The Takeaway from January Camp

The United States managed two wins in the January friendlies against Venezuela and Panama.  They beat a demon by winning south of the U.S. border, but they may have regressed in the match this past week.  It was a time to see new faces with a Major League Soccer heavy roster, but veterans like Jermaine Jones and Ricardo Clark returned.  As the secrecy of Jurgen Klinsmann continued it is hard to get a grasp on his evaluation, so take what you see on the pitch.

The Venezuela match in Glendale, Arizona was a game of possession for the United States while their opponents stalled and was unwilling to take any chances to move forward.  The trip to Central America saw a better attacking team send the long ball straight up the center of the field challenging the two center backs.  This was a familiar refrain, especially for those that remember the feelings of the Ghana match in 2010, or Mexico, or the last time the U.S. played Panama (see Tim Ream).  It becomes an easy and potentially explosive tactic for a team.

Overall the defending of Michael Parkhurst and Geoff Cameron was admirable.  This was accentuated by the sloppy midfield play that led to quick counters, more so by Panama.  Cameron and Parkhurst were up to the test on most occasions occasionally being bailed out by Nick Rimando in net.  Despite the straight red that Cameron received against Panama, this pair should have earned further call ups.

The only other new player showing his full potential was C.J. Sapong.  The MLS Rookie of the Year did not start but quickly threatened when entering both matches.  He knows how to use his physical stature.  Starting striker Teal Bunbury missed numerous chances and showed a bad first touch overall, so the play of Sapong was refreshing.  As these camps may do, fans may have been putting Sapong with Jozy Altidore and seeing a large upside.

Rimando was the oldest player on the field against Panama but made two sparkling kick saves in the first half.  Tim Howard has been the staple in the U.S. ‘keeper position, but the back up is still open for debate.  Bill Hamid has been the second ‘keeper in the Klinsmann era but he looked shaky on one long shot against Venezuela and not confident.  Sean Johnson played a half as well with signs of communication issues with his back line.  Rimando was challenged the most and also made one risky play, but at least opened up a conversation about his spot with the National Team.

Klinsmann is not an overnight success, but he is following a certain way without dictating.  He wants to players to be more serious with attention to the all-around player knowing every facet of the game.  The players in this camp went through fitness and well-being lessons for a week before kicking a ball.  They learned about the right diet, but were also put through demanding physical tests.  Klinsmann brought in motivational speakers as well and it feels as is he is working to better the players as people as well.  Can you want to win and care about your team as more than just a team?  One would hope, but time will tell.

THe next match will be February 29 at Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa against Italy at 2:30 p.m. ET.