Rating the U.S. Players Against Jamaica in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier

Mission accomplished for Jurgen Klinsmann and the U.S national team who beat Jamaica 2-1 in a wild match in Kingston. 

It looked like the Yanks would secure three points after a first-half goal by Jozy Altidore gave the U.S. a 1-0 lead.  Jamaica finally evened the score in the 89th minute when Jermaine Beckford caught the U.S. napping on a set-piece. 

Makeshift right back Brad Evans saved the three points as the Seattle Sounder netted just minutes later after a short corner, orchestrated by Michael Bradley. 

There are some definite positives for Klinsmann to take away from the match, apart from just the massive three points earned on the trip.  While some of the players improved their stock in the eyes of their German manager, a few may have faltered a bit.

Overall, though, this was a gritty performance that will be critical as the Yanks continue to forge closer towards qualifying for the World Cup in Brazil.

Here are the player grades, based on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best, 1 being the worst).

Starters

Tim Howard (5) – Frozen in time on the equalizer, as was the entire American defense, but other than that was typically solid.  Howard made saves when he had to and handled a few sketchy back passes with care. 

Brad Evans (8.5) – This was truly a massive match for the recently minted right back who not only calmly struck home the late equalizer, saving the three points, but also defended admirably throughout the ninety minutes, perhaps even saving an early equalizer with a well-timed bump on a Jamaican attacker.  This is a performance that will go down in U.S. soccer folklore, no question.   

Omar Gonzalez (5) – The good and the bad here, from the L.A. Galaxy defender, who was constantly challenged in the air as Jamaica pumped in long ball after long ball.  His aerial prowess was certainly solid and his work rate commendable but Gonzalez got caught out of position on a few occasions that could have cost the U.S. 

Matt Besler (6.5) – Besler generally answered the bell with the correct decision when put under pressure by the Jamaican defense.  His distribution was mostly pristine, too.  However, on a few occasions Besler tried to control the ball in his own box when he should have instead cleared it out.  Still, he made his case for future inclusion in the center back role for the U.S.

DaMarcus Beasley (4) – Beasley’s individual defending was exposed here, as the U.S. veteran was consistently skinned by the Jamaicans.  He did not add too much in the attack either, although that was probably not the game plan.  Still, Beasley was a point of interest all evening long for the Boyz and his time at left back could be wearing thin. 

Graham Zusi (8) – Zusi’s ability to create his own space and whip in glorious crosses was on full display on the Yanks’ first goal.  Apart from that moment of brilliance, Zusi offered a high work rate defensively and an offensive outlet on the flank that was invaluable.  He is really coming into his own on the international stage.  Critics might point to his foul as the reason Jamaica equalized late, but it was the right move tactically, despite the U.S. conceding as a result.

Michael Bradley (8.5) – It is simply impossible to overstate how important Bradley is for the U.S. in matches like this.  He dictated possession when necessary, ran miles defensively and was the architect behind the short corner that ultimately led to the game-winner for the Yanks.  Bradley showed off his soccer I.Q. in a big way.

Jermaine Jones (7) – Jones was forced to leave the match early in the second half due to injury which is too bad because he was doing a fine job patrolling the center of the pitch.  His distribution was simple but effective and he did well to protect the back line when Bradley foraged forward. 

Fabian Johnson (4.5) – Not too many positives to report from Johnson this game, who did little to stop Jamaica from galloping down his side of the field at will.  Offensively, he was okay in possession but never truly dangerous or creative.  Klinsmann will likely seek more production out of his left midfielder. 

Clint Dempsey (6) – Dempsey was in full on “drift-mode” often dropping deep to help defend set-pieces and corners and provide an outlet for which to start U.S. attacks.  His floating, though, sometimes led to him being incapable of finding the ball in dangerous spots.  Still, he had some nice passes in tight areas and battled hard as the captain of the squad.

Jozy Altidore (9) – Altidore’s game was beautiful to watch, a virtuoso center forward performance in tough road conditions.  First, of course, was the well-placed go-ahead header in the first half.  In the second half, Altidore was clinical in his holdup play:  cheeky touches to find running midfielders, aerial willingness and consistent hustle from the American to make life difficult for Jamaica. Special stuff, indeed.

Substitutes

Geoff Cameron (6) – Cameron was tidy in possession, made few mistakes and positioned himself effectively after coming on for Jones early in the second half at the center midfield position. 

Edgar Castillo (5.5) – Up and down from Castillo, who rushed a shot late in the match when he should have held the ball up.  Still, Castillo added some much needed pace on the left flank to help relieve Beasley and he competently connected passes in tight spots. 

Eddie Johnson (4) – The harsh grade is based on Jamaica’s game-tying goal wherein Johnson was one of the many Yanks to fall asleep.  Unfortunately, he did not get a chance to contribute too much elsewhere. 

Jurgen Klinsmann (8) – For the first time in the Klinsmann era, the Yanks used the same lineup in consecutive matches.  And in this huge World Cup Qualifier, Klinsmann deserves kudos for some gutsy choices, particularly in starting Brad Evans, seemingly out of position, at right back.  The U.S. earned the three points, playing with an attack-minded lineup and going at the Jamaicans from the first whistle.   The U.S. looked very well-prepared.