USA vs. Slovenia 2010 World Cup: 2-2 Match Recap and Player Ratings

With second half goals from Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley, the US Men’s National Team squeaked out a 2-2 draw with Slovenia in Friday’s crucial Group C matchup after falling behind 2-0 in the first 45 minutes.

It was a tale of two halves for the US, who were played off the pitch in the first half but dominated the second.

The only change made from the starters in the England game was the replacement of Ricardo Clark with Jose Francisco Torres, the 22-year-old midfielder. The strategy—put a creative player in place of a defensive one against a Slovenian side set out to sit back and absorb pressure.

Needless to say, the change did not work out. Torres was nervy on the ball, unable to complete enough passes to make much of a difference, and the Slovenians played more attack-minded than expected.

The Americans continued their trend of taking blows early, as the Slovenians struck just 13 minutes in. Valter Birsa snuck in behind the US midfield, found space, and drove the ball into the back of the net past an unflinching Tim Howard to put the underdogs up 1-0.

Things picked up for the US after that, as Donovan and Clint Dempsey relocated to more central positions and Jozy Altidore saw more of the ball. Still, the central pairing of Bradley and Torres failed to click, with neither one able to find space in the Slovenian defense and often leaving the defense exposed to counters.

As the ball began spending more time in the US attacking zone, Zlatan Ljubijankic nearly ended the US hopes of advancing with a 42nd minute counter. Michael Bradley overran the play and left an opening, and Ljubijankic took the space. Held on by a slow Oguchi Onyewu, the Slovenian #9 raced goal-ward and rolled it past a helpless Howard.

Things looked bleak at the half, as a loss would have put the US in a precarious situation, needing far-fetched results to advance should they lose.

Coach Bob Bradley made several adjustments at the half, subbing on Maurice Edu for Torres and Benny Feilhaber for Robbie Findley, whose speed was neutralized by a smart Slovenian defense and poor decision-making on his own behalf.

The subs proved vital, as Dempsey slid forward beside Jozy Altidore and Feilhaber into the vacated wing on the left.

Dempsey’s presence up top opened up the Slovenian defense, and just three minutes into the half, Landon Donovan cut the lead down to one. Following a Steve Cherundolo over-the-top pass, Donovan patiently took the ball into the 18 down the wing, looking to cross. When no one arrived, the American playmaker drove the ball past a hapless Handanovic keeper to draw the Americans one goal closer.

The US dominated the rest of the half, with Edu breaking up many a Slovenian attack and Michael Bradley performing the work of midfield maestro. Jozy Altidore threatened several times to no avail, but the Slovenian defense was being slowly worn down.

Finally, after several close calls, the US equalized in the 82nd minute off the right foot of Michael Bradley. A long ball again in from Cherundolo found the head of Altidore, who knocked it down to Bradley.

Bradley’s brilliant run in was capped off by a sliding right foot shot over Handanovic, who could do nothing but watch as the American midfielder scored the biggest goal of his life.

The Americans nearly won the game just minutes later as Maurice Edu poked home a Landon Donovan set piece, but Koman Couilibaly, the Malian official, disallowed the goal for what was essentially a phantom foul.

A draw might have seemed a disappointing result before the game kicked off, but consider the first half performance by the US, a point in hand is more than welcome.

The US will now face Algeria June 23rd, with the hopes for advancing listed in detail at the bottom of this article.

Player Ratings

Starters

Tim Howard – 6

Howard didn’t even move on the Birsa goal, which caught him out of position, and his distribution was sometimes rushed, but the second half saw Tim make several big saves that kept the US chances alive. Not his best game, but Tim’s bravery through injured ribs was vital to the draw.

Steve Cherundolo – 6.5

There was not much action early for Cherundolo as the Slovenian attack was mostly down the right or center. His second half defense was very good, however, and he played a great ball to Donovan on the first goal and Altidore on the second.

Oguchi Onyewu – 4

Gooch was slow and sloppy early. He failed to pressure Birsa on the shot and held Ljubijankic on for the second goal. Gooch had a really poor game overall and there’s not much positive to say about his play—he didn’t pass well, didn’t defend well, and his substitution off the field for Gomez was much too late.

J ay DeMerit – 6.5

As poorly as Gooch played, Jay DeMerit was very good for the most part. He came out aggressively and physical and was called for several fouls, but he dominated the Slovenian strikers and was a force in the air throughout. His powerful header in 37th minute looked likely to go in, as well, and for the whole game he was sturdy and dependable at the back.

Carlos Bocanegra – 5.5

The US captain was best defender early on, aggressive and quick to the ball, but as per usual, his lack of pace got him caught out once or twice and put the US in dangerous positions.

Clint Dempsey - 5.5

Dempsey didn’t have his best game from the start, as his sloppy foul just seconds in could have resulted in a card, and he was unable to get the ball at his feet enough. He provided some spark early as nearly evened the score with a great ball across to Donovan which was just cleared before finding Landon’s feet. His move to striker did open up the Slovenian defense, as his runs were much more deliberate and intelligent than Findley’s, and his threat in the air kept the defense thoroughly occupied.

Michael Bradley – 8.5

Bradley showed precise passing throughout and covered miles of turf. He tackled well and was the best American for first third of the game, but the coach’s son was exposed for the second goal when he overran the play. However, he more than made up for it with one of the biggest goals in recent history, taking a very difficult goal and making it look very easy. Bradley is making some big bucks for himself, as any number of European clubs will be looking to snatch up the Monchengladbach man.

Jose Torres - 4.5

Torres started the first US attack with great interception, but it was all downhill from there. He was sloppy with passing and failed to pressure Birsa on the Slovenian goal. Too many of his passes were incomplete, but he showed his skill on a 35th minute set piece y nearly driving the ball in past the near post. His nerves and inexperience got the best of him tonight. Clearly Torres is not quite ready for the biggest stage, and Coach Bradley will be hesitant to call his number again.

Landon Donovan – 8.5: Man of the Match

Landon was dangerous on first US set piece, but he did not get enough touches early. He turned up around the 15 minute mark by getting in a more central position and made several threatening runs. It’s becoming evident that he’s more effective in the center than out wide against tight defenses. He could have done better to mark Birsa on the first goal, but his play in the second half wast he stuff of legends. His goal was huge and emphatic, putting a bolt of fear into the Slovenian keeper and making a statement. It looks as if the Landon Donovan we’ve been waiting to see has arrived.

Jozy Altidore – 7.5

As usual, Jozy was inactive for the first third of the game, but his 35th minute run was the first real spark for the Americans. Again he pressured in the 40th minute, and his work in the second half was superb. He looked to be on goal in the 56th minute but took a poor second touch after a brilliant first. He won ball after ball in the air, including the assist on the second goal.

Robbie Findley– 5

Findley was able to pressure Slovenian back line several times with his speed, but he should have done better with the ball at his feet, however. Ultimately his indecision and inexperience on the ball thwarted several American attacks, and his suspension for the next game for a second yellow may not be such a bad thing.

Subs

Benny Feilhaber – 6

Benny made good runs down the left, but his best contribution was allowing Dempsey to move forward. He linked nicely with Jozy at 64 minutes but to no avail on the final ball and showed flashes in the center, but he did little worth noting. If anything, Bradley should consider moving him to the center for the Algeria game, where his creativity will be more prominent near the 18.

Maurice Edu – 6

Mo was solid defensively, which is all Bob can ask of him. He helped break up several Slovenian runs but had little impact on the offense. However, he was supremely unlucky to have the winning goal taken away, and the poor play of Torres and Clark in front of him may help him find a starting spot against Algeria.

Herculez Gomez – n/a

Not enough time for Herculez to merit rating, but he did squander a slight chance in stoppage time that might have seen a winner.

Thoughts

• If the US don't learn to start better, we will suffer the consequences sooner or later. We can't afford to concede goals inside 15 minutes like we are doing.
  
• Oguchi Onyewu has been repsonsible for all three goals conceded so far. Yes, his teammates could have done better, but he is not the physical presence he was before the knee injury, and benching him for Jonathan Spector might be the right call.
• I was really dissappointed with Jose Torres's effort. I know he's young, but he's more talented than he showed tonight. It may be another four years before he gets his shot, but if Bob calls his number again this time, I really hope he answers. His calmness and passing range is unique in the squad, but it seems his head isn't quite right.
• We'll see who gets the start against Algeria, but Bob really ought to consider playing Jozy alone up top with Landon in support and Stu on the right. Dempsey often dissappears from the national side when he moves forward, and Holden offers some offensive spark that no forward can match.
• After the England-Algeria draw, the US still have a chance to not only advance from the group, but win the thing. The current standings are as follows: Slovenia—4; England—2; USA—2; Algeria—1. Technically, all four teams are alive, but the US need only a win to assure their advancement. That will put them at five points, and no other result could keep the American out. Sitting at five point, the worst they could finish is second, which would be the case if Slovenia beat England or England beat Slovenia by more than the US beat Algeria. Essentially, it's win and move on. 
• A loss would knock the Americans out regardless, but a draw might be enough. To advance on a draw, England have to lose to Slovenia or draw with Slovenia and concede at least two goals. If the US played to a 0-0 draw, 2-2 for England-Slovenia would put the US and England even on goal differential, goals conceded, and goals scored. Then, it could come down to, yes, drawing lots. Basically, however, if both teams draw, the US need it to be 0-0 and the England-Slovenia game to be 3-3 or higher scoring. That said, win, and it's on to the knockout stages for the US.