Tonight the U.S. National team take on Canada at BBVA Compass Stadium at 8pm (Espn 2) in what is a night of “opportunity” for players that are representing the best of MLS against a youthful Canada team.
Things to consider:
* OPPORTUNITY: This is a huge opportunity for MLS’s best American talent. Four or five of these players tonight will likely got to Honduras for the opening World Cup qualifier in the Hexagonal. They have had 20 days of intense training in front of manager Jurgen Klinsmann and his staff, a chance to impress which culminates tonight in a game situation.
Stock can rise in tonight and in the past the January camp has launched players like Jimmy Conrad, Geoff Cameron, Brek Shea and Graham Zusi into the spotlight an more consideration for the full national team.
SEVEN TO EIGHT OF these players should make the trip to Honduras in eight days for World Cup qualifying.
*MLS on display: For those of you who are calling this a “JV” team or “Camp Cupcake” I am confused. This camp has been intense and is a way of assessing talent and building depth in the player pool. Many of you who use the above terms are MLS fans and this is the best of MLS. For that matter many are Dynamo fans so are you calling Brad Davis, Tally Hall and Will Bruin JV players?
I am confused?
* OMAR GONZALEZ-He will be one of the big story lines tonight with the U.S. seeking support at the center back position. Geoff Cameron despite playing as a right back for Stoke still seems to be a first choice in the position. Could the pairing one day be Gonzalez and Cameron.
The problem is when will they get games together?
*US expected to win this game: They have trained for 20 days and have a more experienced roster than Canada who come off a 4-0 loss to Denmark.
* DYNAMO PLAYERS on display: Don’t be surprised to see Tally Hall as the starting goalkeeper tonight earning his first cap while Will Bruin could also do the same.
My hunch is that Dynamo star midfielder Brad Davis will get the start.
Now there is a reason for Houston fans to come out.
Jurgen Klinsmann has been highly impressed with Brad Davis in this camp and that makes it likely that he could start tonight.
* PLAYER DEVELOPMENT: Some Houston area youth clubs have cancelled training including the Texans. Why not get players out to this game to see the live environment . The night and time is not perfect but when is it? You certainly won’t have to worry about heat but you may have to worry about rain.
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Here’s what I’m considering…. Waiting until US Soccer announces a lineup before I purchase tickets. I feel like I lost 2+ hours out of my life last night, and am $55 poorer as well.
Scheduled game on school night ? Check.
Late start ? Check.
B squad ? Check.
Missing offense ? Check.
“20 days of intense training” ? Missing results of same.
Shot of the match ? DeRo’s turn and volley roughly 5-10 mins in. US was rarely a threat – gotta give the Canadians credit. Brilliant strategy to clog the back middle. Shame on the US for not recognizing this over 90 mins of play, and a needed shift to consistently attacking off the wings.
Not sure it was brilliant strategy but expected strategy after getting thumped by Denmark 4-0.
Canada did not come to play but the ability to break-down deep defending teams will be evident in qualifying and few of these players will be in the role of being the creative fulcrum in those games.
Disappointing night big picture for soccer for sure.
So, we can harp on the negatives all day long, but lets look at the positives that came out of the game.
- Gatt looked really dangerous out there, It took 3 defenders to shut him down.
- Davis might have proven his worth to Klinsman
- Bruin gets his first cap (don’t think he will get the call though)
- Although not very fond of Gonzales because he is part of the Galaxy, He was solid in the back.
- Zusi cannot be stripped of the ball.
Still a little disappointed, but there are some positives.