Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Gold Cup 2011: Canadian Win Hardly Dissolves US Troubles on Defense

USA Gets Win Over Canada in 2011 Gold Cup Opener

The US squad netted a resounding win over their neighbors to the north on Tuesday. After 90-plus minutes on the pitch, the US downed Canada 2-0 in their Gold Cup opener.

You normally take such a commanding with nothing but positives. I take a different approach the the game. The US was hardly tested by a much softer Canadian side.

First the good: The US was very aggressive on offense. They were able, for once, to control the possession in a measured way.

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Canada allowed them to get far too deep into US territory, and that served to allow a bunch of shots on goal. The two goal deficit could have easily been worse.

I also enjoyed Jozy Altidore and what he showed. The man was much more selfish in the box, and that is a good thing. Instead of looking up for option B, he had the striker's mentality. This has me craving what he might look at by 2014.

The bad: The US did not convince me that they can stop anyone on defense. Most of the stops in the box came more a the hands of haphazard passing by Canada.

I need a solid center back I can count on. It is clear that Onyewu is not the long-term answer. This has me scratching my head as to why Omar Gonzalez was not extended an invite. He is tall, strong and fast. Sounds like a guy we could use back there.

All of this will rear its head when we play a better side, like Mexico.

?Gabe Zaldivar

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/724594-gold-cup-2011-schedule-results-and-latest-news/entry/93084-gold-cup-2011-canadian-win-hardly-dissolves-us-troubles-on-defense

Carla Campbell Alexis Bledel Ali Campoverdi Ali Larter Alice Dodd

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