The United States showed why Jurgen Klinsmann can be a better fit for the national soccer team than Bob Bradley. The Americans scored early and often and then held on slightly to defeat Slovenia on Tuesday evening. The victory was somewhat revenge for a poor officiating incident in last year's World Cup that left the American side with a draw in South Africa. On Tuesday, the Americans look the better side for much of the match, despite looking a tad weary toward the end of the 90 minutes. Starting things off was Edson Buddle, who took a Clint Dempsey pass after a defensive error on the Slovenians side and pushed the ball into the back of the net. Slovenia was able to equalize in the 26th minute, but Dempsey put the Americans back on top in the 41st minute and then only two minute later Jozy Altidore scored from the penalty mark. The victory was the Americans first win on European soil in over three years and showed the offensive surge that Klinsmann hopes will be the new style of a squad long defensively minded. “It looked much better,” Klinsmann said after the match. “It's a process, and that process, besides results, is going really well.” The US had lost 1-0 to France last week and much needed a nice turn of events. Despite the Slovenian second goal and pressure on the American's half in the second period, the poise and experience of the US side won out, delivering a victory ahead of a long break from international play. U.S. captain Carlos Bocanegra became the 12th American to make 100 international appearances. “It was a special night,” Klinsmann said. “The team was pumped up all day, and they wanted to do well for him.” Buddle and Altidore started up front as Klinsmann went to a two-forward formation. Michael Bradley – son of the former coach – and Buddle received their first starts since Klinsmann's debut in August. “It was kind of coming over the last couple of months,” Klinsmann said. “We've been working on that.” Now, with a lengthy break and focus on the players local squad, it should give Klinsmann time to review. Landon Donovan, the American star, did not make the trip to Europe, nursing a few injuries back home in Los Angeles. He is likely to get into the mix for the former German star and whom many in the US hope is the savior of the American soccer generation. BM
