USA vs. Cuba: Player Ratings and Match Observations

A 1-0 win for the United States on the road in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying is always a good result.

The United States men were calm and confident in Cuba. Nothing too exciting and only one time did I witness a completely bone-headed move (DaMarcus Beasley I’m sorry for picking on you).

I can’t get over seeing the “Cuba Cinco” in the stands. What bravery, what defiance, what loyalty all wrapped in one.

In case you are not aware, the United States has a trade embargo on Cuba dating back to 1962. This also limits travel to, and spending money in the country. A few journos and not much more were given temporary visas to cover the game; however, no U.S. fans were legally allowed to attend the game.

Seeing these five fans in the stands, wearing American Flag bandanas over their faces with sunglasses and “Fidel” caps, almost brought a tear to my eye.

Politics aside, the team looked good. Not great, not average, but good. They were knowledgeable in nearly every situation, making the right pass, avoiding turnovers, controlling possession—all key ingredients to winning on the road.

For the U.S. team to get three points, after beating Guatemala on the road, is a great way to start qualifying. Six points in two games, and sitting atop their group, has to be a much needed confidence boost for a team currently ranked 28^thin the world by FIFA.

Although these road wins are nice, much more will be needed once the United States gets to the next round, and more importantly, the World Cup in South Africa.

What will be needed? Perhaps more than one goal. I love seeing Tim Howard record clean sheets and seeing the team defending as a whole, but the lack of creativity and scoring chances does not bode well for tougher games when two and three goals will be necessary for wins and advancement.

Snap Judgments

I want Jozy Altidore! No offense to Brian Ching, but his lack of ability to finish really upsets me. I want to see that 6’ 1’’ beast of a forward running around, jumping over, and finishing in front of the Cuban defenders.

Clint Dempsey looked, for the first time in a long time, like he wanted to be on the field. He finally had his legs ready to run and readily pressured the ball. In Dempsey’s last couple of matches, his body language and lack of hustle has really upset this fan and probably countless others.

He had a solid shot on goal, near post, way too quick for the keeper to recognize and stop. Earlier in the match, he also created another chance by giving a through ball to himself and running by two Cuban defenders only to botch a pass. Or was it a shot on goal?

Landon Donovan is simply great—so quick, so confident, so skilled. I would really like to see him cross the pond again and play in Europe. Although his time in Germany was considered average at best, it seems he is ready to take another stab at it. He is the closest thing the United States has to a super star and he needs to be playing alongside players like that to take his game to the next level.

Match Ratings

GK, Tim Howard, 8—Another shutout. American fans are getting spoiled.

RB, Frankie Hejduk, 6—Loads of energy is always a good thing at his spot. Defended capably and pushed well to partner with Dempsey on the right flank. Anything is better than two yellow cards (Steve Cherundolo)

CB, Oguchi Onyewu, 6—Marked well what the Cubans considered strikers. It seems no one wins headers over him, even Goalkeepers.

CB, Carlos Bocanegra, 6—Teamed well with Onyewu again. Their communication and feel for each other gets better every game.

LB, Heath Pearce, 5—I’m still not a fan of Pearce. It seems he is too scared to attempt a clearance with his right foot. Many times he worked his way to the sideline and you could tell he only wanted to use his left. This needs to change.

CM, Maurice Edu, 5—Started off poised and played well in the first half. Tired legs and poor decision making in the second half need to be remedied.

CM, Michael Bradley, 5—When is the last time you saw Michael Bradley not get carded in a match?

RM, Clint Dempsey, 7—Pressured well, ran his tail off, and put in the games only goal. Not bad for someone who seemed to have been losing his motivation.

CAM, Landon Donovan, 6—Seems to always make the right play. His red cleats looked good too.

LM, Damarcus Beasley, 4—Looked tired and slow. He had to change cleats a few times, although that didn’t help when he blew an open goal.

F, Brian Ching, 5—Good target man. Held the ball well and made a good pass to Dempsey to set up the score. How many more times will we see him miss solid chances before Jozy Altidore gets the start?