Published 11/15/2011 2:16:09 PM by William Montero from soccermogul

Oh what a difference a formation change can make.  After being stuck in a 4-5-1 for six games under new coach Jurgen Klinsmann the Americans came out in a much more attack minded 4-4-2 formation in Slovenia.  The change clearly surprised Slovenia who weren't expecting the formation and it led to a bucket of scoring chances for the Americans.

Edson Buddle joined Jozy Altidore up top and Clint Dempsey was given the freedom to run underneath the two.  The end result was that all three had goals in the opening 45 minutes of play and the US led 3-1 in cold and foggy conditions. Slovenia weren't without their chances though as Matavz was dangerous throughout.  

The Slovenians came out in the second half with renewed vigor as they were clearly intent on cutting into the American lead.  They created three quality chances in the opening 10 minutes of play as Bocanegra and Goodson were in shaky form.  Luckily for the US the chances went begging.

It was just a matter of time though as Slovenia heaped on the pressure.  At the hour mark Slovenia hit the crossbar and then rattled the post within a minute before Matavz grabbed his second goal of the afternoon pulling the home side to within 2-1.

Klinsmann introduced Brek Shea to the side in an attempt to stem the Slovenian tidal wave.  The game really settled from there and as a Birsa freekick curled over the crossbar in the 94th minute the Americans had their first win in Europe in three years.  Good to see a quality result and the offense finding the net.

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