My opinion of Bob Bradley has generally been a good one throughout his tenure as the coach of the US Men's National Team (USMNT), though I have certainly had some qualms with him during this time. After the last few USMNT games, I remained on my couch for a couple minutes pondering some of the tactical choices and player selections I had just witnessed, and gathering my thoughts on some of his decisions. First and foremost the decision to convert Beasley to a left back imo has been a rather suspect one. Ever since Heath Pearce was called up for the first time I have thought Heath was a solid choice for that position, and if that doesn't do it for you put in Bornstein, Spector, or DeMerit at CB and Bocanegra on the left. So in my mind this Beasley business seems like a 4th string option. It certainly doesn't seem to be paying off, and hopefully Bradley will stop experimenting with it.
I was thrilled to see one of my favorite USMNT back in action yesterday, Benny Feilhaber. I think he proved in his 45 minutes that not only is he returning to his best form, but he offers another dimension to the US team's center mid position. He has never been afraid to make a cutting pass or take a risk if it could lead to a goal, traits that I see missing from the other center mid options who play rather conservatively. Not to mention that I think his return all but ensured that Mastroeni will not be included in another team roster seeing as Feilhaber was mobile enough to play both effective offense and defense. Add to that Bradley and Maurice Edu's, both effective tacklers, will be coming back to the lineup soon, I think it is clear that Mastroeni's days are numbered.
In terms of tactics, I have enjoyed seeing Dempsey in a freer role which is made possible by playing MLS bruisers Conor Casey or Brian Ching up top to do the dirty work. That compounded with the admirable work rate and strength of a budding Jozy Altidore give Dempsey and Donovan a lot more wriggle room on the wings to express themselves.
For more thoughts on the USMNT, refer to this interesting article that Jon Kim found on SI.com.
