Obviously, this first result won't be how Jurgen is remembered, except for the odd pub quiz. And yet, the Sons couldn't help but feel the need to travel to see the beginning of the German experiment.
How did the Sons feel about the initial display?
1) Mexico is good.
This is deeply upsetting for the Sons. We all much preferred the "2-0" days of the last 15 years or so. But from a rivalry perspective, I guess it is helpful that Mexico isn't an easy win any more.
2) The US lacks class.
When you watch a game in person, you can really see the gulf in class. LD was the only player in red with anything approaching world class skill. This doesn't mean that the US can't compete and win at the top level through physical fitness, team spirit, and heart (not to mention set pieces). But it does suggest that the USA's current FIFA ranking, while flawed, contains meaningful information.
This lack of class is also somewhat temporary. With Deuce and Holden on the pitch along with LD, there is world class skill available to the Yanks - just not much depth.
3) Two roads diverged in a yellow wood....
The choice that faces US soccer right now couldn't be more obvious. One path leads south, to the flair and stature of the Mexican game. The other path leads East towards the efficiency and drive of the German game. Which way will the US go?
My sincerest hope is that the US takes the second path. Xenophobia aside, the US expression of itself will always depend on athleticism, drive, and determination. Over time, we expect to add some technical skill. But our physical attributes will always be our comparative (nay, absolute) advantage.
The roster Jurgen sent out Wednesday night was the smallest lineup I can ever remember from a Nat squad. I fear that this Mexican influence will nullify our emphasis on strength and set pieces. I don't believe the Nats will ever pass through a quality opponent, but I do believe they will be able to jump over them. The Yanks are a physical squad, and they should always be a physical squad. Introducing a Torres or Castillo here or there can have benefits - introducing 5 Castillos will represent a step-backwards.
4) Speaking of Castillo...
A couple players out there have no business being in the team at the highest level. Castillo was awful. He is young and a left-sided player, but he is nowhere near good enough at the moment.
I like Beckerman, not least because he played with one of the Sons 20 years ago, but it is telling what that position is missing when Beckerman plays. Kyle gets stuck in, gets rough, breaks up plays. All of which are extremely valuable. But the Destroyer position is mislabeled, because what separates top class destroyers are the ability to link forward after their destruction. Beckerman is simply awful at this aspect of the position. The US is going to be a counter-attacking team for the foreseeable future, and if it can't counter-punch swiftly, it would knock anyway out. I'm happy to have Beckerman play on occasion, but for the big games, we desperately need a player in that position who can pass forward swiftly.
Augedelo is a young Brian McBride. Ah, if only that were true. But what Augedelo brings at the moment, is a legit target threat. The US needs an release value when the pressure gets extreme. Our lack of passing means we can't control possession that way. Instead, we need a target man who can relieve some of the pressure. Juan did a great job of just this in the last thirty minutes of the game against Mexico. He made it painfully obvious what we missed with Buddle in the first half.
There will be much more to learn and observe over the next cycle. The Sons wholly approve of putting Jurgen in charge, and we look forward to a bright future.
We are all donuts now....
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