The US went into one of its House of Horrors on Wednesday night and the result wasn't any better than the last half dozen times. The national team's record in qualifiers away to Costa Rica is now 0-7-1. They did get on the board in the 3-1 loss, a first since 2000. Before people get carried away it is important to recognize the US still has a decent squad, remains in qualifying position, and has a very winnable game in Chicago versus Honduras on Saturday. In all probability the United States will be at the World Cup in South Africa (ugh) next year. Wednesday's game was a disaster but I think they can get beyond it and qualify. I am not going to dwell on it too much but here are some quick observations:
1. Pablo M. looked gassed even before the half. It might be time for someone else to step in his spot.
2. Bob Bradley has mostly done a good job with the NT but a big share of the blame has to fall on his shoulder for last night. Knowing the US historically struggles in Costa Rica, knowing you are facing a strong and motivated squad, and knowing the game will be played on quick artificial turf why would you come out in a 4-3-3? This ensured that three of the US players were effectively severed from the game. The Costa Ricans romped through the US half of the field in the opening minutes and grabbed a two goal league. The game was done before the 15 minute mark.
3. Michael Bradley I thought played well most of the game, the only one of the starters. He was unfortunate to have a harsh yellow put him out of Saturday's game in Chicago. But despite his mostly solid performance he got wheeled for the third goal in a nightmarish sequence I am sure will live on in youtube clips of US lowlights. He looked really bad but his teammates didn't do him any favors and share the blame for standing around while they get danced for a goal that shouldnt' have happened.
4. Watching both teams handle the ball in different situations the difference on the night was clear. The Costa Ricans always moved it with purpose and certainty, knowing exactly where their teammates were, and having an end in mind. For the most part the US was miserable. Countless times in the defensive end they just booted the ball over the touchline for a gasp of air. Movement in attack was sporadic and more than once a promising run was negated by an errant ball. If this is a result of being shell-shocked and intimidated by the atmosphere it is unfortunate but understandable. If it happened because the team doesn't understand itself yet then there is a real problem.
I think this is one of those games you can just throw away and put behind you. The good news is they have the chance to do that quickly in Chicago just over 48 hours from now. Hopefully we see a better display then.
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