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

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 Brian O’Connell Sean Donahue contributed ratings for the USA’s 0-0 draw at Mexico.

Brad Guzan – Average Rating: 6.5 (Brian 6, Sean 7)
Commanded his box in first half -brave effort on late 1st half chip, and looked confident from start to finish. A Howard-like performance in the biggest pressure-cooker in CONCACAF. (Brian) …On a night where nerves could’ve gotten the better of him, Guzan looked cool, calm, and collect throughout. Made three important saves and commanded his box well. (Sean)

DaMarcus Beasley – Average Rating: 5.25 (Brian 5, Sean 5.5)
Challenge on Aquino at edge of area earned him an early yellow, left out in the dust by Aquino again in 54th minute breach, but kept it together for much of the match. Gritty effort. (Brian) … It was a far from perfect performance from Beasley, but he recovered from his mistakes and gutted it out through injuries with the U.S. not having many options on the bench. (Sean)

Matt Besler – Average Rating: 6.25 (Brian 6, Sean 6.5)
Had his hands full, but looked especially strong on corners and crosses from the flanks. Good awareness throughout. (Brian) … Thrown into his first World Cup qualifier at the most difficult venue, Besler had a few problems, but survived an early yellow card and partnered Gozalez well to play a big role in the shutout. (Sean)

Omar Gonzalez – Average Rating: 7 (Brian 6, Sean 8)
Great instincts and awareness throughout; good tackle in 63rd minute snuffed out Mexico advance, though nearly let Chicharito score off a header in the 87th minute. (Brian) … Playing on the biggest stage of his career, Gonzalez didn’t miss a beat. Several key interceptions, big headers, and generally good marking. Firmly established his place in the U.S. backline with his performance. (Sean)

Geoff Cameron – Average Rating: 5.25 (Brian 5, Sean 5.5)
Got himself a decent half chance from Gomez’s first corner, but hung out to dry on Zavala’s free header in the 27th minute. Helped spark a few attacks in 2nd half. (Brian) … Dangerous threat on offensive set pieces, though his defensive positioning on some set pieces was problematic. Had a few solid runs forward. (Sean)

Herulez Gomez – Average Rating: 5 (Brian 5, Sean 5)
Awful over hit 2nd corner, decent defensive effort. Put together a few decent balls on the attack. (Brian) … Couldn’t get anything going offensively, but put in a solid effort helping out defensively. (Sean)

Michael Bradley – Average Rating: 6 (Brian 5.5, Sean 6.5)
Got away with a push on Chicharito inside area, not an especially solid defensive effort, but disruptive throughout, especially late. (Brian) … The moment never seems to get to Bradley, who was as solid as ever. U.S. attack only seemed to look dangerous when he pushed forward. (Sean)

Maurice Edu – Average Rating: 4 (Brian 4, Sean 4)
Inconsistent early, shaky moments in early 2nd half, very lucky not to get called for a penalty in the 76th minute tackle on Aquino. (Brian) … Very lucky to avoid giving up a penalty. Struggled overall to fill in for Jones. (Sean)

Graham Zusi – Average Rating: 5.75 (Brian 5.5, Sean 6)
Good early challenge on Andres Guardado, solid work tracking back. Hustled all night. Probably could’ve added more going forward. (Brian) … A couple of game saving plays defensively saved a night where he didn’t offer much in the attack. (Brian)

Clint Dempsey – Average Rating: 5 (Brian 5, Sean 5)
Factored into what early chances the US could find in the first half, poor 52nd minute effort that strayed well wide. Wasn’t going to get many opportunities. (Brian) … Gutted out 90 minutes, but clearly wasn’t ready for a full game in the thin air of Mexico City after missing so much time due to injury. A few decent runs forward, but couldn’t get much going offensively like the rest of the team. (Sean)

Jozy Altidore – Average Rating: 5.25 (Brian 5.5, Sean 5)
Slick ball to Bradley inside area gave US its first real chance. Decent hold up play, surprised to see his night end so early. (Brian) … Yes, it’s hard for a forward to get chances in a game like this, but would’ve like to see Altidore make more runs off the ball to try to find space. (Sean)

(sub) Eddie Johnson – Average Rating: 5 (Brian 5.5, Sean 4.5)
Promising start, picked good spots and stretched the field as the U.S. began to sustain pressure after the hour, but with defense-first approach, opportunities were too few to make a true impact. (Brian) … Energy was there, but didn’t have the strength to do the hold-up work the U.S. needed. (Sean)

(sub) Brad Davis – Average Rating: 3.25 (Brian 3.5, Sean 3)
Gave ball away too easily, dumb yellow gave Mexico a golden opportunity deep in the US end. (Brian) … Only impact was picking up a yellow card and giving up a dangerous free kick. (Sean)

(sub) Brek Shea – Average Rating: N/A
Not enough time to make an impact.

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