USMNT: Yanks Fight For Draw In Azteca: Recap and Player Ratings
By Eric Harris
Bradley’s historic goal helps U.S. split the points with Mexico
Bruce Arena raised some eyebrows with his starting line-up against Mexico. Was it a 3-4-3? A 5-2-3? It didn’t matter once Michael Bradley shocked everyone with his inch perfect chip over Guillermo Ochoa and gave the United States an early lead.
The lead didn’t last long though, Bobby Wood missed a chance to make it 2-0 and the counter was on. Mexico showed off their speed and precision, and Carlos Vela put his low shot past Brad Guzan.
The second half was just as fast and furious as the first. It had all the physicality one would expect from a US/Mexico game and all the chances. Hector Herrera had a gorgeous free kick bounce off the crossbar. Not long after that Michael Bradley saw his audacious volley hit the outside of the post.
After all of it, both teams walked away with a point. It was a fair result for both teams, and a more memorable one for the U.S. who are in very good shape after taking four points in the two most recent qualifiers.
Player Ratings
Bruce Arena – 7.5: The formation was bold, the personnel was unexpected, and for the most part it worked. The U.S. bogged down Mexico in the midfield, and didn’t just park the bus and hope for the best.
Brad Guzan – 5.5: Didn’t make any spectacular saves, and could have arguably done better on the Vela goal, but did enough to get the draw.
Deandre Yedlin – 6.5: Had a rough start but improved as the match went on, especially after his yellow card.
Omar Gonzales – 6: Had some vital clearances, but mistimed some headers that could have been dangerous shots. Overall a solid effort from one of the U.S.’ best centerbacks.
Geoff Cameron – 8: Not the best first half from Cameron, but his second half performance was nothing short of heroic. And was enough to get man of the match by many.
Tim Ream – 6: Probably the biggest surprise inclusion in the starting line up. Ream did his job well without any flash. Basically exactly what Arena was hoping for.
Demarcus Beasley – 6.5: After roughly 8 international retirements Beasley is still putting in workman performances. He allowed a little too much space on the goal but had some crucial tackles in the second half.
Michael Bradley – 7.5: If that second half volley goes in, this rating instantly shoots up to a 10. Bradley was key in the midfield slowing down the Mexico midfield.
Kellyn Acosta – 7: Consistently improved throughout the match. At no point did the young midfielder look overwhelmed. A great sign for the future.
Paul Arriola – 5: Didn’t do much going forward. Didn’t do much to help with defense. Overall a fairly invisible performance from the Tijuana player.
Christian Pulisic – 5.5: Took some players on the dribble, and some other times looked very much like an 18-year-old. Which is fine, the Pulisic hype train doesn’t need to be scoring a brace every night.
Bobby Wood – 5: Wood was on an island for most of the night. He did some good things with his hold up play but he whiffed on his best chance and it sprung the Mexican counter attack for the goal.
Standings in the Hex
- Mexico, 6 Games played, 14 pts
- Costa Rica, 5 Games played, 8 pts (+4 GD)
- United States, 6 Games played, 8 pts (+3 GD)
- Panama, 5 Games played, 6 pts
- Honduras, 5 Games played, 4 pts
- Trinidad and Tobago, 5 Games Played, 3 pts