Spain beat the US today, 1-0. The score was appropriate. Both teams had dominant periods during the match, but the US faded down the stretch and Spain simply has better players to bring in of thier bench. Also, some of Bob Bradley's substitutions left me scratching my head. Why for example would you take out the player who looked the best in the first half...
Freddy Adu: Offensively, the most dangerous looking player for the US today. Freddy demonstrated good one-on-one dribbling skills and some accurate passing. No goals, but he looked the most likely to get one. Worked especially well with Eddie Johnson. A-
Eddie Johnson: Looked great when working with Freddy Adu in the first half and though he seemed to drift out of the offensive flow in the second half, he at least kept playing defense. Had one goal called back for being marginally offside and missed another half chance. B
DeMarcus Beasley: Clearly still rusty after many months out injured The more matches he gets going into World Cup qualifying, the better. C
Clint Dempsey: EPL hangover? Just not his day? Well defended by Spain? Whatever the case, the Deuce was a non-factor during the match. D
Maurice Edu: Looked good in the midfield today. Distributes the ball well, gets back to play defense, and like several other players he seems to get better when Freddy Adu is on the field. B
Oguchi Onyewu: Very solid in the middle of the back line, Gooch seems to be getting more and more comfortable with the ball at his feet, and as a result his distribution forward is improving. A good player who is still growing into his role. B+
Heath Pearce: I continue to be impressed by Pearce. He plays aggressive, smart defense, does not get caught out of position, and always seems to be involved in the offensive without abandoning his defensive responsibilities. I'd love to see Michael Parkhurst playing along side him. A-
Michael Bradley: Clearly a good player on his way to becoming a very good player. He defends tenaciously, gets involved in the offense, but also continues to "play his age," occasionally out of position and occasionally makes the rash challenge. Hence the only player on the US to receive a card today. B
Frankie Hedjuk: I want to find something to criticize (Why don't I like Freddy? Maybe it's the awful hair style...), but I can't. Hedjuk played not good, but great defense in this match. He didn't contribute as much as he usually does to getting the ball forward, but still... A-
Josh Wolff: Made one good pass after coming on in the second half. Otherwise, a non-entity. Which is kind of the point I made in my previous post. D
Eddie Lewis: Another steady, steady, steady outing for Lewis. Moved the ball around well, took a decent free kick, and was dangerous with his crosses from set pieces and from the run of play. "Veteran Presence" would seem to sum things up nicely. B+
Steve Cherundolo: Like Eddie Lewis, another steady, veteran player. Good defense, good distribution up the wings, and he still has some pace. B
Carlos Bocanegra: Best match I've seen from him in a while (which is not surprising given that his playing time at Fulham this year dwindled as the season went on). Good in the air as always, good passing out of the back. B+
Brad Guzan: Only confirmed why so many teams are looking to sign him. Confident, aggressive, and in control of his space and his defense. Made several good saves. Not much he could have done to prevent the goal. B+
Tim Howard: Not called upon to do much in the first half. The job will be his until somebody improves enough to take it. B
Mastroeni: Came into the match too late to make an impact- though it's good to see he's at least on Bob Bradley's radar. Incomplete
DNP: Dan Califf, Jay DeMerit
So, setting aside Mastroeni's "incomplete," the team's GPA comes out to 2.89. That sounds about right, a slightly "weak" B.
