Much better

... play from the US, as they beat Venezuela 2-0 on Friday night. It was hardly perfect--there were a few clear chances squandered and a couple of bumpy patches. But overall it was never uncomfortable; you never got the impression that the Venezuelans were ever going to win this game. And the increased energy from all participants was heartening.

Bobby Convey was clearly one of the stars on Friday. I wonder how close he is getting to taking DaMarcus Beasley's starting position in the attacking midfield. Convey was beating players on the dribble, crossing well, and generally being unpredictable, while Beasley's eprformances for the national team have been fairly anemic. The Beas will probably get his chance tongiht against Latvia, but if it doesn't work for him, it's possible that Convey could be starting against the czechs on June 12th.

The thing I thought was the worst aspect of the AMericans performance was their center midfield. Olsen did not impose himself as much as he should have, either as a ballwinner or a holding midfielder. And Josh Wolff as an attacking midfielder is a work in progress.

Tonight, Arena's starting options are limited, since he'll want to rely on those who played on Friday as little as possible. Also, Berhalter won't play, since he isn't yet match fit. I'd expect Lewis, Cherundulo, Pope and either Conrad or Bocanegra in the back, O'Brien, Beasley, Donovan and Mastroeni in the midfield, and McBride and Johnson up front. I'd expect Wolff and Onyewu, who started both the previous matches, to be rested, but the others will sub in as needed.