3 things we learned from the USMNT’s 4-3 win over the Netherlands

In an absolutely bananas game, the United States pulled off one of their most impressive comebacks in recent memory. They appeared to be on their way to a multiple-goal loss, but put together a spectacular late charge to defeat the Netherlands, 4-3.

While the home side had the better part of the first 15 minutes, the U.S. looked dangerous once they found their footing. Gyasi Zardes had a shot well saved on 15 minutes and the Americans hit the post twice in quick succession shortly afterwards, with Michael Bradley hitting the upright and Fabian Johnson doing the same on a follow-up. Three minutes later, Brek Shea should have scored, but put a weak shot right into Jasper Cillessen’s belly.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who had a monster game, got the Netherlands on the board first in the 27th minute by heading in a gorgeous cross by Memphis Depay. But the Americans struck back quickly, with Zardes finally getting his first career USMNT goal. Johnson’s cross eluded everyone and Zardes had the pace to win a race to the back post, then score at the near post.

While the first half went very well for the U.S., the beginning of the second half went very poorly. They conceded twice in the first 10 minutes of the period, and were lucky not to concede more. Shortly after Robin van Persie had two shots stopped, Huntelaar scored his second, trucking substitute Michael Orozco. Four minutes later, he helped put his team up again with a shot that was deflected in by Memphis Depay, putting the Dutch up 3-1.

But, despite getting overrun in their own half for the next 20 minutes, the USMNT were able to fight back. John Brooks got them back into the game in the 70th minute, both starting and finishing a great goal. He won the ball in midfield, then continued his run after laying off to Bradley. He found substitute DeAndre Yedlin, who crossed for Brooks, and the U.S. central defender tapped in.

The Netherlands should have put the game away in the 83rd minute when substitute Luuk de Jong hit the post, then Johnson put his attempted clearance off the post as well. Ultimately, they’d come to regret not doing so. Jordan Morris entered the game late and forced a big save in the 88th minute, leading to a corner. On that ensuing set play, fellow sub Danny Williams scored an unlikely goal, drawing the U.S. level.

In the immediate aftermath of that play, a Dutch winner looked more likely than a draw or another American goal. De Jong forced a save out of Brad Guzan right off the kickoff, then hit the post on the next Oranje attack. But going all out for a winner left the Dutch defense vulnerable, and they were made to pay for it.

Unfathomably, the U.S. burst forward and Morris set up yet another goal, this time playing a perfect square ball across the face of goal for Bobby Wood to finish from close range, tallying a spectacular winner in Amsterdam and completing one of the best comebacks in the history of the USMNT.

Goals: Huntelaar (27’, 49’), Depay (53’)

Goals: Zardes (33’), Brooks (70’), Williams (89’), Wood (90’)

1. Paging Geoff Cameron - It was a bit of a surprise when Geoff Cameron was left off this squad, and that decision is looking even more puzzling after this match. Ventura Alvarado and Michael Orozco both got 45 minutes at the right central defense spot, with neither looking impressive. They were both primarily responsible for one goal and had plenty of other shaky moments. Depending on Omar Gonzalez’s form and fitness, it’s possible they’re both playing their way out of the Gold Cup squad.

2. Let’s go all-in on Jordan Morris -- and get him to a pro team - Yes, Jordan Morris, we understand that you want to play in college for another year before signing for the Seattle Sounders. But that’s ridiculous, because you should be playing high-level pro soccer right now. And Jurgen Klinsmann should be starting him. He’s unbelievable. He was absolutely, 100 percent the catalyst that sparked the U.S. attack and led to this win.

3. Bradley found his role - This was the best Michael Bradley has played in about a year, and his role probably had a lot to do with that. He functioned as a roaming playmaker in a 4-3-3, with a pure holder behind him and a runner in front of him. This is a perfect use of Bradley, and it’s amazing it took a bunch of managers 10 years to figure it out. He was spectacular.