Player Ratings: U.S. Men’s National Team at Slovenia

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 3-2 victory over Slovenia.

Tim Howard – 5.5

Clint Dempsey continues to lead the U.S. attack. (Photo by CHRIS ADUAMA/aduama.com)

Not much he could do on either goal and did well commanding his box in the poor conditions.

Steve Cherundolo – 5

Quiet night, though passing was still sharp. Almost cost the team with his poor headed clearance, but recovered well.

Clarence Goodson – 4.5

Generally good positioning, but outmuscled a few times when challenging for the ball.

Carlos Bocanegra – 5.5

Solid 100th cap, but he needs to do a better job organizing the rest of the backline.

Timmy Chandler – 4

He had his moments going forward, but he was out of sync with the rest of the backline defensively leading to dangerous chances for Slovenia.

Kyle Beckerman – 4

Consecutive subpar performances for the man counted on to be the anchor in front of the backline. Beckerman’s marking and one-on-one defending was poor.

Michael Bradley – 5.5

Good set pieces and smartly adapted to the diamond midfield, but didn’t see too much of the ball.

Fabian Johnson – 7

Very active in the attack and looked dangerous from the opening whistle. Did well to earn the penalty kick. Impressive first start.

Clint Dempsey – 7.5

Typical Dempsey. Scored a goal, helped create another and was a constant threat all night. When things are going wrong Dempsey can still create something out of nothing.

Edson Buddle – 7

Great goal and proved a good partner for Altidore. Just what the U.S. attack has been missing.

Jozy Altidore – 5.5

Good penalty and clearly works better with a partner, but has to finish his chances when they come, such as the tap-in he missed on Johnson’s cross.

(sub) Brek Shea – 4.5

Failed to make an impact off the bench and didn’t do well keeping possession when the U.S. was trying to hold the lead late.

(sub) Maurice Edu – N/A

Helped shore up the midfield as a late sub, but too little time to make much of an impact.

(sub) Jermaine Jones – N/A

Clock management sub.

(sub) Robbie Rogers – N/A

Clock management sub.