Analysis

Makeshift U.S. plays even with talent Ticos with few opportunities created
for either side.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Wednesday, October 11, 2000) -- The undermanned, makeshift United States men fought a dangerous Costa Rica to a draw in a defensive match in which neither team managed many scoring chances.

The U.S. played with three in the back, Jeff Agoos, Greg Berhalter and Carlos Llamosa, and two defensive midfielders, Chris Armas and Chad Deering. Agoos had man-marking responsibility for Hernan Medford, Llamosa marked Paulo Wanchope, and Armas drew attacking midfielder Jafet Soto. Berhalter played almost a sweeper’s role while Deering was responsible for whoever else pushed up through the Costa Rican middle.

"We had to play with five in the midfield," said U.S. coach Bruce Arena who watched from the press box because of a suspension. "They have two very fast forwards and push two attacking midfielders forward constantly. So you need five midfielders to counter that, which means we had to play three in the back."

For the entire 90 minutes, the U.S. defense was solid. The Americans did get a break in the first half when Soto broke away from Armas and the Chicago Fire defender appeared to pull him down just inside the penalty area. Trinidadian referee Ramesh Ramdham motioned, "Play on."

"It wasn't much of a night for me," said U.S. goalkeeper Kasey Keller. "I really didn't face anything special. Our defense held them without any really good chances."

In addition to its coach being suspended, the U.S. missed a number of absent players. In addition to Arena, three regular starters were missing from the United States lineup because of suspension. Midfielder Claudio Reyna was handed a two-game ban by FIFA for the post-game abuse of the referee in the last Costa Rica match. Earnie Stewart served a one-game suspension after collecting two yellow cards in group play and fellow midfielder Eddie Lewis was absent after picking up a red card in the last U.S. match against Guatemala.

The U.S. was also missing forward Brian McBride, midfielder John O’Brien and reserve keeper Brad Friedel because of injury.

The midfield, while doing a good job defensively, did not generate much offense. When an opportunity showed itself, the U.S. again was the victim of poor finishing, or took so much time, Costa Rica was able to shut down the chance.

Actually, when forward Josh Wolff and midfielder Chris Albright came into the match in the 68th minute, a combination of fresh legs and a tactical change opened things up for the U.S.. With Wolff in the match at forward, Joe-Max Moore moved back into the midfield and seemded more comfortable playing as a withdrawn forward rather than as a target. Between them, he and Wolff created some of the U.S. opportunities.

Given the team the U.S. put on the field, and the fact that the Costa Rican clearly came in very willing to settle for a draw, this was a match with 0-0 written all over it.

In one way, the draw does help the U.S. It means that Costa Rica needs to play for a victory when it goes to Guatemala on November 15. If Costa Rica can beat Guatemala, something it has not done in Guatemala since 1957, the U.S. could conceivably advance to the next round even with a loss in Barbados that same day.

Losing to Barbados, following a 7-0 triumph at home, is not a consideration for the Americans. "Don't worry," Arena said. "We'll be fine."

Much has been written and reported over the past two days about Arena's "stealth lineup" because Arena and the United States Soccer Federation, did not release a roster of players who were in camp here in Columbus. But Arena says the lack of a roster was not the result of an attempt to keep Costa Rica in the dark, rather his actual inability to say until yesterday who was available to play.

"It was such a fluid situation," Arena said. "With the suspensions and then the injuries, I did not know who would be here. I planned on starting Tab Ramos. But I didn't know until Saturday he was injured. We did not know until he got here that (John) O'Brien was injured and could not even train. I had no idea even on Monday morning I would have Tony (Meloa) here. I've just been trying to find 11 healthy bodies to put out there."

U.S. player ratings

Starters

Goalkeeper Kasey Keller - 7: Just where he should have been at all times. Not a busy evening, but a solid and professional effort.

Defender Jeff Agoos - 7.5: A completely professional effort. Took on a very dangerous forward in Hernan Medford and held him in check all evening. Showed he deserves to start at left back.

Defender Carlos Llamosa - 8: Was handed one of the most testing assignments of his career -- hold Paulo Wanchope without a quality touch. He handled the task flawlessly and was justifiably named "Man of the Match."

Defender Gregg Berhalter - 7: While not quite at the level of the other two backs, played a solid match with few mistakes. We rarely drawn out of position and held the middle ground while both other defenders man-marked.

Midfielder Chris Armas - 6: A good, if not flashy match. Is probably physically not a 100 percent, but put in a very solid 90 minutes. Had his hands full with speedy attacking midfielder Jafet Soto, and lost him only once.

Midfielder Chad Deering - 6: Was put in a difficult position. Was probably not completely match fit after a post-Major League Soccer layoff, but had to play given all the injuries at midfield. Under the circumstances, played very well. Made a few misques, but did nothing seriously wrong. One of his better national team performances.

Midfielder Jovan Kirovski - 5.5: Appears to be showing the effects of playing so few matches in Europe. Was a step slow in many key situations. Seemed to tire midway through the second half. Was not the answer to replacing Reyna at holding midfield.

Midfielder Tony Sanneh - 6: Seemed to be happy back in an attacking midfield role. Actually tracked back well defensively while also creating some chances for himself and others. A strong performance.

Midfielder Cobi Jones - 5.5: Another of those performances where he seemed to disappear. Had a few quality touches, but didn't produce any real chances. Did some good work defensively, but on more than one occasion, hesitated when he should have pulled the trigger.

Forward Joe-Max Moore - 6: Probably the most consistent offensive threat, but too often was facing multiple defenders. A solid performance, but the U.S. needs more from him.

Forward Ante Razov - 5.5: Got off to a slow start, played some quality soccer in the middle of the match, then seemed to tire in the late going. That coupled with some poor finishing made for a generally sub-par effort.

Reserves

Midfielder Chris Albright (68th minute) - 5.5: One of his best appearances with the full team. Created a few chances and if he could have finished better, he might have emerged a hero.

Midfielder Josh Wolff (68th minute) - 6.5: Is fast becoming as a special player. Made a definite impact after he came on. Had two quality chances and created a number of problems for the Costa Rican defense. Made a statement he deserves more playing time.

Midfielder Ben Olsen (78th minute) - no rating: Added energy to a tired side, but was not effective. Really was on too short a time to settle into the match.

Senior correspondent Robert Wagman can be e-mailed at bobwagman@soccertimes.com.