Port of pain for Bradley's boys
The result wasn't really important and, to be honest, losing 2-1 to Trinidad and Tobago could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the U.S. A return in the Hexagonal to the Port of Spain, though not easy, would be preferable to a road trip to Guatemala, a significantly more hostile venue.
This being the case, the need was for a performance rather than for a positive score. That it did not transpire, with the exception of a couple of individual displays, provided Bob Bradley with a good idea of where his squad stands beyond its first-choice men, only two of whom, Heath Pearce and DaMarcus Beasley, played in Wednesday's game.
It started at the back, where Brad Guzan played like a goalkeeper who has had little game action in recent times. He was unlucky on the goals, but the Aston Villa man looked shaky on set pieces as Trinidad frequently threatened from the crossed ball. Perhaps it was Guzan's shaky display that caused the central defensive pairing of Danny Califf and Michael Orozco to look equally nervous, especially against Jason Scotland, whose strength -- fortunately for the U.S. -- was not matched by his composure in front of the goal.
Sacha Kljestan has been a major force in MLS since his arrival in the league and the Chivas man has also done well on occasions for the national team. However, by trying too hard to move away from a game based on simple passing and effective running off the ball, he was shown up.
So too was Maurice Edu who, unless he can solve his inability to retain possession, may be best suited to a career as a central defender. Alongside him, Jose Torres was OK on the ball, but he too could do little to stem the all-action flow created by Chris Birchall and Carlos Edwards.
Up front, Jozy Altidore was isolated until he had Charlie Davies alongside him. Altidore did very well to create the equalizer and is clearly at his best when facing defenders up. His-back to-goal game needs a lot of work although the ineffectiveness of the midfielders behind him had much to do with the fact that, when he did maintain possession, there were few options available.
His late miss with a close-range header also illustrated that Altidore needs to be more clinical in front of the goal. Of course, at just 18, he has time on his side, but 2014 looks more likely to be his World Cup coming-out party than 2010, especially if he does not get sufficient playing time, at Villarreal or otherwise, this season. The same could be said for Freddy Adu at Monaco.
The display of Davies was arguably the most pleasing of the night. Of all the young strikers currently in the national team pool, he is the most in-form, a fact that was illustrated as soon as he came on. Benefiting from a strong second season at Hammarby in Sweden (which has likely alerted scouts at bigger European clubs), Davies' movement and speed gave the hitherto comfortable Trinidad back line a problem that, until he came on, it hadn't faced.
The backlash has been swift but the criticism, beyond the context of this one match, is unfair. There seems to have been a great rush to judgment on a number of these players, an unfair move considering who we are talking about. These players are the future, after all, not the present and much of what was wrong with the display can be attributed to over-eagerness and a desire to do too much, as opposed to any inherent lack of ability.
MLS look-ahead
Two weekends to go and it's all to play for in MLS. While it looks like the postseason lineup will not be decided until a week from Sunday, three teams can go a long way to booking their places with strong home displays on Saturday.
That Columbus has secured the Supporters' Shield could play into New York's hands. While the Crew will not lie down, their eyes are firmly focused on the playoffs and, as such, Sigi Schmid's side is there for the taking by what should be a desperate Red Bulls team.
Meanwhile, in Kansas City, the Wizards worked their magic against the Revolution last week and should be confident of a similar result against San Jose, whose road form has been dire.
In the West, Real Salt Lake remains unbeaten at home(s) but will be tested by FC Dallas, whose late, late show against Toronto last Saturday may have garnered what turns out to be the most vital point of its season.
Watching on while everyone else battles is D.C. United, which, against all odds, has stayed in the playoff hunt. It's a long shot to ask them to win at Columbus on the final day and have all other results go their way but, by beating New England Thursday, Tom Soehn's side has a chance few (including myself) would have given them just a week ago.
Not so well played, young men
Even in spite of all the ways New York has managed to disappoint their fans in recent years, who would have thought of this latest mishap? Jon Conway and Jeff Parke have been banned for 10 games apiece after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
Jokes about them not having made much impact aside, this is a significant day for MLS. On the one hand, it's a good sign that the league's drug-testing program is working and the revelation that this was a two-month investigation shows the issue is serious and it's being dealt with.
On the other hand, it is a reminder to players to be careful with what they put in their body. There have been plenty of instances in other sports when over-the-counter drugs have seriously hindered the careers of professional sportsmen. Conway and Parke are the first MLS examples. It behooves their peers in the game to ensure they are the last.
A thing that made me go hmmm
An intriguing lineup of potential investors in MLS. Of the seven, indications are that Portland and Montreal would seem to have a head start to join the league in 2011, with Vancouver not far behind. If that is the case, where stands the Miami bid, backed by FC Barcelona?
I wonder if the name power backing of those backing it gives Miami an advantage. If it does, then the league has to be absolutely sure that a state that has twice failed is ready to sustain a franchise. Furthermore, Barcelona must demonstrate a long-standing commitment to its new project.
It is encouraging, especially given the current economic climate, that so many would-be backers have thrown their hats into the American soccer ring. It will be an interesting process to observe, as cities across the land line up to get a piece of the MLS action.
Andrew Hush
