1-0 Win Over Jamaica Gives the U.S. Men’s National Team New Life
By Doug Smith
The refrain was familiar after a loss in Kingston on Friday. This was a must win match tonight and it was played up by many, downplayed by the players to a degree. Columbus was rocking and ready to witness the moments of a crucial match in World Cup qualifying. The energy was evident and necessary for a squad needing a win. The lack of width for the United States was evident against Jamaica last week and Jurgen Klinsmann would employ a 4-1-3-2 with five new starters. Danny Williams would finally get a shot to play his true position as the deep defensive midfielder with Jose Torres and Graham Zusi on the wings. Here is the rest of the starters:
Howard; Cherundolo, Cameron, Bocanegra, Johnson; Zusi, Williams, Jones, Torres; Dempsey, Gomez
It was a test for coach Jurgen Klinsmann as his experiments had yet to pay off. He was still flipping formations and finding players to provide width. It was the biggest match for the coach. He had reluctantly guaranteed a win at the press conference yesterday. Questions have crept in and a bad result here would turn those into demands.
September 11, 2012; Columbus, OH, USA; USA midfielder Graham Zusi (19) carries the ball upfield under pursuit from Jamaica defender Je-Vaughn Watson (15) during a World Cup qualifying match at Columbus Crew Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-US PRESSWIRE
Early possession belonged to the United States with a bout of passing showing some calm in the early going. Jermaine Jones and Steve Cherundolo were active in the first five minutes. Jose Torres tried to launch a shot just outside the box that was blocked. Fabian Johnson was also active out wide as the team looked to address the issues of Friday night. Graham Zusi hit one off the bar in the 7th minute for the best chance of the early going.
Geoff Cameron calmly kept Jamaica from threatening as the U.S. flags waved from minutes nine – 11. It was a great way to remember the tragedy. The waving was capped by a chance for Herculez Gomez who brought down a great pass from Cherundolo inside the box. He was unable to corral the pass and then went down heavy with a knock to the head. There was no penalty. Gomez also took the first two free kicks and provided great service that just needed a touch.
The U.S. began to pressure in the 20th minute. Cherundolo took a shot off a run started by a passing combination between Torres and Danny Williams. It took a deflection and the Jamaican keeper, Dwayne Miller, made a spectacular save. On the very next attack Clint Dempsey found Johnson who had his shot blocked and the follow up was saved over the bar. The corner was then headed back by Carlos Bocanegra and Zusi fired it high.
The first 25 minutes showcased a U.S. passing completion rate over 90% while Jamaica was under 50%. Williams was impressive getting to play his true position and hit the bar for the third time for the United States in the 29th minute. It was a blast from distance and the U.S. continued to be unlucky. In fact, Gomez was one on one with Miller after Johnson danced around defenders but was whistled offside. The replay showed he was onside. At the 35th minute the United States owned 79% of the possession.
Jamaica was racking up the fouls as well. Jermaine Jones was in the middle of many drawing penalties and flamboyantly hitting the pitch. He was hit with a high elbow from Ryan Johnson just before halftime and tempers flared as many members of each team came together. Clint Dempsey shook his head and gave some verbal jabs not backing down from the challenge. Nine U.S. players had more touches than every Jamaican. They had the attitude, earned the possession, and hit the woodwork but had nothing to show for it at halftime.
Klinsmann said the team had to push higher and force the issue. He also thought a red should have been given in the first half. It was time to break the tie. There were no substitutions for either side as the game resumed. There was not much change in the game either as Luton Shelton provided the only spark for Jamaica all match taking on Cameron and Bocanegra off a Dempsey turnover. He would hit it high and the Reggae Boyz would go sit behind the ball once again.
Finally the breakthrough would come from Gomez on a free kick. He would curl it around the wall that seemed set up well. Miller got his hands to it but the ball went to the netting. It was not a great attempt and the keeper came up holding the back of his leg. The ball placement was not great, but it was on frame and the U.S. finally had the lead in the 55th minute.
Then the U.S sat back. Jones played back closer to the goal. Jamaica was gaining more possession. Zusi was booked a bit of ring around the rosey. Cameron and the rest of the back line were challenged all of the sudden. Ten minutes passed and the defense was up to the task. Then the substitutions began as Kevin Bryan came on in place of Shelton. Klinsmann would counter with Brek Shea for Torres. The second substitute for the U.S. would be defensive in nature as Zusi was replaced after a great performance by Maurice Edu.
September 11, 2012; Columbus, OH, USA; USA defender Steve Cherundolo (6) turns the ball away from Jamaica defender Je-Vaughn Watson (15) during a World Cup qualifying match at Columbus Crew Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-US PRESSWIRE
Jamaica was beginning to press. Omar Cummings was making runs to find the equalizer. The width of the U.S. narrowed with the addition of Edu. Williams moved to the right side. They were taking their foot off the gas and hoping for a positive result at the finish line. Dane Richards came on for Jamaica to provide energy to their attack. They were pushing higher and the result was less crisp passing by the U.S.
The final sub for Klinsmann was Jozy Altidore for Gomez as 11 minutes remained. Tim Howard was getting feisty with his defense and had to make a save on a long ball and a corner as time ticked down. As Klinsmann shouted encouragement from the sideline, the squad on the field looked nervous. Bocanegra, the captain, kept his teammates in check.
There would be three minutes of stoppage time as the crowd tried to provide the last bit of energy. Miller would win a tackle on the sideline against a sluggish Dempsey. Altidore was trying to do too much rather than control the ball.
The U.S. dominated and should have had more goals. Still the last 20 minutes was inconsistent, much like the rest of the Klinsmann’s reign. Williams, Zusi, Cameron, and Cherundolo were great. Torres was not bad, but quiet. Dempsey covered much ground, but was out of gas. Jones took a beating and it showed in the end of the match. It was a team victory and a complete performance. Regardless, there are now three teams in the qualifying group at seven points. The matches in October will determine the group.