I know the game was several days ago now, but I still wanted to throw ac couple of thoughts out there since it was Klinsmann’s first game and a rare appearance for a handful of the guys that played Wednesday night.
It’s hard to make any real judgments on the game, but my overall assessment of how the US played can be summed up as “meh.” You basically had a new couch very early in the process of figuring his players out and they’re doing the same with him. A number of guys that haven’t played with the full side in quite some time got time the other night and several guys who would normally be there weren’t available.
If that was a good performance from Castillo, I’m not very impressed. I have to think Lichaj is first on the depth chart so we just need to find a reliable backup.
I think Brek Shea and Robbie Rogers did well for themselves. Shea has less history with the team, but I would think he should be ready to be called up for the next games. Rogers has been consistently inconsistent so I’m going to hold judgment on his future with the Nats for now.
Orozco Fiscal and Kyle Beckerman both solid enough, though Orozco will likely find more chances than Beckerman since we’re much thinner at center back than we are at center mid.
Last thing I’ll say is I’d really like to see if and how Clint Dempsey could pair with Jual Agudelo up top, and I really want to see Stu Holden with the team gain. I think Agudelo’s energy could be a nice compliment to Dempsey’s “relaxed” approach, and Holden has had so much bad injury luck, but I really think the team could benefit from the offensive skills he has to offer.
I’m very much looking forward to seeing who gets called in for our 2 Sept match against Costa Rica. Should be interesting to see Klinsmann’s approach.
