Heading into this round of qualifiers, the priority for the U.S. was to secure six points from the easiest two of its remaining four matches. In that sense, given that a pair of its biggest rivals for automatic spots -- Honduras and Costa Rica -- dropped three and six points, respectively, the past four days have been very successful.
Furthermore, that the U.S. won on the road is not to be sniffed at. By winning 1-0 in Port of Spain, Trinidad, Bob Bradley's side became just the third to triumph away from home in 20 matches played in this qualifying section. From this position of strength, however, weaknesses also must be assessed.
These two wins owed much to spasmodic good moments and rarely sustained quality. After the conclusion to Saturday's game against El Salvador was more frenetic than most would have predicted, once again graft, not craft, defined the performance versus Trinidad and Tobago.
Anchored by a solid display from goalkeeper Tim Howard, at least the U.S. avoided continuing its recent penchant for conceding the game's first goal. Oguchi Onyewu's return helped that, too. Although the AC Milan man has struggled at times against Kenwyne Jones, in truth there are few who do not. On the whole, Onyewu was able to restrict the forward to doing most of his work away from goal. When he did get a look, Howard was there to deny him.
Alongside Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra grew into the game after a poor start. On the outside, the two Jonathans, Spector and Bornstein, also did their primary job of defending reasonably well to the extent that, after some early let-offs, Trinidad and Tobago created little in the penalty area other than from set pieces.
More has to come from the fullbacks, though. Most of the elite teams in the world feature attacking outside defenders who are as comfortable in the opponents' final third as in their own. Wednesday night, I noticed that it was not until the 35th minute when Bornstein first gained possession deep in T&T's half. Crosses have to come from sources other than just Landon Donovan.
A fundamental reason attacking fullbacks are so important is the narrow look that the U.S. midfield has with both Donovan and Clint Dempsey. Both players, though nominally wide players, look to cut inside at every opportunity. The U.S. must take better advantage of space created, and if their fullbacks do it, they'll produce greater numbers in attacking areas.
Although the goal came from good work by Donovan and not a fullback, an example of this was seen Wednesday. As the ball was laid back to Ricardo Clark, five white shirts were in the home penalty area, an overloading that resulted in scrambling defenders struggling to cover, thus presenting Clark with the time and space to get away his goal-bound shot.
Finding more ways to link the midfield and forwards has to be an ongoing priority for this team. Jozy Altidore and Charlie Davies' partnership continues to grow, but the speed and skill of the pair remains likelier to create chances than any consistent interaction with the midfield. As Wednesday's winner showed, when those combinations are put together, the results can be impressive.
Well played, young men
Benny Feilhaber and Stuart Holden impressed in their roles off the bench and provided reminders to a number of regulars that few outfield positions on this team can be taken for granted.
Two players who may need to look over their shoulders, based on current form if not reputation, are Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey. The former was better on Wednesday than against El Salvador, possibly thanks to the security-blanket effect that the defensive-minded Clark provided in front of the back four. During the next month, Bradley needs to reassert himself in Borussia Monchengladbach's first XI while learning from some of the adversity he has faced recently.
Dempsey's case, meanwhile, is more curious. Established as a starter at Fulham and fewer than three months removed from winning the bronze ball at the Confederations Cup, he since has struggled to influence internationals consistently. His goal on Saturday reminded us of his value, but besides that highlight, we've seen little of the verve and energy we have come to expect from him, especially in midfield. Instead, he has shown more encouraging signs further forward, where the emphasis is more on facing the opposing goal than his own.
Barring injury, it is unlikely that either Bradley or Dempsey will be omitted from the starting lineup in Honduras on Oct. 10. Both are fine players who have proved their worth at this level, having become automatic starters under Bob Bradley during a successful run for the national team.
However, if the push from the likes of Feilhaber, Holden and others on an ever-deepening depth chart does not see them improve their games, the clamor for changes will increase. With the reward of playing a major role in South Africa on offer, these should be no times for resting on laurels.
A thing that made me go hmmm …
Bob Bradley rarely cracks a smile on the touchline, but there was a slight curling of the lips when, after the final whistle in Port of Spain, he asked Trinidad and Tobago coach Russell Latapy to "knock off one of the big boys." It is nice to see that it is not just the fans who study the schedule to see where rivals may drop points.
With no more than pride to play for, what can be expected from the Soca Warriors in their remaining two games -- away against Costa Rica and at home facing Mexico -- may not amount to much. However, if Latapy's men put in the effort they showed against the United States and are a little more fortunate with their luck in front of the goal, Bradley's wish just might be granted.