Bruce Arena Is Smart

By Simeon | October 15, 2004 12:45 PM | Comments (4)

Wednesday night, I had an opportunity to attend a World Cup Qualifing game in which the United States played Panama. With a win, the US would clinch a spot in the final qualifying round from the CONCACAF Region. I felt lucky the game was staged at RFK in Washington, D.C. I have not seen an international soccer game in person.

My seat was located about half line in the 300 level. I was across the stadium from the majority of the Panamanian fans and Sam's Army. I arrived early enough to see these two groups of fans stake out their portions of the venue. The Panamanian's couldn't stop dancing and playing various instruments. Sam's Army was preparing flags and banners.

Sams Army
Sam's Army
image courtesy of ussoccer.com

I was also early enough to watch the two teams warm-up. Panama did almost every aspect of their warm-up as one group. The US broke apart into different groups to stretch, do drills, and generally get ready. They only came together as a team for shooting drills.

The pre-game festivities included both teams national anthems. The teams took the field beside flags from each country and flags from FIFA. I brought an American Flag to the game. During our National Athem, I proudly held it high.

When the MNT took the field, I wondered about Bruce Arena's choice in line-up. Granted, I am not one of the best soccer coaches in the world, but one has to wonder when you sit the likes of Tim Howard, Clint Mathis, and Bobby Convey.

The first half was a tense one with both teams competing well. The US controlled the ball, but Panama did not relinquish any easy chances. I was impressed by the US' discipline and ball movement. They created a few wonderful tries at goal in the first fifteen minutes. Panama did not hold possession as long as the US, but they had some nice looks at goal.

Landon Donovan opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a fantastic outside the foot flick. He made a run from center to the top of the 6-yard box to see a sweet ball from Josh Wolff. The Panamian keeper was caught on his back foot without a chance. The American fans went crazy, and I waived my flag in the air. The first half ended without another score. Kudos to Coach Arena. The team looked great.

Landon Donovan scores for MNT vs. Panama
image courtesy of ussoccer.com

The second half was all United States. Panama tried to keep up the pace but to no avail. The game started to heat up, and a few cards were given. Panama was feeling the pressure to perform. During the 57th minute, Donovan gave the US that all important second goal. I knew we needed it because; Panama still was finding random excellent chances at Kasey Keller. A tie would not do this evening.

Both teams started to substitute players after the second goal. Coach Arena left Convey and Mathis on the bench in favor of Ed Johnson. Johnson had scored a goal in the last US game. It was his first cap for the national side. The decision paid off enormously. Johnson's speed overwhelmed the tried Panamanian defense. He notched a Hat Trick in just under 20 mintues with goals in 70th, 84th, and 87th minutes. Wow, the game was split wide open. An own goal topped off the scoring in the 90th minute. Final: 6-0 for the US.

Ed Johnson
Eddie Johnson scores a Hat Trick for MNT vs. Panama
image courtesy of ussoccer.com

I'll have to say, Bruce Arena is a smart man. He knew exactly what players to send at the Panama side. This was a great win for the US. I can only imagine how we would match up against some of the best teams in the world with our full side. Now it is on to the final stage of qualifying. I can't wait for the summer of 2006.