Bradley Out

Yesterday, the US Soccer Federation fired Bob Bradley. For those that follow the team closely, this is a major shock. Not since 1988 has a coach been fired in the middle of a World Cup cycle. The USSF simply does not act rashly. Yet, this firing comes as a relief to many US fans, including yours truly.

I have nothing personally against Bob. I think he's a fine man and role model. He even accomplished some decent things as the coach of the US team. Under Bob's reign, the US won the hex for the first time ever. They beat Spain in the 2009 Confed Cup. And, in perhaps the most singular awesome moment in US Soccer history, they won their World Cup group on an injury time goal against Algeria.

Yet, the team failed the "eye test". In other words, Bob Bradley's team often got results, but they didn't look good doing so. The team hardly inspired confidence. They typically fell behind early and staged miraculous comebacks (Slovenia, every game in the Hex). Or they would gain an early 2-goal lead and then squander it (Brazil in Confed Cup, Mexico in Gold Cup).

Never during Bob's reign did the US have an identity. Bob came the closest during the Confed Cup, when he finally settled on Charlie Davies and the 4-4-2. With Davies and Altidore paired up top, the US had two complementary strikers and a decent midfield to provide service. That lineup destroyed Egypt, beat Spain, and narrowly lost to Brazil. That lineup also narrowly lost to Mexico in Mexico City in what was probably the US's best ever showing down there (save for perhaps a 0-0 draw in the 90s that never aired on TV). Then Davies had that horrific car crash in the Fall of '09. He's slowly working his way back to form, but his loss severely impacted Bob's plans. Without Davies, the US had no striker with the right combination of pace, skill, and tenacity. Bob tried out a slew of other strikers and eventually settled on nobody, instead opting for just one striker (Altidore) and five middies.

This dreadful formation only contributed to the team's lack of focus and ugly-looking play. Still, after the 2010 World Cup, Bob received an extension to take the team for another WC cycle. This is where most fans got up in arms. Bob seemingly brought the team as far as he could. And other coaches who were re-upped for a 2nd WC cycle typically crash-and-burned (Italy's Marcelo Lippi and Bruce Arena are prime examples). Bradley's results since the rehire further cemented that theory.

The US team lost to Brazil, then drew with Colombia, Poland, Chile, and Argentina. Then they lost to Paraguay and Spain, failing to score in either contest. I should also mention that every one of these games was played on US soil. Then came the Gold Cup where the US got a handful of decent results (Canada, Jamaica) partnered with embarrassing losses (Panama, Mexico).

It's likely that Mexico loss was the final nail in Bradley's coffin. The US was so outclassed and outmatched that Sunil Gulati, head of the USSF, could no longer ignore Bradley's shortcomings. The US was clearly surpassed by Mexico. The team was headed in the wrong direction.

While Bradley may be faulted for boring player formations, it's hard to say whether any other formation would work better. The US team may not have many options. Are there players out there who can provide a stable defense - something missing from this team since Eddie Pope retired? Are there strikers who can actually put the ball in the net? Is there a coach who can piece it all together to get the team actually moving in a positive direction again?

We'll soon find out. It may take a few games for players to settle in, but my guess is that the coaching change will light a fire for this team.

Update

They hired Klinsmann. That at least explains the odd timing. Sunil only moved because he had someone in place. Perhaps Joe Dumars should take note, and not hire somebody (Ben Gordon) until the other one (Rip) is fired.