Bradley eyeing American progress

BOB BRADLEY believes his United States side are entering a crucial period in their preparations for next summer’s World Cup.

The USA qualified for the finals comfortably, finishing top of the CONCACAF qualifying group ahead of Honduras and Mexico and today face Slovakia in Bratislava in the first of a friendly double-header.

And highly-respected coach Bradley, whose son Michael is expected to start the match, said: “These matches present a terrific opportunity to continue building on the nucleus of our team, and at the same time evaluate more of the player pool against very good opponents.