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U.S. men's schedule
U.S. men's roster
Record crowd of 69,582 witnesses 0-0 draw with Mexico.
Mexico fails to attain its goal of revenge in scoreless draw.
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Donovan, Lewis score to lead U.S. past Wales 2-0.
U.S.-Wales analysis Workmanlike effort is key to American win over Wales.By Robert Wagman
(Monday, May 26, 2003) - United States men's coach Bruce Arena certainly fielded one of his more eclectic lineups, using mostly players from Major League Soccer's D.C. United and San Jose Earthquakes with a couple of European-based pros with two others serving MLS red-card suspensions. Still, this makeshift group was able to handle an under-strength Wales squad with surprising ease in a workmanlike 2-0 victory at Spartan Satdium in San Jose, Calif. Wales was really never in the match, managing only one shot on the U.S. goal, well past the hour mark, and seldom threatened. The visitors obviously had a great deal of trouble acclimating to the short and narrow field. Early on, it tried to attack down the wings, but simply ran out of space. When Wales adjusted and tried to play up the middle, it could not get much penetration. Wales manager Mark Hughes probably played into the U.S. hands when he decided to play only one forward. Going into the match, one had to question whether the center of the U.S. defense would hold up. However, with only one forward, Wales was not able to pressure the middle of the field early, and the Americans were able to settle into a good rhythm. Obviously, the U.S. got a huge break when Wales midfielder Matthew Jones was issued his second yellow card in the 48th minute, leading to his being sent off. The visitors, playing a man down, never were able to mount much of an offense. The three foreign based players who started tonight, defender Greg Vanney, striker Jovan Kirovski midfielder and Eddie Lewis all had very solid matches. Vanney and Lewis (who played four seasons in San Jose), along withLandon Donovan, playing on his home field, and United midfielder Bobby Convey, were the best American players tonight. Veteran defender Jeff Agoos, also playing on his home field, clearly understood how to play with the narrow sidelines and was solid throughout the match. The U.S. was also greatly helped by MLS officiating. The two players who became available for this match, because they were serving one match red card suspensions in MLS -- Ryan Suarez and C.J. Brown -- both contributed solid on the back line. Brown, who has not played for the national team since 2000, might well have put himself back into the pool with his play tonight. Arena has said over and over that friendlies like tonight's are not about results, but about looking at how players react and play in certain situations, and who will be available to help the U.S. qualify for World Cup 2006 starting in January Tonight, he got both -- a good result against an weakened and mostly uninvolved opponent, and a good look at a number of Americans who could be needed in qualifying. U.S. player ratings Starters Goalkeeper Nick Rimando - 6: Not called on to make a save until the 68th minute, then came up with a dandy. Did what he needed to though not pressured often. Defender Ryan Suarez - 5.5: Had a solid match. Was not able to push the ball up the right side often, but did good work defensively. Defender C.J. Brown - 5.5: Physically was able to match up with the Wales attackers. Was almost never out of position, stayed at home in the center of the defense and gave a very good accounting for himself. Defender Jeff Agoos - 6: A veteran performance from someone earning his 134th cap. Won a number of scrambles in the box and his long clearances were accurate and led to good counters. Defender Greg Vanney - 6.5: Had an outstanding match with his corners and pushes up the side. Worked well with Lewis. Made defensive stops when he had to. Midfielder Richard Mulrooney - 5.5: A steady, if unspectacular match. Did a lot of defense work before Wales lost Jones. Showed he can play at this level. Midfielder Earnie Stewart 5: Not his strongest effort. Did not see a lot of the ball as most of the play was not down his side of the field. Had a couple of good chances he could not convert. Midfielder Eddie Lewis - 7: Far and away, the best U.S. player. Showed wonderful pace down the left wing. Despite the narrow field, worked the sideline well and his crosses were excellent. Additionally, he often tracked back to make solid defensive plays. Midfielder Bobby Convey - 6: Some brilliant runs out of the center of midfield. Should have had one, if not two or three goals. Is creating the chances, now he must start finishing them. Forward Jovan Kirovski - 5.5: Is probably technically the best U.S. forward. Was able to hold the ball under pressure and created some excellent chances, but he continues to look more comfortable running from deeper positions. Forward Landon Donavan - 6.5: Wonderful pace and passing. Scored on a perfectly-placed penalty kick. Physically, he gave as good as he got. Had several golden opportunities go inches wide or were stopped by the keeper. He still needs to become more clinical in his finishing. Reserves Forward Brian Ching (75th minute for Convey) - 5: Fresh legs and big body helped him in setting up a couple of chances, but did not play smart and was caught offside a couple times in rapid succession. In his first international appearance, clearly needs to gain experience at this level. Defender Mike Petke (77th minute for Suarez) - 4.5: In 15 minutes, made three or four glaring errors, giving away the ball or conceding corners. He never really settled into the match. Midfielder Manny Lagos (83rd minute for Stewart) - 5.5: Came in to play defense and did fine over the short minutes he played. High energy helped run out the clock. Forward Alecko Eskandarian (89th minute for Kirovski) - no rating: Earned his first cap and an appearance fee in what will likely be the beginning of a long international career. Had no chance to make an impact. Robert Wagman is a SoccerTimes senior correspondent and can be e-mailed at bob@soccertimes.com. |
