A coming-out party, or how to win a draw

One could look at the match v El Salvador as a negative. Leading the Hexagonal in Concacaf's World Cup qualifiers, the US should have been able to win in Tegulcigalpa. The MNT has only one loss in Bob Bradley's career in WCQs while winning 15 qualifying matches. So by rights, a 2-2 result should be an indictment.

Here's the thing: I can't recall the last time the MNT came back from two goals so late in a match to gain points. I'm quite sure it's "never".

The team didn't play so well but never gave up - a hallmark of all MNT squads since at least the 1990s. This time, however, that can-do spirit was matched to the best talent the US has ever had. The difference maker, quite obviously, was Jozy Altidore.

Why Bob Bradley insists on keeping him on the bench is a mystery. You can say all you want about his lack of playing time at Xerez (wanna bet that doesn't continue much longer?) or that he's only 19 or... whatever. The thing is, this. kid. can. play.

He has the size to match physical defenders, is strong on the ball, and always wants the ball. More importantly, he knows what to do with the ball once he gets it. Don't forget that this is the kid who overshadowed David Beckham in the "Beckham match" at the Meadowlands some 18 months ago.

This time, Altidore came on around the 60th minute and instantly changed the tenor of the match. Within minutes he had created a shot on goal. A lackluster squad suddenly had a focal point. That's what Jozy can do. Not only did he score the first goal but if Hejduk had missed getting to his header for the win, guess who was right behind Frankie, sure to pick up the ball and almost certainly ready to put the ball away?

So let's hope we see more of Jozy. A 19 yr-old with his skills should be starting, and if there are reasons why he's kept on the bench, then find a way to work around them. No one else on the squad can do what he does.

Diamonds, after all, need light to shine.