USMNT: 7 Takeaways from Loss to Ireland

Oct 14, 2014; Boca Raton, FL, USA; USA forward Jozy Altidore (17) kicks the ball in the second half of a game against Honduras at FAU Stadium. The match ended in a 1-1 tie. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

We Are Playing Hot Potato With Landon Donovan’s Baton

This has been a subject of discussion for a long time: Who will take Landon’s Baton? Who is the young guy we build a team around in the future?  Who is going to be the next American Soccer Superstar? The answer is…nobody.  While some players have looked good in short stretches, such as Mix Diskerud or Julian Green, no one looks truly ready to take it.  On the contrary, whenever someone has a good performance and reporters start asking “is THIS the guy???” he responds by going silent for the next few games.  Lookin’ at you, Julian.

Jozy Altidore is another player who is particularly guilty of doing this.  He cannot find consistent club form, he is a disappearing act for the USA who only comes out of obscurity to score a goal every other game while rarely contributing and for someone with his build, he is pushed off the ball an awful lot.