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

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 and Julian Cardillo contributed ratings for the USA’s 1-0 loss to France.

Tim Howard – Average Rating: 7.75 (Sean 7.5, Julian 8 )

A strong performance from Tim Howard wasn't enough for the U.S. on Friday. (Photo by CHRIS ADUAMA/aduama.com)

Fantastic save on Benzema’s free kick and a few other nice efforts. Nearly hurt the team with a bad giveaway however.  (Sean) … Great performance on the night from Howard. Left out to dry by defense on goal, but otherwise did well to keep it a 1-goal game. (Julian)

Timothy Chandler – Average Rating: 5.75 (Sean 6, Julian 5.5)
The right back seems to be getting more and more comfortable on the left. Held his own defensively, but was a bit too impatient in the attack. (Sean)  … Adequate performance. Looked composed at times. Looked a little tired and careless in second half. (Julian)

Clarence Goodson – Average Rating: 5 (Sean 5, Julian 5)
Struggled late on a few late long balls, including the goal, but was solid for the first hour. (Sean) … Outmuscled and out-positioned by Remy on the goal, but otherwise not too bad from the former FC Dallas defender. (Julian).

Carlos Bocanegra – Average Rating: 5.5 (Sean 6, Julian 5)
Did well leading the defense and helping it keep its shape under most of France’s attacks. (Sean) … Positioning seemed way off on some of France’s chances, looked strong at the beginning but tired late. (Julian)

Steve Cherundolo – Average Rating: 5.75 (Sean 6, Julian 5.5)
Had a tough task against Franck Ribery, but did well to contain him. Cherundolo’s chances to get forward were limited, but the U.S. could’ve missed his assistance in the attack. (Sean) … Adequate from Cherundulo. Passing out of the back was marginally better than his defensive counterparts, but he looked like he was behind a step or two. (Julian)

Kyle Beckerman – Average Rating: 4.25 (Sean 4, Julian 4.5)
Looked slow and passing was off at times. A few nice moves to keep possession, but Beckerman didn’t look ready for the pace of France’s attack. (Sean) … It’s a mystery how someone who does so well in MLS can’t find a groove on the national team. Not a very memorable performance from Beckerman, either. Forced to defend too much. (Julian)

Brek Shea – Average Rating: 4.75 (Sean 3.5, Julian 6)
Shea has shown a lot of promise for the U.S., but he was nearly invisible on Friday. (Sean) … Inventiveness was there, but he was marked to no end. Not much from Brek. (Julian)

Maurice Edu – Average Rating: 4.25 (Sean 4.5, Julian 4)
Broke up France’s attacks on a few occasions, but struggled to transition into the offense. (Sean) … Disappointing. Didn’t control midfield. Decision making was questionable. (Julan)

Danny Williams – Average Rating: 4.75 (Sean 4, Julian 5.5)
Looked like he wanted to get forward, but didn’t see much of the ball. Quiet game. (Sean) … Not much out of Williams. Looked slow, didn’t get much offense started. (Julian)

Clint Dempsey – Average Rating: 6.5 (Sean 6, Julian 7)
France was forced to reckless challenges to stop Dempsey. Perhaps a bit selfish on a few occasions and yet too unselfish on a late header that he should’ve put on frame. (Sean) … All heart from Dempsey, but nothing to show for it. Might have done better in midfield instead of playing as partner to Altidore. Conversely, should have tried to head to goal instead of passing to Altidore in second half. (Julian)

Jozy Altidore – Average Rating: 6.25 (Sean 7, Julian 5.5)
One of Altidore’s better games recently. Did well holding up the ball and should’ve had a penalty kick. Some good passing too. Needed more support up top. (Sean) … I think pundits have given him too much credit. He’s no poacher, he’s no virtuoso. He’s a bull up top that can really smack the ball. That reputation didn’t go away against France. Nada for Jozy again. (Julian)

(sub) Jermaine Jones– Average Rating: 5.5 (Sean 5.5, Julian 5.5)
Replaced Beckerman as the anchor of the midfield and looked more comfortable at it. (Sean) … Did well to help defensively, but his job was to energize the midfield. (Julian)

(sub) DaMarcus Beasley– Average Rating: 4.25 (Sean 4.5, Julian 4):
Like the man he replaced, Brek Shea, Beasley Struggled to make an impact on the left. (Sean) … Lacked the pace and speed he usually has. Didn’t do much for attack after coming on. (Julian).

(sub) Fabian Johnson – Average Rating: 4.75 (Sean 4.5, Julian 5)
Didn’t make an impact in his debut. (Sean) … Adequate off the bench, but clearly not in his comfort zone yet. (Julian)

(sub) Edson Buddle – Average Rating: 5.5 (Sean 6, Julian 5)
Provided a spark off the bench and another needed option up top. Showed just why the U.S. needs to play two strikers. (Sean) … Came on and looked bright in attack, maybe could have done more if he had had more time. (Julian)