It’s never a good thing when the referee creates more talk than the play on the field. The US looked good and got an important, confidence-building win but I will forever remember this game as being the one where the dude from El Salvador got a red card for wearing a necklace. Seriously, eight minutes of stoppage time? The keeper kicking The Beas in the face? Calling every foul the wrong way? Mr. Brizan, please go back to T&T and never come back. Ever.
From the 26th minute on, the game had an air of farce about it because of the ‘effing reffing. While the US dominated from the opening whistle, I was unimpressed that it was only 1-0 until the 70th minute. Things got positively squirrely the one time El Salvador got forward in the second half and it’s not out of the realm of possibility that they could have poked one in and then packed the defense to give the US a humiliating home draw against 10 men. Donovan’s goal released the pressure and the rest went according to script, but the US needs to start burying these teams with two, three, or four goals when they’re outplaying them so badly.
Still, 2-0 and looking forward to Wednesday’s game against Panama. 3 points there and it’s practically time to start looking at the final qualifying round. Here’s my impression of the US squad:
US Lineup Versus El Salvador
Tim Howard- What can you say? Hardly had a thing to do but was quick off his line and commanded the box.
Steve Cherundolo-I’ve always liked Cherundolo, and against El Salvador he pushed into attack pretty well. He’s not a big guy but he doesn’t shy away from the challenge and plays the ball well out of the back.
Carlos Bocanegra-Carlos is the man. He chased down attackers all day and swallowed them whole, not to mention how well he gets the ball forward once he’s won it. Hardly put a foot wrong.
Cory Gibbs-A good game for Gibbs, too, although the defense was rarely tested. He has a tendancy to disappear for long periods but there are worse qualities for a defender.
Bobby Convey- I am slowly becoming a Convey convert. Always thought he was the heir apparent to the crown of Most Overrated US Soccer Player (currently donned by Claudio Reyna,) I have been following him at Reading and his cross was absolutely world-class on the opening goal. He kept it up, charging up the sideline all game and made Beasley’s threat all the more imminent. He’s like a Frankie Hejduk, except he can tackle and cross.
Claudio Reyna-I can’t bash Claudio because he had a solid game, except for one glaring mistouch that would have send Donovan free down the right. Still, I never seem to saying, “My God was Reyna on tonight! Beating guys on the dribble, slicing open the defense with razor-sharp passes, nailing shots from distance…” Why is that?
Kerry Zavagnin- I can’t quite figure out Kerry’s role on this team. I think it’s defensive midfielder but he didn’t do a whole lot in this game. It would have been more interesting to see him against Jamaica. Never seems to do anything wrong, but he never seems to do anything important, either.
Landon Donovan- Beauty of a second goal and continues to raise the play of those around him. I often get the distinct feeling that only Beasley can keep up with him, and sometimes his urge to make things happen gets him in trouble. Still, a cracker on the second and ran circles around the defense. The US’ most versatile, dangerous player, bar none.
DaMarcus Beasley- I love the Beas. A few sub-par crosses after burning the pants off the entire right side of the field, but he’s been getting better each year. You can see the mounting frustration on the faces of defenders as they resort to fouling to stop him. Looked very, very good with Convey behind him.
Brian Ching- Chingy! Good lord, what a good goal that opener was. Two huge goals in two big games. Let’s hope he can keep it up. Not sure he’s the ninety-minute article yet but he’s a massive presence, links up well with Donovan, and always seemed to be in the mix.
Conor Casey- If I had one wish for this team, its that Conor Casey would get a damn goal already. What didn’t he do for the team on Saturday? Bad refereeing denied him a few chances. You gotta love how he bowls into the keeper though. Keep him in there, Bruce!
Brian McBride (sub)-I’ve always been a McBride fan and I think he’s got some good years of service left in him, but he may have peaked. He looked good for the fifteen minutes he was on the field and may be a bit more versatile than Ching or Casey. A great guy to have starting or off the bench.
Cobi Jones (sub)-I have to admit, Cobi looks pretty damn good any time he comes on the field. His crosses are spot-on and he’s not afraid to run at defenders. Throw him on in the last fifteen minutes of every game just to mix things up.
Clint Mathis (sub)-An interesting character as you never know what you’re going to get. Mathis has to work on his consistency to get a spot back on the team in my opinion. Saturday saw him get a few good cracks in but nothing so important to make me think he’d be anything more than a bit player in this ever-increasingly talented squad. The Mathis of 2001 would make Arena look long and hard at that midfield.