The USMNT played well for the first time in this year’s Gold Cup tournament, and dominated the quarterfinal match against Jamaica. After their humiliating win over Guadeloupe last week, they must have been adequately shamed into actually trying on the field.
Bob Bradley made a good decision to leave an ineffective Landon Donovan on the bench. The face of American soccer has been a non-factor in the last three matches – slow to the ball, shaky on the pass and ‘meh’ on set-pieces. Instead of fielding legacy players, Bradley brought in some fresh blood to replace Donovan. Sacha Kljestan and Alejandro Bedoya started in the midfield, and Juan Agudelo replaced an injured Jozy Altidore early in the game. Slow clap for these newbies, who outperformed hopes and expectations. Well done, lads.
Clint Dempsey really stepped up his game and showed just why he might be the closest thing the US team has to a superstar. I have to agree with Fox Sports’ Eric Wynalda: “I like this guy angry!” Dempsey brought passion onto the field, a trait that’s been sorely missing from the US players during this Gold Cup run.
Jermaine Jones also put in an excellent performance, tearing up the midfield and scoring the first goal. Sure, a lucky deflection helped, but credit to him for having enough presence of mind to take the distant strike. That said, I can’t bring myself to forgive this straight-up dive that led to a straight-up red card for Jamaica’s Jermaine Taylor. I call shenanigans!
Sometimes being a fan of US soccer is like being in a bad relationship. They never show up on time, they leave you crying in front of the tv. But then they surprise you with a cheeky pass between the legs of defenders and a confident goal. Come on, Bradley and company, we want the good stuff ALL the time! Let’s hope they can keep it up through the next round.
The US faces a rematch with Panama in the semifinals on Wednesday, June 22 at 7p ET (Fox Soccer Channel, Univision). Honduras takes on Mexico in the second semifinal match of the night at 10p ET (Univision).
