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Donovan: USA Improved As Game Went On
Landon Donovan thought the U.S. improved as the World Cup qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago wore on. Eventually, Donovan assisted the game winner.
Sep 10, 2009 12:52:29 AM
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad--The United States has come under some criticism of late for its slow starts. Home games against Honduras and El Salvador in this World Cup qualifying round have been won by second half fightbacks.
In the 1-0 win away at Trinidad and Tobago, Donovan admitted that the team again started a bit flat, but improved as the match wore on.
“They did a pretty good job coming out and having some energy,” Donovan said of the Soca Warriors' play. “I think if we’re a little cleaner we would’ve gotten a goal in the first half. As the half wore on, as the game wore on, we got better and better.”
Eventually a Landon Donovan assist decided the match. In the final round of Hexagonal play, Donovan has assisted eight of the 14 goals the U.S. has scored and scored two of the remaining six he didn't set up.
Clint Dempsey worked the ball through the middle of the field and found Donovan on the left. The 27-year-old held up play a bit before cutting back to Ricardo Clark. The Houston Dynamo let crack with a swerving shot that decided the match.
“There was one time at the end of the first half where I know I could’ve cut a ball back,” Dononvan said. “On that play, a lot of times your mind goes faster and you want to make the first play that you see and that’s not always the best. So I was proud that I was patient. [Clark] did a good job of getting himself in position.”
Allen Ramsey, Goal.com with assistance from Zac Lee Rigg in Los Angeles
If you follow the U.S. Men's National Team, you'll love the dedicated page on Goal.com
In the 1-0 win away at Trinidad and Tobago, Donovan admitted that the team again started a bit flat, but improved as the match wore on.
“They did a pretty good job coming out and having some energy,” Donovan said of the Soca Warriors' play. “I think if we’re a little cleaner we would’ve gotten a goal in the first half. As the half wore on, as the game wore on, we got better and better.”
Eventually a Landon Donovan assist decided the match. In the final round of Hexagonal play, Donovan has assisted eight of the 14 goals the U.S. has scored and scored two of the remaining six he didn't set up.
Clint Dempsey worked the ball through the middle of the field and found Donovan on the left. The 27-year-old held up play a bit before cutting back to Ricardo Clark. The Houston Dynamo let crack with a swerving shot that decided the match.
“There was one time at the end of the first half where I know I could’ve cut a ball back,” Dononvan said. “On that play, a lot of times your mind goes faster and you want to make the first play that you see and that’s not always the best. So I was proud that I was patient. [Clark] did a good job of getting himself in position.”
Allen Ramsey, Goal.com with assistance from Zac Lee Rigg in Los Angeles
If you follow the U.S. Men's National Team, you'll love the dedicated page on Goal.com
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