After a disappointing 2-0 loss to 95th-ranked Guatemala in Guatemala City last Friday, the U.S. Men’s National Team will be looking to get back on track in World Cup qualifying in tonight’s rematch between the two teams in Columbus, Ohio.
U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has been frank in his criticism of the team’s focus and decision-making on Friday. Guatemala came out firing on all cylinders and scored two--admittedly preventable from a U.S. standpoint--goals inside the first fifteen minutes. The U.S., meanwhile, had their share of opportunities, but a combination of lackluster finishing and a gutsy defensive effort from the home side left the visitors lamenting missed opportunities.
As the U.S. seek to get back on track tonight in Columbus, questions remain about Klinsmann’s lineup choices. After Friday’s tentative display, the team still looks largely unsure of its identity, and the continuing trend of giving up early goals means that defense is a key area that must be addressed. With regulars Matt Besler, John Brooks and Fabian Johnson out with injuries, Klinsmann elected to play Michel Orozco and Omar Gonzalez at center back, while deploying Geoff Cameron, slightly surprisingly, at right back. DeAndre Yedlin occupied a wide midfield role, but has proven to be a valuable asset at fullback as well.
The U.S. currently sit third in Group C with 4 points, behind Trinidad and Tobago and Guatemala. With just three matches remaining in the semifinal round of qualifying--tonight’s match, plus dates away to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and home to Trinidad and Tobago in September--it’s really a must-win situation for the U.S. Three points will be crucial for them to ensure a second-place finish in the group and passage to the hexagonal (the final six from which the CONCACAF World Cup berths will be determined).
Nevertheless, the U.S. are undefeated against Guatemala at home, and have never lost an international match played in Columbus. The U.S. have been in a similar situation before, too: during qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, they suffered a shock away loss to Jamaica before rebounding with a win at home. The U.S. certainly have plenty of experience in the ranks, too--18 of the current players on the roster have World Cup experience--and the recent additions of Mix Diskerud and 17-year-old Christian Pulisic to the squad could offer Klinsmann more variation in midfield. With such tools at his disposal, the U.S. coach should be able to get the team back on track with an eye toward Russia 2018.
The match will be broadcast live on ESPN2 beginning at 7 PM ET.
Starting Lineups
