Usual Suspects Propel the United States to a 3-0 Win Over Trinidad & Tobago

United States soccer fans finally got what they wanted Wednesday night—goals, and lots of them.

Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, and Brian Ching all netted goals in Chicago against Trinidad & Tobago.

After two games of 1-0 scores against Guatemala and Cuba, many U.S. fans had an uneasy feeling heading in to last night’s game against T&T, and understandably so. The ability to finish is one of the most important aspects for any player in the game, and the United States had been lacking badly in that area as of late.

Hopefully now the fears have subsided, and confidence is growing within the team.

The United States benefited greatly from a quality pitch and agreeable weather en route to their third consecutive win of the qualifying campaign, and even bigger lead among their group.

The first half of the match consisted of the U.S. controlling possession, a familiar theme in their three games of qualifying. A foul committed against DaMarcus Beasley in the ninth minute set up a free kick for Landon Donovan along the left sideline. Donovan sent in a beautiful cross to the foot of Michael Bradley as he flicked it home, leaving the keeper no chance to save.

Later in the first half, Clint Dempsey worked a quick give-and-go with Beasley that left Dempsey with the ball at his feet just inside the box. The Fulham man put in a low and powerful shot towards the far post, which gave the U.S. a 2-0 lead in the 18^th minute.

The last score of the night came on yet another set piece. It involved Beasley again, who whipped in a tight cross that Oguchi Onyewu was able to get a head on. Although it wasn’t directed at goal, Brian Ching was in a good position and headed it home in the 57^th minute.

That was the highlight of Ching’s night, as he yet again campaigned for Jozy Altidore or Kenny Cooper to take his spot as striker on the national team.

U.S. Coach Bob Bradley made three subs in the second half. Ricardo Clark took over for the underwhelming Sasha Kljestan, the much maligned Eddie Johnson came in for Brian Ching, and Eddie Lewis replaced a visibly spent Clint Dempsey.

All in all, it was a great effort by our boys. Quick one time passing, great reception of the ball and making the right pass for the majority of the match usually bodes well for a team that was much more talented than T&T.

Match Judgments

·         Once again, Brian Ching was his normal, underperforming self.

·         Michael Bradley is looking more and more like the holding midfielder everyone expects.

·         Clint Dempsey is having fun on the pitch.

·         DaMarcus Beasley isn’t 100% yet, but he will be soon.

·         Oguchi Onyewu is the scariest player on the pitch every time.

·         Tim Howard is very, very good.

Match Ratings

GK, Tim Howard, 7: Minded his net superbly, very vocal, and encouraging especially after Steve Cherundolo saved a sure goal in the second half.

LB, Heath Pearce, 5: Defended well, but not much more. Once again worked everything to his left foot and wasn’t noticeable in attack.

CB, Carlos Bocanegra, 6.5: Worked well with Onyewu on the back line and defended capably. Some of his poor clearances will be taken advantage of against tougher opponents.

CB, Oguchi Onyewu, 7: Defensive master didn’t lose a header and cleared the ball well. Could have improved on his outlet passing.

RB, Steve Cherundolo, 7: Needed a strong game after missing the match against Cuba with a red card. Was only beaten once defensively, but made up for it by saving a goal in the second half. Pushed up well to work with Dempsey and Donovan.

CM, Sasha Kljestan, 5.5: Still haven’t enjoyed watching him play. His touch and decision making is a bit off, needs to improve his passing. Provided support defensively.

CM, Michael Bradley, 7: Great distribution, smart switching of the ball, and no yellow cards! Signs of improvement from the 21-year-old Bundesliga starlet.

LM, DaMarcus Beasley, 6.5: Working his way back in to form after knee and hamstring injuries. Flashed his speed at times and sent in a good cross on Ching’s goal.

CAM, Landon Donovan, 7: Once again the most consistent player on the pitch. Great touch, smart passing, and great help defensively when needed. Donovan is quickly becoming the player this team needs him to be.

RM, Clint Dempsey, 7: Notched his fourth goal in his last four WC Qualifying games. His confidence and scoring touch are back. Provided good defensive help and passing was much better. His first touch still needs work.

F, Brian Ching, 5: Provided a good body with his back to the goal, and held the ball well. His first touch, finishing, passing and decision making were regrettable at best. Jozy Altidore, what’s your cell phone number?

Subs

M, Ricardo Clark, 5: His speed and energy was much needed in the second half. A few bad passes and his poor decision making need to be remedied in order to crack the starting line-up.

F, Eddie Johnson, 4: A sub needs energy and Johnson did not possess that last night. He needs to get his mind right if he wants to start. Brian Ching is gift-wrapping it for someone.

M, Eddie Lewis, 5: The ageless wonder proved he still has a powerful cross with his left foot as he came on for a slowing Dempsey.