news for American fans is that Bocanegra will not have to be replaced until after the 2014 World Cup, but the man who plays beside him is going to be in question all the way up to the tournament in Brazil in two years time.

Whether it is the improving Goodson or the veteran Onyewu, the decision for United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann will be made based on who performs better in World Cup qualifying.