Tuesday, September 10, 2013

USA v Mexico : 9/10/2013 - Player Grades - Instant Reaction

  • Tim Howard - 9 - Following a questionable performance, Tim Howard answered strong. He was consistent early on, culminating in a crucial save on an own goal chance. Insane save around 43'. Was in player's ears all night, which is crucial from a keeper. Showed a willingness to leave his line. 
  • Omar Gonzalez - 8 - Crucial in keeping Mexico out of the goal in the first 20 minutes. Misjudged a ball played over the top and Jermaine Jones saved the play. Always dangerous on set plays. 
  • Clarence Goodson - 7.5 - Showed up to break up very dangerous passes. Provided a needed aerial presence when Omar got sucked wide right. Passing was shaky at times, especially early. Common theme for the team so not that big of a deal. 
  • Demarcus Beasley - - Passing was suspect throughout match but other than the left back ran rampant. Willingness to get up and down was exemplary and his dribbling was exquisite. Did well tracking back and competed for headers. Classic moments of clumsiness, almost scored an own goal. 
  • Fabian Johnson - 6 - Reinforced the idea that he is a better outside midfielder (perhaps even central) than he is an outside fullback. Decision making and composure in compromising spaces was questionable, especially early on. Work ethic was fantastic. Overlapped at any opportunity and was always there when he needed to be on defense. Service is obviously, and understandably, better when he plays on the left. Hamstring issue forced him out at half. I really thought he was set up for a good 2nd. 
  •  Kyle Beckerman - 6.5 - For whatever reason, the accuracy Beckerman's passing shows for Real Salt Lake has not yet shone through for the national team. Until the end of the game, his passes seemed a little rushed and slightly misjudged. Silly challenge in the 15th min.. Other than that, this guy was exactly what he needed to be. He showed up in the right spot, consistently, in attack and defense. He challenged physically all game and never seemed discouraged. Allowed Jones the freedom to roam and search for the game. 
  • Jermaine Jones - 7.5 - Long balls were much more on point than in the costa rica game. He is dangerous on outside shot attempts. Great recovery run to protect Omar in the 24th min. Received praise from Twellman, which I see as a positive. 
  • Alejandro Bedoya - 7 - Relentless in his running, always showed a propensity to get back and defend. Right side of Bedoya and F. Johnson targeted early in the game by Mexico. Bedoya is more than capable of tacking back and making tough tackles. Had success cutting in and serving into the box from the corner. 
  • Landon Donovan - 8 - Showed up in good defensive positions early, when the USA needed it most. Constantly provided an outlet for the counter attack. Provided intensity and poise throughout the match. Helped out centrally, similar to Fabian Johnson when he plays left mid. Always clever on the ball and his combination play with Dempsey was nice. Should probably take all future penatly kicks until further notice. 
  • Clint Dempsey - 8.5 - Showed why he is a big money man for MLS, USMNT, and EA Sports. Used his withdrawn role to find the game and was an absolute nuisance for the Mexican defense. Showed great hustle at the 35' mark and outstanding 1 v 1 ability at the 76' mark. Closed space down well and provided pressure up the field. Missed a late penalty. 
  • Eddie Johnson - 9.5 -Proved himself as a target and a threat within the first two minutes. I honestly think the Mexican back line was afraid of him. Rose wonderfully for a corner kick in the 31st minute and again in the 49th, when he found the net. Linked well with Donovan and Dempsey. Did not try and do too much on the ball, as he often does. Subbed himself off for a head injury concern. Great showing for Eddie Johnson. 
  • Crowd - 10 - Great showing from the start. Dos a cero x4. Unbelievable turnout in Columbus. This game should be in Columbus until proven otherwise. 
  • Jurgen Klinnsman - 8 - Bedoya worked. Eddie Johnson worked. Fabian Johnson at right back showed signs of working. Goodson worked. Mix Diskerud subbed on late and had an immediate impact. The team effort and communication was stellar. The astute Taylor Twellman pointed out the effective picks set up on corner kicks to free Eddie Johnson. 

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