Chris Wondoloski's frustration

It was pure frustration watching the U.S. men’s national team struggle to a 0-0 draw with Canada in Houston last week.  I only saw the first half and watched the American men control the game completely.  They kept the ball on the Canadian end of the field, reversing the field constantly, but made few threatening through balls or crosses into the box.

I follow the San Jose Earthquakes so was particularly interested in Chris Wondoloski’s play.  Wondo has scored 61 goals over the past three years for the Earthquakes, but now has earned eleven caps for the national team with nary a goal.  Against the Canadians Wondoloski had three looks.  From just outside the 18 he had an open shot but his right foot betrayed him.  Later, Wondo got his foot on a bicycle kick from eight yards out but hit it weakly.  Then on a cross from the right side he got his flick sailed wide right.

Wondoloski, like all good scorers, is opportunistic.  He’s a self-made guy.  Wondoloski attended Chico State, no soccer power, worked hard, and made himself into a successful MLS soccer player.  But so far, he hasn’t transferred his scoring prowess to the national team. 

So what’s wrong with Wondo?  Why can’t he score for the national team?  Here’s one theory.  At San Jose Wondoloski is paired at the striker position with either Steve Lenhart or Alan Gordon, two big target forwards.  The Earthquakes are fond of sending balls in the air into the box, looking for either Gordon or Lenhart.  They head the ball, it finds Wondoloski, and a goal results.  Wondoloski’s opportunistic style blends well with a target forward.

But at the international level, soccer is cruel.  For a scorer on the bubble, you get a few half-chances, and if it doesn't happen, it's over.   I doubt that Wondoloski will get a chance to play in any of the ten games the national team plays this year in hopes of qualifying for the World Cup in Brazil in 2014.