Random thoughts on players from the Slovenia match:
Howard - Couldn't really be faulted on either goal, and he was certainly busier than on most nights, but this wasn't one of his standout performances. He did well on one mad scramble in the net, but otherwise a pretty ordinary game.
Cherundolo - Probably the best defender on a night marred by sloppy defense. He joined the attack a few times fairly well, and did not have much trouble with the threats that came down his side.
Goodson/Bocanegra - Just didn't seem to communicate well together tonight. Too many men broke free in behind and the US always seemed just about to get burned. Especially in the second half, where the US merely survived. The US may need more speed than this pairing can provide if they keep wanting to play a higher back line.
Chandler - Very disappointing, this was probably his poorest game for the US. However, you can definitely see the potential and this game doesn't change that. He seemed to be more comfortable in passing and crossing on the left side than in prior games which is encouraging. It was his positioning that got him into trouble this time, but given what we've seen of him so far that shouldn't be too much of a concern in the future.
Beckerman - Simply put, he was not able to help the CB pair nearly enough. On nights where the US is playing so many guys who like to push forward (including both wing backs), they need a controlling force for the defensive portion of the midfield diamond, and that doesn't seem to be Beckerman. And quite frankly, I don't know who that is for the US. That isn't the most comfortable spot for Edu either, maybe Jones. Bradley probably has the talent for that role, but he obviously is a lot happier in an attacking role.
Bradley - He plays knives out. One of the best players on the night, really showing that he never should have been benched let alone omitted outright. Chievo seems to have rejuvenated him, we saw all of the energy he plays with when he's at his best.
Dempsey - All of the cliches about this guy are true. The first being desire. He really does look like he simply wants it more than anybody else on the field, especially the way he bullied his marker to get to the diving header.
Johnson - Solid starting debut. He's got a little bit of Dempsey in him I think, the way he sneakily floats into these little pockets of empty space wherever he can to cause trouble. Fantastic turn with the ball to draw the penalty, and a handful of very dangerous and accurate crosses as well. He disappeared somewhat in the second half, but so did just about everybody else.
Buddle - Outstanding shot on the goal obviously. Maybe his best night in a US shirt, but when you're on the wrong side of 30 and play in a second division league, you have to make the most out of every chance you get. He earned a reprieve at least for the short term based on that performance.
Altidore - A quiet night for him. It was a great effort merely getting his foot on the end of the Johnson cross, how in the world did it sky over like that? He was authoritative on his PK (first as a USMNT senior?).
Bench - With Shea's speed and energy you hope that he can start winning more possessions and be a nuisance on defense in general, especially if coming off the bench late. Edu defended reasonably well in his cameo, at a time when the US looked panicky. Williams at LB is an interesting experiment I suppose, should he get more time there in the future.
