U.S. misses opportunity

It was a valiant effort for 82 minutes, but ultimately the U.S. remains winless in Smog City, Mexico. A 2-1 result isn't the end of the world (especially considering that our toughest game left is against Honduras), but I think it revealed some of the weaknesses of this team that need to be addressed before we book the flight to South Africa.

1. The U.S. is weak defending the flanks. Both Carlos Bocanegra and Steve Cherundola were constantly beaten on the edges and allowed service to go relatively unhindered from both left and right. Bocanegra needs to stay in the center for the U.S. (I don't care if he is a LB for his club team). Cherundola improved as the game wore on, but was beaten badly at times.
2. Our midfielders need to do a better job of showing to the ball to give the backline a place to play the ball after they win it. Far to often, our backline would just boot it up field for lack of a midfield outlet option. Some of it was nerves from the defense, but too many players pushed up after the ball was won instead of tracking back to maintain possession in the midfield.
3. Brian Ching. As far as I'm concerned he played himself out of a starting role for this team. He was pathetic. I like that Benny Feilhaber got into the game, but Jozy Altidore should have been the substitute for Ching in the 58th minute. Instead, Bradley removes our most dangerous player (Davies) with nearly 15 minutes left to play. You aren't going to get points by bunkering in Azteca.
4. I hate to acknowledge this one, but Clint Dempsey. I love 'Deuce', but he looked slow. Sure, he's out of season, but then, why start him? Why not use him as a substitute. I think Bradley got it backwards. I think Stuart Holden needed to be in there to start at left mid and put Donovan on the other side. Did anyone else notice how the U.S.'s pace increased greatly when Holden and Feilhaber entered?
5. At times, we rely on the referees when we should keep our feet. We are never, ever going to get the benefit of the doubt from CONCACAF referees. There is a clear bias (read: jealousy) against our loud, obnoxious capitalistic asses. Donovan spent too much time falling and then jumping up incensed and yelling at the referee while play continued down the field. That's never going to get it done. Stay on your feet. Play smart.

Player Ratings (1-10)
Tim Howard (9)
Steve Cherundolo (5)
Oguchi Onyewu (7)
Jay DeMerit (6)
Carlos Bocanegra (4)
Clint Dempsey (4)
Ricardo Clark (6)
Michael Bradley (6)
Landon Donovan (7)
Charlie Davies (8)
Brian Ching (2)

Subs
Stuart Holden (6)
Jozy Altidore (4)
Benny Feilhaber (6)