Ticos

"Harkes upset to the point of anger tears."

"Bob (Bradley) should get fired for giving birth to his son."

"Can we put a second goalie on for our last sub?"

"Obama for manager?"

These are quotes from the angry members of bigsoccer.com. Last night, Costa Rica completely dismantled and humiliated the US national soccer team. It was 1-0 after 2 minutes. 2-0 after 13 minutes. Costa Rica almost added a 3rd before the US even managed a shot on goal. Early in the 2nd half, Costa Rica made it 3-0, and, in injury time, the ref took pity on the US and awarded a penalty kick. Final score: 3-1... though it could easily have been 5-0.

That the US lost an away match to Costa Rica is no surprise. They are 0-7 in Saprissa stadium. Yet, the fact that Costa Rica so thoroughly outclassed them, in every facet of the game, sent shockwaves throughout the US soccer community. This is the type of shoddy performance the US normally reserves for European opponents.

The blame starts at the top. While he didn't play on the field, Bob Bradley's influence was all over this game. Without Frankie Hejduk (who knew he'd be so crucial?!) or Steve Cherundolo, Bradley had a tough decision on who to start for his defense. He opted for Marvell Wynne, a young, speedy right back from MLS, and Damarcus Beasley, who didn't earn a start with his club team (Glasgow Rangers) all year. This decision, more than anything, determined the outcome of the game. Beasley was beaten soundly in the first minute. Neither Torres or Mastroeni, the midfielders, could cover for Beasley, and the Costa Rican player beat Howard with a sterling, curling finish. Bad defense all around, but it started with Beas.

Next it was Wynne's turn. Costa Rica attacked down the right flank and strung together a succession of square-passes that would make Trevor Francis swoon. Onyewu also got served, as Costa Rica burst past him into the box. They sent in a short cross that was easily buried past Howard. Witness the bloodletting:



So, yes, the players obviously sucked, but I'm still gonna pick on the coach. He tried Beasley, a career midfielder, at left defense once before - against Trinidad. While Beasley looked decent in that match, he exhibited signs of rust. Bob should've known that Beasley did not have the experience nor ability to shut down a talented Costa Rican attack on their home soil. I have less of a problem with Wynne. Wynne at least IS a right back. Might as well throw him to the fire. Yet, there were better options at both positions. Carlos Bocanegra, a guy who actually plays for his club team (Rennes) could be slotted over to left defense. He's normally a center back, but he has experience on the left and played that exact position in the '02 World Cup. On the right side, Jon Spector was available. Inexplicably, Bradley continues to ignore the youngster, who is one of just two American field players to play in the English Premiere League (West Ham). I don't get it... and neither did John Harkes who raised the Spector question during the last night's broadcast.

A lesser quibble with Bradley is his substitution of Jose Torres - the one American who actually had poise on the ball. Yes, Torres got burned on the first goal, but should he really be the scapegoat and subbed out at halftime?

The rest of the blame falls on the players who looked slow, disinterested, and overmatched.

Unfortunately, this loss was bound to happen. Costa Rica is a proud team with World Cup experience, and they continue to churn out players with equal or better technical ability than the US. No American striker has impacted the Premiere League (or any European League) like Paulo Wanchope. Yes, US soccer has made strides - a fact I normally report with pride and childish optimism. In the late 90s, this game wouldn't have even been on TV. Now, ESPN airs all the US's games, even friendlies. ESPN also broadcasts the World Cup, Euro Championship, and the Champion's League. Folks can now say they're looking forward to watching Barcelona and Man U and no longer get punched in the face. That popularity has translated into more players, but not more talent.

I look at Donovan and Dempsey, and they're no better than Claudio Reyna and John Harkes. Tim Howard is no better than Friedel. Mastro of '09 is not as good as Mastro of '02. Perhaps Jozy Altidore has a greater upside than any US player, but the dude can't sniff the field for his club, Villareal. And the coaching... well, the coaching is probably worse. Bruce Arena, for his many faults, always had the US ready to play defense. While it was rarely attractive, Arena would pack 10 men behind the ball and pray for a tie. What was Bradley's strategy?

This game will be a wake-up call. The US aint as good as we thought. Hopefully, they're not as bad as we thought either.