Thoughts v. Turkey

1. Clint Dempsey plays better in the midfield

Dempsey and Landon Donovan are much more effective in the midfield as opposed to having Dempsey playing behind the lone striker in Jozy Altidore. In the second half Donovan looked much more involved and dangerous while Dempsey effectively tracked back on defense and made the overall attack much more structured. The passing in the first half was very chaotic and the overall organization of the midfield was all over the place which led to the countless times where the Turks countered and had tons of space to operate in the final third. When Robbie Findley was inserted up top, Dempsey dropped back and there was a noticeable difference in the overall play of the team. The big question for Bob Bradley is whether he sticks with Dempsey up top or has him sit in the midfield. I believe the team operates much better when Dempsey is in the midfield.

2. Jose Torres is a player

Along with the Dempsey inclusion, perhaps the most important substitute introduced to start the second half was Torres. I've eluded before that I feel he's the most technical player the United States has, and I believe Bob Bradley is finally realizing it. Torres was an absolute stud as he sprayed the ball around the park and showed clever and down right cheeky moves that help to elude numerous defenders. The energy he brought to the game lifted his team and injected a superb amount of life that wasn't there in the first half, as well as possession in the midfield. A knock on Torres is that he doesn't always gets back on defense, which is a Bradley must for his players. Not only did he get back, but he showed immense grit in making strong tackles and constantly moving the ball forward. It's no coincidence that the team's play improved in the second half. A Torres pairing with Michael Bradley in the center of the park would suffice the team greatly. I still believe either Ricardo Clark or Maurice Edu starts alongside Bradley against England, but Torres proved that he's definitely a dangerous option that the United States should take full advantage of.

3. Defense still a question mark

Carlos Bocanegra coming back from injury put in a solid 75 minutes before being subbed out. He looked better than I thought he would fitness wise and looks prime to start come June 12th. It has to be very encouraging for Bradley and the rest of the team. Oguchi Onyewu came on and looked better than he did v. the Czech Republic, and Jay Demerit had a solid game providing the steadiness and toughness in the back. Two players that did not have good games however were the two Jonathan's, Spector and Bornstein. Spector was out of position numerous times on balls in the air and did little in terms of attacking on the overlapping runs. The one time he did do well to pose a threat, the ball was dispossessed and on the counter he was too late in getting back which led to the only Turkish goal. Bornstein got late game action and was instantly targeted and attacked by the Turks. He failed to clear the ball on numerous occasions and was absolutely skinned and nut megged in the corner which led to a great scoring chance for Turkey. I don't see why Bob Bradley has so much faith in him, because he hasn't showed anything on the national stage of late. He has decent speed but no other attribute that is impactful. His below average instincts on the pitch is really costing him and his team. Steve Cherundolo looks like a much better option and he could very well start opposite Bocanegra on the outside due to his experience and savvy.

4. Bradley knew what he was doing with inclusion of Findley

Findley looked surprisingly good up top. He flashed his noted pace which opened up the pitch for the midfield to operate. His confidence on the ball was also impressive and he looked like a completely different player from the one that we saw v. the Dutch in March. His pretty chip that helped to set up the first goal was beautiful. If Findley continues to impress in training and against Australia he very well could start alongside Altidore. It's imperative for Bradley to find another forward so Dempsey can play his comfortable position as an outside mid. The Findley selection held much debate and even backlash from people, but at least for now, Findley silenced those people with his performance today.

Players of the game: Jose Torres, Robbie Findley, Jay Demerit, Landon Donovan

This positive result against a very good team (one of if not the best to not make the World Cup) will boost morale greatly for the squad as they get ready to fly out tomorrow. The match v. Australia next Saturday will be the final dress rehearsal for the match v. England. OFF THE PITCH will be providing analysis of the Aussie match in addition to our predictions of the starting 11 Bob Bradley will field v. England.

JOGA BONITO