Defense, not offense, biggest worry for US
Monday, June 7, 2010
PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) -- Instead of worrying where the goals are going to come from, this U.S. soccer team's biggest concern is keeping the ball out of its own net.
Four years ago, the Americans outscored opponents 3-1 in their final three World Cups warmups, as Morocco, Venezuela and Latvia played mostly behind the ball with packed in defenses. The time, against more talented opponents, the U.S. had a 7-6 margin against the Czech Republic, Turkey and Australia.
While the offense was flowing, the backline was inconsistent.
Heading into Saturday's World Cup opener against England, Oguchi Onyewu may be the biggest question. The 6-foot-4 defensive anchor hasn't played 90 minutes since Oct. 10, four days before he tore a knee tendon.
