That the United States would fall to 0-23-1 all-time in Mexico with a 2-1 loss on Wednesday wasn’t inevitable, especially after the U.S. scored first. But here are three reasons, other than altitude, that it happened:
Experience doesn’t substitute for talent » Forward Brian Ching (15 World Cup qualifying appearances) and defender Steve Cherundolo (18 appearances) both started under the auspices that savvy would make up for the fact that neither were on the field against Spain and Brazil in the Confederations Cup.
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But Ching was utterly ineffective and Cherundolo was repeatedly pulled out of position by Mexican attackers.
Meanwhile, Stuart Holden was the top U.S. substitute in his first-ever qualifier, and José Francisco Torres, who comfortably plays in the Mexican first division, was inexplicably left on the bench.
Tactics went missing » The U.S. abandoned its offense for a bunkered defense immediately after going ahead in the ninth minute, but never adjusted its formation to match the tactical change. While two forwards watched, the nearly invisible four-man U.S. midfield allowed acres of space for Israel Castro‘s tying goal a mere 10 minutes later, and the trade of a forward for a fifth midfielder from the bench wasn’t made until the second half, by which time the tempo was irreversible.
Questioning both Bradleys isn’t blasphemy » Midfielder Michael Bradley has deserved most of the minutes he’s played over the last year with his father as U.S. national team head coach. But Bob Bradley should’ve substituted his son at Azteca. A decision to replace him, instead of Ricardo Clark, would’ve allayed continued concerns that there is little or no objectivity used in judging his progeny’s contributions.
