With the exception of a strong 2002 World Cup showing, the US has lacked the quality many supporters have longed to see over the past decade. The side has been plagued by poor first touches, weak passing, an overall lack of creativity, and an inability to finish clear chances. This was evident again today throughout most of the first forty-five minutes. The US looked reluctant to push forward and take on the Cuban defenders. When balls did find a way to Dempsey's or Ching's feet, their back was to the goal, and the ball was quickly sent back out to the midfield. Donovan managed to provide decent service at times, but was not on the same page with the US players in the box, making far post runs when the ball was delivered near post, and vice versa. DaMarcus Beasily was the only bright spot, taking his two chances well. Although one could argue he should have finished with a hat trick. Overall, the US was unable to run a smooth fluid offense in the first half against a weak Cuba side.
Enter Torres, Altidore, and Freddy Adu. The US was slowly transformed into a more and more competent side as each youthful sub came on the pitch. Torres looked very comfortable having the ball played to his feet in traffic, and showed he can be threatening from distance. Altidore once again demonstrated that he can take chances like a world class striker. Adu use his superior technical ability to send in a dangerous cross, assisting Onyewu's goal. Yes, the game opened up with Donovan's 48 minute goal, and Cuba playing most of the second half a man down. But the facts remain, the US was unable to exploit their superiority in the first half, as they did in the second half.
Brian Ching. Ching is a second-rate player, extremely lucky to have accumulated this many CAPS. Please do not point to his four goals in five games. None of his goals have been quality strikes! Each has been similar to his goal last night, an easy tap in that an eighth grader could finish. Ching manages to make a mess of at least one good chance a game. He did so again last night. Bradley praises his hold up game, saying he's strong with his back to the goal. Ching lacks pace, can't pass, and has the finishing ability of an inept defender. He should be relegated to the bench, if not removed from the team. He is just slightly better than Eddie Johnson, and is taking away from the development of younger players that are the future of the US front line.
Michael Bradley. Bradley has failed to impress over his last four games. He has not been a great ball winner, has failed to link dangerous passes with the front line, and his finishing has been poor. I keep hearing about all the goals he has scored abroad, but he did not take his one good chance well against Cuba, sending it high over the goal. He also needs to be smarter with his fouls. Poor judgement had him suspended in the Olympics, and his yellow last night was unnecessary. I am not the least disappointed he will miss the qualifier against T&T. Perhaps this will give Edu a chance to step up and show what he can do.
All in all, a positive performance from the US. But to a supporter group that was very anxious to see the future of the US National team, the second half was very promising!
Experience
