Player Ratings
United States 1 | Jamaica 1
Ben Olsen scored the lone goal for the United States
In its last game before Manager Bruce Arena names his World Cup roster, the U.S. National Team got a strong performance and a goal from Ben Olsen to tie Jamaica 1-1 in Cary, N.C.
The game also featured two milestones as goalkeeper Tony Meola earned his 100th cap and Landon Donovan, passing his L.A. Galaxy teammate Cobi Jones, set an all-time National Team record with his 23rd career assist.
The U.S. opened the game on a sour note when Jamaica's Teafore Bennett found the back of the net in just the fourth minute. Bennett got behind an unsuspecting Frankie Hejduk, received a nice through ball midfielder Jermaine Hue, and was able to put the ball past a diving Meola.
"Obviously, it was a very poor start on our part and I was disappointed about giving up a goal in the first four minutes," said U.S. Manager Bruce Arena. "We made mistakes in back, communication between Frankie Hejduk and Pablo Mastroeni was not good early in the game. Jamaica took advantage of the opportunity and put the ball in the back of the net."
The U.S. got its equalizer about 20 minutes later from an unlikely source. After a foul near the sideline, Landon Donovan found Ben Olsen with a quick restart that surprised the Jamaicans. Olsen"s left footed shot, from just inside the penalty area, found its way through two defenders and past screened Jamaican goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts. The goal was Olsen's sixth international goal in 33 appearances for the United States.
"I thought it was good that we got a chance to see our players have to come from behind," Arena said. "I thought we responded well, from the 25th minute on. In the second half we had most of the game. We put the Jamaicans on their heels. But we were not clean in trying to break them down with the last pass."
The U.S. controlled most of the play in the second half but had very few scoring opportunities. Chris Albright, who effectively pushed forward all night, had the team's best two chances but both of his headers were pushed aside by Ricketts.
Meola became just the ninth player, and first goalkeeper, in U.S. Men's National Team history to hit the 100-cap plateau. He made his first appearance for the U.S. against Ecuador nearly 18 years ago. That career span is now the longest in national team history.
"Tonight for me was just a great night," said Meola. "I did it with a great group of guys that really appreciated it. I am just so happy that I was able to be part of it."
Other than Olsen, who came into the game as a World Cup long shot, no player seized this last opportunity to grab a spot on Arena's 23-man roster. Albright was dangerous moving forward but at times, looked like a liability on defense. Pat Noonan and Clint Dempsey were effective but hardly distinguished themselves.
These MLS based players only have three more weeks to impress Arena before he names his roster on May 2nd.
Player Ratings
Tony Meola (5) – After years of great service for the national team it was nice to see Meola reach the 100 cap milestone. He was solid but rarely tested and couldn't have done much on Jamaica's goal. Unless there's a string of injuries, he'll be playing in the Meadowlands in June.
Eddie Pope (6) – A year ago, after a string of injuries and subpar performances, it looked like Pope's national team career was over. Pope has come back strong and is probably the favorite to start next to Oguchi Onyewu in Germany.
Pablo Mastroeni (4) – Mastroeni showed his versatility by playing along side Pope in the center of the defense but he was less effective than usual. Don't expect to see him there in Germany, he'll be back in his familiar disruptive midfield role.
Chris Albright (5) – Albright's performance was mixed. In the first half, has was burned several times on defense and looked uncomfortable at left back. In the second half, he settled down on defense, pushed forward regularly and was probably had the team's best two scoring opportunities, forcing Ricketts to make two big saves off of dangerous headers. He will need a big first month in Los Angeles and have to get lucky with a few injuries to make the World Cup roster.
Frankie Hejduk (4) – Hejduk had a below average game and didn't get into the attack as much as usual. He didn't recover from his early error allowing Teafore Bennett to sneak in behind him for a breakaway and Jamaica's only goal.
Steve Ralston (4) – In his first game back with the national team after injury, Ralston was fairly effective in the first half. He provided defensive cover and worked the ball up the wing. An injury in the second half probably killed his chances of making the final roster. After scoring the winning goal against Mexico to clinch the team's spot in the World Cup, Ralston, when discussing his chances of making the team, repeated an Arena quote indicating that a player could score the winning goal in qualification and still be cut. Unfortunately for Ralston, he seems to be that player.
Ben Olsen (7) – Olsen had another strong game and is surprisingly making a run for one of the final roster spots. Olsen was full of energy, tackled hard, took his goal well and was all over the field. Just a few months ago, I would have laughed if you told me Olsen would be suiting up in Germany. I'm not laughing now. Give credit to Olsen, he's one of the few players to have stepped forward and increased his stock.
Landon Donovan (6) – Donovan played well and was one of the few players to show a willingness to take on defenders. His quick free kick caught Jamaica napping and set up the team's lone goal. The assist was his 23rd career helper for the national team, passing Cobi Jones to become the team's all-time leader. Donovan, only 24, seems destined to shatter every national team offensive record.
Pat Noonan (5) – Just back from injury, Noonan played well and took a great deal of punishment from the Jamaican defense. Like Donovan and his New England teammate Clint Dempsey, Noonan controlled the ball and was not afraid to attack. He's still on the bubble but, with a strong April, he could find himself making the trip to Germany.
Taylor Twellman (4) -- Twellman didn't make an impression on the game and was mostly ineffective. He's probably got a roster spot but that's only because there aren't many other realistic options.
Josh Wolff (4) – We know what Wolff brings to the table -- speed, hard work and no results. Maybe I'm being a little hard on him but his lack of results is getting old. The forward position must be keeping Arena up at night.
Substitutes
Eddie Johnson (46th minute for Wolff) (4) – Although Johnson is still regaining fitness, it is still alarming how ineffective he has been in the last couple of games. We're seeing very few flashes of the player who looked so promising and dangerous a year ago. He needs to get back into form or Arena may be forced to play Donovan up front, where he's less effective, with Brian McBride.
Brian Ching (46th minute for Twellman) (4) – Ching got another chance to prove himself after his impressive four goal game to open the MLS season. Unfortunately, in the national team jersey, he reverted to the form he has showed in his last few appearances.
Clint Dempsey (55th minute for Ralston) (5) – Dempsey had a solid performance after being left out of the Germany game following his club team suspension. His versatility and attacking style should earn him a roster spot.
John O'Brien (67th minute for Noonan) (5) – One of the bright spots of the game was O'Brien's return to the national team. Although rusty, O'Brien still showed his class, holding the ball under pressure and finding his teammates. Hopefully, he'll be able to remain healthy and work himself into game shape with Chivas USA.