Yes, the USMNT won, 3-0, but that was expected. This same play would have worked facing El Salvador with a better result. Against similar teams of that caliber, they may very well have been able to do so as well; however, versus the Canadian National team, they would still have lost.
Too many passes did not connect: too much pace, or the intended recipient was not set to receive the ball, or worse, failed to create an option for the passer. Yes, it is true it is tough to know the tendencies of a player you only see for so short of a time, but the run determines the pass, not the other way. A hard pass from say 10 yards is not so easy to handle; and at this level teammates must provide options.
That Pulisic did not start should not be made out to anything other than allowing others to get a look, avoiding the injury prone player from incurring another. He was targeted literally a minute after getting the ball upon entering the game, scoring shortly after; but let’s not forget he had been ineffective as of late. He and Aaronson both had been taking on multiple players at a time, usually beating the first, but then not laying it off to others who should be open as they were occupying more than one opponent.
As for the game itself, the US had significant possession, exceeding 70% for extended periods. I feel that is an overvalued stat. Possession by itself is meaningless. Passing north south between defenders / mids without attacking the opposition in the final third is useless. Effective possession leads to goal scoring opportunities and goals, which after all is what matters.
De La Torre was an absolute revelation, holding the ball when called for and getting forward with it; thereby, opening up options for the US accordingly. Simply, a great game. He and McKennie were the players of the match… oh for the rest of the team to have the heart of McKennie! Also, the speed and movement of Weah gave fits to those unfortunate to be matching up against him.
In short, this match was ours to win. Sure, the victory is important; but fans must not consider it as a major win boding well for the squad’s future. The Canadian game is too fresh to ignore considering that the remaining three games in March are against Mexico (away), Costa Rica (away) & Panama (home), all of which are quality teams that could not only defeat us, but are competing to qualify. Yes, we outplayed Honduras, but that was in no small part due to the lack of quality on the other side of the ball. Much can be attributed to their being in last place in this CONCACAF octagonal for the World Cup. Still the weather conditions gave them little chance of being the “spoiler”.
I feel sorry for those that came away with a good feeling from this game. Doing the bear minimum after an abject failure in the prior game versus Canada, as well as the poor performance facing ES in the match in Columbus, is simply not good enough. In those three matches, 3 of the 4 goals come from set pieces. Glad to see; but not necessarily a good sign. What is disturbing is the lack of goals scored in the normal flow of play. Sure, it was a spectacular one from Robinson (vs ES); but those sorts of chances fare and in between. Overall, there were numerous missed opportunities with wide shots from close-in. In a word, unacceptable!
As to things not related to the actual playing of the game itself, the US GK, Turner, was allowed to start the game with a hand warming muff but then made to remove it. It is far more dangerous than is jewelry and capable of inflicting damage to any body part that may get caught in it. Despite this many, some, high level players among them did not know why he may not wear that?
The weather, what one earth were they thinking? The average temp has been below 30 for the last decade there at this point in the calendar, that is the high, add in the La Nina winds and it gets worse, the winds last night took off 15 or so degrees. I would have been more concerned with frostbite than hypothermia as was reported on the Hondouran Federation Twitter shortly after the game ended. This information was not in the post-game notes etc. out of the USSF. But it was just as cold for both teams. The game should not have been set here or played, however given the symptoms of both ailments are known, it was a lack of monitoring the players that allowed this to happen. I am sure none on the US team were conditioned to such harsh conditions. Who was at risk here? All in the building that were outside: close to 20,000 people. Hypothermia is when the body gives up more temperature than it creates, just a few degrees and I may set it at as warm as 50, typically not, frost bite would be the biggest risk, although keeping covered and active reduces that risk big time. As to the photo Berhalter took during the game? That it was taken when the game was not actively being played, a major slap at the other team and the game itself, even worse it was done as an opponent was down hurt. From his statement after Canada, relative to the play of his team and result to that we play them in heat, I have no idea what he may say next. If hot you may get water during play, if you perspire through your clothes then it freezes, you are not able to work your way to the touchline for a towel and new clothes.
In summation, this game should not have been played due to the extreme weather, it should never have been set there at this time of year. In the fall or spring, yes you would have cooler temps, the all important, but really not crowd support for the advantages of being the home team, ignore the crowd have a focus and play your game.
Edited by Michael Saunders, Soccer Miami Magazine.