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World championship berth is earned with 1-0 win over El Salvador.
U.S. under-20 men analysis Despite flawed effort, American accomplish goal with world berth.By Robert Wagman
(Friday, November 15, 2002) -- The United States guaranteed itself a spot in the World Youth Championships next March with a 1-0 victory over El Salvador, courtesy of a late own goal. The Americans (2-0) would have liked to have turned in a better performance, but accomplished their goal at this CONCACAF qualifying tournament with Sunday's finale against Canada to spare. The U.S. was forced to pay a man short from after the 19th minute when forward Santino Quaranta was sent off with a red card for what was deemed a flagrant foul from behind. With the U.S. dominating until that point, El Salvador received a huge lift from a remarkably harsh decision from Mexican referee Armando Archundia. Salvadoran defender Alexander Escobar was carrying the ball back toward the corner, when Quaranta approached from behind and tried to dig the ball from between his feet. Instead of getting the ball, the Quaranata caught Escobar's ankle and he Salvadoran crumbled with considerable embellishment. Escobar was carried off on a stretcher, but returned 30 seconds later to run down the swift Eddie Johnson from behind, showing he had not been injured. Although the U.S. should have still bee in a position to dominate, the Americans seemed to over-react to playing shorthanded by dropping back on defense, ceding possession to their opponent and counter-attacking only occasionally. Despite the possession, El Salvador really didn't threaten until after it fell behind in the 85th minute. Forward Dennis Alas was the best attacker for El Salvador and had one breakaway nullified by an offside call. The U.S. won only when Escobar tried to clear midfielder Bobby Convey's wicked in-swinging right side corner kick from the right side and only succeeded in heading it past his own startled keeper. In the final minutes, U.S. keeper Steve Cronin was forced to make three difficult saves. He had not been pressured before that, but showed a great deal of class under fire to keep the Americans even at that point. For the second match in a row, the U.S. was almost flawless in the back. However, for long periods, its offense was almost non-existent tonight. There was some good play down the wings, but with only Convey doing anything productive in the middle, the U.S. generated little. U.S. coach Thomas Rongen was also ejected in the 87th minute for entering the field. He and Quaranta can relax in the stands Sunday knowing the Canada match means little.
U.S. player ratings
Starters
Goalkeeper Steve Cronin - 7: For a match and two-thirds in this tournament, was not called on to do much, but in the late going here, he had to come up big and he did. At times, his distribution could be faulted, but not his courage when it really counted.
Defender Jordan Harvey - 6: Solid defensively and continued to push forward on occasion. Was not beaten to the outside and helped defensively in the midfield.
Defender Ryan Cochrane - 6.5: Rarely out of position, held his ground in the middle very well. Handled the Salvadoran speed with ease. Another solid match.
Defender Chad Marshall - 7: A terrific match. His thundering tackles got the U.S. out of trouble on several occasions. Despite his size, he did well against a very speedy and skilled Alas.
Defender Craig Klaas - 6: A big game. He seemed more relaxed than on Wednesday. Made several big plays.
Midfielder Justin Mapp - 5.5: Moved well up and down the left side, but often was just a half step slow or late. Would have helped more moving into the center, but stayed wide all night.
Midfielder Ricardo Clark - 6: Playing a defensive midfield position in front of the four backs, made play after play and occasionally moved deep into El Salvador's end. Helped hold the U.S. together when the Salvadorans challenged, especially in the first half. Showed he is ready to play at a higher level.
Midfielder Devin Barclay - 5: Made several electrifying runs, but this did little to overcome some really dreadful play. Missed two shots he should have put away, including a sitter in the first half.
Midfielder Bobby Convey - 7.5: Looked like a man among boys. Far and away the best U.S. player. Was 75 percent of the offense and made key defensive stops. At times, was one against four defenders and held his own.
Forward Ed Johnson - 5.5: His problem continues to be inconsistency. As good as he was on Wednesday, tonight he was not. In the first eight minutes, he could have had two goals, but simply did not finish. As the lone striker, he was often way out of position and ineffective coming out of the midfield.
Forward Santino Quaranta - 5.5: Until his ill-timed and unnecessary foul and dismissal, was the main offensive threat for the U.S. Probably should have showed more patience and maturity.
Reserves
Midfielder Jordan Stone (77th minute for Clark) - 5.5: His fresh legs gave the U.S. a much needed burst of energy. Helped force the play down into the Salvadoran end which resulted in the corner kick that preceded the goal.
Midfielder David Johnson (90th minute for Convey) - no rating: Played solidly in extra time as El Salvador poured forward.
Robert Wagman is a SoccerTimes senior correspondent and can be
e-mailed at bobwagman@soccertimes.com. |
