USMNT vs Mexico: Player Ratings- Robinson, Acosta sensational
By Nathan Dunn
The USMNT pulled off the 1-0 upset win over Mexico to claim their seventh Gold Cup title with a memorable performance. Here are the player ratings from Sunday’s win.
The United States Men’s National Team claimed their second extra time win over Mexico this summer. Gregg Berhalter got the better of Tata Martino in June’s Nations League Final, and he did it once again in a tense 120 minutes to claim his second trophy of the summer.
Goalkeeper Matt Turner secured his fifth clean sheet of the tournament, coming up with some excellent saves in the first half. But the USMNT continued to battle for the entire 120 minutes.
Miles Robinson and Kellyn Acosta were both sensational, and it was capped off with them linking up for the winner on the set-piece in the 117th minute.
It was a memorable night for the United States. Here are the player ratings from Sunday’s Gold Cup Final win.
Starting XI
Matt Turner – 8
Gave everyone a heart attack after rit looked like he might have conceded a penalty in the opening minute, but a clear dive from Rogelio Funes Mori. Yet again, Turner came up with huge saves to keep the game scoreless in the first half. Easy decision for the best keeper of the tournament, and really should have been player of the tournament.
George Bello – 8
A very tough job for such an inexperienced player, but he did well. Played a big hand in containing Tecatito Corona on his side.
Miles Robinson – 9
An absolute monster all game. Headed in the winning goal but also terrific with defensive headers and clearances in nervy situations. Took his game to a whole new level this tournament after Walker Zimmerman’s injury against Canada.
James Sands – 7
Solid in the back. Had some timely clearances. Seemed to improve as the game went on.
Reggie Cannon – 7
A good 65-minute shift to help the U.S. stay in the game. Did enough to get the U.S. into the final phase of the game with the incoming subs.
Kellyn Acosta – 9
An incredible performance. Was sensational defensively putting his body everywhere and disrupting play. Also provided some real quality from set pieces, which included the assist to Robinson on the match-winner.
Sebastian Lletget – 6
Decent defensive work, but was largely ineffective otherwise in the midfield.
Eryk Williamson – 7
Very good game overall. A good alternative to Gianluca Busio. Would like to see him move better going forward.
Matthew Hoppe – 7
Fearless and full of confidence. Worked his heart out and had some good looks in the attack. Biggest attacking star for the USMNT this tournament. Did have a couple of chances he missed, most notably a free header in the 44th minute that he sent just wide.
Gyasi Zardes – 6
An upgrade from Daryl Dike. Worked hard and played through some pain at the end. Missed a good chance in the 60th minute.
Paul Arriola – 4
Horrendous miss off the post in the 26th minute, which was his first notable involvement of the tournament. Another chance in first half stoppage time not taken. Had a chance on the doorstep blocked by the keeper in the 74th minute. Not a good showing from him.
Substitutions
Cristian Roldan – 6
Not a great effect on the game. No bad plays.
Sam Vines – 7
Provided fresh legs that really helped the U.S. be more stable and mobile on both sides of the ball. Made a couple of runs forward but mostly focused on containing the Mexican attackers.
Shaq Moore – 7
Provided fresh legs that really helped the U.S. be more stable mobile on both sides of the ball. Didn’t provide as much going forward.
Gianluca Busio – 6
Was alright. Would like to see him play quicker. Needs more composure when shooting. Did grow into the game after a few nervy moments when he first came on.
Nicholas Gioacchini – 7
Had some bright moments. Worked well in the U.S. attack and proved to be a definite upgrade from Paul Arriola.
Henry Kessler – N/A
Got a few seconds at the tail end. Don’t even think he got a touch of the ball.