United States vs Ecuador: Jurgen Klinsmann Has Work to Do After Dismal Showing

The US Men's National team is still trying to find their identity under head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. After yet another loss, things are getting dire for the national team. 

The US faced a spirited Ecuador side that proved to be the perfect barometer of where Klinsmann's boys were at in their new attacking front. 

The German coach has instituted an attack first mentality that finally showed on the pitch, in patches. The attack was still far more spotty than you would like, and the major issue facing the Americans showed once again. 

The US needs to find a consistent effort along the back line if they are going to make a stand in World Cup qualifiers which begin next year. 

The re-introduction of Oguchi Onyewu seamed to be the right move, and something that we will see a great deal of as the team continues to mold itself to the demands of the new boss. 

Tim Ream allowed substitute Jaime Ayovi to net the game winner in the 79th minute. It was the type of lapse that has mired the lackluster Americans. 

Klinnsman will continue to get a great deal of slack as he transforms a team that was far more reactionary. The counter attacks are still valued, but Klinnsmann wants this side to force the issue at every turn. 

We saw a great deal of that with little results. There is no reason to worry after a match that was missing a key cog in the midfield in Landon Donovan. 

However, the team needs to be a lot more consistent, even without the main horses they will have during the World Cup push. 

For now, we can chalk this up to the constant experimenting that is being done by the new coach. We have to give him leeway as he is yet to feature Donovan and Clint Dempsey in the same match. 

I just worry that he is throwing stuff at the proverbial wall and hoping that it sticks. With young defenders like Ream continuing to make mistakes that cost the side dearly, accountability has to be instituted, even if these are just friendlies. 

At some point, the players that are ready for prime time must be found. As it sits, a great deal of the players on the pitch are a liability against the type of talent that will be faced on major stages.