The U.S. national soccer team was under scrutiny and coach Bob Bradley under fire after several poor results, the worst a 2-1 Gold Cup group-stage loss — its first ever — to Panama. But after its best showing in a year during Sunday’s quarterfinal rout of Jamaica, only a rematch with Panama stands between the United States and the final . . . and vindication.
The Americans had shown all of their various Achilles’ heels — disorganization, lack of imagination, a sorry start and poor finishing — in that June 11 loss to Panama. But after a 2-0 win over a Jamaica team that hadn’t allowed a goal in the tourney, they earned tonight’s semifinal date at Houston’s Reliant Stadium.
“I think they’d certainly be excited about the opportunity to have a rematch. It’ll be a good game,” said Bradley, who wouldn’t admit concern about his job status. Bradley’s quickly improving team can not only take some of the heat off him, but earn a trip to Saturday’s final in the Rose Bowl and a shot at the 2013 Confederations Cup.
In the other semifinal, Mexico plays Honduras.
Despite forward Jozy Altidore’s strained hamstring, the team claims it’s gelling at the right time, with Sunday’s performance its best since last summer’s World Cup.
“No question. It was complete. We passed well, defended well,” said Landon Donovan. “As the tournament goes on, you start to build unity. It doesn’t happen right away. You can’t expect after a week or two everything’s going to be clicking. Guys are startiing to trust each other . . . and we’re starting to play as a team.”
Donovan came in as a reserve Sunday — for the first time in four years — after arriving at 7 a.m. from his sister’s wedding. He’ll need to be at his best with Altidore likely out after having an MRI exam yesterday. Juan Agudelo will likely replace Altidore.
“I’d love to play,” Agudelo said. “Unfortunately, we lost a player that’s key to our team and for this tournament, but I feel like this stuff happens for a reason. This is my chance and I’m focused more than ever now.”
Bradley has made a number of adjustments, ditching his 4-4-2 formation for a 4-2-3-1 that was more effective than it’s been in the past, thanks to Alejandro Bedoya and Sacha Kljestan. And he benched center back Tim Ream, shifting Carlos Bocanegra back inside for leadership and entrusting Eric Lichaj at left back.
“We’re trying to get stronger as the tournament goes on,” said Kljestan.
Panama, which needed luck, a controversial late goal and penalty kicks to beat El Salvador on Sunday, has its own issues. Luis Tejada has three goals, but forward Blas Perez, who gave the United States fits in Tampa, is out with a red-card suspension.
