Thoughts on match v. England

Players of the match:

TIM HOWARD

This should go without saying, but the Everton keeper was fabulous today, keeping England at bay and stopping point blank shots taken by amongst others English forward Emile Heskey The confidence Howard displayed has got to be encouraging for USMNT fans, and this performance just enhances the notion that Howard is amongst the world's best keepers.

JAY DEMERIT

The backline of the American defense had to play well and namely contain English forward Wayne Rooney if they had any chance at getting a positive result, and that's exactly what happened in large part to the Watford defender. Demerit was his usual self, throwing his body at shots and playing very physical. His smart and physical play annoyed and frustrated Rooney to no end, and by the 70th minute Rooney found himself tracking back up the pitch just to receive the ball. Demerit was just smothering on Rooney, making him invisible for most of the game.

OGUCHI ONYEWU

Coach Bob Bradley took a chance at playing "Gooch" (who hasn't played a full 90 since October) against the three lions, and the gamble paid off. He resembled the player pre-injury and looked very good. He was active in the air, going up for countless headers not only defensively but also on corners. The mental hurdle of actually jumping seems to be gone at this point. Towards the end of the game he had a great sequence where he poked the ball away on a 50/50 challenge from Midfielder Steven Gerrard and proceeded to get up and pass the ball upfield. This is a welcomed sight for the team and USMNT fans, but it remains to be seen how his knee will react tomorrow. Regardless, it was a very positive showing.

STEVE CHERUNDOLO

The fullback from Hannover stole Jonathan Spector's spot in recent friendlies and proved why today. He was downright dangerous on the right flank, skinning Midfielder James Milner more than once. His willingness to take players on was quite refreshing and besides a rash challenge that led to a yellow card against Midfielder Shaun Wright-Philips, Cherundolo was very solid.

This was a great result from the United States going into the match against Slovenia. Bradley has to be very pleased with the overall performance of the defense. There were some shaky moments communication wise, but the back four was very good today, effectively shutting down one of the best players in the world (Rooney). The midfield was a problem yet again as the distribution from Michael Bradley and Ricardo Clark was sub par. Clark's ineptness in guarding Gerrard led to the goal, and he was constantly out of position. I look for a switch in the next match, with either Maurice Edu or Jose Torres starting alongside Bradley. Torres would be ideal against Slovenia due to his technical ability and his passing deftness. It would have been nice to see Landon Donovan more involved although he did have some nice crosses and passes. His ability to use his speed and take players on was missing in this game. Clint Dempsey scored on the gaffe by English Keeper Robert Green and was his usual hard-working self. The main point is that the midfield play has to be better if the United States is to advance in the tournament. The distribution and cohesiveness in the centre of the park needs to be more crisp. The tandem up top of Robbie Findley and Jozy Altidore was rather quiet. Findley did do some nice things before being subbed out, and Altidore flashed his immense potential when he effectively shouldered off and ran past English Defender Jamie Carragher in the midst of his shot which deflected off Green and then the post. Overall this game was not the prettiest and it wasn't the United State's best effort, but they will take the point and await Slovenia on Friday.

JOGA BONITO