For ninety minutes the US squad put into practice everything they had been learning for the past two weeks. With Jurgen Klinsmann coming out early on referring to this group as a “glorified B team” one didn’t know what to expect from a group of mostly MLS players and first time debutants.
After a few nervous interchanges, the US looked poised to compete with the Venezuelans almost to the point of totally dominating the run of play.
It was clear Jurgen Klinsmann had put in extensive work during the training camps to establish not only his own philosophy but the player’s awareness of each other. This was evident in the shape and interchange between the back four and midfield who tirelessly worked to spurn the attack.
A.J. DeLaGarza looked very comfortable on the righthand side and even was involved with the attack when needed and the two center backs, Parkhurst and Geoff Cameron, also looked very comfortable with each other. In the midfield, Jermaine Jones looked very focused and energetic, and was the best player through ninety minutes in my opinion.
Another player to improve his World Cup selection chances was Benny Feilhaber, who after an up and down career, was just what this squad needed, a creative and deft touch in the final third. His through ball to Brek Shea early in the first half split two defenders and was placed right in the path of the wide man to create the first of many dangerous opportunities.
Teal Bunbury, who was a pleasant surprise in the loan striker role throughout much of the match also made a case for selection. His fierce competitiveness tired out the back four of Venezuela and he remained a serious threat when he combined with Feilhaber through the midfield. If the goal wasn’t going to come from Brek Shea, I thought surely Teal would score. I hope his form continues during this round of friendlies as he looks to be a solid option off of the bench come 2014.
Still, one did get the feeling that the ‘B’ team was going to suffer the inevitable fate the ‘A’ team knew all too well. Late on in the second half the US squad seemed to lose concentration and get distracted giving you the feeling that a goal from La Vinotinto was on the way.
Give some credit to JK, not only for the hard work put in with the boys the prior two weeks but also for making in-game adjustments that ultimately proved to impact the match. His decision to move into a 4-4-2 formation and make a few key substitutions was an indication that he wanted to win.
And win he did. Further justifying the message he has been preaching since his arrival but, to a certain extent, proved that JK does care about winning and will do what it takes to ensure success.
This win does more than just legitimize his style of play, it turns the public’s perception of his tenure so far ever so slightly in his favor. If your a fan of the red, white and blue, you were screaming in joy from Ricardo Clark’s late goal in stoppage time. Jurgen may not have the boys, ‘A’ side or ‘B’ side, playing the way he wants for 90 minutes, but he’ll always have set pieces and like Germany, this is an area we excel.
