USA falls to Ireland 4-1. It’s a Drubbing. Let’s look ahead and learn

Photo by Denise McCooey, The American Outlaws

By Robert Cross

The USMNT fell to Ireland 4-1 today in their final match of 2014.  An uneven first half that saw the Nats tied gave way to a porous, discombobulated effort with numerous defensive errors in the second half.  This friendly wasn’t kind to the USA, so I’m going to look at a couple of central themes as we head towards 2015.

* Coach Klinsmann wants us to play the ball out of the back, but we aren’t there yet.  The USMNT is going to great lengths to pass out of the back, possess the ball, and move up the field with purpose.  The problem is our CBs have struggled with distributing the ball, our FBs have been turnover prone, and the MF has not consistently put forward direct, incisive play that is necessary to transition into the final third.  Look for Lee Nguyen to surprise and emerge as the starter in the 10 role for 2015 Gold Cup.

* Donovan or Dempsey anyone?  The best player in USMNT history is retiring and Deuce will not be far behind him.  These two players have carried the load for years.  Who is going to step up in 2015 and lead us to a successful Gold Cup defense which would give USA a Confederations Cup berth in 2017?  Julian Green and Joseph Gyau are young and inexperienced on the wings.

Mikkel Diskerud has shown flashes, but has been inconsistent.  We will likely see more overlapping runs from Fabian Johnson and DeAndre Yedlin.  My money is on Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore carrying the national team next year.  Bradley will come back healthy and determined after an injury and World Cup struggles derailed his play.  Altidore will transfer to a better position and lead all scores for the NATS in 2015.

* Which young players will break through?  There has been a lot of talk about Julian Green and Joseph Gyau.  DeAndre Yedlin and Joe Garza are two young players in the back.  Both Aron Johansson and Terrence Boyd are retiring from injuries.  I think Rubio Rubin will exceed expectations and be a critical player for Coach Klinsmann by the summer.

That’s all folks.  Goodnight Cascadia.

Robert “The Boss” Cross
President
American Outlaws Portland (AOPDX)

Share and Enjoy !

Shares
Dan McCooey

Recent Posts

A tough test at home for the Portland Timbers in the Wildcard match against RSL

(8) Portland Timbers vs (9) Real Salt Lake Wednesday, October 22, 2025 KO 7:30 PM…

11 hours ago

New England Revolution 2025 End of Season Review

FOXBOROUGH, MA– New England Revolution have completed the 2025 MLS Season with a record of…

1 day ago

San Diego wins the top of West in memorable inaugural MLS season

It was a busy day in Portland, the “No Kings March” that had gathered earlier…

1 day ago

Angel City honors Press and Riley in final home match

For its last home match of the 2025 season, it was all about honoring its…

3 days ago

Gotham draw drops them to seventh

Gotham FC 2-2 Racing Louisville HARRISON, NJ--The good news is that Gotham FC will be…

3 days ago