Some Parting Thoughts About US-Ecuador

Before we move on to the Guatemala game on Wednesday I have some final thoughts about the performance in Tampa on Sunday. We all know Landon Donovan had a great game, but some thoughts and concerns exist about the rest of the squad.

• We didn't get to see Jay DeMerit, Heath Pearce of Frankie Simek due to nagging injuries. All three are defenders who have played well in Europe this year and hopefully all three will be ready to play on Wednesday.
• Benny Feilhaber looked comfortable in midfield. The Hamburg man had some wonderful passes that started dangerous US attacks, and played the whole game at a very high level.
• Clint Dempsey has looked lost since moving to Fulham in January. Not only has he failed to make an impact for his new club but his two national team appearances have been poor and he has looked tired and totally off his form of last year.
• Oguchi Onyewu once again made a few mistakes at the back. These sorts of mistakes are becoming routine for him. The last mistake free game he played for the Nats was the September 2005 qualifier against Mexico. It's possible Jay DeMerit and Jonathan Spector could push him for a starting spot this summer if they continue to impress with their relegation threatened clubs in the EPL.
• DeMarcus Beasley was non existent in the first half but when he pushed even further wide on the left flank in the 2nd half, he looked like the old Beasley. Memo to Stuart Pearce: Beasley likes to play wide and losses his focus and effeciency when pushed inside. PLAY HIM ON THE LEFT FLANK!
• Eddie Johnson had some nice passes but overall he was below average, AGAIN.
• Brian Ching had the great set up for Donovan's second goal but again showed his lack of speed and inability to find space in the attack. Taylor Twellman must wonder what he had to do to play ahead of Ching and Johnson.
• Michael Bradley's development could allow Landon Donovan to return to his preferred Forward position. Bradley looked very comfortable on the ball in the second half and showed the poise of the veteran even though he is only 20.
• Carlos Bocanegra had a poor outing, but considering how well he has played for Fulham and that unlike most Americans in the EPL he has to help carry his side, he probably had less gas in the tank than the rest of the squad.