Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Since Jurgen Klinsmann took over as the head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team, he has never used the same exact lineup in back-to-back competitions. That streak came to an end when Klinsmann used the same lineup from Wednesday’s friendly against Germany for Friday’s World Cup Qualifier against Jamaica.
In the end it paid off, and Team USA earned a hard-fought three points. According to ESPN’s Paul Carr, it was the first time in six games that USMNT won a World Cup Qualifier on the road against Jamaica.
Forward Jozy Altidore and defender Brad Evans, who both had major roles against Germany, came up huge again for the United States. Likewise, midfielder Graham Zusi played an effective role on both sides of the field and helped USMNT to victory.
Altidore’s confidence was high after Wednesday’s friendly and he found the net yet again for the Americans. His goal took the lead for most of the game until Jamaica’s 89th minute equalizer. Evans and the rest of his team were not satisfied with the tie and attacked fast and furiously.
Before Wednesday’s friendly, many journalists and fans were questioning Klinsmann’s decision to start Evans, but if there is still any doubt about starting Evans, that went away after his stoppage time game-winning goal. Evans’ goal was his first international goal, and it could not come at a better time.
The US Men’s National Team leaves Jamaica with a big three points and now sits in second place of the CONCACAF hexagonal with seven points.
Klinsmann uncharacteristically stuck with a consistent lineup, and it paid off. America leaves Jamaica with three points and confidence heading into their next qualifier on Tuesday. If I was Klinsmann, I would keep the lineup as close to the same as possible for Tuesday, as the consistency has paid off so far.
Phil Naegely is a Soccer writer for www.RantSports.com. Like him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter @pnaegelyRS and add him to your circles on Google+.
