Tonight the US national team played in front of over 70,000 people at New Meadowlands Stadium against a young and hungry Brazil squad. They lost, 2-0. Why is everyone so surprised?
When the rosters came out, many an American fan saw a young Brazilian squad put up against many of the US’ World Cup squad and thought, “we’ll compete.” Wrong. Some of those Brazilians were World Cup snubs (Alexandre Pato) and others were out to prove their case for the 2014 squad. The US team was either in-season MLS players (Landon Donovan, Jonathan Bornstein), World Cup players still searching for a new club (Jozy Altidore, Benny Feilhaber), or players getting their first caps (Omar Gonzalez). Again, we’re surprised by a 2-0 result?
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not excusing the mistakes made tonight by the US, but we as fans and writers need to be aware of reality. This game had zero meaning to the US squad. No one knows if Bob Bradley is staying or going at this point, players included, so why bother trying to impress him? Players like Omar Gonzalez are just happy to be there representing the USA, even if the game doesn’t count.
Lost in the shuffle of tonight’s criticism is the fact that the first 15 minutes were quite solid for the Americans. In the 3rd minute, Landon Donovan was robbed of a penalty because he was honorable and didn’t dive. That alone could have changed the game. Still, we saw an attack-minded US squad that was effect despite missing its #1 striker (Jozy Altidore – subbed on in the 2nd half) and #2 midfield general (Clint Dempsey – wasn’t part of the 23 man roster). That is reason enough to be positive. Charlie Davies was not included in the 23 either.
Everyone that’s worried needs to calm down. Brazil 2014 is a long way off. One meaningless match does not a future make. Back off the ledge. We were never going to win this match. There’s nothing wrong with that.
Adam Soucie is the author of Soccer, Not Football, a blog focused on the American game. If you’ve liked this piece, check out his other work. If you haven’t liked it, he promises there’s better stuff on his site.