Yanks Soccer

Of all the things that contributed to the United States Round of 16 exit at the 2010 World Cup, perhaps the most glaring deficiency of the team was the defensive cohesion.  The Americans conceded first in all of their matches barring the Algeria game (although truly, they almost did in that one too, with a Algerian shot going off the cross bar) and found themselves climbing out of the grave time and time again.  To be successful at a World Cup, a team doesn’t have to sparkle offensively, as long as their defense stays stout, and they can find timely goals.  The Yanks had the latter, but not the former.

For teams like the U.S. who have some attacking talent, the difference between a deep run and an early exit can be  a strong defense.  At the next World Cup, it can be assumed that Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore will all on the squad, four players that are capable of producing goals (I know Jozy is suspect, but four years is a long time to improve).  The United States has never needed a better goalie, and at 35, Tim Howard will be in the prime of his career.  Thus, a deep run at the 2014 World Cup will come down to the strength of the defense.

On paper, the current U.S. backline looks solid.  The first choice lineup (when all are healthy) of Steve Cherundolo, Oguchi Onyewu, Jay DeMerit, and Carlos Bocanegra sounds solid, but it is quite clear that there is room for improvement, and it is unlikely that even half of the backline will still be a fixture in the squad come 2014.

Carlos Bocanegra, Captain America, will be 35 years old in 2014, and unlikely to play a role even if he does make the team.  Steve Cherundolo and Jay DeMerit due to their ages, 35 and 34 respectively are also likely in the same boat.  Oguchi Onyewu will be 32, not too old to figure.  I expect him to start in Brazil.  Perhaps some success in Italy would make him a more seasoned and dependable player.

The More pressing question will be who partners Onyewu in central defense, or in the event that Onyewu is no longer a viable starter, which two will play?  A cursory scan of MLS and former youth teams would reveal two candidates, Omar Gonzalez and Ike Opara.  Both are big physical centerbacks capable of patrolling the area and bossing opposing forwards.  Gonzalez has already been in a U.S. camp this past winter, Opara, a rookie in the league was a youth national team fixture in the past, and with some maturation that will come with experience, he can combine tactical savvy with his fantastic physical abilities.  These two have high ceilings.  Some others in the running are Chad Marshall who plays for Columbus, and Clarence Goodson who looks likely to move to Odense in Denmark in the near future.  I doubt either will be starters, but they certainly could fill in in case of injury or poor form.

Steven Cherundolo seems unlikely to play a part in four years, and Jonathan Spector is his ready made replacement.  Spector is a great attacking wing back who whips in the ball dangerously from the wing.  He is fragile defensively though, and he will need to improve his marking and awareness if the U.S. back line is to be strong in Brazil.

Left back is perhaps the most concerning position.  Bocanegra is unlikely to feature, and Bornstein, who started twice in South Africa is not skilled enough to inspire confidence among the fans.  For 2014, I’d look to three players to potentially start at left back.  Heath Pearce, who was cut from the 30-man roster will be 29 in four years, and is good going forward.  Edgar Castillo, who switched FIFA registrations to be eligible for the U.S. will also compete.  A sleeper pick for the spot would be Kofie Sarkodie, who currently plays at Akron, but is highly touted by MLS Scouts.

The back line in Brazil will likely be a far cry from the one that appeared in South Africa.  Age has hit for many, and with it, the necessity for change.  The U.S. will need a strong back line if they want to make a run in the tournament, and at this early stage, the picture on the back line looks very hazy, especially with many of the stalwarts of old likely moving on.

Time will tell, but i’ll take Spector, Gonzalez, Onyewu, and Pearce.

–Max Zeger