USMNT: 7 Takeaways from Loss to Ireland

May 27, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; United States midfielder Mix Diskerud (10) controls the ball ahead of Azerbaijan forward Dimitrij Nazarov (13) during the second half at Candlestick Park. The United States defeated Azerbaijan 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

We Are Outmatched vs. Players on European Clubs

This is not a shot at MLS, because the worst under performers for the USMNT today were overwhelmingly European-based.   Ireland’s players simply outplayed us. And I don’t mean that they outplayed us in most categories.  No, they outplayed us in every category.  This is sad, considering who Ireland fielded today.  11 new starters and a goalkeeper who seldom starts for either club or country.  Losing the possession vs. Columbia is one thing, they are World Cup quarterfinalists.  Ireland has not made the World Cup since 2002, are 60th ranked in the world, and have struggled as well.  But their players fundamentally outplayed us, especially Shane Long and David McGoldrick.

Either our players are not getting enough playing time in Europe, or the playing time in the MLS and the English League Championship are not doing it for Americans anymore, whose rudimentary defending does nothing against attackers with loads of Champions League experience.