What Did You Take Away From Last Night?

I realize that Guatemala is not Mexico nor is it a South American team nor is it a European team. I also realize that many things of note that one may take away from last night's performance are essentially confirmations of what was already known by many. All that being said, here are my thoughts:

- Orozco and Alvarado should never play another game for the USMNT again. I am serious, there are just numerous better options. About ten other players would have to be incapacitated or dead for me to play either Orozco or Alvarado. Nothing against either of those guys, they are just really poor quality players and are going to get us all killed.

- The 4-3-3 can work against some teams and we look really good in it. Of course, one formation does not fit every opponent but this was a case that looked like Klinsmann actually thought about strategy and creating opportunities.

- Players in their natural and experienced positions is desirable to the alternative.

- Zusi still has a role to play in the USMNT. I realize that it is CONCACAF but Zusi can still be productive. Everything that I have read points to him being a very positive influence in the clubhouse as well.

- Bradley is at his best when coming into the attack from a deep position. I like the idea of seeing the 4-3-3 with Bradley on one side and Johnson or Nagbe on the other, both with the ability to attack up and across through the middle.

- Beckerman's age caused a couple of scary openings (of which were deftly extinguished by Yedlin coming to the rescue) but he still can be a solid obstacle sitting in front of the back line against certain opponents.

- Yedlin was my brightest player from last night. He will not be outpaced by anyone and his defense appears to have progressed to a new level of composure and technical skill. He picks his opportunities to attack forward better than previously shown and on the occasion that he does get caught too far forward his pace allows him to recover. The game appeared slow to him and he looked in complete control even in key critical moments. I watched him in several of his Sunderland performances earlier in the season where he was literally spun out of his cleats; his game presently is on a different higher level.

- Birnbaum continues to show capabilities at CB while also being a physical concern for opponents on set pieces.

- Cameron should always play CB. He is the most consistent USMNT CB from a defensive perspective and his long stride allows him to attack forward in certain moments. He can be a raging bull at times. His experience, stride, and instincts lead him to rarely be caught out of position. One of the smartest and most experienced players on the USMNT.

- Wood had a wtf moment on a miss (although it was caused by a split second lapse of concentration and momentum because he thought he was going to be called for a handball that was somehow missed by the ref) but he still shows good technical skill with the ball at his feet. If Wood had Zardes' luck he would truly be a force. We need to see more of Wood and this is a critical time for him in terms of club and country. He has made great progression and the potential is there.

- Dempsey was active and showed great movement and positioning.

- Zardes will never be able to overcome his complete lack of technical skill regarding his first touch. For every nice pass or touch (of which he had one great one last night) he produces 8-9 absolutely horrible concrete touches. He needs to touch the ball as little as possible and play as close to goal as manageable. He can be a poacher with his luck and quickness and can stretch defenses with his movement and pace. But I think his movement needs to be all around the box.

- Finlay shows great pace and ability to send crosses into the box. I am excited about his potential on the wing. He has the capability to force opponents to adapt defensively to his abilities. It is shameful that he was robbed of his first USMNT goal in front of his home crowd.

- The USMNT should never lose to Guatemala. Ever.