USMNT: What Happens at the Center-Back Position After Mexico Debacle?

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: April 3, 2014

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With just over two months remaining until the United States takes the field for its first World Cup match against Ghana, the same questions still linger about how effective the back four will be in Brazil. 

One player in particular raised plenty of doubts about his potential starting spot in Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Mexico.

Omar Gonzalez, who many assumed before the Mexico match would be the center-back partner of Matt Besler in Brazil, now has a ton of work to do to remain in the good graces of United States manager Jurgen Klinsmann. 

Gonzalez's failure to mark a few players in crucial situations cost the Americans in a heated game played at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.



After putting in a solid 45 minutes alongside Besler, the L.A. Galaxy center-back failed to shake off a pick play run on a set piece by El Tri. 

Due to his inability to recognize the situation, Gonzalez got tangled up with Kyle Beckerman and let Rafa Marquez fly in toward goal alone to score in the 49th minute. 

Making one mistake is a forgivable offense, but committing another vital error almost 20 minutes later was unacceptable for a player who is supposed to be strong enough to hold the attacks of Ghana, Portugal and Germany to a minimal number of goals. 

The worst part about the second mistake made by Gonzalez was that it was an even worse offense than his first as he seemed to doze off in the middle of an important play. 

Seconds before Gonzalez let Alan Pulido sneak behind him and score the equalizing goal, Nick Rimando made a save that caused the ball to bounce over near the left post. 



Had Gonzalez been defending properly, he would have been able to track Pulido's run and potentially force a clearance and avert danger. 

Instead, Gonzalez handed American fans a discussion that should n...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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