The U.S. will miss Fabian Johnson on the left. Credit: Getty Images
One of the keys to the success of the U.S. Men’s National soccer team since Jurgen Klinsmann took over, was the play of the fullbacks.
For Klinsmann, the left and right-sided defenders are on double duty. They need to be solid in defense, but at the same time, be able to bomb down their respective wing, provide options forward for their midfielders, and be able to cross balls into the box.
The news today that saw star youngster Fabian Johnson, a left back, ruled out Tuesday night’s all-important match against Guatemala in Kansas City, will no doubt hurt the United States’ chances more than you’d think.
Last Friday, against minnows Antigua & Barbuda, the USA squeaked by with a 2-1 victory, thanks to a late goal from Eddie Johnson, his second of the night. But the goal conceded came down the American’s left side, where A&B midfielder Peter Byers raced past Carlos Bocanegra, the starting left back, as well as centerback Geoff Cameron, before crossing easily to Dexter Blackstock, who finished coolly.
It was an embarrassing moment for the Americans, but only outlined the problems the team has without a pacey defense.
The left back position has been the USA’s bugaboo position for so long. Heath Pearce didn’t work out. Neither did Jonathan Bornstein. Even Edgar Castillo, (currently injured), hasn’t lived up to the potential that he showed a few years ago.
Johnson finally seemed to bring not only stability to the position, but also made it a focal point. With Johnson on the left, and Steve Cherundolo on the right, opposing midfielders are going to have to keep them on their minds because of the offensive capabilities of the two Americans, which is a huge advantage.
Last month in the 1-0 victory over Jamaica in Columbus, both Cherundolo and Johnson dominated their respective wings, and made life very easy for the USA midfield.
Under Klinsmann’s tactical theory, if those wing-backs can move up the field in attack, the midfielders can tuck in, defensive midfielders can drop back, and there will be plenty of space to operate.
However, with the loss of Johnson, you effectively lose one side of the field. Bocanegra doesn’t have the speed, or dribbling ability, to play as a wing back. Of the current squad called up for Tuesday’s match, the only other options on the left I can see are Danny Williams, a midfielder by trade, or Geoff Cameron, now one of the starting centerbacks on the squad. And both of them still won’t bring the speed.
It’s a shame that Klinsmann didn’t reach into MLS once again, and call up Steven Beitashour. The Earthquakes star has had a tremendous season, making the All-Star game and playing superbly against Chelsea, earning a call up to the US Men’s National team in August.
Though he didn’t play in the 1-0 win over Mexico, Beitashour brings pace, stamina, dribbling ability, and crossing prowess, necessary traits for a Klinsmann wing-back.
Regardless of who Klinsmann picks for the starting XI, the US will be considerably weakened with the absence of Johnson. Hopefully, the pro-US crowd in Kansas City on Tuesday night will do enough to make up for it.
The US needs just a draw to advance to the next round of World Cup qualifying. They’ll likely make it, but this game isn’t a forgone conclusion.
Follow Dan Karell on Twitter: @DanKarell15
Should Klinsmann have called up Beitashour, or someone else? If the U.S. doesn’t win, should Klinsmann lose his job? Do you want Bocanegra to start on the left?
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