Player Ratings: New England Revolution at Los Angeles Galaxy

After each match the contributors to New England Soccer Today will rate the performances of the New England Revolution players who made an appearance on a 1 to 10 scale (1 horrendous, 5 average, 10 perfection). This week Brian O’Connell, Sean Donahue and Julian Cardillo contributed ratings for the New England Revolution’s 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Matt Reis – Average Rating: 7 (Brian 7, Sean 7.5, Julian 6.5)
Superb saves on Beckham’s free kicks, closed down Keane early organized his D marvelously. In other words, it was vintage Reis. (Brian) … Some excellent saves. Did well to hold onto the ball and distribute it under poor conditions.  Unable to slow Robbie Keane on LA’s lone goal. (Sean) …  Looked confident coming out to get crosses and did a good job holding onto the ball despite the slick conditions. Committed way too early on the Keane goal though. (Julian)

Kevin Alston – Average Rating: 6.33 (Brian 7, Sean 6, Julian 6)
Speedster adapted to the early conditions and put a perfect pass on Tierney’s goal.  Connected well with Joseph before being subbed at the half. (Brian) … Assisted the first goal and did well defensively before being subbed out at halftime. (Sean) … Did well to not get caught out of position and use his pace to both attack and defend. (Julian)

Stephen McCarthy – Average Rating: 6 (Brian 5.5, Sean  6, Julian 6.5)
Admirable performance against Buddle. Never backed down and played some good passes forward. (Brian) … Lucky his slip-up didn’t cost the Revs a goal. Distribution out of the back was inconsistent.  More good than bad, but McCarthy’s still learning the position at this level. (Sean) …  Solid game from Stephen McCarthy. Excellent timing on slide tackles and great partnership with Soares. (Julian)

AJ Soares – Average Rating: 6.75 (Brian 6.75, Sean 6.5, Julian 7)
Covered Keane like a glove all night, save for the late goal. Communicated well with McCarthy and Alston. (Brian) … Did very well all night to silence Keane, but let him slip behind him for the Galaxy’s lone goal. (Sean) … Combined well with McCarthy and had Buddle’s and Keane’s number almost all night. Unlucky to not been able to walk out of LA with a clean sheet. (Julian)

Chris Tierney – Average Rating: 6.83 (Brian 6.5, Sean 7, Julian 7)
Another terrific performance; solid in the rear and deadly on the attack. Stayed home more in the second half to thwart the Galaxy attack. (Brian) … Excellent getting forward both in the run of play and on set pieces. Took advantage of the Galaxy’s lack of width on the right and picked his spots wisely. (Sean) … Great job coming out of the back-evident by his goal. Excellent job overlapping and not forgetting to get back and defend after joining in on the attack. (Julian)

Kelyn Rowe – Average Rating: 6.5 (Brian 6, Sean 6.5, Julian 7)
Sensational follow-up on his goal; linked well with Joseph and Guy and didn’t hesitate to mix it up in the back. (Brian) … Much improved performance. Did well to keep his composure and finish the rebound after his poorly placed first effort. Looked much more comfortable. (Sean) … Looked confident, looked dynamic. Great job to find himself in space and kudos for his first professional goal. (Julian)

Shalrie Joseph – Average Rating: 6.83 (Brian 6.5, Sean 7, Julian 7)
Aside from some early flashes, it was a quiet night for the skipper. Quiet, yes, but effective from start to finish. (Brian) … Classic Shalrie: smart distribution, kept the game moving, and helped break up attacks. (Sean) … Someone turned the switch on inside Shalrie and suddenly he started making crisp passes and distributing in a fashion that we’re used to. (Julian)

Clyde Simms –Average Rating: 7.17 (Brian 6.5, Sean 7.5, Julian 7.5)
Cleaned up a lot in the rear and exploited the holes in the middle of the park. (Sean) … Great work defensively to break up attacks. May not be the most flashy player on the pitch, but Simms know his abilities and doesn’t try to do too much. Played a key role in helping the Revs keep passion with sharp passing. (Sean) … Did so much of the dirty work and helped dig out the defense when the Galaxy started piling on the pressure. Great job helping the team transition from defense to offense and vice-versa. (Julian)

Lee Nguyen – Average Rating: 7.5 (Brian 7, Sean 7.5, Julian 8 )
A complete performance all-around; excellent service all night and chipped in a fine defensive effort. (Brian) … I’m struggling to understand why Vancouver let him go. Hard worker for 90 minutes and always dangerous and creative getting forward. (Sean) … Hands down the best player on the field on Saturday. So calm on the ball and so inventive. Combined very well with each player and never made a mental error. Very solid stuff. (Julian)

Ryan Guy –Average Rating: 6.33 (Brian 6, Sean 6.5, Julian 6.5)
Great cross to Sene, but even without it, he really helped spring the attack. (Brian) … Made some excellent runs and combined well with Sene, including setting up his goal with a nice cross. (Sean) … Picked his times to come and go. Not sure if he is a partner for a forward or a winger, but great job take on his defenders and grabbing an assist. (Julian)

Saer Sene – Average Rating: 6.33 (Brian 6, Sean 6, Julian 7)
Quiet first half gave way to a strong second half. Interesting finish on the goal, but style points don’t matter. (Brian) … Did what was needed to score the third goal. Solid hold-up play and runs off the ball, but still doesn’t seem to be fit for 90 minutes. (Sean) … Great holdup play and fantastic finish on the goal. Definitely combined a lot better with his teammates than in the first few games. (Julian)

(sub) Florian Lechner – Average Rating: 5.83 (Brian 6, Sean 5.5, Julian 6)
Solid at right back, and made some nice runs forward; fit seamlessly into the 11 (Brian) … Mostly solid debut, but his giveaway sparked the counterattack that gave the Galaxy their lone goal. (Sean)  … Stayed with his runners well and didn’t seem too out of place. Great job to quietly move up and down that right flank and join in on the attack. (Julian)

(sub) Fernando Cardenas – Average Rating: 6.33(Brian 6, Sean 6.5, Julian 6.5)
Brought some welcome spark late; nearly stole a goal when he chipped one from distance. (Brian) … Great creativity off the bench kept Josh Saunders and the Galaxy backline on their toes. Decision making in the final third may need a little work. (Sean) … Put lots of pressure on the Galaxy backline and nearly found a goal with a cheeky chip. (Julian)

(sub) Alec Purdie  – Average Rating: N/A (Brian 5.5, Sean N/A, Julian N/A)
Another decent showing from the rookie; remembered his defensive responsibilities well. (Brian) … Not enough time or the right situation to make an impact. (Sean)

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