The United States 2 Panama 0

First and foremost, Congratulations to the USMNT on their 2-0 victory over Panama in World Cup qualifying!

Solid overall performance in a highly competitive game. The unsung heroes, in my opinion, were Besler, Gonzales and Howard-the core of the defense. Others garnered more acclaim in-game and post-game, but I came away impressed with the center backs and goalkeeper. They were solid, steady and went largely unnoticed due to lack of significant error on their part. The importance of that type of presence in the back line allows teammates to play aggressively in front of the them allowing for confident, creative attacking play which is exactly what we saw last night.

To be perfectly honest, I have been concerned about the USMNT ability to qualify for the next World Cup. They have not exactly been a juggernaut since Juren Klinsmann took over the program.  Change can be difficult and the type of change Kilnsmann has brought particularly so.  He has upset the status quo by bringing in new players and attempting to change the style of play.  While I recognized the process he was undertaken, I admittedly doubted his ability to implement enough of his system in time to bear fruit during this qualifying round.

As I watched last nights match I found myself reviewing this past spring season with our U17 team in my mind. The similarities are striking. From the beginning there was promise, but we stumbled and struggled to find our stride. Even though we won, I often felt we played incomplete games. This is the same type of feeling I have had about the Kilnsmann led USMNT.

Over the last two weeks of the spring season there was a distinct change in our U17's play.  "Something clicked" and it was almost magical watching it all come together.  Solid defending, good distributions from the midfield, outstanding target play, getting the ball wide and backs into the attack. Varying the attack resulting in scoring through strong build ups, off quick counters and on set pieces. We were a dangerous team.  Last night the USMNT seemed to have found that same magic.

The back to goal target play was exceptional last night. Off that action they hit runners coming forward out of the midfield and on the flanks. Off-the-ball player movement was outstanding  and led to some spectacular combination play creating wonderful chances. They stretched the Panamanian defense to the breaking point and had they finished a bit better the result might have been a rout.

I am not ready to proclaim the USMNT has arrived with nothing but calm seas and following winds from this point forward. No, they need to build upon last nights accomplishments and demonstrate consistency in performance. The signs are present that something really good could be about to blossom with this group.  I feel better about qualifying and the future of US men's soccer than I have... ever.

As strange as it seems, this new found confidence admittedly stems in part from the journey our U17 team just completed. The parallels and similarities of the processes are striking. From positional changes to building depth to formational tweaks it's all eerily familiar. I am cautiously optimistic the USMNT is on the verge of playing the best soccer in the history of the program. I am perhaps even more excited at the prospect of the style of play we saw last night filtering down to the youth ranks.  I sense a significant change for the better of the soccer culture in the United States emerging with the USMNT leading the way.

FINAL: US MNT 0 Mexico 0

Playing a lot of young kids and unfamilar faces the US MNT went into Azteca and stole a point on the road!

Beasley was a warrior tonight. Not his best game and he struggled at times but rose to meet every challenge.  Besler and Gonzaes were superb. Cameron held down his side as well.  Guzan was really solid, very calm in support of the backs.

Thought Bradley was the key. His play and organization from the DM position were keys to the game, imo. Zusi provided the strong physical presence in support.

I am unsure what Klinsman was thinking in replacing Altidore with Johnson. he corresponding switch from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2  was a bit curious as well.  Thought the US had controlled the center channels well up to that point. They struggled to get numbers around the ball when playing in the 4-4-2.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not criticizing Klinsman - just not understanding his thinking with that move.  Perhaps he will enlighten us in post match comments.

Mexico will complain of the two non-calls that could have resulted in PK opportunities for the home side.  That's just sour grapes because they left a half dozen other scoring chances on the field. Convert on any of those and the potential PK's are renderedfar less relevant. Sometimes a little luck is needed and this time it shined favorably on the US MNT. 

Haven't seen the stats yet, but Mexico had more shots, more shots on goal and a staggering number of corner kicks.  The US MNT stood strong.  Poise, composure... they just didn't buckle and that is very encouraging.

New faces are emerging as starters and contributors. Players missing due to injuries or sabaticals doesn't seem to phase Klinsman and this group.  He's used a different line up in each game with an astonishing 59 players receiving caps under his direction.  That is going to establish a much deeper pool of players than the US has been accustomed to.  I am really impressed by the "next man up" approach of the US team as exemplfied by the young center backs to tonight.

Point well earned!

US MNT @ Mexico 1st Half

After a slow start the US MNT  began to sustain possession better. Jose Altidore's back to goal target play was a huge factor in this as he linked with Bradley a number of times. Was very impressed with the US patience in building attacks and the change of pace displayed once they hit Altidore. The lay backs and returns worked well.

I am concerned about Beasley's play at the left back. He has struggled and Mexico smells blood there. The two young center backs, Besler and Gonzales have held up fairly well. Some textbook examples of zonal flat back play with both stick and arrow in evidence,

The strength of this team seems to be down the middle of the pitch and that is where much of the latter part of the first half was played after the Mexicans dominated flank play early on.

0 - 0 at Half.  The US MNT is probably happy with that. The Mexicans, not so much.