Alright folks, January camp for the United States Mens National Team (USMNT) has come to a close and its time to discuss what we saw over the past month! Let’s start this off by making sure we are all on the same page with what January camp actually is. Often referred to as “Camp Cupcake” January camp for the USMNT is a chance to bring in some new faces and above all else, give fringe players a chance to prove they belong in the squad. Being that the camp is in January, it is typically not common to see some of the European based Americans in the camp as they are busy with their club sides.
Newly renamed Head Coach Bruce Arena called in an all Major League Soccer (MLS) 32-man squad at the start of camp. Players reported to camp on January 10th with all eyes on Arena’s first match in charge of his second stint with the National team on January 29th against Serbia in San Diego. The team would then travel to Chattanooga for a match against Jamaica six days later on February 3rd.
Now, I’m not going to completely break down both games in this blog. That would take more time than you are willing to read this I’m sure. This is more so going to be my take on some of the players I think impressed and proved that they deserve to be wearing the National Team shirt on a more regular basis.
I want to start with a player I was really excited to see get called into camp, Sebastian Lleget. After not getting his shot in his time at West Ham United in England, Sebastian found a new home with the LA Galaxy in 2015. This was just the chance he needed. Lletget quickly established himself as a player that could start or come off the bench and be a difference maker in matches, which is just what he did in his first camp with the USMNT. Seba came on as a substitute against Serbia at the start of the second half, and had an instant impact. He immediately got into a midfield scuffle for the ball and was soon crowded by three Serbian players but still came away with the ball and played out to maintain possession for the US. Seba played the full second half against Serbia and went the full 90 against Jamaica. He did a fantastic job of breaking up plays in the midfield to disrupt play and regain possession. His ability and confidence to create space and take players on was what appealed to me the most. The combination play between him and Jorge Villafana on the left side against Jamaica was a sight US fans have been waiting for, quick one-two passing opening up the defense with ease.
Now let’s talk about Benny Feilhaber! A huge talking point coming into camp was the call up of the widely heralded playmaker of Sporting Kansas City (SKC). Feilhaber fell out of favor with previous coach Jurgen Klinsmann and had not seen national team action in five long years, although he was performing well in MLS for SKC. With Benny thinking his National Team days were behind him he knew had to come in and make an impact, and thats exactly what he did! With a short 15 minute stint in the first match against Serbia he made his presence felt. Running at the opposition with pace and showing his technical ability and vision.
The next match against Jamaica was an even better showing for Benny. Feilhaber was the catalyst in just about every attack the USA put together throughout the hour he was on the pitch. While showing flashes of skill and the best vision displayed on the pitch, Feilhaber also assisted on the games only goal. Benny received a ball from the midway line from Dax McCarty, and brilliantly slid the ball to Jordan Morris with a beautiful back heel flick who promptly returned the ball to Benny who took a few touches before once again passing to Morris who slotted home past the sliding keeper. Now this may sounds like a beautiful 1-2 play between the two Americans who combined for the goal, and for the most part it was. However, what most people did not notice was the skill it took for Benny to keep the play going on Morris’s returned pass. The ball was played behind Feilhaber’s run which made him have to reach back to receive the ball and keep the play moving. Just one more example of the skill the USA’s #10 (for January camp) put on display.
There were two defenders that also caught my attention over the last month. Walker Zimmerman and Jorge Villifana, both showed very well on their first showing with the National Team. Walker, a center-back at FC Dallas (FCD) in MLS got his first cap and start against Jamaica. A teammate of Zimmermans at FCD, Matt Hedges, was expected to get the nod ahead of Walker for the month. However Hedges left camp early due to an injury, thus opening the door for Walker to show his worth. While showing his strength and determination to win each and every ball coming his way, Zimmerman definitely earned himself a second look in my opinion. His one on one defending showed the confidence of a player with much more international experience than he has.
Jorge earned his first cap with a 20 minute appearance at the end of the 0-0 draw with Serbia. With Greg Garza starting and playing the first 70 minutes of the match at left-back, Villifana brought a new look to the pitch. His pace, vision, and decision making were a site for sore eyes in this match. He only improved his stock in his 86 minutes on the field against Jamaica. His combination play with Sebastian Lleget on the left side of the pitch was superb as well as his tracking back to defend and decision making on when to play further up the field. With the position of left-back being an issue for the US I firmly believe that Jorge played his way into contention for the spot.
One thing we all need to remember is that this was JANUARY CAMP, it is not meant to be an indication of how the rest of the year is going to go for the National Team. Its an opportunity for new players (and this year, coaching staff) to prove themselves. Are there bright spots to take from the month and two matches? Yes, I think there are a handful of positives to come out of January. However, there is still a lot that this team needs to improve upon before World Cup Qualifying resumes in March.
Feel free to share your thoughts, comments, or concerns and lets have a conversation about the team and where it is going!
-Jake
Jake Talks Soccer 