After the unfortunate departure of Jurgen Klinsmann, Bruce arena returns as coach of U.S Soccer national team. Previously coaching the national team from 1998 to 2006, Bruce Arena’s homecoming as U.S soccer coach will debut in a friendly match against Serbia. This match will be an important game for both Arena and the national team. After facing Serbia, Arena and his men will face Jamaica next week at Tennessee. This winter friendly will determine the readiness of the team before facing World Cup 2018 Qualifiers next March.
The Winter Friendlies
With a new coach comes new system.
Bruce Arena has to pick up where Klinsmann left off. This two games against Serbia and Jamaica will show what’s in store in Arena’s new coaching era. The national team’s morale in a low after defeated 4-0 from Costa Rica, the match which cost Jurgen Klinsmann his job. This winter friendlies hopefully answer some questions surrounding the team and shows what exactly Arena and his men need to work on them. The player's roster is a mixture of those in the domestic league abroad. With lots of great players on his disposal, Arena is expected to find the right combination of players for his team. A 4-3-3 formation likely will be his choice of weapon against Serbia. The match also serves as Jozy Altidore’s 100th cap for his country.
World Cup Qualifications
The defeat from Costa Rica puts the United States in the last place of CONCACAF World Cup Qualification group with zero points, two losses and five goals deficit.
While Costa Rica sits comfortably at the top with six points, two wins, and six goals followed by Mexico in 2nd place. The national team’s next opponent, Panama, and Honduras currently on 3rd and 4th place respectively. Arena and his men need to win the next two matches against Panama and Honduras to secure the top three spot. This two matches will be in March, and these friendlies will show that U.S national team ready to face the challenges from Panama and Honduras under Bruce Arena’s new reign as coach.
