The USMNT faced its toughest post World Cup opponent so far in 3rd ranked Colombia. Jurgen Klinsmann had a mix of veterans and youngsters in his starting lineup to go up against the very powerful Colombia attack. Unfortunately for the USMNT, they lost 2-1 after giving up yet another late lead. Even though the USMNT lost, there were some players who really shined. Here are my ratings for the starters for the USMNT.
Brad Guzan – 6 – Guzan played relatively well throughout the game. He was clean with the saves he did have to make not giving up rebounds for the Colombian strikers. The two goals he gave up were not on him. Some may argue he could have positioned himself better on the first goal, but I do not believe that would have made a difference. Overall solid outing for Guzan.
DeAndre Yedlin – 5 – Yedlin played half the game as a right back and the other half as a winger, switching positions with Fabian Johnson. He had a very mixed performance out there tonight. One plus, his speed absolutely kills, and that speed has served him well. However, he has a lot of work to do in possession before he can be a starting winger for the team. There were countless times he gave the ball up way too easily. That said, I believe his defending has improved, although he still has a lot of work to do. This game was a great representation of Yedlin’s abilities up to know. Has that speed and promise, but he needs a lot of work in certain areas.
Jermaine Jones – 5 – Jones had an average game in my opinion. His leadship and veteran presence was definitely welcomed, but he still made those crucial mistakes that cost the team. He was late reacting on the second goal and against Honduras, it was his man on the set piece that he left get free to score. Now I know he is still new to this whole center back deal, which I believe he should not be playing anyway but that is a different story, but these mistakes still are on him. He did put in a decent showing though.
More from USA Soccer
- Latest El Tri-related transfer rumors include ‘Chucky’ to LAFC
- Is it time for Jesús Ferreira to test himself in Europe?
- Arsenal legend Thierry Henry hints at interest in USMNT job
- Proposed Víctor Guzmán-Jesús Angulo swap riles Chivas Nation
- World Cup Promo Code: Bet $5, Win $150 if Argentina OR France Win Semifinal Match
John Brooks – 6 – Brooks had a solid game, one he needed against a very tough attack to build his confidence. He was quick to react and he timed his tackles nicely. This is the John Brooks I would like to see on a more consistent basis as he tries to assert himself as a starting center back, both for the USMNT and his club team, Hertha Berlin. Very solid performance by Brooks.
Greg Garza – 5 – In the past three friendlies, Garza looked very very good and really impressed fans and coaches. With his biggest test to date, Garza had a mixed performance. It was not as impressive as his past few performances, but the promise was still there. Garza knows what he is doing when moving forward in the attack, and he is very composed on the ball. His defending was a bit sub par tonight, but I believe we will be seeing a lot of Garza moving forward.
Kyle Beckerman – 7 – Beckerman, in my opinion was the best player for the United States in this match. He commanded his area very well, stopping attacks in their tracks multiple times. I really really wish Beckerman was younger so he could be apart of this team for years and years to come. His intelligence on the pitch is phenomenal. He is a rock in front of that defense and that was on display against Colombia just as it was for much of the World Cup.
Fabian Johnson – 4 – Now in know way do I think this performance is indicative of Johnson’s abilities, but Johnson simply did not play well. He was not sharp at all and was surely not the player we saw at the World Cup, the one that was one of the best on the team. Johnson gave the ball up way too easily throughout the match and it led to immediate chances for Colombia. This was just an off game for Johnson, but it was a very poor performance.
MLS Multiplex
Mix Diskerud – 4 – Speaking of off games, Diskerud had one as well. Against Ecuador and Honduras, I thought Diskerud played very well acclimating to a more defensive role in the midfield. This game however, he did not have as many defensive responsibilities, but he was very sloppy as well. Diskerud will be looking to end the year on a better note against Ireland next week, that’s for sure.
Alejandro Bedoya – 7 – Bedoya however, played a very solid game in Klinsmann’s midfield. He was very involved early in the attack and looked very active. He showed some real quality on his set pieces as well, leading to some quality chances for the United States. Bedoya stepped up for the team tonight and really shined.
Rubio Rubin – 6 – In his first cap for the USMNT, Rubin did not look like the teenager he still is. He looked very composed and almost found the back of the net in his debut as well. He was also involved in the play that led to the penalty early. I look forward to seeing more of Rubin in the future because he definitely looks to have promise for the national team giving us fans a reason to be excited.
Jozy Altidore – 6 – Altidore played a very solid game for the United States scoring from the spot in the 10th minute. He played well in the hold up and he contributed defensively a bit as well. Altidore will need better service and quality if we want to see the best Altidore can be. Kicking the ball halfway up the field and hoping Altidore will bring it down every time and do something with it is just not realistic. That just is not putting Altidore in a position to succeed. Overall though, he played well.
MLS Multiplex
Just a word about the subs in this match, I think Bobby Wood looked much more comfortable this match. He definitely has the instincts, he just seems to be lacking the confidence so far. Morales played decent in his time and that one touch through ball for Wood was great, but I did not see enough of him to really comment.
Beasley did well in his short amount of time. His veteran presence in his the training sessions is probably worth a lot for the likes of Yedlin, Johnson and Garza. Julian Green did not play enough to really comment on. I cannot fault him for the last goal as he was never going to match up there which is not his game anyway.
Lee Nguyen looked very good in his short appearance. The USMNT lacks a truly creative attacking midfielder in my opinion and maybe Nguyen could be that guy. Only time will tell, but his creativity on the ball is really appealing and has served him well at new England this year. I look for him to really make a claim in January camp.
Overall, this was not a bad game by the United States. They still have a lot to work on, but there are promising pieces to work with, and I think it is a very exciting time to be a USMNT fan. Let me know what you think and what ratings would you change in the comment section below!