What the Hex was that? My very overdue look at USA vs. Honduras

Via americansoccernow.com/the-hex

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is obviously long overdue, but I’ve committed to commenting on each of the Hexagonal games in the qualification process for the Americans, and will likely chip in with at least a couple of thoughts on El Tri over the course of 2013.

When I wasn’t spreading my pico de gallo on top of my steak tacos at Salsa’s here in Dubuque, I was watching what felt like a pretty free flowing first 45 minutes. There were small stretches of significant possession – as there should be in any high level soccer match.

After 36 minutes, Dempey’s one-touch effort gave the Americans the lead. It was a touch and effort we’ve grown to expect from Dempsey. He stepped up, on the road, to score the team’s first goal of the Hex. Things were looking up. There were still 55 minutes remaining, but it would take only four for the hosts to answer.

Juan Carlos Garcia put his stamp on the game after a lackadaisical defensive effort by the USA on a set piece. Garcia’s eyes opened wide as he took a chested pass (you read that correctly) and whacked it between two defenders and past Timmy Howard. It was something that, quite frankly, I’m not sure anyone on the field at that time in an American jersey is capable of. It also set the stage for an entertaining final 45 minutes.

Will the Americans push the pace and try to earn the full three points? How picky will the teams be going forward? Maybe the Hondurans would be OK with one point and be selective going forward? Which attacking players will Jurgen take off – and then – who will be the replacement?

The second half included three early substitutions to bring on Edu, Kljestan, and Zusi. Williams, Jones, and Eddie Johnson stepped off. The attack by the Americans seemed to fade a bit over the final 25 minutes, and the final ten were truly forgettable. That includes the defense being picked apart for the game’s final goal – the game-winner – for Honduras. Let’s not forget there were just two shots recorded as ‘on goal’ over the entire 90 minutes.

Here’s what stuck out to me:

1. The Cameron/Gonzalez experiment as center backs would have gone better with someone other than Tim Chandler. I don’t have much evidence to support why – he just looks slow to me.
2. Eddie Johnson out wide. I was OK with it. I didn’t expect him to play all 90 minutes there, but if you’re going to play someone out of position out wide, why not start Kljestan? Or put Dempsey out there with Gomez and Jozy up top? Felt a bit like Johnson was rewarded for his positive play – but rewarded by a start out of position.
3. I’m just about done with Jermaine Jones. I know he played the ball that Deuce finished – but alongside/near/with Michael Bradley – I just don’t think it works. And he still fouls too damn much. Opposing players prefer to see him out there because they’re OK with him logging yellows and giving up restarts. I don’t believe most talented players opposed by him in the formation fear him. Bradley needs someone who does that to opposing managers.
4. Get Jozy the ball more.
5. I think Tim Howard made a mistake on the game-winner. That wasn’t easy to type. I think he’s fantastic. He is also a leader. I think he saw an inexperienced group (pairing rather) in front of him leave a crease to the Hondurans and he wanted to save the day. Cameron was flat-footed for sure, but he can force a tougher-angled shot if not called off. Omar didn’t do him any favors by being late to recognize Bengston headed to the prime real estate.

The Table: Thanks Mexico and Costa Rica’s late strike! Now we’re looking up at one team with three points… instead of three teams. That actually kept even more Chicken Littles from piling on following this result.

Next: Costa Rica on March 22. I’m keeping an eye on three things:

1. I’m actually going to listen closely to JK’s comments ahead of this game. With time to marinate on that loss and evaluate what he saw, what he says and who is in uniform for this next contest in Denver will tell you more about him than anything I can think of over the last 12 months.
2. Does Hercules Gomez get 45 or more minutes? If so, I think he nets one. If not, Jozy MUST score. I fully expect Dempsey to get hacked every time he touches it and/or when he starts a run.
3. Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey are both on yellows. Mexico is March 26. If those two aren’t careful against the Ticos and forced to sit out the first – I’m exceedingly nervous about what El Tri could do at Azteca in response to last year’s win by our boys.