USMNT star Jozy Altidore: We need to play with more desire

But if the USA, under Klinsmann or anyone else, does what they have to do and what they have done consistently in every Hex, they will be more than likely third, and that gets them to Russian Federation, even if its by the skin of their teeth.

Klinsmann accepted some of the blame for the setback but also indicated he was dissatisfied with the level of fighting spirit shown by his players, as they followed up last Friday’s home defeat to Mexico with a far worse performance.

Head coach Oscar Ramirez prefers a three-man central defense and two wingbacks, commanded at the back by Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who probably is the best goalkeeper in the CONCACAF over the likes of Tim Howard, Guillermo Ochoa and yes, Philadelphia Union Goalkeeper Andre Blake.

The Yanks continued to struggle despite fielding almost an identical lineup, and in a 4-4-2 shape, to the one that controlled the second half vs. Mexico on Friday. This will be another opportunity for Brad Guzan to deliver a signature win for the Americans.

The surgery will be performed by USA national team physician Dr. Michael B. Gerhardt and is expected to sideline Howard for four months, meaning he will miss the Rapids’ Western Conference final against Seattle Sounders FC and the beginning of 2017 training camp. Bobby Wood equalized the game at 1-1 early in the second half, but Mexico came out on top when Rafa Marquez headed in Miguel Layun’s 88th minute corner.

During the match, as was so noted by the game’s commentators, the Americans appear as if they entirely lack an identity. The willingness to fight back-and after the second goal they didn’t have that power or drive to get back in the game. With the likes of the hapless Brooks, who was outstanding over the summer in the Copa America but was at fault for Mexico’s winning goal last week and was a deer in the San Jose floodlights?

“We know we have to be focused on that game”. It’s definitely the defeat that hurts the most in my five years.

Now the U.S. goes in Costa Rica tonight for a seemingly vital away qualifier. “We expect that from them, and they expect a lot from us”.

The road to the World Cup, U.S. Coach Juergen Klinsmann says, is a long one with more than a few bumps along the way. Bradley frankly has not looked like himself since his return to the MLS. “We see it in many occasions that once we go a goal down, the dynamic changes and we add another gear to our game. Are players playing for him?”, McBride said on ESPN. My personal belief is to let Bedoya play a holding role with Bradley, as he has had a season to adapt to the role in the MLS for the Philadelphia Union.

“I think we have a group of guys who have experience, who’ve been in situations like this before, who understand it’s not always ideal”, he said.

Costa Rica grabbed the advantage again in the 23rd minute on a foul but it amounted to nothing as the free kick went straight to Guzan.

Central defenders John Brooks and Omar Gonzalez, and right back Timmy Chandler had particularly poor games.

“A very, very bitter moment for us – there’s no doubt about it”, Klinsmann said in his postgame news conference. Depending on the formation that Klinsmann opts for, will make for a possibly attack heavy lineup, or more defensive lineup.

There was no talking his way out of this one for head coach Jurgen Klinsmann.