USA vs. Costa Rica: Player Ratings from International Friendly Loss

Something about Costa Rica brings out the worst in the United States national team.

Friday was no different.

The US started well and dominated possession in the first half only to lose 1-0 on a deserved second-half Costa Rica goal. While the goal was deserved, the loss was not for the US.

The US had complete control of the game in the first half and should have turned its superiority into goals. The lack of a killer final ball kept the US off the scoreboard. If not for a Landon Donovan miscue in the first half, the US would have led at least 1-0 at halftime.

No matter, though. International friendlies aren't about results. They're about testing new formations and players. The US did both, with manager Jurgen Klinsmann giving playing time to several newish faces. He also deployed the US in an unfamiliar 4-3-3 formation designed to get attacking soccer and goals.

It didn't work out, but here's how we saw the players' performances.

(Based on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the worst rating)

Goalkeeper

Tim Howard: 6

It's hard to grade Howard when there wasn't much material on which to be tested. He made a couple of solid but easy saves late in the first half and stopped Costa Rica's initial effort before the goal. Don't blame him for the goal.

Defenders

Carlos Bocanegra: 5.5

Organized the defense well and showed leadership in the captain's role. Both center backs should take some fault for the goal after a simple ball over the top unlocked the defense. Nearly gave up another goal minutes later. 

Timmy Chandler: 5.5

Looked dangerous attacking the Costa Rica defense but his runs forward sometimes put him out of position. Defended well most of the time but was out of position and allowed Sanchez an open shot late in the first half. Should have tracked his man better on the goal.

Michael Orozco-Fiscal: 3.5

Saborio abused him most of the night and let the Costa Rica forward through the back line to start the goal sequence. Showed poor distribution out of the back, often just kicking at the ball wildly. Was frequently out of position and didn't perform well in the air.

Edgar Castillo: 4

Size is an issue. Often got bullied by a surprisingly physical Costa Rica team. Shows he likes to get forward, but played a few poor passes when in the attack, giving away possession.

Midfielders

Landon Donovan: 4.5

Not a game he'll want to remember. Missed an easy chance in the first half and didn't exert his influence on the game. Showed why Klinsmann preferred Bocanegra for the captain's armband.

Maurice Edu: 6

Don't hold him at fault for being anonymous in the defensive midfield role. The holding midfielder is doing his job if you don't remember him. It's only when he goofs and gives up possession or a chance that you remember him. He kept his area clean in his spot as the top point of the triangle above the central defenders. He wasn't an enforcer but showed his toughness with a studs-up challenge in the first half. He will compete with Kyle Beckerman for starting job.

Jose Torres: 7.5

He ran the midfield for the US with creativity, flair and incisive passing. When he was on, the US offense purred. He couldn't find the killer pass, though and showed a willingness to fight for the ball after losing possession. He pounced on a poor clearance in the second half and sent in a shot that energized the US for a spell. Torres will be our best player at the next World Cup and beyond.

Forwards

Jozy Altidore: 5

Had good hold-up play and performed well as a target man at times, but his foot seems to be made of iron. His first touch was consistently poor, and it often ruined promising chances. Earned a half chance in the first half with a good chest trap but failed to hit the target with a decent shot. Will have to do better to earn a starting role and keep out Juan Agudelo.

Robbie Rogers: 3

It was hard to remember Rogers was on the pitch at times. When he did have the ball, he played negative passes too often, or even lost possession. When you remembered he was on the pitch, it was hard to tell what position he was playing. If he wants more playing time, he'll have to improve significantly in his next appearance.

Brek Shea: 5.5

His performance didn't match the one against Mexico, when he helped ignite the US comeback. Still, he showed his value with dangerous dribbling in the first half, setting up what should have been the opening goal from Landon Donovan. Faded in the second half, but so did the rest of the team.

Substitutes

Juan Agudelo (for Altidore in the 63rd minute): 6

Got into a dangerous position for a Donovan cross, but was unlucky to have a Costa Rica defender roll into him. Opened up the defense with an aggressive run to the box, but his pass found Altidore offside. Didn't have enough time to exert his influence.

Sacha Kljestan (for Robbie Rogers in the 67th minute): 4

Was nearly as anonymous as Rogers except when earning a pointless yellow card after going for the bait of the Costa Rican players.