Sending in a cross of any kind takes a lot of skill as players try to create space around a defender to find an attacking player in the penalty area. However, timing and accuracy of an early cross may be even harder as they could come just about anywhere passed the center stripe. The current USMNT roster doesn not use the play frequently, but it is an art to complete.
An early cross is best used when a team has its defenders high during an attack. They are then susceptible to a quick counter and the early cross. If the defending team is playing a static, flat back line then the early cross can be a great weapon. The ball must land in open space behind the defenders for the attacking player to run under, thus taking the goaltender out of the equation.
The pass itself may be the best display of skill in this whole process. The player must put the right spin on the ball, land the ball beyond the defender in line with a charging attacker, and not drive the ball. The initial recognition of the play is most critical. If the goalkeeper is cheating up the field this play may not work. The play is made even better with an additional attacker. He or she can be an option to lay off for an easy tap in goal or each attacker can pick a goal post to make their run.
In the current crop of USMNT players, there have not been a lot of players that have shown the potential to deliver the early cross. Landon Donovan has the ability to deliver it and thus is called upon on most set pieces. However, all components of this play have rarely come together. Jose Torres has shown glimpses but is generally in the middle of the field. The possession game employed by Jurgen Klinsmann generally means passing and finding the attacking players once they have entered the box. However, players like Herculez Gomez and Terrence Boyd make this play more of an option based on their speed.
It is not an easy skill to achieve. There are so many factors that need to come together. That is why it is easier to do on video games.