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USMNT Loss Amplifies Missing Identity

By @DFresh39

USMNT Identity

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Despite three years at the helm and a contract extension for Jurgen Klinsmann, there is still no identity for the USMNT. The talk this week was that they want to start owning possession, which is an unfamiliar concept based on the stats from 2014. Attacking is another buzz word. After giving up four goals to the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday, it is clear that no one word or one sentence can summarize the current USMNT.

The two losses against Colombia and Ireland were friendlies with many players missing, but the sluggishness of play and lack of wise decision-making have been too egregious to ignore. Nine of the 11 starters today were on the World Cup roster. Ireland was also missing players, but their pace and touch on the ball was superior to the USMNT. The U.S. teams have long been the one that worked hard and ran faster. That was clearly not the case on Tuesday.

After Ireland went up 2-1, the USMNT failed to keep possession for the remainder of the second half. Passes were not crisp, several clearances were misplayed and touches were not controlled. During this spell, Bill Hamid hit a clearance down the field right to an Ireland player despite having three USMNT targets. USMNT players overloaded a side and knocked passes back and forth only a few yards apart from one another. This often led to breaks by Ireland that were always threatening.

Fans could come up with a myriad of excuses. There were new players on the field. Some of the returning players like Fabian Johnson have not been getting playing time for their club teams. Kyle Beckerman and Matt Besler have had exhausting years and could use a break. However, if there is a move toward possession, then the players on the field should understand and fit in the system.

This falls on Klinsmann and his staff, especially as discouraging trends emerge.

Regardless of fit, the most discouraging element of the loss to Ireland was the poor decision-making. Obviously decision-making can be influenced by what players are on the field in what position. However, the mistakes were glaring across the field. Johnson was pinned deep in his own corner and tried to play a ball out.

It led to Beckerman and Mix Diskerud being out of position and another Ireland goal. Hamid was not comfortable with his clearances or goal kicks. Alfredo Morales and Diskerud tried too many skidding passes that were not strong enough to beat the defense.

This type of performance will leave many scratching their heads looking for leadership and an identity. Klinsmann did not take much responsibility for the performance in the post-game presser, which may be one of the main reasons why the USMNT has not formed a collective sense of self. Say what you will about friendlies at the end of a World Cup year, but this team needs something to stand on heading into 2015.

Douglas Smith is a soccer writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DFresh39, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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