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

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 Julian Cardillo and Sean Donahue contributed ratings for the USA’s 1-0 friendly loss to Belgium.

Tim Howard – Average Rating: 6 (Julian 6.5, Sean 5.5)
Came up a big on a variety of occasions, did very well to anticipate much of Belgium’s play. Nothing he could do on the goal. (Julian) … Made a pair of nice saves, but also got lucky on one occasion in which he left his line, but didn’t get to the ball. Was shielded on the goal, but it was one of the rare occasions on which Howard let up a goal it looked like he had a chance at saving. (Sean)

Timmy Chandler – Average Rating: 4.5 (Julian 5, Sean 4)
Slowly starting to recognize what it means to start for the national team. Nevertheless, caught out of position a few times and needs to control drive to shoot from distance. (Julian) … Are the natural left back choices so bad that the U.S. must keep trying players out of position? Inability to use his left foot made him ineffective in his runs forward. Not his best performance defensively either. (Sean)

Steve Cherundulo – Average Rating: 5.25 (Julian 5.5, Sean 5)
Whenever he made a mistake, he would usually help clean it up. Not bad from the veteran, but not brilliant either. (Julain) … The right back spot is clearly Cherundolo’s, as it should be, but this wasn’t one of his best performances. Committed some fouls in dangerous areas and service going forward was unusually lacking. (Sean)

Carlos Bocanegra – Average Rating: 5.75 (Julian 5.5, Sean 6)
Clearly the guy who has to organize the defense. Did okay at best. The U.S rarely won the second ball when Belgium attacked- and that’s something Bocanegra needs to tell his defense. (Julian) … Looked better paired with Goodson than Orozco. Generally positioning was solid and dealt well with Belgium’s attack. (Sean)

Clarence Goodson – Average Rating: 5.75 (Julian 5.5, Sean 6)
Paired okay with Bocanegra, though looks a little lost when someone comes at him at high speed. (Julian) … Used his body well to defend and looked much more comfortable than Orozco on Friday. (Sean)

Maurice Edu – Average Rating: 6 (Julian 6, Sean 6)
Great job tracking back and helping the midfield maintain possession. Might have had a good shot for a goal in the second half. Edu looks like he’s slowly figuring out defensive midfield under Klinsmann. (Julian) … Given a tough role once again and did well. A few saving tackles and put in a strong performance. Unlucky to have his goal called off. (Sean)

Clint Dempsey – Average Rating: 6.25 (Julian 6.5, Sean 6)
Basically, one of their only offensive engines. He was inventive and had great presence on the ball. (Julian) … Was hindered by not having many options to work with in the attack. Often had to go it alone and create chances for himself. Would benefit either playing up top with another striker or playing behind two strikers. (Sean)

Jose Torres – Average Rating: 4.5 (Julian 5, Sean 4)
He can move the ball, but can he create? His lackluster corner kicks say no way Jose. (Julian) … Struggled with Belgium’s higher pressure and more physical defending. Passes were off at times and had trouble breaking down Belgium’s defense. (Sean)

Robbie Rogers – Average Rating: 4.75 (Julian 5.5, Sean 4)
He has a wonderful spark, but sometimes looks like he doesn’t have any options. Needs to be cultivated more. (Julian) … Another lackluster performance. Struggled to make an impact. (Sean)

Brek Shea – Average Rating: 6 (Julian 6.5, Sean 5.5)
Did a lot better to utilize the wings tonight. Had great drive and attitude on the ball. Needed to be a bit quicker when making decisions though. (Julian) … Some decent runs, but not as involved as he was in the past two games. Looking a little gassed from the rough schedule this past month. (Sean)

Jozy Altidore – Average Rating: 4 (Julian 4.5, Sean 3.5)
So disappointing for Altidore. Having a really hard time taking shots and getting open. (Julian) … Needs help up top. Lack of support allowed Belgium to completely mark him out of the game and he was unable to find ways to get the ball. (Sean)

(sub) Kyle Beckerman – Average: 5.75 (Julian 6, Sean 5.5)
Looked good coming in, but needed to push up more. Needed to keep some shots low and maybe got a little too excited. (Julian) … Provided some needed support for Edu, but decision making getting forward was questionable. (Sean)

(sub) Juan Agudelo – Average Rating: 6 (Julian 6.5, Sean 5.5)
If there’s anyone on the field that wants to make something happen, it’s Agudelo. Good runs and pressure, probably should have started. (Julian) … Provided a spark off the bench, but, like Altidore, clearly isn’t ready to be a long striker. (Sean)

(sub) Jeff Larentowicz – Average Rating: 5.75 (Julian 6, Sean 5.5)
His willingness to move up is great, and he covered a lengthy distance while he was on the field. (Julian) … Kept it simple when he entered. Nothing too ambitious, just simple, smart passes to help the team keep possession and moving forward. (Sean)

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