The USA logged a famous 2-0 win over Colombia in the opening match of the Copa America Centenario this past Friday, putting the rest of the world on notice that they have arrived as a legitimate global competitor. Just as impressive was the lineup, as the team started all white players for the first time in perhaps decades.
Klinsmann opted for veteran stalwart Geoff Cameron at right back, adding an extra bit of stability and experience to the center back pairing of Matt Miazga and Matt Besler. English Championship mainstay Eric Lichaj played a fine 90 minutes on the left. Reverting to the diamond midfield that saw success in the 2014 World Cup, Klinsmann wisely returned captain Michael Bradley to his natural #6 position behind attacking CAM Sascha Klejstan, who has been enjoying a great run of form in the MLS (four assists clear of the league lead). The flanks were manned by Graham Zusi on the left and Ethan Finlay on the right, who both peppered the Colombian backline with dangerous crosses all night. Decorated veteran Clint Dempsey also reverted to his most natural position as a withdrawn striker, making dangerous, intelligent diagonal runs to free up target striker Chris Wondolowski. With the game in hand, Klinsmann brought on Brek Shea for Zusi to batten down the hatches on the back line. Jordan Morris relieved Wondo after 70 strong minutes, and youngster Christian Pulisic won a late cap for his resume as Dempsey exited the pitch to a standing ovation.
Just kidding, none of that really happened. The USA started six non-whites, with "only four" players lining up outside of their club position. The aforementioned Miazga, Klejstan, Lichaj, Finlay, and Morris, all very viable players, were excluded from the roster. The 4-3-3 was ineffective due in part to that lack of familiarity. Wings pulled too far inside (Zardes and Wood, natural center forwards), fullbacks often either stayed home unnecessarily (Yedlin) or floated away from their mark (Johnson), and Bradley and Jones got clogged in the middle as they played each others' positions. Klinsmann subbed in his two speculative youngsters in hope that they would recover a goal and make him look clever, but they seemed in over their heads during the short window. The US was soundly outmatched both technically and tactically. Dempsey was perhaps the lone bright spot, putting forth the only few dangerous chances (and only two on goal).
As it's hard to root for this team as it stands, the best case scenario is a flameout in the subsequent games against Costa Rica and Paraguay, an absolute possibility. This is moot if the otherwise unimpeachable Klinsmann still escapes with his job heading into Russia 2018. The only other looming question is whether the handpicked venues of Chicago and Philadelphia will provide true "home crowds" for the USA against their hispanic competition.