USMNT vs El Salvador: Player ratings see Mueller shine in debut

Here are the USMNT player ratings after their big 6-0 win over El Salvador

The USMNT cruised to their third and final win of 2020 over El Salvador on Wednesday evening in Miami. With a 6-0 scoreline against an opponent as poor as El Salvador were, there are only so many true takeaways, but there were some positive signs as the U.S. easily handled what was put in front of them. Here is how the USMNT lined up:

Orlando City’s Chris Mueller was the star of the night with a debut brace and was directly involved with three of the six goals after adding an assist. USMNT scored the opening five goals in a 10-minute span in the middle of the first half. Here are the player ratings from their win over El Salvador:

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Goalkeeper

Bill Hamid – 7

Forced into a couple of saves, but not much else to do. Did well to stand tall and keep the El Salvador forward honest later in the game off a bad giveaway.

Defense

Sam Vines – 7

Not heavily involved in his 45 minutes on the pitch, but he did provide a nice ball on the left in the lead-up to the opening goal.

Mark McKenzie – 6

Not much defensive action, but did have some nice play out of the back. Scored a goal that was called offside on a very tight call, but would like to see him improve his abilities from set-pieces.

Aaron Long – 6

Similar to McKenzie, Long didn’t have much to do. Met expectations, but nothing special.

Julian Araujo – 6

Provided a glorious ball to assist Mueller’s second goal, but had a horrendous giveaway that should have led to an El Salvador goal. Shows how just one mistake can tarnish a defender’s reputation.

Midfield

Sebastian Lletget – 7

Scored with the help of a major deflection and assisted, but still, I feel like he can provide more sharpness.

Jackson Yueill – 6

Got off to a slow start, but finally grew into the game. Became solid in the midfield with no glaring errors.

Brenden Aaronson – 7

Had some good moments and scored a goal. With so many opportunities to carry the ball in midfield, I would like to see him take better care of the ball and really pick out the right pass at the necessary time.

Forwards

Chris Mueller – 9

Scored two goals and had an assist. Took both goals extremely well with great composure and was deserving of the match ball. Hope to see more of him in 2021 with the USMNT. Can’t ask for much more on his debut.

Ayo Akinola – 7

Good performance and scored a goal. Not quite as sharp on the ball as II had hoped for, but still some promising signs from the 20-year-old.

Paul Arriola – 7

Did well to apply the finishing touch on the first goal. Also had an impressive run later in the first half. Good to see him coming back strong and playing well after tearing his ACL.

Substitutes

Marco Farfan– 6

Didn’t have much to do, but played well when needed in the second half.

Sebastian Soto – 6

Not much to do as the game dragged on in the second half.

Kellyn Acosta – 6

Sent in two corner kicks easily claimed by the keeper, but did well in the general run of play. Will have a lot to prove next year.

Djordje Mihailovic – 6

Not much to do.

Kyle Duncan – 5

Not much to do. Did commit a senseless foul and had a hard and painful landing as a reward.

Walker Zimmerman – N/A

Came on late to secure the shutout in a comfortable 6-0 win.