Disappointment in Cyprus: USA 0 - 2 Ukraine

The overall performance put together by Uncle Sam's Army was, for a lack of better word, bad.  With the 2014 World Cup 98 days away, the United States took a step in the wrong direction in Cyprus. 

Jürgen Klinsmann's side was composed of many players hoping to provide validation for earning of a spot on the World Cup roster.  Players who specifically needed to have strong performances included John Brooks, Oguchi Onyewu, Edgar Castillo, Alejandro Bedoya, Brek Shea and Aron Johannsson. Although the USA will be playing three more friendlies before heading to Brazil, this may have been some player’s last chance to show Klinsmann why they should be picked in the final squad. 

Defensive Struggles 

The lack of communication between Brooks and Onyewu resulted in conceding an embarrassing goal in the 12^th minute.  A direct run through the heart of the defense allowed a one-on-one chance for Denis Garmash.  After Tim Howard saved his initial chance, the defense was caught brutally out of position.  The rebound was played to Andriy Iarmolenko who smashed it home, giving the Ukrainian’s an early 1-0 lead.  

The troubles continued in the 32^nd minute.  The disconnected between the midfield and defense allowed Garmash another one-on-one chance with Howard.  His indecisiveness allowed Brooks to recover and prevent a seconded similarly embarrassing goal.   

If this was not a sign the final sign that the a back line containing Brooks, Onyewu and Castillo is not a viable option moving forward, then the second goal cemented it.  

During the 67^th minute, another communication breakdown gave substitute Marko Devic a breakaway chance.  Howard was able to make a phenomenal recovery save on the first effort.  Yet with both center backs nowhere to be found on the rebound, Devic gathered his first chance striking it underneath the sprawling Howard.  This was the final goal, 2-0 Ukraine. 

Offensive Draught

It is no secret that the USA has always needed a true scorer.  Klinsmann’s most feasible option, Jozy Alitdore, has struggled to score as of lately and a trip to Cyprus was not the cure he had hoped for.  His best effort of the game came in the 51^st minute when Cameron delivered a stellar ball to him at the top of the 5-yard box, sending it over the goal.

The next chance came in the 52^nd minute when Jermaine Jones feed Clint Dempsey on a well-timed run into the box.  However, the Shakhtar Donestk and Ukrainian keeper Andriy Pyatov’s quick reaction was enough to keep the effort at bay.

The Red, White and Blues best chance came in the 87^th minute from the substitute Aron Johannsson.  The promising 23-year-old standout, currently AZ Alkmaar leading scorer, saw his wonderfully struck volley off of a Bedoya corner cleared off the line. 

What We Learned in Cyprus

Klinsmann’s side did not achieve the result he, his team or the fans expected.  This test versus the highest FIFA ranked team that did not qualify for the World Cup, #18, has affirmed that the United States lacks much depth. 

Hertha BCS youngster John Anthony Brooks and veteran Oguchi Onyewu had never featured together as a central pairing.  Throughout the match, this was main cause in the poor communication, seen by the lack of strength when assigning coverage’s.  This was played a hand in both goals as they were caught out of position as Howard was called upon too many times to act as the saving grace.  This may as well be the last time the duo is featured together. 

Continuing on the critiquing of the defense Edgar Castillo was unable to control the speed and skill of winger Andriy Yarmolenko.  This is a disturbing sign, as Castillo appears to be the second choice option for left back behind MLS defender Brad Evans.  With the USA facing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Mario Götze in the group stages, Yarmolenko’s play today was a toned down example of what is in store for Brazil 2014.  

Even though it is hard to fine many positives to take away from this match, Aron Johannsson is one of them.  The forward was brought on in as late substitute but provided 23 minutes of optimism.  His willingness to earn his keep, exemplified by his volley in the 87^th minute, is something he can build on if Klinsmann gives him more opportunities during the final three friendlies. 

Player Grades: (0 - 10)

G = Goalie                  D = Defense                MF = Midfield            F = Forward

Starters

G - Tim Howard (7) – Did well to make preliminary saves on both goals

D – Geoff Cameron (6) – Got into the attack and supplied decent crosses, his level of play needs to be as high as his club play with Stoke City FC. 

D – Ougchi Onyewu (5) – Was on NOT same page with Brooks, this lead to his poor positioning on the second goal, his best days are behind him

D – John Anthony Brooks (4) – Used his size well yet absences of strong communication skills and disciple hurt him, he is too young and inexperienced to anchor the USA defense in a World Cup year, Will be a future starting center back

D – Edgar Castillo (3) – This was his game to shine, was manhandled by Yarmelonko, will be lucky to make it to World Cup 2014

MF – Jermaine Jones (7) – Strong second half, was able to transition the ball well, needs teammate Michael Bradley as Sasha Kljestan is not a good partner

MF – Alejandro Bedoya (6) – Good mix of offense and defense in his play, his best chance was unlucky to not find the net, strong second half

MF – Fabian Johnson (5) – Did not support Castillo enough, adjusted well in second half

MF – Clint Dempsey (4) – For Dempsey’s standard this was disappointing, looked disinterested once going down 0-1, sloppy ball control, did not dictate flow of possession

MF – Sasha Kljestan (3) – Did not separate himself from the pack, Kljestan will be lucky to make it to the 2014 World Cup

F – Jozy Altidore (5) – Play seems to validate why he has not been selected for Sunderland A.F.C’s FA Cup Quarterfinal match squad, must elevate play heading into the World Cup

Substitutes

F – Aron Johannsson (7) – Unfortunately saw his volley cleared off the goal line, provided a promising spark off the bench, dark horse frontrunner for spot on the World Cup roster, is a future star

M – Brek Shea (6) – Effective getting into the attack, reenergized the USA overall attacking ability

M – Danny Williams (6) - For his limited play did well, needs to play more for better indications on his ability on the international level

F – Juan Agudelo (+/-) – Played only 5 minutes