Well worth the wait

U.S. fans fantasized all year long of seeing the trio of Josmer Altidore, Freddy Adu and Kenny Cooper on the pitch simultaneously. Last night the supporters got their wish as the trifecta helped the United States cruise to a 2-0 victory over Guatemala.

Although the young attackers played significant roles in yesterday's match, the win was a collective effort as not only did the stars and stripes stifle a Guatemalan side that was playing for their qualifying lives, but the team looked good in the process.

"It's a good way for us to finish up this round. It caps a successful run and now we focus on the challenge ahead," stated head coach Bob Bradley. " There was an opportunity tonight to see some different players and, as always, there were some things that were positive and some things that need work. All in all it was a good night for us.”

The first half saw the U.S. retain possession well and midfielders Sacha Kljestan and Adu were busy spraying pass after pass, releasing players behind the defense, only for them to squander their opportunities.

The inability to score ceased in the second half as in the 55th minute Cooper got on the end of a Jozy Altidore pass and put one past goalkeeper Ricardo Jerez.

The play began as Altidore received the ball on the left wing. The Villarreal striker approached a pair of defenders before buying himself time and space with some clever stepovers just before releasing the pinpoint pass to Cooper.

The goal marked the 6-foot, 3-inch player's first goal in World Cup qualifying, but he gave all the credit to Altidore.

“Jozy did all the work. He took some players on, and put the ball on a dime for me far post," said the humble FC Dallas forward. "I just had to put it in.”

Fourteen minutes later, Bradley's men doubled their lead courtesy of a picture perfect Freddy Adu free kick. The set piece was awarded when a Kljestan through ball saw Altidore get behind the defense. But defender Yony Flores, who was awarded a yellow for the play, grabbed the former New York Red Bulls forward to stop him from springing free.

Adu convinced Kljestan to allow him to take the ensuing free kick, and you'll hear no complaints from the Chivas USA midfielder as Adu found the back of the net. His first international goal was from 20 yards out and was curled beautifully to the far post.

"It’s nice to get the first national team goal. It definitely helps your confidence," said Adu of his free kick. "Hopefully you build off of this, and even if you don’t score goals, you help the team in different ways.”

The 19-year-old, who has run into tough times with his club Monaco, enjoyed one of his best performances on the senior national team against Guatemala.

Adu amazed spectators all night as he placed precise passes to his teammates, shot accurately from distance and crossed in dangerously off set pieces.

Though this shutout victory wasn't all about the three young attackers, they were the focal point of the night. Fans are rejoicing as the wait for them to play together is finally over. All three proved their worth and each added a different element to the attack. Adu's creativy, Cooper's prowess and Altidore's nifty attack-minded play are all something the full squad could use, even if it's off the bench.

With the Hexagonal looming closer, Bradley will need to find a way to incorporate these youngsters into his full side as they appear to be ready for bigger challenges. This is one problem Bradley surely doesn't mind.


Player ratings (scale of 1-10)

GK, Brad Guzan, 6 -- Made saves when needed, but his distribution was poor. Needs to work on holding onto shots as he continues to fumble them.

D, John Thorrington, 6 -- For not being a natural right back, he sure was solid. Jumped into the attack effectively and almost earned the U.S a early penalty kick.

D, Clarence Goodson, 6 -- Was strong in the air and like Parkhurst, his distribution was sharp. Solid game for the unknown commodity that's plying his trade in Norway.

D, Michael Parkhurst, 6 -- Didn't notice him much, but when talking about defenders that isn't necessarily a bad thing. His distribution was impressive, but he lacks physicality and that can prove to be costly against more talented opponents.

D, Jonathan Bornstein, 4 -- Got forward efficiently, but that was all he did well. Not only did he continuously stumble, but he got beaten badly on two occasions. Thankfully for him, he had teammates around who picked up the pieces. Bornstein doesn't appear to be the answer at left back.

M, Pablo Mastroeni, 6 -- Showed off his experience tonight with a calm and cool performance. Impressively struck a ball from long distance that could've turned into a U.S. goal had Goodson reacted faster on the rebound. Committed a silly foul that earned him a yellow in the latter stages of the match.

M, Ricardo Clark, 6 -- Played well defensively and showed some impressive range on his long passes. A composed performance.

M, Freddy Adu, 8 -- This is the type of game U.S. fans have been clamoring for. Was active throughout the game and looked good passing, dribbling and shooting. Combined well with teammates but he needs to learn to defend better, though that's the only quibble one could have of his game tonight. Put forth some dangerous shots from distance and his free kick goal was picture perfect.

M, Sacha Kljestan, 7 -- Hustled up and down the field and made some nifty through passes that sprung fellow attackers. Almost scored a goal of his own had it not been for a wonder save by Guatemalan goalkeeper Ricardo Jerez. Closed out the year with another solid performance.

F, Kenny Cooper, 6 -- Tirelessly chased after the ball as if he was a defensive midfielder. Was also physical in his attempts to recooperate 50/50 balls. Made a good run behind his defender to get onto Altidore's pass for the first goal.

F, Jozy Altidore, 7 -- Had a quiet first half, but a much improved second. A clever stepover allowed him the time and space to released the pinpoint pass that led to Cooper's goal. Was hungry to get a goal of his own but his finishing was off.

Subs:

F, Brian Ching, 6 -- Looked good shielding the ball away from defenders and immediately jumped into the attack.

F, Conor Casey, 5 -- The hometown boy didn't get much of anything going in his 15 minute appearance.

M, Davy Arnaud, NR -- Another cap to his name but did nothing noteworthy during his short stint on the field.