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 It's time once again to review the "State of the States." Major League Soccer has finally consented to a short break for international action as we step up to the plate of the world's greatest sporting event, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. But let's begin with MLS...
Bruce Almighty?
The LA Galaxy have been dominant over the first third of the season, though most observers expected a stumble when the influential Landon Donovan left for the World Cup with the US. That potential stumble threatened to turn into a full-on plummet down the basement stairs when Bob Bradley swooped for the suddenly-prolific Edson Buddle as well. But even without Buddle, the man scoring all the goals, and Donovan, the man providing them, Bruce Arena's crew of young guns and wily veterans continue to sweep all before them. A big part of their success has been a stingy defense that has allowed (at last count) only four goals thus far in league action.
Bob the Builder
By contrast, Bob Bradley's USA team have been managing some decent results, but the defense has been of increasing concern, as was amply demonstrated in the humbling loss to the Czech Republic and some nail-biting moments against Australia and Turkey. Besides a vulnerability to the quick counter, there have been worrying gaps between midfield and defense and some decidedly poor marking at set pieces. Thankfully, it seems that Bradley is leaning towards Bocanegra at left back rather than Jonathan Bornstein, who has been consistently torched in high-level play. Unfortunately, that leaves the US defense short in the middle with Oguchi Onyewu not quite back to full match fitness after his long injury layoff.
The other injury of major concern to Bradley will be Jozy Altidore, who dinged an ankle in training. Despite assurances that he's back to fitness, the demanding World Cup schedule may have other plans in store. In the interim, the other strikers on the roster have been given full auditions, with the in-form duo of Herculez Gomez and Edson Buddle continuing to find the net when called upon. Given Bradley's favored tactics however, it appears that Robbie Findley is his choice to start alongside Altidore. Findley's speed when not on the ball can certainly influence a game, and he has shown touches of increased understanding at the international level. But at the moment he's a bit of a one trick pony, and those tricks don't include lethal finishing, a necessary ingredient if Bradley's counter-attacking style is to succeed.
Looking Ahead
As we roll into summer, what should the intrepid US soccer fan be keeping an eye on?
- The World Cup - Big duh, huh? Algeria has been torrid of late, but Slovenia might spring a surprise in Group C. Nevertheless, the US have to be considered at least slight favorites to advance. But can they go farther? A second-round date with either Serbia or Germany would likely await.
- Conference Parity - MLS's Western Conference dominated the early stages of the season, but the East has slowly been creeping back into the mix. Will that progression towards parity continue after the World Cup break, or is the West simply better?
- The Summer Transfer Window - Rumors are already swirling about Chivas USA pair Sacha Kljestan and Jonathan Bornstein. What other MLS veterans might be headed to foreign shores in the summer? And who might be coming the opposite way? What about the various Yanks abroad?
Until next time then. Enjoy the World Cup!
Michael S. Hund is the creator of the Fullback Files, a blog covering DC United, the US National Team, and Major League Soccer. |
