Two-faced U.S. Soccer must find identity after 1-0 win

Ricardo Clark scored on a bending shot from 25 yards out as U.S. Soccer defeated Trinidad and Tobago 1-0 to temporarily move to first place in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying in Port of Spain, Trinidad Wednesday.

The goal was Clark’s second international goal. Landon Donovan notched his eighth assist in the hexagonal round of qualifying.

With just a single point separating the top four teams in CONCACAF, the U.S. knew that this was essentially a must win situation, but their play didn’t reflect that mentality at all.

Sloppy touches, poor decisions, and overall lethargy marred most of the first half, and although less, were still there in the second half.

Although this was the Americans’ first road victory in World Cup qualifying this year, they need much better play in the following weeks to secure their spot in South Africa next summer. The competition will be much stiffer, as Trinidad was in fifth place before the game, and was officially eliminated from the World Cup after the loss.

Yes, the U.S. can clinch a spot in next year’s World Cup with one more win, but that is easier said than done. They will have to play at Honduras, whom they only beat 2-1 in June, and host Costa Rica, who gave the U.S. their worst loss of the hexagonal stage.

The U.S. have showed us two distinct faces this year. One face was during the FIFA Confederations Cup this summer in South Africa.

In the group stage, the Americans displayed embarrassing performances. The media called them out, mostly for playing without heart. Many fans were becoming disgruntled with Head Coach Bob Bradley, and many began to call for his firing. Then the other face appeared.

Up against almost-certain elimination, the U.S. began a run to the final that included a win over No. 1 Spain. Their play was gutsy and inspired. It took the world by storm. It was an arrival for the U.S., as they proved they could play with the best the world had to offer.

Since then, it's been nothing more than a guessing game.

They have not shown dominance over an opponent for a full game in recent qualifying. For spurts they play up to their potential, but they never put inferior teams away, as they either win by a small margin, or have to rally after giving up an avoidable goal.

This inconsistency may not get them to the World Cup, and if it does, it will only deliver embarrassment on the global stage. After Nike highly marketed U.S. Soccer for the 2006 World Cup, they went winless in the group stage, confirming the view held by many that they were overrated, and that they couldn’t handle world-class competition.

This team has a responsibility to build on their appearance in the Confederations Cup. Coming close, then falling back to mediocre play is unacceptable. Not only to ensure a spot in South Africa next summer, but in preparation for what they will face, the U.S. have to establish their identity now. First-class play can no longer be an occasional aspiration, but a team characteristic.

It’s time for U.S. Soccer to look in the mirror and have one face look back.