US Soccer Looking for Consistency after 2-1 Loss to Mexico

So the US Men's National team fell 2-1 to "El Tri" (Mexico) in a game I sorely believe we were lucky to have only two goals scored on us. I mean, that game was abysmal for US standards.

Don't get me wrong, I am still a humble human being when it comes to US soccer. We are miles, years, and several solid players away from being able to sustain competition with European competition.

But seriously dudes, this is Mexico. How do you pound them 2-0 in Columbus less than a year ago and then get embarrassed in the next game? I have a problem with that.

I have come to realize that our problem in the USSF is our consistency. We have great players that can stand on the European teams, but then there are the others who simply shudder in the shadow of a great nation like Spain or England.

If the US can finally place a sold defense that has some speed, and another solid defensive middie that controls the oppositions pace, we can survive.

The goals aren't the problem. For the first time in US history it seems that Mr. Charlie Davies and Jozy Altidore can score on almost anyone. We have the speed up front and on the flanks (in Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey) and a good passing middie in Michael Bradley. That leaves two spots open to be fulfilled—the left and right back.

Now, let's not kid ourselves here. A player like Carles Puyol doesn't grow on a tree, so the US needs to think seriously about how they are going to fix this.

They have tried moving Bocanegra to the left side. That is a great idea, but it leaves Onyewu stranded by himself in the middle. Yes, DeMerit is a sold player, but I'm just not sure it's better than Onyewu-Bocanegra staring straight at you.

We did survive the Confederations Cup doing this, but again, I'm not sold. Do I have the solution? No. If I did I would either be on the field or on the sideline telling someone what to do.

When it comes down to when our backs are against the wall, the US needs to learn something: We are no longer a little fish in the soccer world. We are a medium fish on the brink of being a big fish.

We just have to learn to be that big fish. Once we change our mindset, our game of attacking football that got us so far in the Confederations Cup will show again. (Everyone clearly said they had nothing to lose and they just went after Spain and Brazil to see what they could do.)

There are many bright days ahead for the USSF, but until we step up and realize it, the team will consistently stay in neutral and never drive forward.