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In its first match since the World Cup in Brazil, the United States Men's National Team defeated the Czech Republic 1-0 in Prague on Wednesday afternoon. The match, the first of the 2018 World Cup cycle (seriously), featured a much different squad than the one that went to Brazil, as only 9 of the 23 players named for the friendly were on the team that went to Brazil. In fact, 6 of the 23 made their first appearance for the senior national team. Additionally, the team was without almost all MLS stars as they prepare for the playoffs with their clubs, meaning regulars such as DeAndre Yedlin, Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, and Kyle Beckerman were absent. Goalkeeper Nick Rimando was the only MLS player in the 23.
Prior to the match, U.S. manager Jürgen Klinsmann made some surprising comments in an interview with NBC, stating that his goal for the 2018 World Cup in Russia was to make the semifinals. As such, many of the players that had not featured in Brazil were given the first opportunity to be part of the team that will attempt to live up to Klinsmann's expectations.
The Czech team, who did not qualify for this year's World Cup, featured their full squad, as they begin qualifying for the 2016 European Championships on Tuesday against the Netherlands. The most notable faces on the Czech team for American soccer fans are two players that have not featured prominently for their clubs this year, midfielder Tomas Rosicky (Arsenal) and goalkeeper Petr Cech (Chelsea).
The first half was very balanced between the nations, with both sides getting excellent opportunities on goal. United States winger Joe Gyau, in his debut match for the national team, looked particularly impressive for the Americans with his strength and pace. In the 18th minute, Gyau muscled the ball from the Czech defenders before cutting inside and putting a shot on goal. The Silver Spring, Maryland native currently plays for Borussia Dortmund's reserve squad in the German 3. Liga. After a performance like this, he might be moving up in the world during the next transfer window.
Defender John Brooks, the hero from the Ghana match, also looked impressive for the United States, in denying a clear-goal scoring opportunity in the 20th minute following a Czech counterattack. Brooks perfectly timed a diving challenge to knock the ball behind for a corner, denying what would have been a easy tap-in goal.
The United States broke through for its goal in the 39th minute, as midfielder Mix Diskerud dispossessed a Czech defender and broke free on goal. Though Cech was able to parry Diskerud's shot, Alejandro Bedoya had followed the play and slotted home the rebound to give the Americans the lead.
In the second half, there were many substitutions on both sides, with Nick Rimando replacing Brad Guzan in goal for the Americans. Guzan and Rimando will be battling for the #1 goalkeeper job now that incumbent Tim Howard has taken a one-year sabbatical from international duty. Rimando was given more of an opportunity to shine in the second half than Guzan was in the first, as the Czechs desperately pressed for a goal. Klinsmann threw on his younger players shortly after the hour mark, with Gregory Garza and Emerson Hyndman making their national team debuts. There was an adjustment period for the young players, as there were a few defensive lapses made by the Yanks in the second half. However, the lads held their nerve when it mattered most and great saves from Rimando and an inability to convert by the Czechs allowed the United States to hold its lead. The victory is the first-ever against the Czech Republic for the U.S.
Man of the Match: Nick Rimando. He gave Klinsmann plenty to think about as to who his #1 goalkeeper will be once the matches count. The all-time MLS leader in shutouts was outstanding in goal, knowing when to come off his line and making a few spectacular saves.
Although the European countries will be playing over the weekend and into the early part of next week in European qualifying, the next U.S. match isn't until an October 10th friendly against Ecuador. The match will be a tribute to U.S. legend Landon Donovan.
Follow Mike Smith on Twitter @thefootiegent
He missed Kyle Beckerman's hair and virtual musk in this match.
