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Two national team games in 48 hours, To say the second was more fun to watch than the first, couldn’t explain how nice it was to not have Carlos Ruiz on the field (thank god I don’t live in Dallas). U.S. Coach Bob Bradley chose to rest his veterans and come with an almost entirely new roster against the tired patchwork quilt that presently is the Trinidad and Tobago national team. Interestingly, the two starting rosters were almost completely different than those sent to Germany last summer.

You get a couple things from this squad rotation. While the historically stronger players get some rest, Bradley gets to see more players, and young players in real competition. Against a lesser opponent maybe, but the B-team, if you will, didn’t look that far behind the A-team.

The real truth is after the jump…

“Before the tournament we wanted to look at two groups for sure,” said Bradley after the game. “When the games come so quickly, we feel good about the depth that we have. I think that showed today. Throughout the year we have brought some new players into the team. Today was the first game for Michael Parkhurst, and I thought that he had a good solid match and that is important. It shows that going forward, we have the ability to create some pretty good combinations in all parts of the field, in our defense, in our midfield and with our forwards, and hopefully gives us not only the depth, but a little bit of flexibility, in terms of the way we play.”

Fox Soccer Channel broadcasters also noted how these two distinct squads indicated depth on the U.S. roster. It is true, but something no one seems to want to say is how it is also a reflection of how our “best” players aren’t that much better than our bench players. The United States produces one hell of a 3rd, 4th, 5th best player. I don’t know, for instance, how many times I can complain about our statuesque, cherry-picking strikers. Will anyone separate themselves as, if not superstar, a team leader? Carlos Bocanegra is our captain? Really?

It will be interesting to see who Bradley goes with once we leave the group stage. Young and fast looks tempting, but if and when Mexico comes calling, the veterans might get the nod. With all due respect to the various player-ranking articles out there, the only list I’ll need to see is the box score from the finals against Mexico. If we get there, you’ll have Bob Bradley’s first 11. And then the Copa America arguments can begin (again?).

As noted several times on the FSC broadcast, we’ve now seen two different line-ups playing in a similar fashion. Has the team found Bradley-ball? Speed and movement seem to be beginning to separate this team from Arena’s teams, and while no doubt the injection of youth affects both of these attributes, I think its time (first time?) to say Bradley deserves credit as well. And how can you not love that stern stare. That’s what a coach is suppposed to look like.

Bradley takes his grimace back to the sideline on Tuesday, June 12, for their final group stage match against El Salvador. FSC, 7pm EST.

a late note:

Thanks to the Alex who brought this to my attention (see below). Kenny Cooper broke his leg on what is being described (I haven’t been able to find a replay on-line) as a dangerous tackle in what was not a close game. An quick column from Brant Parson on the Orlando Sentinel’s blogs gives its two cents: it’s a chance for MLS to crack down on physical (ugly?) play. I’m for that.