Dempsey Who?

Playing without two of their top scoring options, the US Men's National team played with confidence and purpose, scoring 5 goals against an over-matched Scotland team. Scotland won't be mistaken for Spain, Brazil or even England for that matter but the 48th ranked team in the world is still a formidable challenge for a team that has often underwhelmed against CONCACAF competition. Donovan, playing as the primary scoring option with Dempsey sidelined was spectacular and set the tone for the US attack early and often. After weeks of listening to how he's lost his title as America's best player, Donovan answered the bell with one of the best national team performances in years.

Jurgen Klinsmann's vision, one that encourages possession and creativity, may finally be coming to fruition. The US relied on that advantage in possession and quick-touch passing to create seams in their opponents defense, using one-twos and decisive runs from their wingers in attack. It was an altogether impressive performance from a squad that is learning a new system and still coming into its own. As their younger players continue to develop and gain experience, it seems the future is quite bright for this group.

Observations/Thoughts:

• After the worst national anthem ever, it seems Victoria Zarlenga is destined for a career in pop music
• Surprisingly I'm a fan of the new kit but the numbers should be darker blue 
• Really enjoyed the perspective from these field level highlights

Recap (click on the time of the goal for the highlights):
3^rd minute (1-0 United States) 

USMNT Starting XI

Torres provided the initial defensive pressure and regained possession after the ball caromed back to him. His one-touch pass was sublime, relieving pressure and switching the ball to Bradley in stride. Bradley's sleek one-touch of his own continued the left-to-right ball movement to Jones. Jones held the ball too long and was fortunate that the defender deflected the ball to Donovan, whose first touch put him in the perfect shooting position. After an initial save by the Scotland goalkeeper, Donovan clinically put the ball over three Scottish defenders to open up the scoring for the United States.

12^th minute (2-0 United States) 

Two words: world class. Somewhere in Egypt, a father and former USMNT coach is smiling. Michael Bradley connecting on a half-volley, gave the US an early 2-0 lead. It was a stunning moment of individual brilliance that was set up by a Jones one-touch, off a pass from Donovan. Only 12 minutes in and Bradley is already establishing himself as one of the best players on the pitch.

15^th minute (2-1 United States)

Scotland got one back on an own-goal that deflected off the stomach of Geoff Cameron.Cameron was exclusively at fault because his initial step was forward, losing his mark and allowing his man to come free for the header that ultimately caused the goal. Cameron will have to do better if he wants to continue to start and have an impact role on the US team.

60^th minute (3-1 United States)

Landon Donovan was the beneficiary of another great one-two from the US midfield and his first touch shot was slotted nicely inside the far post. USA's commitment to the quick touch, pass and move style Jurgen Klinsmann has implemented has drastically changed their tactical approach to offensive football. They're evolving into more than just a counterattacking team and are also a joy to watch, which are words not often praised on the USMNT.

65^th minute (4-1 United States)
Once again, the best two players on the field connect for the US. Donovan with a slicing, instinctive run between defenders opened up a passing lane for Bradley. Using the outside of his foot, Bradley put the ball in stride for the streaking Donovan, who calmly and superbly struck the ball just the inside the far post. A perfect shot from the greatest goal-scorer in national team history.
 

70^th minute (5-1 United States)

A textbook counterattacking goal from the US, one that every high school coach should have on DVD for their next coaching lesson. With 7 players within 30 yards of their own goal, the US began on a well executed transition from defense to offense. Off of a Scotland turnover, Bradley played Jones forward in space. With Corona wide left, Gomez made a selfless diagonal run from left to right that created space for Jones to continue pushing forward. Donovan who started 20 yards behind Jones initially, hustled down the right wing and received a one-touch pass from Gomez. With two US players open in the box, Donovan placed the ball right on Jones head for the fifth goal of the game.

Questions ahead of the Brazil game:

1. With Dempsey out and Donovan in for the first time in a while against Scotland, how will the team play if its two best players finally share the field?
2. Will they revert to defensive, counterattacking soccer against Brazil or continue to bring the game to their opponent?
3. Did Cameron do enough to secure a partnership with Bocanegra in central defense? If not, who emerges from the group to challenge for that position?