USA v Jamaica (2-0) Yanks Flex their Muscles and Progress

US Strategy

     Bob Bradley elected to change his tactics after playing a 4-2-2-2 in the three group matches. Landon Donovan was unavailable to start after arriving late from his sister’s wedding. Consequently, Sasha Kljestan and Alejandro Bedoya were brought into the starting XI to replace Donovan and Chris Wondolowski. Bradley played a variation of a 4-2-3-1, with Dempsey playing a narrow left attacking position and dropping to defend the left side when Jamaica had possession.

     Bradley started Jozy Altidore as a lone striker, which was rare for the rigid manager to do. However, Altidore pulled his left hamstring after only 9 minutes and was replaced by Juan Agudelo.

Jamiaca’s Strategy

     Coach Theodore Whitmore went with a 3-4-3, a rarely utilized formation. The seemingly attacking formation was in reality defensive as the back 3 often turned into a back 5. Jamaica defended deep for most of the match and conceded possession, electing to play on the counter.

Early Jamaica Chance

     Jamaica’s best chance in the match came in the fourth minute when Dane Richards crossed the ball to Ryan Johnson, who was spurned at point blank range by Tim Howard, and the rebound was sent over the bar by Luton Shelton. As the central striker Johnson failed to threaten Bocanegra and Goodson and only Dane Richards looked dangerous enough to score.

 US attack comes to life

     The Yanks controlled the ball for most of the first half, but failed to create meaningful chances early. Then around the 30^th minute, the Americans found more space and opened up the Jamaican defense. An interesting note is how one of Bedoya, Klestjan or Dempsey would drop deep and make themselves available for a pass from Bradley or Jones. Agudelo was menacing when he was involved, but for long stretches he saw little service and was not included in the buildup play.

     Unfortunately for the Reggae Boyz, they were outmanned and overrun in the center of the pitch. Morrison and Austin were ineffective as central midfielders in stopping the Yank’s attacks, which mainly originated in the center. Also, Jamaica provided no pressure on the ball other than Johnson, who chased around the Yanks defenders but failed to win the ball back. The lack of pressure let the US push up Cherundolo and Lichaj to create width in the attacking third, which was similar to what they did v Guadeloupe.

     No substitutions or tactical changes were made at the intermission. It was surprising that Jamaica continued with the 3-4-3 after halftime when it was clear a US goal was bound to occur.

The Opening Goal

     An ordinary cross was swung from the left side in the 48^th minute and was headed out by Shavar Thomas. However, his header was poor and dropped to Jermaine Jones, about 23 yards from goal. He sent in a low right footed shot that was deflected by Thomas. The deflection sent Ricketts the wrong way and broke the match’s deadlock. The goal by Jones was fortunate, but the lead was warranted as the Americans had been creating bucket loads of chances.

The Red Card

     Down a goal, the Reggae Boyz looked hopeless and knackered. This was compounded after Jermaine Taylor was sent off in the 66^th minute for making a last ditch tackle on Jermaine Jones.

     As for the tackle, it was unclear whether any contact was made. Regardless of contact, the foul did not warrant a red card as the touch by Jones was much too far for him to reach the ball before Ricketts. Therefore, Taylor was not denying a clear goal scoring opportunity. It is also worth noting that Jones would have been sent off had he been booked for diving (which I am not implying that he deserved a booking).  

Dempsey: Man of the Match

     Clint Dempsey was easily the best player on the pitch. Dempsey looked rejuvenated after attending his sister’s wedding in Texas and visiting his other sister’s grave. He was lively and lethal from the first whistle.

     His myriad of chances began early when he forced a save from Ricketts after volleying a Bedoya cross from 15 yards. In the 60^th minute he headed a cross from 3 yards into the chest of Ricketts. Then, he finished off the match in the 79^th minute. Agudelo picked up the ball at the halfway line and showed physicality by holding off a challenge from a Jamaican defender. He then played a one-two with Donovan and played in a low cross to Dempsey. Clint befuddled Ricketts with a silky left footed touch and slotted the match sealing goal into an empty net.

Conclusion

     In spite of the man advantage for 24 minutes, the Yanks were clearly the better side and deserved to go through. Bob Bradley should be given credit for making the tactical change of adding another midfield player. The Americans controlled the center of the pitch all afternoon and used this advantage to create chances. Nevertheless, Sasha Kljestan may not be the best candidate to occupy the newly created playmaker role. He turned in a decent performance, but misplaced several simple passes and could be more creative.  

     For Jamaica, other than a half chance in the 38^th minute, they were not dangerous on the counter. Also, it is a bad sign when your goalkeeper is your best player on the park, which was true for Jamaica.

     For the US, a rematch with Panama will take place on Wednesday in Houston. The confidence of the players and fans should be high after putting in a solid, winning performance v Jamaica. Most likely Bradley will bring in Donavan for Bedoya and utilize the same formation, especially if Altidore will not be available to play. Panama defeated the US in group play 2-1, so the Americans will be motivated to avenge the defeat and move into the finals where a showdown with arch-rival Mexico looks likely.

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