Bored with Bornstein: Why US Defender Johnathan Bornstein Must Go
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MLS News
Wednesday, 30 March 2011 17:54

Jonathan Bornstein must have some embarrassing photos of coach Bob Bradley, because there is no explanation for him ever suiting up for the United States men's soccer team again.

Since the 2010 World Cup, most US Soccer fans have been clamoring for a change at the left back position and for good reason: Bornstein just doesn't have it.

During the loss to Paraguay, Bornstein was the worst player on the field and it wasn't even close. With numerous faulty touches in our final third and the propensity to get beat both within the box and outside of it, Bornstein simply isn't a fit for this team or any team for that matter.

Praised hollowly by the announcers for his ability to push the ball forward, Bornstein's movement going forward was robotic. He effectively stalled many great opportunities for the US with both poor service, and erratic touches.

One play that comes to mind was his ball that missed a wide open Altidore, who certainly would have had at least a chance to put the ball on target.

When he does move forward, he is often beat, leaving the rest of the left side stretched out and exposed. Bradley did a great job moping up many of his mistakes, and plugging many of the holes left by the Swiss cheese that is Jonathan Bornstein.

Making matters worse, across the field from Bornstein was Timothy Chandler, who had arguably the best game for the US. He was able to stretch the field too, but when he took off, he beat his man.

He placed several balls inside and displayed the quality that one would come to expect from a backer within the 4-4-2 formation.

Moving forward, there are options outside of Bornstein. Eric Lichaj presents an attractive option. Not only is he younger, but he is far more skilled and can contain himself within the formation. He can push the ball forward too, but with a distinct touch that Bornstein lacks.

Along with this, his defensive abilities are far more crisp, and he is much less likely to give the ball up in our half. Further adding to his resume is his ability to throw-in the long ball. An attribute that nearly helped the US net the game equalizer late against Paraguay.

Jonathan Spector is another option. While the position of Left Back might not be completely ideal, it's still a better fit. He has plenty of experience at the Premier League level, and has performed very well for the US in the past.

Though he is right-footed, he is still an upgrade over the no-footed Bornstein.

Bocanegra is yet another upgrade: The left-footed defender may not be an offensive powerhouse, but he is capable of playing more than sufficient defense at this stage in his career.

Bob, enough's enough. Bornstein should not be included on another US Roster unless the entire defensive goes down ahead of him.

The roster mistakes from Bradley that continue to crop up from the World Cup must be addressed if this team is going to advance on the international stage.

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