Wednesday was a historical day for the U.S. National Team as it came from behind for a second consecutive match to upset a top-ten ranked team in the world, this time in a 2-1 win over top-ranked Germany just days after a 4-3 win over the Netherlands. Real Salt Lake midfielder Kyle Beckerman was a key contributor in both matches at his holding midfielder position and media around the country took notice, particularly in how Beckerman cleared up Michael Bradley to serve as the creative force for the U.S.
Here’s what they were saying about Beckerman around the web after the match.
Kyle McCarthy; Fox Sports
“Beckerman immediately picked up intelligent positions to keep the shape, maintain possession and supply Bradley with even more latitude to look for opportunities to lead the counter.”
Jason Davis; ESPNFC
“After halftime changes provided him a solid backstop in Kyle Beckerman, Bradley was free to think entirely forward-first.”
Doug McIntyre; ESPNFC
“Defensive midfielder brought his usual blend of simplicity and composure -- part of the reason the U.S. settled down in the second half.”
Ives Galarcep; Sporting News
“There was an assembly line of younger midfield options poised to replace the 33-year-old Beckerman as Klinsmann's go-to defensive midfielder, but the Germany match offered the latest bit of evidence that he remains the best option to anchor the U.S. midfield. His movement, penchant for consistently putting himself in good spots and clean passing help the midfield run smoothly, and he does the dirty work that allows Bradley to shine as a marauding central midfielder. He will eventually be too old, and is probably an unrealistic option for the 2018 World Cup, but for right now, in 2015, he remains the best choice.”
Cy Brown; Sports on Earth
“Kyle Beckerman came in at halftime, giving the Americans a sturdier presence in the midfield, which possibly contributed to their improved play in the second half.”
Brian Sciaretta; New York Times
“A halftime replacement for Williams, he was part of a dominant American midfield in the second half. As usual, his passing was always on the mark, and he was smart defensively to limit Germany’s attack up the middle.”
Matt Lichtenstadter; World Soccer Talk
“It also helps that Kyle Beckerman, who is still the best defensive midfielder in the pool as of now, helped add the steel that the team needed since they had been once again run through in midfield far too often.”
And then there was Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann in his postgame press conference
“Beckerman calmed down things defensively. He is doing the dirty work and makes us look better. In the second half we closed down the passing lanes and we turned the momentum.”
