After three games in the Klinsmann regime, the lack of creativity and incisive attacking in the American team has become problematic. Tuesday’s 1-0 loss in Brussels still didn’t wipe the smile off the German’s face. The defense has been reasonably solid, allowing just one goal per game, but the lack of forward thrust means opponents only have to wait for one good chance.
Tim Howard remains the rock with Carlos Bocanegra ever the leader in front of him. Most of the USA’s chances came from set pieces. Dempsey bounced in a terrific free kick inside the first ten minutes, but nobody could capitalize on the rebound. Jose Torres curled another free kick around the post after 18 minutes to account for the US first half attack. Dempsey made a deft move around a defender and sent in a weak shot in the 70th minute and Maurice Edu had a goal disallowed for what looked like an offside on Clarence Goodson on a Steve Cherundolo free kick.
Belgium dominated long stretches of play and tested Tim Howard often during the first half. The Everton goalkeeper saved well from Tim Symons, Eden Hazard, and club teammate Marouane Fellaini during an active opening period. In the second half, the introduction of Kyle Beckerman for Robbie Rogers closed down some of the space, restricting the hosts to speculative efforts and the odd counter.
My player ratings on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 the lowest and 10 the highest are as follows.
Tim Howard: He made three terrific first half saves to the keep the teams level before the break. Howard made no errors, but was well beaten by Lambaerts hard half volley. 7
Steve Cherundolo: He settled the defense with his usual calm, but didn’t get forward often. Dealing with some of the Belgians’ skilled attackers kept him at home much of the game. He had one chance to cross, but there were no white shirts to find. 6
Carlos Bocanegra: This was another solid night for captain. He made no mistakes, but wasn’t great at distributing. 5
Clarence Goodson: Goodson is a clear upgrade over Orozco Fiscal. However, even for his size, physical forwards can give him a rough time. His passing was not crisp or accurate on several occasions. 5
Timmy Chandler: He was the left back du jour. Edgar Castillo didn’t cut it. Chandler defended well, but clearly didn’t enjoy being on the left. It’s not his strong side and it showed with a few weak attempts to cross. This might get tried again next month though. 5
Maurice Edu: Why did he have to play 90 minutes again? He was overwhelmed in the first half as the lone holding midfielder. He was clearly tiring and never could catch up to the play to get forward. 4
Robbie Rogers: Like the last game, he was the first player taken off. He had his golden moment against Mexico. When regulars like Bedoya, Holden, Donovan, and Dempsey are all on the roster, he won’t be. 3
Jose Torres: Even for his size, he did reasonably well in a physical midfield battle. His chemistry with the team is improving and his passing has good range. He was the only one of the Mexican connection to feature in this game and the only one who merits more looks going forward. His corner kicks have to improve. 6
Clint Dempsey: As usual, he was in and out of the game. Playing centrally gave him the chance to have more freedom. His free kick in the first half caused problems and he created one of two chances in the second half on his own. He needs better players around him. 6
Brek Shea: The youngster may have caught the attention of some scouts. He showed the courage to take on defenders and a good turn that caught a couple napping on occasion. He will have to improve the end result before he is the complete product. 7
Jozy Altidore: Altidore struggled in this game. He was isolated against a very tough defender in Vincent Kompany. He seemed frustrated with his teammates’ inability to join him while he held the ball. 4
Juan Agudelo: The kid has great energy, but like Shea needs to provide the end product. More playing time for the Red Bulls would help his sharpness. He worked his socks off in 45 minutes. 6
Kyle Beckerman: He helped lock down midfield, giving Edu support after coming on to start the 2nd half. Beckerman even attempted a shot at goal. This was a good game for him, worthy of a recall in October. 6
Jeff Larentowicz: The manager rewarded him for his camp with fifteen minutes. He put himself about reasonably well, but didn’t do anything to suggest he’ll be in Brazil in 2014. 5
*****Source: www.ussoccer.com