[Viking_Guy]

One addition: last night in the first half and really throughout the game, he was tracking back to help on defense pretty tirelessly, often covering for Acosta when he was caught up field.  He was actually complimented for it by Donovan with the announcer's curse just prior to getting beaten on the back post for the goal.  And watching that play, it was the same one the U.S. tried to run for Altidore off corners - drag everyone near post and circle a big target at the back post in a 1 v 1.  That can be a tough cover, especially with the jersey tugging to throw off balance that goes on (as happened on a subsequent Jamaica corner - made me wish for a goal-line official, because the AR is on the nearside by the corner, and the ref is trying to monitor the scrum at the penalty spot).

Another plus: he does a very good job in contesting balls in the air on outlet long balls - not so much in settling the ball for hold up, but in trying to play the flick through or off.

VG

[Viking_Guy]

One addition: last night in the first half and really throughout the game, he was tracking back to help on defense pretty tirelessly, often covering for Acosta when he was caught up field.  He was actually complimented for it by Donovan with the announcer's curse just prior to getting beaten on the back post for the goal.  And watching that play, it was the same one the U.S. tried to run for Altidore off corners - drag everyone near post and circle a big target at the back post in a 1 v 1.  That can be a tough cover, especially with the jersey tugging to throw off balance that goes on (as happened on a subsequent Jamaica corner - made me wish for a goal-line official, because the AR is on the nearside by the corner, and the ref is trying to monitor the scrum at the penalty spot).

Another plus: he does a very good job in contesting balls in the air on outlet long balls - not so much in settling the ball for hold up, but in trying to play the flick through or off.

VG