USMNT Vs Mexico: Player ratings – Pulisic, Altidore disappoint
By Nathan Dunn
The USMNT fell 1-0 in a disappointing Gold Cup final to Mexico on Sunday night. Here are the player ratings as Gregg Berhalter’s first tournament comes to a close.
The United States Men’s National Team fell in the Gold Cup Final to Mexico by a score of 1-0 in a game that failed to have much quality. The U.S. got off to the better start, but Guillermo Ochoa denied Christian Pulisic, while Jozy Altidore rolled a shot wide in the opening minutes.
Early in the second half, Mexico captain Andres Guardado should have been sent off for choking Reggie Cannon early. The referee, though, staring right at the altercation, failed to even issue a card.
LA Galaxy midfielder Jonathan dos Santos scored the match-winner in the 73rd minute after a back-heel flick from Raúl Jiménez. It was a lovely move that spelled the end for Gregg Berhalter’s team.
USMNT Vs Mexico: 3 things we learned. light. Related Story
Overall, it was a successful Gold Cup for the USMNT. Many players learned where they stand in Berhalter’s system and there were some solid performances from some burgeoning youngsters. That said, the striker position remains uncertain, with the disappointments of Gyasi Zardes and Altidore not being very clinical, while there are also problems at left-back and on both flanks, We must, of course, remember that there was plenty of youth didn’t participate, such as Josh Sargent, Tim Weah, Tyler Adams.
Anyway, here are the USMNT player ratings from Sunday’s 1-0 Gold Cup final defeat to Mexico.
Goalkeeper
Zack Steffen- 6
Couldn’t do anything about the goal. Many shots for Mexico, not many near the target. Goalkeeper distribution was questionable at times, which should be fixed as he goes to Manchester City.
Defense
Tim Ream – 7
Did really well defensively, but till needs to be more productive offensively if he is to be the long-term solution at left-back. Exited after 83 minutes.
Matt Miazga – 7
Solid. Several timely interventions and some excellent defensive work under heavy pressure. Will push hard for a starting center-back role.
Aaron Long – 7
Dominant in aerials, as well as being a rock at the back. Certainly the first choice center-half going into the future after a superb Gold Cup showing.
Reggie Cannon – 6
Didn’t look comfortable at times but has earned himself the starting spot, which DeAndre Yedlin will need to win back. His emergence could move Tyler Adams back into the midfield, as well.
Midfield
Michael Bradley – 4
Lost possession in the midfield too often in the second half. Allowed Mexico too much time on the ball. As the most experienced American, he was extremely disappointing. Always seemed a step behind Mexico.
Weston McKennie – 5
Failed to follow his runner (Jonathan dos Santos) for the goal. Other than that, he did alright, but he needed to be more assertive offensively as he has been in recent outings.
Christian Pulisic – 5
Had a big chance saved early on. Didn’t step up when it mattered the most. Needs to release the ball quicker rather than surrendering possession. These are games that he needs to take over. He did not do that on Sunday.
Forwards and Substitutes
Paul Arriola – 5
Not tidy enough with the ball. Expected more from him this tournament. Always seemed more worried about defending rather than attacking, which is not ideal for an advanced winger playing in a 4-3-3.
Jordan Morris – 4
Nonexistent. Subbed off after 61 minutes. Once again, his slowness allowed Mexico to make him ineffective.
Jozy Altidore – 5
Missed a glorious chance early on. The most experienced forward in the team was very disappointing throughout the entire tournament. Came out after 63 minutes.
Cristian Roldan – 6
Subbed on in the 61st minute. Didn’t have a huge effect on the game other than winning a corner.
Gyasi Zardes – 5
Subbed on in the 63rd minute. Never got himself involved at all.
Next. USWNT Vs Netherlands: 3 things we learned. dark
Daniel Lovitz – N/A
Came on in the 83rd minute. Didn’t have an effect on the game.