Photo credit: ESPN
If we thought missing Michael Bradley and Matt Besler and Jozy Altidore might cost Team USA a game versus Mexico in Columbus, then Klinsmann's crew proved us wrong.
No Bradley? Jermaine Jones stepped up and Beckerman covered for him. Besler is out? Goodson and his experience clogged up Mexico's attack. No Altidore? That's okay, Eddie Johnson plays for us.
It was a patchwork team with the surprising addition of Bedoya on the flank instead of Zusi, with Donovan in the midfield and Dempsey a withdrawn forward, but both present. Michael Parkhurst in on the right side and Beasley looking to redeem himself. It worked.
It was a tale of two halves. Mexico pressed and controlled the first half and could have scored. The second half was vintage USA in Columbus, Ohio. Two goals by legendary figures: Eddie Johnson and Landon Donovan. EJ had a picture-perfect header that Jozy would be jealous and proud of. For Donovan it's the 6th goal against the Americans' nemesis, and in what fashion. Diskerud provided the fantasy we wanted to see with a self-chip to allow himself to set up a center of death for Donovan. Goal.
This game was a testament to Klisnmann and the depth he has built in this squad. Can the US make noise at the World Cup? Possibly, but for that to happen Bradley will need to be with the squad and more discipline will be required.
USA will be in Brazil 2014. Today it was fantasy and speed, set pieces to be proud of, a city of Columbus that always delivered, and the scoreline that is as poetic as Dempsey missing his chance to score three for the US. A poem was written tonight and this poetry was Made in America.
Player Ratings:
Howard.................7
Fabian Johnson......6
Gonzalez...............6.5
Goodson..............7
Beasley.................6.5
Bedoya................6
Donovan..............7.5
Dempsey..............6.5
Beckerman...........6
Jones...................6.5
Eddie Johnson.....7
Subs Diskerud (8), Parkhurst (6), Zusi (NR)
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