:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46494810/usa-today-8521471.0.jpg)
When Timmy Chandler was named as the starting right back for the USMNT's friendly against the Netherlands on Friday, I was utterly stunned.
With the left flank being in the possession of man-bun aficionado -- and yet still somehow strangely balding -- Brek Shea, Klinsmann decided to install Chandler on the right and push Fabian Johnson, the Yanks typical starter in the right back position, further up the pitch.
All of these decisions left DeAndre Yedlin on the bench, and he watched for 57 minutes as Chandler and Shea got burned on the flanks and allowed the Dutch to take a commanding 3-1 lead over the USMNT. But when Yedlin came in for Shea, his pace and defensive acumen quickly changed things.
Klinsmann saw that the Dutch would probably sit back and defend their lead and that the Netherland's defense hadn't been particularly convincing throughout the game, so he made a few tactical switches. Yedlin for Shea gave the Yanks some speed, while bringing on Danny Williams and Bobby Wood -- each of which would record at least a goal or an assist by fulltime -- gave all three youngsters a chance to prove themselves before the upcoming Gold Cup.
Yedlin's presence was felt immediately, as he and John Brooks connected for the USMNT's second goal. Michael Bradley provided a spectacular through ball to release Yedlin and allow him to find some space in the box. Yedlin picked up his head, squared the ball towards the six-yard box and watched as Brooks tapped it in to give the Yanks some life in the 70 minute.
That began the three-goal comeback that eventually handed the USMNT its first win over the Dutch in the countries' history. After Williams scored the equalizer in the 88 minute, the two subs shared an awesome moment, standing slightly apart and saluting one another for their efforts.
Salute. pic.twitter.com/43BY1v2UzP
— DeAndre Yedlin (@yedlinny) June 5, 2015
Yedlin made a huge impact for the Yanks and if Fabian Johnson continues to play further up the pitch -- which he seemed perfectly content doing, even picking up an assist on the day -- then Yedlin certainly deserves to start against Germany on Wednesday.