By Clemente Lisi - NEW YORK, NY (Nov 26, 2009) USSoccerPlayers -- The United States played a record number of games this year (24) and put together some memorable performances along the way.
They started with a bang (a 3-2 win over Sweden) and ended with a whimper (a 3-1 loss to Denmark). In between, the team reached the Confederations Cup final (only to lose to Brazil) and the Gold Cup title game (a loss to Mexico). More importantly, the US qualified for the World Cup, its sixth straight tournament, and showed that it is a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.“The main job was to secure qualification for South Africa next June,” coach Bob Bradley told reporters recently about the team’s goals this year. “Obviously, the Confederations Cup was special in so many ways. And we’ll always look for things as reminders for the work that still needs to be done.”
Along the way, we’ve also learned a lot by watching Bradley’s men over the past 11 months. Indeed, US fans have a lot to be grateful for this Thanksgiving Day.
Here are the 10 things we’ve learned this year from watching the US of A:10. Change Bradley Can Believe In
The team did a solid job dealing with roster changes (even last-minute ones) and showed it can integrate players into Bradley’s preferred 4-4-2 lineup. One notable one was the inclusion of Conor Casey, not a regular, into the key World Cup Qualifier against Honduras in San Pedro Sula. His two goals were clutch in a 3-2 win. Players like this can make a difference at the World Cup.

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