Bradley Indictment

Excellent article on the state of the US Soccer team.

To sum up, the article states the goal of the US team in the 1998 World Cup was to advance from the Group Stage. The goal remains the same, so where's the progress? I, unfortunately, would have to agree. In fact, I'd say the team actually looks to be regressing under Bradley. His teams appear to be prone to major defensive miscues, against all levels of competition. Once he removed Jeff Agoos from the field, the Bruce Arena squads rarely gave the opposition free looks at goal.

Bob Bradley was hired to get the team qualified for the World Cup, and he's on track so far. Yet, the team hardly inspires confidence. They beat Egypt and Spain in the Confed Cup, but those wins are looking more and more like flukes. Bradley is blessed with perhaps the two best American strikers in decades (Davies and Altidore). Those two often create magic on their own. Bradley also has an in-form Landon Donovan. Yet, his team has a massive hole in the midfield. Good passing squads absolutely destroy the US in possession.

Help may be on the way. Jermaine Jones, who plays in the Bundesliga, should be given every opportunity to win the defensive midfield role. He applied months ago to switch his national allegiance to the Americans, but his debut may have to wait due to injuries. The US's next match is October 10th against a solid Honduras squad. If healthy, it would be great to see Jones partner with Feilhaber. Otherwise, we'll likely get stuck with the young Bradley.

Other than central midfield, the US is woefully inept at the fullback position. Thankfully, the other new yank, Edgar Castillo, could provide immediate relief. Sick of Jonathan Bornstein? Give Castillo a cap! Since we can't switch coaches, at least try some new players.