Ecuador is going to be an uphill battle for us. Truthfully, unless we see the J Jones of game 2, I don't like our chances. Now, that said, if we see J Jones attacking defensively and reeking all kinds of midfield havoc, like a true box-to-box MFer, then we will be a tough out. Other things come into play. Will Guzan do dumb Guzan things or will he play up to the level we've seen the first 3 games? Can Bradley push forward or be overwhelmed? Can Bedoya provide width?
The other intricacy I noted from the game in KC was the rotation up top. They move Dempsey around. When it works, it's hell on defenders. When it doesn't, we go stale in a hurry. We've been through our opinions on formations so many times in the past, there's no reason to discuss them anymore. Let's just hope JK doesn't change Brooks and Cameron. And let's hope Orazco, who I'm guessing will start for Yedlin, doesn't kill us. Though I think he's most definitely a better option than Besler (huge mistake) or Chandler.
Jones is the key, IMHO. If he isn't balls to the wall early and often, I'd sub him out at half with Becks and move Bradley up in a triangle with Bedoya. It's not what Bedoya can give us for width, but it's better than the alternatives playing against a team like Ecuador. I'm fairly certain, J Jones has the desire, but his body can only give so much at his age.
