It seems that every U.S. victory is immediately followed by the statement, “It wasn’t pretty but they still won,” writes Jeff Carlisle. But when they take on Trinidad & Tobago in Chicago Wednesday in their third semifinal round World Cup qualifying game, the U.S. team might be hoping for a little extra on top of a win, “like some goals, not to mention more consistency in attack.”
Carlisle acknowledges that a difficult match in Guatemala was expected, “but a 1-0 result against what was essentially a semi-professional side in Cuba leaves plenty to ponder, namely whether this team possesses enough potency in attack to trouble the world’s better teams.”
Clint Dempsey, the U.S. goal scorer against Cuba, said he thought the team was “moving in the right direction, and the goals will eventually come. The goals are there, and that’s not something we’re really worried about as a team. I think people will see more goals in this Trinidad game. I’m really looking forward to getting forward and having more of an attacking presence.”
Consistency has been missing, says Carlisle, “with performance levels tending to rise and fall within a matter of minutes.” Maurice Edu and Brian Ching played well in parts, but were equally dreadful in others. Maybe better field conditions will help — Dempsey pointed to the “rainy and muddy” conditions of the first two games. On Wednesday, the player added, “I think the passing will be better and the speed of play will be quicker. When the game is played quick, and we do those type of things, we open up teams more.”