Winners And Losers: USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago

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Tim Howard

It's the same old story - in the fight for World Cup qualifying glory, the USA gets mired in yet another slow start, looking befuddled and out of sorts versus a game opponent. This is where Howard often shines, at times keeping the Americans in the match almost singlehandedly until his teammates pull themselves together and improve their performance. Against El Salvador, however, Howard tried to do too much, anticipating shot placement instead of relying on his reflex save ability. For once, he was somewhat to blame for the goal that was scored. Versus Honduras, Howard bounced back from that gaffe with a solid performance. He couldn't be faulted for coming out on Cornell Glen's failed chip attempt, but no one would blame him if he kissed the crossbar after the ball bounced off, either.

Stuart Holden

The time at the end of games is often referred to as garbage minutes, but Holden is making the most of his opportunities. In each of the three most recent USA games, one goal has been the only winning advantage, and Holden has created chances for the Americans in each contest. His crisp cross to Charlie Davies in the altitude of Azteca was about the only offense the USA managed in the second half. He served up another good chance to Donovan in the Trinidad and Tobago game. Yet Holden isn't too precious to play defense, either, scrapping late in the El Salvador game to help hold the USA lead.

Losers

Dempsey has been playing as if he isn't sure what his role is really supposed to be in Bob Bradley's team scheme, and while that's probably more a failing of the coach's communication, it's reflected badly on Dempsey as the end product. Often Dempsey's instinct for the goal overrides his other issues, but if he doesn't score, what's left exposed is the time he wanders on the field, tries moves that don't work, and doesn't link up well with others in the attack. The look of frustration Dempsey often displays could be directed at his own play. Or it could be the result of him feeling far more comfortable with what is expected of him at Fulham and with the quality of his teammates there, as opposed to the national team.

Bob Bradley

Bradley can't win even when he does. Is there any coach whose team leads the qualifying group that is more reviled by the country's fans than Bradley? I doubt it.
To a certain extent, the USA is a victim of its own success, as supporters are no longer satisfied with mere victories - they want quality wins. The jittery performance versus Trinidad and Tobago, with aimless long passes repeatedly booming downfield, didn't reassure anyone that the Americans are on the right path to South Africa, no matter what their place in the CONCACAF table.
Simply put, that kind of performance won't get it done versus Honduras or Costa Rica - and those are the teams the USA faces next.

Jonathan Bornstein

Bornstien did what he can do - chase players and make things more difficult for opponents, but there's a clear reason why Edgar Castillo is likely to be welcomed by many USA fans.
Castillo simply offers more going forward than Bornstein does, and could be a crucial offensive link, so this position could be his in short order.

Goal.com

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