#USMNT v. El Salvador

Sean Harkin

over 7 years

Howard: Big time save early on, was suspect on a cross in the second half that he should have claimed low down that easily could have fallen to the feet of an attacker and been deemed a huge error. Lichaj: Big error early. Deserves major credit for settling defensively and for carrying his run on for his goal. Made several big time blocks and tackles in second half to save the game and his defensive partners embarrassment. Gonzalez: well timed headed goal, mostly solid defensively, was a shame he got dragged out of position a few times to cover for Hedges' poor positioning. Hedges: another nervous outing. Doesn't look composed and looks like the stage gets to him. If he can't handle the Gold Cup, he will wilt in 12 months time. Put backline at risk a lot. Morrow: some decent burst going forward but his final pass left a lot to be desired and he was wasteful I'm possession. Nagbe: so refreshing to see someone so composed on the ball especially in the early going when it was required to halt ElSal's hot start. Picked so many nice passes and had the confidence to switch the play when necessary and open the game up, a central skill we've lacked since Reyna and even those few games Jose Torres looked to be the answer before disappearing. Bradley: his experience in maintaining possession as a means of frustration was very much needed. Not a flashy performance but a savvy one and one which had he not been on the field to provide could have left us in a bad position. Terrific ball in for first goal, we need to appreciate Bradley's eye for a long ball before it's too late. Zardes: showed life and tenacity on the wing and had a goal ruled out that should have stood. Was constantly a threat going forward and put in some dangerous balls. Decent outing. Arriola: full of energy and always willing to track back, maybe too willing at times as it left him out of position in attack. Caused their Defense problems, played a few nice ideas into the box, you're just begging him to maybe connect on one more of those final passes and it bumps his grade up a full mark. Altidore: put his body around and was roughes up, but it was an ineffective shift. Not much more to be said. Dempsey: showed his class with the assist and vision to sense that Lichaj had made the run for the second goal. Held play up well and always seemed to be involved. Still in search of that historic goal, but it's Clint, it will come.