USMNT: 7 Takeaways from Loss to Ireland

Jun 28, 2014; Sao Paulo, BRAZIL; USA defender DeAndre Yedlin (left) with defender Timothy Chandler during team training at Sao Paulo FC. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Fullbacks Cannot Defend

Maybe it’s the extreme fatigue, maybe it’s because they’re getting caught up field, or maybe it’s because the diamond formation leaves the wide back exposed to one on one situations, but the usually technically sound Fabian Johnson and Timothy Chandler looked like NCAA Division 3 benchwarmers out there against Ireland’s wings.  All night, Ireland had their way with the USA’s defense, outrunning some of our fastest players.

The United States is in for a rude awakening with these defenders, because in all due respect to Shane Long and Cyrus Christie, but world class teams are going to have players three times as talented as those two running towards Fabian Johnson and Chandler in the Copa America, World Cup, Confederations Cup, or future international friendlies.