The US boys put on quite a show these past few weeks.  First off they disappointed the fans with a very lackluster performance versus Italy and Brazil in the group stages.  Then they tore up the Egyptians, putting the US through to the semi-final round, and I was happy.  My expectations were met, and I had little hope for a win against the world’s number one team Spain.  But wait there’s more!!!  Holy *@#$, they won?  That’s right kids the underdogs came to win and they put the hurt on Spain with strong defense, and exceptional energy.  Now it was up to a rematch with Brazil, and this time I had hopes.  Brazil was set back on their heels after the US scored twice in the first half, again with strong defense and stronger energy.  The second half came and so did the US team from the early stages.  The team slacked off allowing open space in the midfield, and did not control possession of the ball well.

So, the question is obvious. What do we learn from this?  The answer is not so clear.  Obviously what worked for us was the pounding energy, and stifling defense.  What did not work?  perhaps the amount of running sapped the energy level late in the game.  Donovan, Dempsey, and Spector were among the top five players who covered the most distance.  The allowance of so many shots on goal, Howard did win the golden glove award.  How about not giving up so many yellow and red cards in the group stages.  I could go on and on, but the point is that the US needs to gain confidence in their performance and act like they deserve to be there.  Donovan said after the game that they weren’t looking for respect, they wanted to win.  I love that, and he played like he believed it, yet some of his teammates were a little to awe struck by the competition to be competent in their service.

Charlie Davis, Spector, and Demerit surprised me in their overall performance.  They seem to be fighting for their positions for next year.  Kljestan and Casey were less than spectacular, and need to make up for their performances.  Notable absences were Beasley, Adu, and Wynne.  With that kind of speed and fire power on the bench, the US must think highly of its other options.  The Gold Cup starts soon, and lets see if the US, with a largely different team, will take these adjustments into account.  Good Luck US Men’s Soccer!!!