U.S. gets a 'little bit of payback' against Jamaica

[Zeppo]

U.S. gets a 'little bit of payback' against Jamaica

Tim Howard had talked ahead of Tuesday's game of “wanting to get a little bit of payback." In front of a sold-out and rowdy Columbus Crew Stadium, on the anniversary of 9/11, the United States were able to do just that during a 1-0 victory against a physical and organized Jamaican team.

A superb first half was followed by an occasionally nervy second in which the U.S. followed their recent pattern of refusing to finish off their opponents. But after Friday's humiliating capitulation in Kingston, Jamaica, the world of American soccer will feel a whole lot brighter Wednesday morning.

Here are four factors that underpinned the American victory.

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[Zeppo]

Klinsmann's moves pay off as U.S. bounces back against Jamaica

All of Jurgen Klinsmann's moves worked.

Klinsmann made five changes to the side that fell 2-1 to Jamaica in Kingston last Friday, responding to the team's lackluster performance by starting veteran defenders Carlos Bocanegra and Steve Cherundolo, adding Danny Williams to the center of the midfield and stationing Jose Torres and Graham Zusi on the wings. Klinsmann went five for five. Cherundolo and Zusi combined early and often, and each had a first-half shot hit the woodwork. Torres, while not flashy, combined well with Clint Dempsey and did not commit the turnovers that marred his earlier appearances. Bocanegra was his typical steadying influence, and Williams will receive votes for Man of the Match. Klinsmann also elected to leave Herculez Gomez in as a striker and sit Jozy Altidore, no easy choice given Altidore's hot start with Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar. Gomez rewarded Klinsmann with a bending free kick in the 55th minute that was the difference. Klinsmann predicted a victory and his moves helped deliver one.

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[Zeppo]

Klinsmann, U.S. "back on track"

The industrial flatlands of Columbus, Ohio, are a world away from Kingston, Jamaica, and the city built on buggies, beer and knockwurst reaffirmed its standing as the perfect backdrop for the U.S. men’s national team during Tuesday night's 1-0 victory over the Jamaicans. On an emotional night of remembrance, coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad reveled in the raucous embrace of Middle America.

Ahead of the game, Friday night's defeat in Jamaica lingered heavily, less as a loss and more as a humiliating, pants-down spanking. While this 1-0 victory was not the perfect riposte -- after all, the U.S. failed to finish off its opponent in the second half -- the first 45 minutes featured some of the most potent football witnessed under Klinsmann.

No surprise, then, that the German was relaxed and focused in his postgame comments, hailing the first 30 minutes of the game -- in which the team "did everything but score" -- as "fantastic."

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[Zeppo]

Video:

MNT vs. Jamaica: Reaction - Sept. 11, 2012

[Zeppo]

Video:

MNT vs. Jamaica: Post-Game Press Conference - Sept. 11, 2012

[Gamma]

"they only had the 2 free kicks against us"! well, the difference in THIS match was ONE free kick!

[Zeppo]

"they only had the 2 free kicks against us"! well, the difference in THIS match was ONE free kick!

True. But what he's pointing out is that Jamaica failed to create any chances against us from the run of play in Kingston.

[Gamma]

again not true, austin had a shot off the bar from open play and howard made at least 2 saves, one from a weak shot by shelton.

[Zeppo]

again not true, austin had a shot off the bar from open play

I think you mean Howard saving it -- I don't remember any shot hitting the crossbar.

Anyway, all of Jamaica's attempts were from distance because they were incapable of penetrating our defense.

[World Fan]

There was a ball that was a sure goal when the the US defender was quicker to head over.

Still wasn't easy, or was it?

[Zeppo]

Video:

MNT vs. Jamaica: Field Level Highlights - Sept. 11, 2012