U.S.A. Soccer Formation

Starting Lineup

The US has consistently been exposed on the wings by better competition, so why lineup thinner with a 3 man back line? Under pressure the wings/outside mids fall back to a flat 5 man back line. That is rather than have Bocanegra and Spector get out-run, out-classed and eventually exposed on the defensive wing, you let force one of the mids on each flank (e.g. either Beasley or Bradley on the left and often both) track back to cover the wing. Dempsey also tracks back so you're in basically a 5-4-1 when under seige. Donovan proved he can play the role and also has the chops to lead the counter out of the back on the wing. Bottom line, if the US tries to play England straight up -- 4-4-2 against 4-4-2 -- they lose 8, win 1 and draw one. Have to improve the odds with strategy designed to counter their weakness in defense.