MLS Multiplex
Fansided

USMNT vs Northern Ireland: Player Ratings- Pulisic stars

By Nathan Dunn

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - MARCH 28: Christian Pulisic of USA is challenged by Daniel Ballard of Northern Ireland during the International Friendly between Northern Ireland and USA at Windsor Park on March 28, 2021 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - MARCH 28: Christian Pulisic of USA is challenged by Daniel Ballard of Northern Ireland during the International Friendly between Northern Ireland and USA at Windsor Park on March 28, 2021 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The USMNT grabbed their first away win since 2016 with a 2-1 win in Belfast over Northern Ireland. Here are the player ratings from Sunday’s win.

The United States Men’s National Team was back in action on Sunday, this time against Northern Ireland for just the second time ever, previously suffering a 5-0 defeat in 1948. Gregg Berhalter’s side extended their unbeaten run to nine games with a 2-1 win over Ian Baraclough and Northern Ireland.

Gregg Berhalter changed things up with a 3-4-3 formation. Here is how they started.

https://twitter.com/USMNT/status/1376183683829399552?s=20

Gio Reyna broke through first with a goal in the 30th minute before Christian Pulisic made it 2-0 after converting his penalty kick in the 59th minute. Aberdeen winger Niall McGinn managed to make the final minutes interesting with an impressive strike in the 88th minute to make it 2-1.

Here are the USMNT player ratings from Sunday’s 2-1 win over Northern Ireland.

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – MARCH 28: Christian Pulisic of USA is challenged by Daniel Ballard of Northern Ireland during the International Friendly between Northern Ireland and USA at Windsor Park on March 28, 2021 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – MARCH 28: Christian Pulisic of USA is challenged by Daniel Ballard of Northern Ireland during the International Friendly between Northern Ireland and USA at Windsor Park on March 28, 2021 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) /

Goalkeeper

Zack Steffen- 6

Couldn’t do anything about Northern Ireland’s goal. Made some decent saves, including his biggest in the 38th minute, and did well to cut off angles on a couple of other breakaways.

Defense

Tim Ream- 6

Not a bad outing. Didn’t force things, which led to the opening goal by simply standing on the ball until the forward pass opened up.

Matt Miazga- 5

Had a bad giveaway before winning it back in the first half. Didn’t look very comfortable throughout the 90 minutes.

Aaron Long- 7

A solid performance. Did well in covering for others’ mistakes.

Midfield

Antonee Robinson- 7

Was very good. Showed some good quickness on the left, but couldn’t provide the final ball.

Kellyn Acosta- 4

The most disappointing performance for the USMNT. Had two bad giveaways in the first half, was lucky that they didn’t lead to goals.

Yunus Mensah- 7

Another solid performance as he officially became tied to the United States. Made some strong runs with the ball. When he’s on the ball he’s great, but would like to see him take more control.

Sergiño Dest-  6

Drifted inside and clogged the middle too much. Needed to stay wide and provide more width, where he had his most success.

Forwards

Christian Pulisic- 8

Best player on the pitch. Was effective on the dribble and had some nice passes. Looked very confident and converted his penalty. Needs to continue to build his confidence back up after Sunday’s performance.

Jordan Siebatcheu- 7

Just his second cap. Showed some good hold-up play and was a handful for the Northern Ireland defense.

Gio Reyna- 7

Scored his second goal for the USMNT with a deflected effort in the 30th minute. Looked dangerous on the ball before exiting after 60 minutes.

Substitutions

Sebastian Lletget- 6

A good veteran presence. Had a shot saved after making a nice trailing run.

Bryan Reynolds- 6

Had a couple of good runs on his debut, but also had some less convincing moments.

Chris Richards- 6

Was solid. Looked good on the ball.

Brenden Aaronson- 7

Had some great moments. Looks very dangerous with the ball at his feet.

Daryl Dike- 7

Had a couple of chances that he couldn’t convert, but was impressive to get those opportunities. Was a lot to handle for Northern Ireland’s defense with his physical play.

Luca de la Torre- 7

Had some delightful moments, looks to be a guy that can do some damage on his day.

Home/U.S. Soccer