The Kids Are Allright...
In what could be a glimpse into the US Men's National Team future, a young squad went to Europe and beat the in form Swiss, 1-0 yesterday. The winning goal came in the 86th minute of a rain soaked evening match in Basel, Switzerland. Who scored it? 20 year old Michael Bradley. Who got the assist? 24 year old Clint Dempsey. Who made the run and pass to set it up? 20 year old debutant, Danny Szetela. Who got the ball to Szetela to start the whole play? 21 year old Maurice Edu. Where did all of these players start their careers? MLS.
If you want to catch a glimpse of the 2010 World Cup roster, catch a replay of this match because these kids are making a name for themselves now, before qualification starts. All of them looked dynamic, fluid, comfortable, skilled and ready for the challenge. The US was shaky at the start and in the first half they found their legs. The second half brought confidence and an even young lineup with Brad Guzan taking his place in goal.
The first player to highlight is soon to be MLS Rookie Of The Year, Maurice Edu. He earned his first cap yesterday and his first start for the Nats. His composure on the ball showed he earned it. He even displaced recent starter Benny Feilhaber who has shined in the center of the park. Last night Feilhaber pushed out right in favor of a Michael Bradley and Edu midfield. Folks, I don't think we'll be seeing veterans like Pablo Mastroeni come 2010. Between Edu, Bradley and Feilhaber there is a solid midfield core and I don't doubt that someone else will step up between now and the next cup. Edu controlled the ball, made good passes and wasn't afraid to throw a crunching tackle. A year ago he was playing in college and now he's playing in Switzerland against quality opponents. A lot should be said for the Toronto coaching staff who has brought him along this season. Edu will certainly start getting some interest abroad after last night's performance.
Clint Dempsey didn't score a goal but he was the most dangerous forward last night. He again showed his composure on the ball and running at the opposing defenders. Dempsey continues to improve and his place on the Nats continues to solidify.
Michael Bradley scored the goal and showed he isn't on the team just because his dad is the coach. He can control the pace of a game and get forward into the attack. It will be interesting to see how long his current club, SC Heerenveen, can keep him in Holland. I wouldn't be surprised to see a move to a bigger club in the upcoming winter transfer window or next summer.
Brad Guzan showed he'll give Tim Howard a run for the starting spot in 2010. He made some quality saves and didn't look nervous in front of the Swiss attackers. While not being tested too much, he did make one mistake handling the ball just outside the 18 that led to a free kick shot right at him which he easily deflected and picked up. He won't make that mistake again.
Last but not least, Freddy Adu got his second cap last night. Many people were surprised by his inclusion in the team but he showed sitting on the Benfica bench hasn't been a total waste of time. Freddy was dangerous, ran at people and drew fouls in dangerous places by working hard to get to the ball first. One time outside the box the Swiss defender could do nothing but hack him to avoid a dangerous push towards goal. The little guy was a little unlucky when a Swiss defender kicked him in the face in the box while rushing towards goal. It seemed like the referee missed something on that play.
While not a dominating performance you'd want to see in an important match, last night's game between the young Americans and Switzerland showed there is quality coming up through the ranks. Add Landon Donovan and some other regulars to the mix and you have an impressive team that should storm through CONCACAF qualifying which starts next year.
The game in Basel also served as a testing ground for the Olympics. Remember, the Olympic squad just has to be U-23, not amateur. I like the looks of the squad who will go to China next summer.
If you want to catch a glimpse of the 2010 World Cup roster, catch a replay of this match because these kids are making a name for themselves now, before qualification starts. All of them looked dynamic, fluid, comfortable, skilled and ready for the challenge. The US was shaky at the start and in the first half they found their legs. The second half brought confidence and an even young lineup with Brad Guzan taking his place in goal.
The first player to highlight is soon to be MLS Rookie Of The Year, Maurice Edu. He earned his first cap yesterday and his first start for the Nats. His composure on the ball showed he earned it. He even displaced recent starter Benny Feilhaber who has shined in the center of the park. Last night Feilhaber pushed out right in favor of a Michael Bradley and Edu midfield. Folks, I don't think we'll be seeing veterans like Pablo Mastroeni come 2010. Between Edu, Bradley and Feilhaber there is a solid midfield core and I don't doubt that someone else will step up between now and the next cup. Edu controlled the ball, made good passes and wasn't afraid to throw a crunching tackle. A year ago he was playing in college and now he's playing in Switzerland against quality opponents. A lot should be said for the Toronto coaching staff who has brought him along this season. Edu will certainly start getting some interest abroad after last night's performance.
Clint Dempsey didn't score a goal but he was the most dangerous forward last night. He again showed his composure on the ball and running at the opposing defenders. Dempsey continues to improve and his place on the Nats continues to solidify.
Michael Bradley scored the goal and showed he isn't on the team just because his dad is the coach. He can control the pace of a game and get forward into the attack. It will be interesting to see how long his current club, SC Heerenveen, can keep him in Holland. I wouldn't be surprised to see a move to a bigger club in the upcoming winter transfer window or next summer.
Brad Guzan showed he'll give Tim Howard a run for the starting spot in 2010. He made some quality saves and didn't look nervous in front of the Swiss attackers. While not being tested too much, he did make one mistake handling the ball just outside the 18 that led to a free kick shot right at him which he easily deflected and picked up. He won't make that mistake again.
Last but not least, Freddy Adu got his second cap last night. Many people were surprised by his inclusion in the team but he showed sitting on the Benfica bench hasn't been a total waste of time. Freddy was dangerous, ran at people and drew fouls in dangerous places by working hard to get to the ball first. One time outside the box the Swiss defender could do nothing but hack him to avoid a dangerous push towards goal. The little guy was a little unlucky when a Swiss defender kicked him in the face in the box while rushing towards goal. It seemed like the referee missed something on that play.
While not a dominating performance you'd want to see in an important match, last night's game between the young Americans and Switzerland showed there is quality coming up through the ranks. Add Landon Donovan and some other regulars to the mix and you have an impressive team that should storm through CONCACAF qualifying which starts next year.
The game in Basel also served as a testing ground for the Olympics. Remember, the Olympic squad just has to be U-23, not amateur. I like the looks of the squad who will go to China next summer.
posted by Bonji at
8:28 AM
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