Ching & the US vs Reggae Boyz

Versus Jamaica last night, the US managed to control play much of the time even with pretty pedestrian play. The team had trouble containing counterattacks, and it cost them in the fourth minute. It was disturbing that, even with Ricketts' (Jamaica's GK) seeming nonchalance and iffy hands, we couldn't get more than one in the net. Despite what some observers say, though, yesterday's result is not an indictment of our chances in the World Cup. Yesterday saw an MLS-only team, with a feted goalkeeper minding the net, and experimental substitutions throughout the game.

Brian Ching had a competent game. He got up for some headers -- although his headers weren't as dangerous as Chris Albright's (but Albright's defending was lacking for long stretches, which isn't good for a fullback) -- but I was impressed with how Ching linked up on several give-and-goes, particularly with Donovan, showing that Ching can be more than just a target man and is generous with the ball. I get the feeling that Arena likes Twellman more than Ching (or Arena is more comfortable with him). I've always thought Twellman is an excellent finisher, but he is inconsistent (particularly when outside the MLS) and is not as good with the other elements of the game. Ching is almost an identical striker, but is better in other areas, particularly when Donovan, his old partner from San Jose, is on the field.

Nevertheless, either Twellman or Ching goes to the World Cup. They're too similar to each other (and to the starter, McBride) to both go. If Arena was leaning towards Twellman, then the Jamaica game probably didn't change his mind. But Arena will be paying attention to the MLS games through the beginning of May. Ching still has a chance to show his quality and be chosen to represent his nation at the Cup.

Go Ching!