Player Ratings: U.S. Men’s National Team vs. Jamaica

After each match the contributors to New England Soccer Today will rate the performances of the United States National Team players who made an appearance on a 1 to 10 scale (1 horrendous, 5 average, 10 perfection). This week Sean Donahue contributed ratings for the USA’s 2-0 CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinal victory over Jamaica.

Tim Howard – 7
Made a fantastic early save to keep the match scoreless. Didn’t have much to do otherwise.

Jermaine Jones scored his first goal for the U.S. on Sunday. (Photo by CHRIS ADUAMA/aduama.com)

Eric Lichaj – 6
Lichaj held his own despite little support defending the left flank from the midfield. Decent job getting forward as well.

Clarence Goodson – 5.5
Still doesn’t look that confident for the U.S. and a few miscommunications in the defense, but overall held his own.

Carlos Bocanegra – 5
Not the best performance from the veteran centerback. A few mistakes that could’ve proved costly with better finishing from Jamaica, including a poorly cleared ball late.

Steve Cherundolo – 6.5
Cherundolo is constantly proving to be a dangerous threat for the U.S. getting forward with generally great service into the box. Not giving up much defensively either.

Michael Bradley – 5.5
Kept the Jamaicans onside on their early great chance. Decent performance overall, but not as involved in the attack as he had been in recent games.

Jermaine Jones – 6.5
Flubbed a great chance in the first half and picked up an unnecessary yellow card. Much better second half where he was constantly involved in the attack and scored his first U.S. goal. Embellished the foul on his breakaway, an especially risky move considering he was on a yellow.

Alejandro Bedoya – 6
Caused trouble with his pace and played a role in some good U.S. attacks, but the final pass was lacking at times.

Sacha Kljestan – 7
Kept the attack going with smart passing and good crosses all night. Decent shot in the first half as well.

Clint Dempsey – 8
Made up for a poor performance against Guadeloupe with a fantastic effort against Jamaica. He spearheaded the U.S. attack all night and could’ve had more than just his one goal.

Jozy Altidore – NA
Not enough time to make an impact.

(sub) Juan Agudelo – 7
Filled in admirably when called upon early off the bench. Set up Dempsey for his goal and nearly had one of his own.

(sub) Landon Donovan – 5
Almost a nonfactor after entering

(sub) Maurice Edu – 5.5
Helped the U.S. hold the lead as a late sub.