So this post is way way overdue, but I still have the thoughts bouncing around in my head and wanted to share them anyway.  Removed from the immediate reaction to the game, it will likely be more abreviated than it originally was going to be.

Generally speaking, a better game against a worse opponent.  Yes, we looked much better, but I also think that El Salvador was a better opponent.  That being said, we took care of business in the way we should have against a weaker opponent, which is something we haven’t consistently done in the past.

Jozy Altidore had a bit of a coming out party on the night.  He’s shown ability every time he’s been on the field for the US, but as they used to say on Sportscenter, he did with “with authority.”  The first goal, once again, displayed his instinct to be in the right place at the right time.  His second goals showed the composure and guile a striker needs to be consistent at putting the ball in the back of the net, and his third showed his ability to get lucky; another quality strikers will always appreciate on their side.  For any that didn’t see it, Altidore’s third goals was more the result of unselfish play from teammates and really poor goalkeeping than clinical finishing.

I liked having Donovan at outside midfield rather than up front.  I think he can get more involved in play and have a better impact on the game.

Beasley was servicable at left back, but his lack of playing time with Rangers has noticeably hurt his form.  Unless he’s able to prove he is not in fact stagnating in his growth, he could become more familiar with Bob Bradley’s demeanor on the bench during games than he’d like.

Here are the positions I think we need to focus on getting sorted out.  Other places on the field aren’t necessarily perfect, but they are a little better off then what I’ve listed here.

• We still need to find a solid mainstay at left back.  Actually, we just need to find someone that can play there that isn’t going to be a defensive liability.
• Decide which of the pretty solid options we have at right back is going to start.  Hejduk is in the twilight of his playing days and that needs to get sorted out soon.
• We need to settle on a midfield partner to play alongside Michael Bradley.

The summer looks to be pretty busy for the USMNT starting in June with two more WC qualifiers, followed by the Confederations Cup in South Africa, and then the Gold Cup back here in the states.  With all of these games we should learn a great deal more about the first team players, and I would imagine, some of the newer players in the mix and their ability to push for a starting position or solidifying a reserve spot on the bench.