U.S. Soccer: We Have A Problem...

The following are Pat Walsh's comments immediately following the U.S.' 4-2 loss to the Czech Republic Tuesday night. I'll be back tomorrow with my commentary on the final 23 players sideshow Bob has selected, and 1 or 2 thoughts going forward...enjoy.

It was a disappointing night for Bob Bradley’s side for sure. Not so much in the score line, as the lingering questions that outweighed the positives on the night. Here are my thoughts following the 4-2 loss to the Czechs:

- At least Oguchi Onyewu doesn’t have to do aerial battles with any Czech forwards from here on out. Gooch was smothered on the first goal -- just moments after losing another headball in which he inexplicably ducked behind the defender -- and it’s clear he’s nowhere near 100%. As I told our buddy Craig Stouffer yesterday afternoon, if I were playing against Gooch I’d send every service to his man, as he will make several errors. If he’s on Peter Crouch, the beanpole might win the Golden Boot in one match. Even more disconcerting were some of his mental errors: he looked lost on the third goal and it was his man who should have done better with an early chance for the Czechs. He has 17 days and two games to get ready for England. Let’s hope he can.

- Clarence Goodson, on the other hand, had one of the better nights for the Yanks. He played a part in both U.S. goals and did well to fight the urge to punch in one of those crosses. Could’ve done better on the third Czech goal, but that play never should have been that dangerous.

- Left back is by far the biggest question mark for Bradley. Bornstein and Pearce should have just played themselves off the plane as Bornstein again dragged a guy down from behind (but unlike against Holland it wasn’t for a PK) and Pearce just isn’t ready for this level (and the level against the Czechs was about three steps down from what it will be on June 12). However, there aren’t any other options besides Carlos Bocanegra (if you mention DaMarcus Beasley I will hunt you down). You know Fabio Capello was licking his chops and figuring out a way to tilt his midfield to the right and let Ashley Cole deal with the left alone.

- Marcus Hahnemann may have staked his claim as the number two while on the bench. According to the stats, the Czechs had 5 shots on goal meaning Brad Guzan had just one save. I don’t remember it. He also flailed at an early cross, limply palming it instead of punching it as every other goalie would. On the final goal, Mo Edu was at fault, but El Guzano should have done better to come out and cut down the angle on the shot that scored.

- To not be a complete Debbie Downer, there were some good performances. It pains me to say DaMarcus Beasley looked good, but still shouldn’t see the field in South Africa. Edu prior to the late gaff had a great night. Stu Holden and Steve Cherundolo appear to be developing some chemistry on the right (thought still not something that would scare Capello enough to not tilt his midfield to the other side). And lastly, how about Herculez Gomez scoring as a sub? As Grant Wahl tweeted: “One advantage Gómez may have over Buddle making 23: Gómez scored lots of goals in Mex off bench--would be sub in WC too.” I agree now like I did when I wrote that last month.

- As for cuts, these would be my seven to go: Chad Marshall and Robbie Findley are easy cuts as the only two bubble guys to not play. Next would be Sacha Kljestan, Eddie Johnson, Robbie Rogers, and Alejandro Bedoya, none of whom impressed in limited action. That leaves one more. It should be Heath Pearce, and if Bradley only takes seven defenders (with Edu as an option as well) that means Edson Buddle would stay, but I feel like Buddle gets the axe. Personally I would take Buddle over Jose Francisco Torres, but I think it wouldn’t happen mainly for the political option concerning future Mexican-Americans choosing the Red, White, and Blue as their national team.