photo by ISIphotos.com
Heath Pearce looked to be the solution to the U.S. national team's problematic left back situation in 2008, but that was before a drop in form saw him fall out of favor with head coach Bob Bradley last year. That demotion looks to have lit a spark under Pearce, who enjoyed one of his finer performances in recent memory in the U.S.'s 2-1 victory over El Salvador.
Pearce had not started (nor played in a match) at the international level since the 2009 Gold Cup final, but that did not stop him from being one of the top U.S. players at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Wednesday night. Throughout the game, the FC Dallas defender, who earned a surprise start with usual left back Jonathan Bornstein playing centrally, showed glimpses of why he was once considered an automatic starter.
Defensively, Pearce was solid and his positioning was good, although, to be fair, El Salvador's right side looked to be one of the team's many weaknesses on the night.
On the offensive side, Pearce connected with most of his passes, got forward well and even showed off some moves when he juked defender Alexander Escobar in the first half. Pearce also provided a few dangerous crosses, including one which Brian Ching thundered home with a diving header in the 75th minute to pull the score level at 1-1.
"Heath played a couple good balls [tonight]," said Ching. "I knew he was going to get the ball across so I just tried to put myself in a good position"
Pearce wasn't as convinced by the cross when it left his foot.
"When I crossed it to him, when I looked up I thought it that it had hit the outside of the side netting, so I didn't know it went in until he started celebrating," said Pearce. "It was a relief."
A bigger relief for the United States was Sacha Kljestan's 92nd minute goal, which gave the hosts a 2-1 victory in front of the 21,737 fans in attendance, and ended a four game winless streak.
"We have had a rough stretch as a group here in terms of our recent results with the national team," said Pearce. "So it is nice to get a win."
The win will surely be even nicer for Pearce if it ends up being the game which put him back in contention for a World Cup spot.
—————
What did you think of Pearce's performance? What are the odds he makes the World Cup team? Hoping to see him called up against the Netherlands?
Share your thoughts below.
Did we watch the same game?
When will the roster be announced for the game vs. the Dutch?
anyone have highlights?
I know its off the subject but Wayne Bridge declined call up for international duty. England self destructing before our eyes.
He really did some good things last night. It’s a chicken & egg discussion as to whether his good offensive play was due to the fact that there was minimal pressure from ES on that flank, or if the minimal pressure was because of his good offensive play.
Thought he took the position as his own better than any US LB has in the last year or so – friendly or not.
Confidence – Check
Crossing – Check
Defense – Check
Offense – Check
Stamina – Check
Dribbling – Check
Passing – Check
He ran up and down the sideline all night, assisted in offense and defense, was not caught out, and looked so confident with the ball.
His play tonight has put him in my roster for Holland. He competes with Boca, Spector, and Castillo for LB in my opinion. (Sorry – not a Bornstein fan in the slightest)
And with a few games under his belt when the season starts, he’ll get better.
ESPN does. (Sorry, Ives)
Reports during the game last night said “later this week.” I would guess Friday as it gives time for Bob and the staff to review the game.
Castillo has never played LB for us, has he? It is getting to the point where players who have never played a particular position for us probably need to be fading from our fevered imaginations.
Agree. LB is Spector and Boca with maybe Pearce.
Repped…
The important thing to remember about last night…. It was a different game for different players.
For Goodson, Kljestan and Pearce, it was an opportunity to play every minute, and if they played well, solidify a bench spot for SA. They did.
For Bornstein, it was a chance to play CB for 90 on the international level, so Bob knows he can do it in a pinch, if called upon. He did (for the most part).
For Beckerman and Rogers, it was a chance to move from the fringe to the discussion for this World Cup. Rogers, maybe… maybe not. Beckerman, no.
For Ching / Casey, Findley / Cunningham, it was.. “we’re taking a big guy and a fast guy to SA. Who’s it going to be?” The answer is Ching, and neither of the other two.
For the rest, Gaven, McCarty, Cameron, Evans, and to an extent, Rogers… it was an opportunity to acclimate to the team, so when the next cycle begins, they can play a more prominent role.
That’s what a game like this is for.
You forgot Jonny B
I Know I heard About it too.. Music to my ears
I guess you didn’t.
Not sure I’d agree about the defense. I can’t even recall more than one push down the right flank — and that resulted in the only corner kick for the visitors.
Pierce, Kljestan, Ching, Beckerman and even Eddie Gaven raised their stock last night
beautiful
Well put.
wonderful!
Pearce LB and Spector RB, this of course contingent on Pearce’s playing well going forward.
there 21,737 people there?!?!?!
Yes,IMHO Spector is our best RB and Pearce is our best LB. I like Dolo but I think Spector offers more.
i hope that is a joke. Dolo at RB, Spector at LB. Pearce on the bench.
I dont’ think a game against a minnow will solidify anyone’s spot just yet.
What if their club form ends up stinking? They can still put themselves off the roster. Also, you still have guys like Adu, Holden, Beasely, Edu and Johnson working over in Europe.
Of the players yesterday, I believe Ching and Pearce demonstrated their ability to compete consistently.
Thing about Pearce, let’s see how he does with FC Dallas and consistent playing time. He has not had that for a while.
I thought he had a good game as well, but to be fair, for much of that game El Salvador was abject, so you do have to grade the ratings with a curve.
What is awesome about this is that Donovan worked Phil Neville just the other day. Uncontainable! England cannot Hang! No chance! : )
In more important news. WAYNE BRIDGE OFFICIALLY QUITS ENGLAND. Landon will now have the pleasure of facing a 3rd string left back such as Warnock, or England may now put a mid back there, like Gareth Barry, taking away from their midfield strength. I’d still fancy landon’s pace over Barry
Sorry, but Bornstein deserves to be in the discussion over Castillo, who has not even played for us yet.
Bornstein has looked more solid for left back than bocanegra (who looked slow and got worked), can cross from the left unlike spector, and has been consistent in his defense unlike pearce. He also has shown leadership.
Pearce gives him a reason to fight for his job which is good, but don’t rule him out. its 50/50 between those two right now.
Can Pearce do it against a strong side??? WE have yet to see…would be a little premature to call him the answer and rule out bornstein.
He played well in my opinion, but one match against a BAD El Salvador team with nothing to play for & who’s players are extremely unfit and not playing regularly (how fat was their GK?), is not enough to claim the LB spot. I assume, because he did play well, that he will make the trip to Amsterdam (I am going and CAN’T WAIT) along with Kljestan, Gavin (did anybody else think he completley changed the game), and Ching. I am very happy BB is scheduling VERY competitive matches in preperation for the runup. The fact of the matter is, you aren’t fooling your players by beating up on lesser opponents trying to boost confidence when they know they are going to the WC to play the best teams in the world. They are big boys, they get it, and want to be tested. The speed of play agaisnt teams like Holland, the Czech Repub, and Turkey should be great preperation…..looking forward to it. BB defintiely has some tough choices ahead. Assuming all are healthy, who plays LB? what is the center back pairing? if Dempsey plays up top who moves into the other wide midfield spot (donovan has the other)? how does he organize the central midfield (two holding midfielders or somebody creative)? does he deploy feilhaber centrally to try and help make the game? Very tough decisions ahead. Thoughts?
Landon plays on the left for the U.S.A. Dempsey will have that pleasure, thanks to Donovan’s work in Everton.
Can someone tell me exactly what Pearce did to make Bradley stop looking at him? When I was complaining about Bornstien being out of position and was not a defender, I kept saying…”What about Pearce?” He and Goodson did well enough to make this team. I know a lot wont like this but…I am not sure we would miss a Bornstein. Not that I don’t like him but where do we play him? He just is not a defender…Just look at that Hondurus goal from last match…and the inability to keep up with strikers down the wing….I swear it’s not personal with me…just what is his actual best position???? You can’t tell me he is better then who we already have???
Did you mean gary, because he is not going to SA. And compare our attack with theirs and I pretty sure we will be the ones struggling to hang.
Pearce is not the solution. He is a very unstable player, and nowhere near ready to play in a world cup game, against the likes of England. He would get eaten up. I still think out best option is Bocanegra. With Gooch and Demerit in the middle, and if Spector keeps getting solid games with West Ham. He will be our right back.
I think Dempsey now gets a turn to ride the Neville train…
“In more important news. WAYNE BRIDGE OFFICIALLY QUITS ENGLAND. Landon will now have the pleasure of facing a 3rd string left back such as Warnock, or England may now put a mid back there, like Gareth Barry, taking away from their midfield strength. I’d still fancy landon’s pace over Barry”
Leighton Baines?
Remember this is the defense that shut out Spain! If Bob can get them to play like that again. We can go far!
I think we all need to realize that this game is not against the Netherlands. Although I think Pearce had a good game, we need to see how he does against better opposition. For those of you who have NOT noticed Bob has NOT played Spector at LB. Right now it looks like LB may go 1) Bocanegra, 2) Bornstein, and 3) Pearce. I imagine next Weds may help work out 2 vs 3, but we’ll see. If Gooch is healthy for the Cup, as expected our current defense is likely:
Boca Demerit Gooch Spector/Dolo
The other big question mark is Castillo. I think its too late for this cycle, but he may be a possible solution at LB for the future.
Bornstein did not make the mistake for the goal last night, Evans did. You have to assume that your fellow defenders will do their job, but be ready to cover for them. With Evan’s header, there just wasn’t time to cover.
The issue with Pearce is that he is at most a good MLS fullback, not national team material. Even at his best, there are deficiencies in his game that are hard to overlook.
Most of his game ends at 3/4 of the field and consists of launching lobs into the box. The problem is that those type of ‘passes’ are easier to defend, specially if you play in leagues like EPL. The worst part is that his ‘service’ is not consistent.
He does not offer any other dimension to the attack, like overlapping with his winger and providing service from the end line, or a long range shot. That makes defending that side of the field easier for the opponents.
If there is any consolation, is that left fullback is probably one of the hardest positions to fill by most teams in the world. There are not that many out there.
Cheers
Could be as soon as today, but if not, then tomorrow.
Yes I did mean Gary Neville.
I will compare their attack to ours.
I’ll put our attacking players, you put theirs (I don’t know who starts…i have good guesses)
Altidore-Davies
Donovan-Torres-Bradley-Dempsey
with Beasley a possibility on the left, Donovan on Right, and Dempsey up top if Davies is not healed…Also Adu on the bench as a left wing or withdrawn striker. Also on the bench: Holden, Mo, Rico, and Feilhaber.
Crossing backs: Spector and Pearce and or Dolo.
some accurate long balls provided by Gooch and Howard.
vs: my guess for england:
Rooney-?
?-Gerrard-Lampard-Beckham
Apparently I’m a u.s.a. fan…don’t watch much england games, unless they play u.s.a.
We will work them. OUr heads are more in it, and we are underestimated.
Just wanted to point out that Castillo made his U.S. debut against Denmark in November.
and we are the U.S.A. England will get worked!
Nobody in the EPL can contain Donovan or Dempsey OR Altidore…be prepared for a whipping England fan.
I agree Sean, if playing better than he did before means he is the answer, what is the question? He played OK against EL SALVADOR!!!! Remember, we played EL SALVADOR last night. Do they have any players over 5′ tall? I was at the game and I did see some nice passes by Heath..that went out of bounds.
We have NO solution at left back, except Spector who has been playing that position most of the year against real footballers, in a real league.
Pearce was a NIGHTMARE in the Gold Cup game in Philadelphia last summer. An absolute NIGHTMARE. That’s what happened.
i see i forgot. i still think bornstein is ahead in the line though over the 1 cap castillo. who do you think starts Franco?
Not at LB, though, right?
I was encouraged by Pearce’s play as well, and had wondered why he hasn’t gotten a look since relocating to MLS. We have to keep in mind that one of the primary reasons he fell out of favor with the US was that he had lost his spot with his club team in Germany – and along with that came a corresponding drop in fitness and confidence. He tried to arrange a transfer to a Turkish team, but that fell through. In the end, he made a move to FC Dallas. He has been somewhat inconsistent in the past, but he has proven himself in Europe (albeit at the Bundesliga 2 level) and has experience with the US. He’s proven to have good athleticism and willingness to go forward. He could be the solution for us at LB.
That said, there is one element that no one here has noted to this point – he’s not actually slated to play LB with Dallas this year. From the sound of things, Hyndman has him projected as a RB, or even left wing. To me, that’s a concern – it’s difficult to build your form and consistency if you’re being bounced around the lineup (and especially if you’re not regularly playing the position we’re looking for him to potentially lock down).
I’d say he should get at least a half against the Dutch, and hope that Hyndman finds room for him at LB.
cannot WAIT
Remember this is the same defense that broke under Brazil’s pressure. The big difference is that Spain tried to attach through the middle and that played into Bob’s plan.
Brazil on the other hand brought in Alves to play left wing in front of Maicon, and the constant attack from those two had that side of the defense backpedaling.
Cheers
Yes it was a good crowd, and mostly US Supporters.
Little too optimistic there, buddy.
ditto
Alitore has one goal in the epl, apparently some people can contain him. Rooney has 23 goals in the epl. We should at least be a bit more level-headed about this don’t you think?
All the Haters of Pearces preformance last night against, and I will admit it, a poor El Salvador team is the confidence that he had. Passing it to himself around defenders, taking on defenders, putting in quality crosses. The fact is that he did these things and we have to recognize that he did. We cannot take a hat trick or a clean sheet off a player just because they played a shotty team now can we. He showed quality and confidence last night. Enough to get him a second look v the Netherland IMO. That being said at this point I think our best back four if all are healthy is Spector Demerit Gooch Dolo.
+1
But compare Castillo’s form for club and Bornstein’s, Castillo runs all over Bornstein. Bornstein was a stopgap option when we needed it (injuries to Boca and Spector, Castillo not an option, Pearce not getting playing time). Now that the “big” four options for leftback are back, Bornstein needs to step aside.
Let’s break it down:
Bornstein: Left back, hasn’t done well against major opponents as a CB. Weaknesses include poor positioning, poor dribbling, and poor crossing. Pros is that he has played for the US in that position for last year and is eager.
Castillo: Left back and winged back by trade, can play as a winger. Cons – can’t play in the center, hasn’t played consecutively for the US, suspect at positioning. Pros – great at the attack, very fast, good dribbling and very good at connecting play with other players.
Boca: Left back and centerback. Cons – too slow now, doesn’t offer much in attack, suspect season. Pros – captain of the team, versatile, although positioning has been off he is an intelligent player.
Spector: Rightback, Centerback, and Leftback. Cons – Doesn’t have a proper left foot but manages well enough with left, limits his attack on the left, gets caught out by fast wingers. Pros – playing in the best league in the world which has seen his play rise considerably, super versatile, great crossing ability, confident, smart defender.
Pearce: Leftback. Cons – Has had a really offish few years, hasn’t impressed in most games for national team. Pros – Back to playing with confidence, good dribbling, great crossing, fast enough, should get as much playing time for Dallas as need be to take off rust, doesn’t get caught out.
Bornstein is just too average whereas the others offer something different: Boca=experience, Castillo=skill, Spector=versatile/very good sideback, Pearce=all-around very solid.
In a WC you need versatility so Spector is in. Boca is our captain so he’s in. Castillo offers far more in attack so I would put him above Bornstein for those games where we need an attack minded, defensive player. The wild card is Pearce and the question is: Can he play at the top level. Time may be out for him and Bob won’t want to waste his time hoping for the best so he’ll bring Bornstein along because he knows what he gets.
Knowing Bradley he takes: Castillo, Boca, Spector, and Bornstein. No room for 5 of them and although Pearce played exceptional, Bob isn’t a daring coach – he’s a predictable, play it safe coach so he takes what he knows (Castillo being the exception because we’ve seen what he offers in the Mexican league).
Agreed. But we have to be ready for injuries . . . there’s a good chance that either Bornstein or Pearce will see the field at some point in SA. And one of them will definitely see the field in March, since Dolo is still out.
As a fan of the USMNT I can never be “too optimistic.” I can understand how it is not likely for the U.S.A. to win. I can understand that our players are not paid as much as theres. I can understand how They have proven themselves more than ours (Wayne Rooneys EPL goal count vs Altidores). I can understand that pundits and fans of England will say we will lose.
However, I believe we will win. A fan can never be “too optimistic.” I understand you are English fans, and that is okay, SBI does not discriminate, but my USMNT will smoke them. Altidore hasn’t had the time in the EPL to score many goals yet. Also the service at Hull is not the same as Man United’s. Statistically, he does not rate with Rooney, however I think that England fans will underestimate Altidore at their own peril. Donovan, Torres, Spector, Dempsey, Ching, Bradley Cherundolo all provide spectacular service.
Peter, why should I be a little more “level headed?” Are you saying I should not cheer for my team? Or are you saying I should “admit” we are going to lose? Or are you saying I should cheer against my team?
Football is a game played on one day and the better team on that day can win. We can be that team. I believe we are going to be that team, but again, not everyone can be a fan of the USMNT on this blog.
Were “so called fans like you” passionately cheering on the U.S.A. when we defeated Spain in the Confederations Cup last year? Wow, you guys are true fans…You didn’t even have to watch the game, because to think we could win was “too optimistic.” So you could just be sure we would lose and move on right?
Underdogs win games all the time, and it is always due to more passion in the game. U.S. v Canada the other night. The giants v the pats a few super bowls ago. It happens. I cheer for my team. I am a fan.
I’ll be watching and enjoying the U.S.A. play England in the first round of the World Cup…I guess you will be mowing your lawn since you already know the outcome.
GO U.S.A!
I’d like to see:
————-Howard————–
Spector–DeMerit-Boca—Castillo
————–Edu—————
Holden–Bradley-Torres—-Donovan
————–Jozy————–
We just don’t have the talent to go 4-4-2 at the moment. With three middle midfielders we hopefully bring composure to a section of the field we generally get dominated in. Edu brings a combative nature, Torres controls tempo, and Bradley makes things happen.
Holden and Donovan are capable of attacking from the wings and hopefully Jozy gets support from them and Bradley.
Spector can hold his own, Boca and DeMerit are the best fit centerbacks. Howard picks himself.
Leaves us Castillo. Last big opportunity to see what he can do. We know Bornstein would get smashed by Robben, we don’t know how Castillo would do. If we’re going to trek him around Europe, let’s give him a chance. He has the speed to keep up and we’re testing him to see if he has the intelligence.
My other wild card is if we go 4-4-2, we see Johnson starting alongside Jozy and Torres dropped (Bob for some reason doesn’t like him).
My subs (that I want to see): Goodson, Johnson, Adu, Pearce, Simek, and Beasley.
Will probably see: Ching, Clark, and Bornstein.
He was a winger for his 13 minutes of a cap.
I mean Bob doesn’t like Torres – I would keep him on and drop Edu if it was 4-4-2.
Panizo, is this article based on wishful thinking? Im sorry if it might sound like im trying to disrespect you and your article but it is not what most of us saw. This January and February camps have been a big failure, the only thing that has come out of this whole journey its the fact that our country pool depth is non-existant. Everyone game was horrendous the only reason why some players looked ok was because El Salvador har a horrendous game and it made us look better than what we were. The only person who will be taken to SA will be Ching only because we need that target striker figure. Sasha is not an option, one goal means nothing everyone seems to say that he is locked on the roster but if it is based on goals and not in consitancy than bring EJ and Freddy Adu. Bring on Bedoya, give Torres a chance those kids are skilled but bradley has given Sasha a priority over those two players before and it did not pay off.
I support the US too buddy, so calm down, but I also follow england pretty closly too. So maybe I over rate them. I can’t fault your support, only that you seem
to be ignoring signs of concern. Our defense is ok at best and we give away the ball far to often to get any consistent sort of service. So in June I will cheering for the US but I can’t blindly expect things. I can hope and believe in a win, I just can’t expect a win.
double ditto
actually Castillo played against Denmark.
Bornstein can cross the from left? thats a joke right?
jozy’s lack of scoring has more to do with the hull midfield than jozy’s lack of ability…with a better midfield, he would have 5-7 goals……
Wow….Pearce is the answer…Casey is the answer……Ching is the answer.
We wonder why we will never win the WC.
beckerman looked better becuase it was el salvador…..he is not fast enough or skilled enough to hang with a stronger opponent..his play should have been on par with ching and pearce to be considered raising his stock
With Gooch hurt, perhaps we’ll get a shot at seeing 45 minutes of both Bornstein and Pearce at left back against the Neatherlands. Isn’t their right wing Robben? That would bring out their quality.
Agreed
Castillo is suited more for LM not LB anyways IMO.
Well, whoever “the answer” is, I think in SA our LB options are going to be Bocanegra, Bornstein, and Pearce. Spector plays out of position at West Ham, and will get burned by fast forwards at the WC if we put him on the left. Spector will start at RB, maybe Cherundolo.
I’m more concerned about the forward position, where we are alarmingly thin. After Altidore, there’s nobody that jumps out as a no-brainer to go. I also feel it’s wishful thinking that Davies will be back in form by June, despite the fact that his rehab is going well. So…who ya’ gonna take to SA as a forward option??? Ching? Casey? Cooper? Findley? EJ? Cunningham? Adu? Get my point? None of them really are great, though Adu has had a run of good form at Aris. I’d like to see Adu get a look against the Netherlands.
Well unless you can uncover a Rooney or an Ashley Cole before June unfortunalty these are the answers.
Or lack of…
Good for Pierce though, in far contrast to Rogers, who saw his name in lights, and ended up breaking them with his selfish shot…
I’d take Pierce who’s been there at the top level over Bornstein who is inconsistent outside of this region. I’d rather see spector shift left before borstein gets a shot.
Spot in!
at best Pierce is our 3rd left back…
I would not read too much into the game last night, since it was a half inspired EL Salvador team, but at least it was a positive step for Pearce. Lets see how he does against Holland. The options at left back have been weak, but we need to have two players for that position.
The entire match can be viewed online on ESPN360.
Sorry, we don’t have Ashley Cole or Lahm or Zambrotta here, so yes, Heath Pearce IS national team material. For us.
Strider, read Ives account (Fox Soccer web site) of the ES goal last night…Even though Evans made the initial screw-up and Goodson was trying to cover for him…it was Bornstein that ran under Goodson and made it difficult to clear the ball. And, look at the goal from Hondurus match and see that the goal scored by Hondurus went right by Bornstein at the top of 6 yd box…And, how can we forget the inability of Bornstein to keep up with the wing strikers in almost all of the earlier games….. Go back and replay all those goals…you will start to see the same pattern I have seen….
Hey Wrong….How well did the rest of the players play in those Gold Cup Matches??? Why pick on Pearce…Thats all I am saying!
I still think it has a lot to do with saving a spot for Bornstein….
Castillo has only been to one camp. And has only seen the pitch for a few minutes with the team. I’m not sure he has a spot on the roster. If he doesn’t get a call up for the game against the Dutch…I’m pretty much ruling him out. My defensive pics for SA:
Cherundolo, Spector, Onyewu, Demerit, Bacanegra, Bornstein, Pearce, Goodson
They were bad and it’s easy to dismiss a player for playing well against a bad team but no one stood out like Pearce did. Evans on the right looked terrible, the wingers weren’t producing, strikers looked shot (save Ching) and nothing was coming out of the middle but deflections – Pearce stood out against a bad team but he was the only one and that says something. He gets to “move up a level.”
I’m prepared to stand up and be counted.
It will probably be his current teammate, Baines. Assuming Cole isn’t fit in time.
Robben will destroy Bornstein. He has speed and trickery – two qualities Bornstein has not learned how to handle because MLS can’t offer it like Europe.
I would rather see Castillo out there because he can match him for speed thus he can recover if Robben gets behind him. With Bornstein or Boca they isn’t a chance in hell they can make it back. As Holland likes to play with a 4-3-3, you can’t afford to always have a CB commit to cover your butt.
It has to be Castillo or Spector.
I went to game last night and we had close to 22 thousand on a wednesday night when it was raining with OUR C TEAM, before when US played Ecuador we had close to 32 thousand……somebody tell me why my hometown Tampa Bay isnt a candidate for an MLS team(and i know we get the Rowdies in USL, but i live on the other coast now and will only be willing to travel for atleast decent big name players)???
btw, thought Ching was superb when he came on and might have just hopped above every other forward besides altidore for a WC spot…..also thought Pearce, Bornstein was a strong LCB/LB pairing in defense….while i thought Davis and Gaven both showed better than Rogers
oh and i actually thought Evans did well at right back put aside the header back to Rimando, BUT remember it was very wet and that sort of stuff happens…..he should have just cleared it knowing that
Late in the game with the U.S. being dismantled. He really didn’t get a chance to touch the ball either. Bradley probably hasn’t called him back into camp because he is currently playing for his club. I would like to see more, but I just don’t think he is going to get the call for Netherlands.
Bradley drafted Bornstein …he is going to S.A.
Word
Rory, I’m guessing from previous posts that you’re a teacher. Aren’t teachers supposed to lean toward optimism? Never is a long time. I don’t know if that’s grammatically correct, but you get the idea.
Maybe these guys won’t win it, but I enjoy trying to figure out who makes the team, and why, and then getting psyched for the Finals.
Actually, Pearce HAS played well against a strong side. Back in 2008, Pearce was one of the better players against Spain and Argentina, especially against Argentina, where he put forth a world class effort with Sergio Aguero and Burdisso on his side of the field. No small task by any means. Meanwhile, Carlos Bocanegra and Jonathan Bornstein had a tough time handling Maicon and Ramires on their flank, although to be fair, Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey were both a tad guilty of not helping nuetralize that flank, while Pearce had Beasley for help. At the same time, Pearce looked good offensively. I think that Pearce is someone who has great vision, footwork, crossing and pace. I think if he were to get playing time overseas, he could be a LOT better.
“He does not offer any other dimension to the attack, like overlapping with his winger and providing service from the end line, or a long range shot.”
Lulz. Really? Like LAST NIGHT, where he overlapped the winger, and served a cross into Brian Ching for a goal?
And I seem to recall him letting loose more than one powerful shot from distance in prior US games. Didn’t he crack the post against Argentina?
Which Heath Pearce are YOU talking about? Is there another?
Great questions….I choose to answer the most import one…El Salvador’s goal keeper was well prepared for a cold winter in Central America.
I am an enthusiastic supporter if you can’t tell. Glad to hear you believe in the U.S.A. to win!
I do think you are underestimating the U.S. and overestimating England. England has won 1 World Cup, and doesn’t have a stellar history in their appearances.
I believe we have a fairly strong defense starting with our keeper. Tim Howard is a world class keeper. I believe Spector, Cherundolo, Onyewu, Demeritt, Bocanegra, and Bornstein to all be solid big game defenders, which is plenty to pick from and have subs.
Our attacking players are not bad also, as I have noted above. Donovan is on a tear in the EPL. Altidore has shown amazing skill, power, and guile whenever he is able to get on the end of a pass, Dempsey was Fulham’s top provider of goals as a midfielder before his injury, and we all know what Davies and Beasley are capable of if they are able to get back onto the team. Then young standouts like Torres and Adu may be able to rise to the occasion.
I truly do believe this might be the best team we have ever taken to a World Cup, though the world doesn’t know it yet (surprise)! Our starters are just kind of seeping into the foreign leagues and are quietly doing their thang, being successful.
Now England is having all sorts of problems. Terry is sleeping with a teamates wife. Lost the captaincy 4 months before July. Ferdinand is out hurt. Ashley Cole is out hurt. Bridge won’t show up. And not even Ashley Cole had an answer for Donovan. This should make the English a bit nervous. They usually go in with high expectations, and they have much more pressure than the Americans. The entire weight of the country is on their backs, and they won’t to prove they belong in the top teams of the world like they act…
The U.S. doesn’t have that kind of pressure…just the pressure they put on themselves and their American pride.
Also England have been awfully slow starters in the past few world cups, which can bode well for us in that first game.
I am overly zealous in declaring that we are going to whip them, but realistically we have a very good chance of taking a win from this game (an even better chance because England doesn’t know it).
Ummmm….when Robben is healthy he destroys defenders ….period. If not for being injury prone, he would be considered one of the best players in the world…even with the injuries he is. We can only hope to slow him a little and hopefully force him to give up the ball.
I think this is right on…surprised about Goodson. Maybe leave out Goodson and only take 7, with the versatility of this team that is 3 left backs, 4 center backs, and 2 right backs. Maybe because Spector and Dolo have had some injury problems in the past, bring a 3rd right back like Hejduk just in case…
Uhm, all you Haters of Pearce, go back and look at the tape of USA-Mexico in Columbus last year.
The lad can play in big games against big opponents.
As for the Gold Cup final, who DIDN’T have a bad game that day?
I thought what Pearce did very well, better than what we have had out of the defense was attack…he was aggressive and showed some very nice foot skill on a dangerous cross in the first half.
Yes this was against El Salvador, but he didn’t just sit back. To me he offered a much more dangerous option than either Bocanegra or Bornstein provide.
That being said Bocanegra is the captain and Bob Bradley drafted Bornstein into MLS. It’s going to take something extraordinary from Pearce to make Bradley swallow his pride and replace his choices on the field.
Bocanegra has looked poor, really lacking any quickness, in the last couple of games I saw him play for Rennes. Spector is definitely quicker than Bocanegra and is positionally a smarter player than Bornstein.
Very true and I did think abuot those performances when I wrote. However, they were two years ago and he hasn’t really done that in a big game since. In fact he seemed to languish them in 2009. Therefore I need to see him do it again now….So I guess it would be interesting to see him get the start in Netherlands, though I’m still not sure if he is ready to start over Bocanegra and Bornstein and spector in SA.
why was el slavador half inspired??
THE FANS
OLE OLE OLE OLE, USA USA!!
i can see what your saying, but do you not remember about a year ago when Pearce was the clear cut choice for Bradley at left back?
Looking forward to possible call ups for the Neitherlands match:
==========EJ========Jozy==============
Donovan====Bradley===Torres=====Beasley
Bornstein===Bocanegra===DeMerit===Spector
================Howard/Guzan============
Subs: Pearce (LB), Goodson (CD), Castillo (LW), Edu (DM), Holden (RM), Ching (St).
Based on last nights performances only Goodson, Pearce, and Ching performed well enough to warrant a call-up for a match against a tougher opponent. Hopefully then we can see if it was their ability or the lack of opposition from El Salvador.
Would have liked to have included some of the other players in Europe…but Clark is just reciently back from injury and needs time with his club in order to win PT. Dempsey’s still injured, Jones is still MIA, and Gooch’s still injured too. Wish I could include Bedoya…but maybe he can attend camp for training and prep for the next WC Cycle. Same for Adu.
Friendlies are useless for discerning potential, doubly so when against El Salvador.
El Salvador offered NOTHING in attack, only scoring through a major defensive mistake. Point is the US defense was under ZERO pressure for the majority of the game so it’s no surprise that Pearce, Gaven, Kljestan, Rogers, etc. were able to play so much of the match in ES territory. Even then they made themselves look pedestrian.
I agree with Ives, Pearce’s play stood out in a pretty mediocre game. As many posters have pointed out, El Salvador isn’t much of a test, but I’ve always thought Pearce had a much higher upside than Bornstein, though his bad games have been awful. If he can mature into a more solid player, like the one we saw last night, I think he can be a USMNT contributor. I like his pace and attacking sense. His defending has always been inconsistent, but he seemed to make good judgments this game. Hopefully he’ll get a final look from Bradley before the 23 are decided. I’m thinking he’ll be an alternate as insurance for Bornstein and Spector.
Pearce definitely had a good game. But that said, one good game against El Salvador does not trump Bornstein’s recent string of solid starts. To me Pearce is still on the bubble, maybe just in as the last defender – I rank him about 8th on the defender depth chart:
Spector
Onyewu
Bocanegra
Demerit
Cherundolo
Goodson
Bornstein
Pearce
Yaa Pearce shines in first start since 2009 Gold Cup,really superb,no doubt on that,interesting.