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Player Ratings

Donovan, Wondo Dominate Headlines, Ratings

Not much went wrong for the red, white, and blue against Belize in Portland on Tuesday night. Josh Deaver offers up some player ratings, highlighting the performance of the two forwards.
BY Josh Deaver Posted
July 10, 2013
10:02 AM
The U.S. men’s national team continued to pile on the goals Tuesday night in Portland. Highlighted by a hat trick from Chris Wondolowski and a vintage Landon Donovan performance, the Americans rolled tournament debutant Belize 6-1. Stuart Holden and Michael Orozco Fiscal also got on the score sheet to help the U.S. pick up three points in its Group C opener.

Here is a look at how the individual players performed, on a ratings scale of 1-10.

STARTERS
Nick Rimando: In a change of pace from the match against Guatemala, the Real Salt Lake netminder was forced into action more than once against Belize. Thanks to a momentary lapse in defense, Rimando failed to keep a clean sheet but was generally solid on the night. Rating: 6

Michael Parkhurst: In two games—his first competitive matches in several months—Parkhurst has had trouble finding the rhythm of the offense. Despite having the most touches of any U.S. player, he was off-target on his crosses and was frequently dispossessed. He also showed a dreadful effort on the Belize goal, allowing an uncontested header to skip past Rimando. He managed to somewhat redeem himself seconds later when his lone successful cross of the night found the boot of Chris Wondolowski for a third goal. Rating: 4.5

Michael Orozco Fiscal: He wasn’t asked to do much on the night but still managed to contribute a solid defensive effort when called upon. His second international goal doesn’t hurt his cause either. He showed good form in converting a corner from Donovan, and nearly scored another late in the match. Rating: 6.5

Clarence Goodson: Goodson was given miles of room to operate by the Belize defense, oftentimes getting into the final third during possession. Like Fiscal, he was asked to do little on defense aside from a few necessary clearances. Rating: 6.5

DaMarcus Beasley: Beasley was given free rein on the left side all night at Jeld-Wen field. He was frequently an attacking presence and did a good job getting forward, displaying his still-present winger chops. His defense has not yet been tested, but as long as he can uphold the standard set in World Cup qualifying, he will remain a dynamic presence on the backline. Rating: 6.5

Kyle Beckerman: Being replaced at halftime for the second consecutive game probably isn’t a great sign. Even with ample time and overwhelming possession Beckerman played a fairly conservative opening 45 minutes. He did have some quality moments, including an assist on Wondolowski’s second, but has been unable to put his stamp on the midfield just yet. Rating: 6

Joe Corona: Finally getting his chance to shine in a starting role, the Tijuana midfielder displayed flashes which show why is he so highly rated. He was able to beat his defender frequently and generally sent in productive balls from the wing, but also failed at times to convert on some clear goal scoring opportunities. Frequently dispossessed, he must be less wasteful in possession going forward. Rating: 5.5

Mix Diskerud: It was another solid performance from the now cap-tied midfielder. Playing his first 90-minute shift for the U.S., Diskerud was a good contrast to the defensive intentions of Beckerman in the first half. He’s showed good technique and crisp passing as well as his penchant for long-range strikes which tested the Belize keeper more than once. He faded at points during the match but generally put in a good effort. Rating: 6.5

Jose Torres: His crossing from the wing led to some dangerous opportunities, including the first goal, but for the most part Torres faded in and out of the match. Not as precise of a finisher as you would like for someone positioned so far forward, he flubbed two golden opportunities to get on the score sheet before being taken off in the 61st minute. Rating: 5.5

Landon Donovan: Just another night at the office for Donovan. From the opening whistle he looked determined to put his mark on the game. He drifted all over the field and was able to effortlessly find channels of space to be a constant menace for Belize. He picked up two assists, his 50th and 51st all-time, and converted a penalty after a dubious handball call. It may be too early to say "he’s baaaaaccckk," but he is looking solid in two games under Klinsmann. Rating: 7.5

Chris "Wondowlowski": What a wonderful week for Wondolowski. On his way to a hat trick, he displayed his traditional “right place, right time” finishing which MLS fans have grown accustomed to over the years. He showed good movement and an underrated ability to find empty space in the six-yard box. Following an excellent first half, he faded and was largely anonymous for the remainder of the match. He had one last chance to make it four in the dying minutes but sailed his shot over the bar. Rating: 7.5

SUBSTITUTES
Brek Shea: He provided a different look coming on for Jose Torres, but overall it was not a good a showing for the Stoke midfielder. He was able to draw dangerous free kicks, but his questionable decision-making hurt the U.S. in attack. In his limited time on the field, Shea had more giveaways than completed passes. Rating: 4.5

Stuart Holden: Another good showing for the returning midfielder, who picked up a well-deserved goal. His minutes are rightly being limited by Klinsmann, but it was another positive contribution for Holden, who looks to be making his case for a ticket to Brazil. Rating: 6.5

Alejandro Bedoya: It was a tidy shift for Bedoya who nearly scored seconds after coming into the match. Rating: 5.5

THE COACH
Jurgen Klinsmann: It was an expected result for Klinsmann’s squad. He will be disappointed to give up an unnecessary goal and will surely not be completely satisfied with the team;s 90-minute performance. Overall though, he seemed to make the right substitutions, once again toying with his midfield combinations in the second half. His job will get harder as the level of competition increases, but currently his team is in a good place and riding a solid run of form. Rating: 6.5

These are our ratings; now tell us yours. Leave your thoughts in the Comments section below.

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