With fans freaking out, Arena hopes to start US rebound
SAN JOSE — A new coach is making the decisions after a pair of historically bad games. Nearly half the projected starters are sidelined.
Fans are freaking out that the United States’ streak of consecutive World Cup appearances might end at seven.
On the eve of his first competitive international match in nearly 11 years, Bruce Arena was calm and confident.
“The last thing we’re going to do is concern ourselves a whole lot if players go down, and I haven’t done that. I’m actually eager to see how some of these other players are going to perform,” the old-turned-new U.S. coach said Thursday at the last training session before the qualifier against Honduras. “My guess is we’re going to be OK.”
Another misstep and the Americans would be winless in the final round of World Cup qualifying with seven games left. Only one team has qualified from a similar start in the North and Central American and Caribbean region, Trinidad and Tobago in 2006.
“We don’t like to say ‘panic.’ It’s not our job to worry about the fans,” said Christian Pulisic, the 18-year-old Borussia Dortmund midfielder who two weeks ago became only the youngest American to score in the Champions League. “We just have to win the game for us. The fans will support us throughout.”
Arena, 65 years old and a member of the U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame, coached the U.S. from 1998-2006. He was brought back in November to replace Jurgen Klinsmann following a 21 home loss to Mexico and a 4-0 debacle at Costa Rica.
“We felt like we let some different things slip,” U.S. captain Michael Bradley said. “He’s come in and found the right way to work and talk and show some things and make sure that we understand who we are and what we’re about and ultimately we’re stepping on the field giving ourselves the best chance to win.”
Midfielder Fabian Johnson, right back DeAndre Yedlin and forward Bobby Wood are hurt. Brad Guzan, who might have started in goal, skipped the match because of the birth of his daughter. Timmy Chandler, the right back in November, is serving a one-game suspension because of yellow-card accumulation, as is midfielder Jermaine Jones. Jordan Morris, who might have replaced Wood in the lineup, is doubtful due to an ankle injury.