Thoughts on USA-Venezuela
by Daniel Robertson on Jan 22, 2012 11:57 AM CST
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The USMNT secured their first win against a South American opponent in quite some time last night, defeating Venezuela thanks to a dramatic last-minute Ricardo Clark header to win the game 1-0. Brek Shea played the entire game for the United States, going close on a couple chances while Zach Loyd had 25 good minutes at left back for Jurgen Klinsmann's squad. A few thoughts on the FCD guys and the game:
Brek Shea's Night On the whole, Shea was pretty good last night. He could have had two first half goals on the chance that flashed just wide and the snap header that was brilliantly saved by Jose Morales in goal for Venezuela. Shea moved from the left side to the right side on an interesting outing for him.
You could tell in the second half with about ten minutes to play that he was absolutely gassed, but the insertion of FC Dallas teammate Zach Loyd seemed to re-energize him a bit. Shea's pinpoint cross earned the corner from which the game-winner was scored.
Zach Loyd's Night I thought the FC Dallas right back had a huge impact on the game once he came in. The attack for the last 20 minutes of the game was almost exclusively down the left side with the Shea/Loyd combination and Loyd served in two fantastic crosses, one forcing a remarkable save from Morales. I loved how Loyd made overlapping runs every time Shea was on the ball, something you didn't see too much from Heath Pearce. Will be very interesting if he earns a start on Wednesday night in Panama City.
Keep reading for more as well as what national media said and highlights
The Rest of the Squad Pretty much the same reaction from me that you'll read from most. Jermaine Jones was a leader out there and seemed to be the only guy that really wanted to win before the entire team decided to play with urgency for the last ten minutes or so. For the United States to be competitive at a high level, they'll need to show that urgency for 90 minutes rather than just the last ten.
The defensive unit as a whole was fantastic, though they will be tested much more by Blas Perez and company on Wednesday than they were last night. Zusi showed he isn't quite ready at this level while Teal Bunbury needs to get better with both feet if he wants to be an international-level forward.
Also a huge kudos to the Phoenix crowd, over 20,000 for a C-tier friendly is huge and about double what they typically get for the January camp friendly in California. It seemed the crowd really spurred the team on to victory at the end.
Wednesday main event Extremely excited for Wednesday night's friendly in Panama City in a game that could feature four different FCD players on the field at once with Shea and Loyd for the United States as well as Blas Perez and Carlos Rodriguez for Panama. Wednesday will be your first chance to get an up close look at the two marquee signings of the off-season. Can't wait.
What others said
F - Brek Shea, 6: A mixed bag. But for a few flashes of offensive genius, resulting in two of the biggest U.S. chances, Shea was lethargic.
D - Zach Loyd, 7: Coming on in the 73rd, Loyd looked comfortable and capable in the back, showing also that he can contribute going forward.
Brek Shea (7.5) – The FC Dallas winger was twice denied on textbook headers and once flashed a shot just wide of frame. Looking more refreshed than when we last saw him in USMNT colors last November, Shea was on point with his running and touches. Overall, it was great progress at this level, if not his best ‘Nats outing to date.
Zach Loyd (6.5) – In 16 minutes, the FC Dallas handyman delivered a pair of tempting crosses and was not at all shy in his step.
Three thoughts on the game from Grant Wahl
There was no more influential player on the field on Saturday than Jones, for good and for ill. Wearing the captain's armband after joining the team last week -- he's serving a long-term suspension in the German league -- Jones was at his best breaking up traffic, winning balls, spraying incisive passes and barreling around to strike fear in U.S. foes.
Post-match quote sheet from US Soccer
U.S. midfielder BREK SHEA
On switching from the left side to the right:
"I’m trying to throw the other team off so they don’t get used to our tendencies. Sometimes we did it on purpose, and other times we did it to help each other out and we just stayed there. I don’t think it was my best tonight, but in the team won so it’s good. I’m fortunate to keep being called in, and hope to get better each game.
MNT vs. Venezuela: Highlights - Jan. 21, 2012 (via ussoccerdotcom)
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Really?
I felt Shea was off especially during the middle part of the match. Though, it seemed to me he caught his 2nd wind when Lloyd came on and they were providing a nice one-two punch.
A man from Dallas who bleeds red, not silver and blue.
He got
super tired it looked like.
Understandable…
www.bigdsoccer.com
-SB Nation Dallas/Ft. Worth-
-FC Dallas-
by Daniel Robertson on Jan 22, 2012 1:49 PM CST up reply actions
Without a doubt,
He was uncharacteristically sloppy with his ball control in the middle of the game but once again, once Lloyd came on, he really brought his A game out.
A man from Dallas who bleeds red, not silver and blue.
Yep
He definitely drifted out of the match for a period and looked winded again…I think you could see the remnant from his Arsenal stint during his bright start though. He was doing a lot of one-touch and then movement, and trying to work a lot of 1-2 combinations that frankly were not able to be pulled off by a few teammates.
Zusi and Teal were taking too many touches and way too slow at this level. Not sure Zusi had a single completed pass to a teammate all evening? And Teal with the same behind the leg move to get it on his left at least 5 times? C’mon now…I guess it’s early for both’s NT career but sure was tough to watch.
Lloyd is a right back
He had great runs on the left side but had to stop so he could kick with his right foot. An attacking left back should be able to swing it full speed into the box with his left foot. I hope he can show us that in the next game.
Definitely playing out of position
That said, he did well to get it on his right and put in a couple of excellent crosses. Going forward, he was by far the best fullback for the US last night. Just does what he always does – works hard, lets the game come to him rather than force anything, makes the right decisions…if he were left-footed, I think he’s got a great shot at making the WC squad. As it stands, he will have to force his way in but would have to say he has earned his way onto a couple of WCQ rosters if he continues like last night. Of course, the VZ offense was not the stoutest I’ve seen so will like to see how Zach matches up defensively against a more potent attacking side…perhaps Wed.
You could see
Loyd vs Carlos Rodriguez on Wednesday.
As I said, can’t miss game.
www.bigdsoccer.com
-SB Nation Dallas/Ft. Worth-
-FC Dallas-
by Daniel Robertson on Jan 23, 2012 11:35 AM CST up reply actions
Man...
I am really disappointed I missed this one… Finally moved though and living room is set up for wed night action! USA!
by Timothy Winning Voyles on Jan 24, 2012 11:33 AM CST reply actions
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