If I'm going to poo-poo friendly wins (like, say, this 3-0 drubbing of Germany a few years prior to losing to them when it really mattered in the World Cup Quarterfinals), then I should also dismiss friendly losses. What matters more than the result is the quality of play on the field and the development of the players. In that light, the game was a moderate success. Coach Bradley successfully integrated newcomers Timothy Chandler, Juan Agudelo, and Tim Ream into the senior national side.
Chandler had the best game of the bunch, regularly beating his man down the right flank, displaying uncommon speed and touch. He was never caught out of position on defense. While he may not immediately supplant Steve Cherundolo at right fullback, he's a capable alternative.
Juan Agudelo also played very well earning his 4th cap and first as a starter. Despite his inexperience, Agudelo caused many more headaches for Paraguay than his strike partner, Jozy Altidore. Agudelo was active and tireless throughout the match. The one knock is that he never sniffed the goal, and scoring is his primary duty. Otherwise, a fine match.
In central defense, Tim Ream took the place of Oguchi Onyewu (who didn't dress) and displayed superior passing and poise. Unlike the Argentina game, the US was able to work the ball out of danger and maintain possession, instead of clearing it into the 34th row. What Ream does not possess is Onyewu's size, and this hurt him in his one crucial mistake. Ream was manhandled on an early corner kick, and he fell to the ground. Jay Demerit also somehow fell. With both central defenders helpless, Paraguay's Cordozo pounced on the loose ball and beat Marcus Hahnemann. Highlights here:
That's the plight of the defender. You can play fine the entire match, but, if you get caught out of position just once, that's what people remember. Ream had a fine night, but he'll have to keep his footing next time. These burly international strikers will do whatever it takes to create space.
A handful of veterans had fine nights as well, specifically Michael Bradley. He was the most active central midfielder, and he also had the best chance at net. He expertly set himself up for a long-range volley that was right on target. The Paraguayan keeper, their captain and no slouch, extended fully and blocked the blistering shot out of bounds. It was a first-rate save. Donovan also had a stellar chance from a sharp angle at close range, but he sent his shot just wide.
Donovan, Dempsey, Bradley, and Agudelo did well maintaining possession for long stretches, which was probably the most encouraging part of the game. The least encouraging would be their lack of finishing. To the US's credit, Paraguay is no slouch. They made the World Cup quarterfinals, mostly on the strength of their defense. Talent-wise, they match up favorably against the US. With this game being on US soil, however, you would hope the US wouldn't get shut out.
The US team is off until late May when they return to camp in preparation for the Gold Cup. US Soccer recently announced a Gold Cup warmup friendly with Spain on June 4. Three days later, the US takes on Canada in Detroit - a game I'll be attending with Mrs. Nofrownmotown (and possibly Dr. Rochester). We'll be sitting with Sam's Army. Can't wait.
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