The USA went back to winning ways after defeating number 87 in the world Guadeloupe 1-0. The goal came in the 9th minute with a wonder strike from Jozy Altidore. The Villarreal striker received a short pass from Michael Bradley and then jogged forward 5 feet and struck the ball from 25 yards out into the top corner of the goal. With an amazing start like that, more goals should have been coming.
Guadeloupe lost 3-2 to Panama and 1-0 to Canada but arguably the United States had the most amount of chances against the Caribbean nation. The chances that were missed were unbelievable. Sure the United States needed just what they gained--a 1-0 win, but more was expected from a much more advanced nation in Soccer.
Just two years ago, they were up 2-0 at halftime in the FIFA Confederations Cup Finale against 5 time world cup champions Brazil. Last night they defeated 87th placed Guadeloupe 1-0. Of course most of the players did very well in the game but one player was a complete surprise. Who is this mystery player? The record holder for most goals in one season in the Premier League by an American player--Clint Dempsey.
The man simply didn't show up against Panama in the 2-1 loss and the amount of chances he missed last night is simply unacceptable. The one chance that seemed literally impossible to miss, he actually missed. He receives a well placed pass right in front of goal with the keeper not even in his path. It is him and the goal and instead of ramming it in one time, he decides to control with his left foot and right before he scores with his right, the defender comes and clears the danger away. A world-class striker such as Clint Dempsey missing an opportunity like that is unbelievable. If he plays like this, the US will certainly struggle against a Jamaica side that won all three of their group stage games. Not only did they win but they did so convincingly. They played very well thus far and are not expected to stop showing up on the field.
Tim Howard's excuse for the US was that they were still upset over their first ever group stage loss in the competition which came against Panama via a 2-1 scoreline. It is understandable to be upset over a loss like that but to not avenge that loss by demolishing a team who is nowhere near as talented as the US is the perfect way to get over it. Jozy's goal was the only bright spot of the match. Right back Steve Cherundulo played wholeheartedly defensively and even gave a great cross to Dempsey who simply headed the ball wide.
Benching Dempsey is certainly not the answer but someone needs to talk some sense into him so he can provide a bit more than missing some quality opportunities in the face of goal. The US will Jamaica on Saturday at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C. at 3:00 p.m. in a quarterfinal match up. Hopefully Dempsey and company step up and provide a healthy victory and advance to the semi-finals.
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