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Instant Questions from the US Loss to Costa Rica

By Rucker Haringey

Jul 25, 2015; Chester, PA, USA; United States defender Fabian Johnson (23) reacts after missing his penalty kick in overtime against Panama in the CONCACAF Gold Cup third place match at PPL Park. Mandatory Credit: Panama wins on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 25, 2015; Chester, PA, USA; United States defender Fabian Johnson (23) reacts after missing his penalty kick in overtime against Panama in the CONCACAF Gold Cup third place match at PPL Park. Mandatory Credit: Panama wins on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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US fans were sick after this weekend’s 3-2 heart breaking loss to Mexico. Well after tonight’s listless 1-0 defeat to Costa Rica they are all fit to be hospitalized. The most recent failing of Jurgen Klinsmann’s side leads to significantly more questions than answers. Here are the ones that sprung most instantly to my mind.

1. Was this Jurgen Klinsmann’s last game? I’m inclined to say no, but it wouldn’t shock me to see a change made. You have to think if Klinsmann thought this was his last chance he would’ve fielded a more senior side. Instead, he went with youth and the team’s performance reflected that philosophy. Significant changes are likely though, I just think the German manager will survive.

2. Have we missed the US Golden Generation? What if the core group of Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, Landon Donovan, DeMarcus Beasley and Jermaine Jones were the best the US will have to offer in our lifetime? We’ve been hammered with the narrative that the US is closing the gap on the world but I’m not sure the American youth setup reflects this.

3. What youth players can step up and lead? This might be the toughest question of all to answer. DeAndre Yedlin and Gyasi Zardes have to come through if the US has any chance of success. Jozy Altidore is still youngish and needs to rediscover his form. After that, yikes. Most of the youth Klinsmann has thrust onto the field has looked unprepared at best. US fans should pray some prospects they’ve never heard of emerge and fast.

4. Which of the old guard can survive until the next World Cup? It’s a safe bet that a few old heads will still be a key part of the next World Cup squad. Michael Bradley will likely still be the engine in the midfield, but it’s a real question whether or not Jermaine Jones will still be there alongside him. Dempsey will likely age out of the cycle but might still play a useful role off the bench.

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5. When will the US achieve a home field advantage? ESPN announcer Ian Darke called the New Jersey crowd out by saying the majority of fans seemed to be pulling for Costa Rica. If the world is going to take the USMNT seriously, the American fan base must be a consistent, intimidating factor. US soccer fans must gobble up tickets before their Central American counterparts no matter the location or opponent.

6. Will the roster build from MLS or abroad? I’m on record with the opinion that MLS isn’t good enough to develop top-end talent right now. As such, it would behoove Klinsmann to almost mandate that his top stars seek better competition abroad. The idea of MLS teammates banding together to form a top-notch US National team is romantic and fun, but it’s still a pipe dream.

These were just the first six questions that popped into my mind in the immediate aftermath of the Costa Rica debacle. Did I miss an obvious question? Let me hear about it in the comments below.

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