By Eduardo Maisonet, III / @edthesportsfan

For FOX Deportes

Things have turned quiet for the US Men’s National Team in the last month, as a win and a draw in the first two games of 2014 World Cup Qualifications have came and went with America’s side still searching for consistency from their top players. USA tumbled from 28 to 36 in FIFA’s latest world ranking table. Jurgen Klinsmann’s still trying to sort out the hand that Bob Bradley left him before getting up from the poker game.

You’ve got to love where US Soccer is in the summer of 2012. Insert sarcasm here.

What’s more interesting is that we’re less than four weeks away from the USMNT taking their talents across the Rio Grande to Estadio Azteca to face Mexico (No. 18 ranking in FIFA) on August 15th. Mexico’s most recent big win was an impressive 4-2 triumph over Brazil, and its officially put the world on notice that El Tri is ready to make major strides for the 2014 World Cup. The biggest question for Klinsmann and the US side is a simple one…can they keep up?

Two players who will factor in the decision are stars Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey. One has officially found himself on a new team, while the other continues to be the feature in a rumor mill that seemingly will never end. Let’s look at this one at a time.

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By Jose M. Romero / @RomeroJoseM

For Fox Deportes

A lot of people who follow the sport of soccer in this country spent considerable time dissecting the U.S. men’s national team performance in a 4-1 loss to Brazil Wednesday night in suburban Washington D.C.

They applauded the Americans’ improved play in the second half. Praised the work of Fabian Johnson and Michael Bradley. Ripped the play of the defense, most notably center back Oguchi Onyewu, whose handball – indeed it was the right call – led to Brazil’s first goal on a PK. Wondered aloud what to do about shoring up the center back and a couple of midfield positions.

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