How is the USMNT looking after the last round of international games?

Coach Dave Sarachan selected a largely inexperienced roster for the game against Paraguay last week. The young players performed quite well on the day, winning the game 1-0  via a Bobby Wood penalty kick. However, many have been critical of Sarachan’s coaching strategy in the wake of the victory, stating that since the US has nothing to fight for, he should’ve tested out a wider variety of players.

I strongly disagree with this belief. Mass substitutions take the speed out of the game, and when playing against a team with players like Miguel Almiron, a lack of cohesion would’ve led to a defeat. The worst thing that young players can experience at this stage is defeat. By ensuring the victory by making fewer changes to the team, Sarachan kept the US on a path to rebuilding for the next major tournament. Had they lost the game, people would have called for Sarachan to be fired, and would have been skeptical as to how many changes or improvements the USMNT has had since that fateful day in Trinidad, in particular the appointment of new President Carlos Cordeiro.

Some players really shone on the day. In particular, Wil Trapp and Jorge Villafana cemented their places in the roster for the time being, and Bobby Wood scored what was a much needed goal for him. It may have been a poor penalty, but a goal is a goal. Some young players too showed why they should remain on the fringes of the team, ready to break in. Matt Miazga had a good game at the back, Zach Steffen has a solid match between the sticks, and Tim Weah and Andrija Novakovic had excellent cameo appearances late in the game. One player that has been the recipient of much positive reception is NY Red Bulls midfielder Tyler Adams. Quick on the ball, and a dedicated player, Adams ran around the field for most of the game, and many have stated that he is a definite pick for the roster in the future. I am not so sure. Granted, the boy has talent, and I’m sure he will continue to grow and learn at club level. However his inexperience showed a lot during the game against Paraguay. He flew into tackles, and left the midfield stranded on the counter attack multiple times. I am sure that Adams might be a potential replacement for a Michael Bradley or an Alejandro Bedoya upon their retirement, however he has a long way to go to achieve international success. To say that he is a definite selection for the team after one appearance is foolish. At club level, he must continue to show dedication and flexibility, as well as learn new ways to defend, and learn his role in a wider range of formations. He must learn how to play with his teammates, and not be selfish on the ball. He must improve his passing, shooting, and dribbling, the latter in particular. He overran the ball leading up to the penalty, and was fortunate that the Paraguayan goalkeeper, who himself was inexperienced, took out his legs and thus fouled him in the box. Adams must become more aware for his surroundings and improve his soccer mindset in order to reach his full potential. He must then show these fine tuned skills on the field for the national team again. Only after this, would I consider him to have cemented a spot on the roster for the foreseeable future. 

Similarly, Toronto FC midfielder Marky Delgado is another recipient of praise from many fans. Like Adams, he had a fantastic showing against Paraguay, and people too are calling for his place in a 23 man roster to be secure. I maintain that this is a foolish statement, particularly after just a couple of games. Moreover, the US have an abundance of midfield talent to test out, so if people are truly concerned that Sarachan didn’t rotate his team, why in the world are you calling for roster places for certain individuals to be secure at this point? The future for the US is bright, and over the next few rounds of friendly games, the team will begin to shape up ready for the next Copa America, and later, qualification for World Cup 2020. In particular, once the US is inserting more European based players into the roster, for example Christian Pulisic and Fabian Johnson, Coach Sarachan, or whoever is in charge at that point, will be able to get a better idea of how these up and coming teenagers can play with the core players, and influence the progress of the national team over the next decade.

I wish Adams, Delgado, and their fellow young players good luck. The USMNT certainly needs all the help they can get, and fast.