USMNT vs Haiti: Player ratings- Turner keeps another shutout
By Nathan Dunn
The USMNT grabbed a 1-0 win over Haiti in their first match of the 2021 Gold Cup at Children’s Mercy Park on Sunday, July 11. Here are the player ratings from Sunday’s win.
The United States Men’s National Team was far from great, but they did enough to take all three points against Haiti. Sunday’s win puts them in second place of the group, trailing Canada due to goal differential.
The United States broke through early when Sam Vines came flying in to head in what ended up being the game-winner. The American defense stood strong for the entire 90 minutes as New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner kept his first competitive shutout, still yet to concede a goal in his now two-game international career.
There were three USMNT players who made their international debut: Gianluca Busio, James Sands and Eryk Williamson.
The USMNT will now recharge their batteries ahead of their second group match against Martinique on Thursday.
Here are the player ratings from Sunday’s win.
Starting XI
Matt Turner- 8
Was very strong and decisive in goal. Didn’t need to make any big saves, but was quick off his line and strong with claiming crosses.
Sam Vines- 7
Took his goal well. Would like to see him adapt a better defensive game while still being more involved going forward.
Miles Robinson- 7
Excellent performance in that he was rarely involved. Great positioning.
Walker Zimmerman- 8
Nearly scored six minutes in, but his half-volley hit the crossbar. Did well to get on the end of a cross that nearly made it 2-0 at the end of the first half. Was very good defensively as well.
Shaq Moore- 7
Had a chance to make it 2-0 in the 35th minute, but he showed the keeper exactly where he was going to shoot. Was a good threat on the right side throughout the night.
Sebastian Lletget- 8
Another crucial performance from Lletget. It seemed like he was on the ball more than anyone else. Provided a couple of dangerous opportunities going forward.
Jackson Yueill- 5
Not his best. Not enough quickness and not quite in sync with the game. Made even worse when Busio came on and looked so much better.
Kellyn Acosta- 6
A solid, but not overly impressive display from Acosta. Good to have him around, now he needs to develop something more to get more minutes when the first team is around.
Jonathan Lewis- 5
Very disappointing. Made some poor decisions and had a tough time finding the right time to release the ball. Wasn’t very successful on the dribble.
Gyasi Zardes- 7
Kept the ball alive on the goal, rewarded with an assist. Scored nearly scored a couple minutes before, but his shot was saved. Was only missing a corresponding run to get on the end of a cross.
Paul Arriola- 6
Unfortunate to come off after just 14 minutes due to injury.
Substitutions
Nicholas Gioacchini- 5
Came on in his hometown, but wasn’t quite as effective as he could have been. Hit his best chance against the post, should have put it on goal. Came on as a sub in the 14th minute and came off in the 76th minute.
Gianluca Busio- 8
A terrific USMNT debut in front of his home fans in Kansas City. A step above everyone else off the bench and looked like a veteran. Was always in the right position and took care of the ball in a dangerous position holding on to the lead in the No. 6 position. Nearly even got a goal with a stinging effort in the 76th minute.
Daryl Dike- 6
Wasn’t able to really make a difference. Would like to see him from the start against decent competition.
James Sands- 6
Kept things stable for the final 15 minutes of play. Solid debut.
Eryk Williamson- 7
Impressed in his 15 minutes after coming in for Moore.