U.S. lays golden dookie

It seems like just when the USMNT is getting attention from the mainstream press, we go and lay an egg. I mean, even that douche Colin Cowherd jumped aboard the bandwagon. But despite the embarrassing loss, we shouldn't let those in the MSM use it as a banner justifying their indifference and ignorance about American soccer.

This was not our national team, not really. They wore the uniform, but many of them lack the skill -- and after the 60th minute ALL of them lacked the pride -- that is a prerequisite for donning the red, white and blue. Sure, we could complain that the bogus penalty call turned the game, but it was the inexperience of the backline that allowed the deluge of goals, not Jay Heaps attempting to take a charge (he must have thought he was still playing for the Blue Devil basketball team).

We can talk about Kyle Beckerman who had an absolute crapper of a match, and the disappointing play of Robbie Rogers after such a promising start. Or you can point to the disappearance of Davy Arnaud and Brian Ching early in the second half. The truth is, Mexico, featuring many players who will play the U.S. in August qualifier, was a better team (at least in the second half). As I said in an earlier post:

With the exception of Stuart Holden, Robbie Rogers and Brian Ching, none of the other players should have been given caps. Heaps was/is horrible. He should be thankful for his cap, resign and go home. Steve Cronin? Colin Clark? Brad Evans? These guys aren’t even the best on their crappy MLS squads.

I was happy that Bradley rested his A-team for the Gold Cup, but I still think his team selection is deeply flawed. When he could have been building real depth for the 2010 squad, he chose guys who couldn't find the ball in a phone booth. If national team coaches were honest with themselves, they would acknowledge that coaching at the national team level is 85-90 percent team selection. Tactics and strategy only go so far when you are talking about a group with limited training time together.

But to close on a positive note, we did learn some things from this tournament: 1) Stuart Holden is legit. 2) We are deep enough at center mid, not to have to bring in Beckerman. 3) Injuries at any position (except centerback) won't devastate the A-team. 4) Jay Heaps is terrible. 5) Heath Pearce < Jonathan Bornstein 6) Brian Ching vs. Kenny Cooper? Push. 7) We still lack a forward with a killer instinct. 8) CONCACAF referees are the worst. 9 ) Mexico is attempting to bring the man-perm back. 10) Bob Bradley is an android.