Grading all USMNT gamers vs. Uruguay

A unique lineup in opposition to a distinct opponent that includes a way more forgiving type regarded to favor the U.S. males’s nationwide workforce in opposition to Uruguay. The end result was completely different too, as Jordan Morris’ 79th-minute tally allowed the U.S. to safe a 1-1 attract St. Louis.

LAFC’s Brian Rodriguez scored the sport’s opening objective, ending off a 50th-minute counterattack with a depraved strike previous Brad Guzan. The U.S. did not look able to climbing again into the match, however within the 79th minute an tried clearance from Jose Maria Gimenez caromed off Nick Lima and located Morris on the far put up to chest dwelling.

Positives

The U.S. regarded far more fluid on the ball than it did in opposition to Mexico, linking passes and creating some first rate alternatives within the first half. It should be stated, nonetheless, that Uruguay’s type of settling right into a mid to low block suited the U.S. significantly better than Mexico’s high-pressing from 4 days earlier. Jackson Yueill was principally allowed to function as he wished and related loads of passes. Defensively, the U.S. was strong for probably the most half, though it did present some weak spot in sure conditions — extra on that in a bit. In fact, it helped that neither Luis Suarez nor Edinson Cavani had been accessible.

The U.S. deserves credit score for sticking to its job as properly. Morris’ objective was fortunate, little question, however it would present a little bit of confidence forward of the CONCACAF Nations League matches subsequent month.

Negatives

Defensively, the U.S. regarded susceptible in transition even earlier than Rodriguez’s objective, permitting Uruguay to chop by way of with relative ease. The objective was merely a case of Uruguay finally making the house aspect pay.

In assault, the U.S. must be extra ruthless with the possibilities it creates. Granted Fernando Muslera delivered some sharp saves, however the Individuals must do significantly better on this space. The U.S. additionally struggled to interrupt down Uruguay because the match wore on, not less than till a flurry of subs entered the match.

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Supervisor ranking out of 10

7 — Given the way in which that the U.S. managed issues within the first half, there was little to quibble about by way of Gregg Berhalter’s preliminary method, particularly provided that the U.S. was shorn of seven starters that started the match final Friday in opposition to Mexico. The assault started to peter out for the U.S. because it struggled to create probabilities within the second half, however credit score Berhalter for making some substitutions that tilted the match again towards the house aspect. Lima, specifically, supplied a spark with some telling crosses.

Participant rankings (1-10; 10=greatest. Gamers launched after 70 minutes get no ranking)

GK Brad Guzan, 5 — Did properly to assert a unfastened ball on the toes of Jonathan Rodriguez early, however his fumble within the 23rd minute practically gifted Matias Vecino a objective. Not a lot he may do about Rodriguez’s strike given the facility put behind it.

DF Sergino Dest, 6 — Created some issues for Uruguay by pushing excessive up the sector after which tucking inside. Pressured a fingertip save from Muslera within the 39th minute. Did get overwhelmed by Rodriguez on one foray within the second half, however extra good than unhealthy. The query now’s will he settle for a call-up for the CONCACAF Nations League that can cap-tie him to the U.S.?

DF Tim Ream, eight — Impeccable distribution from Ream, who got here to Guzan’s rescue to dam Vecino’s aforementioned shot. Total, a powerful homecoming from the St. Louis native.

DF Aaron Lengthy, four — Was a bit careless along with his distribution at occasions and bought completely eaten alive by Rodriguez for Uruguay’s objective. Sure, Rodriguez’s strike was high quality, however Lengthy wanted to do significantly better.

DF Reggie Cannon, 6 — Offered extra of a stay-at-home presence than Dest, however held up properly defensively. Had an ideal evening (23 accomplished passes from 23 makes an attempt) on the ball.

Jordan Morris’ late objective secured the U.S. a pleasant draw in opposition to Uruguay. Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports activities

MF Cristian Roldan, 5 — Almost put the U.S. in entrance with an 11th-minute header, solely to be denied by Muslera. Labored a bit within the second half and was outmuscled within the sequence main as much as Uruguay’s objective. Wanted to win the ball or commit a foul and he did neither.

MF Jackson Yueill, 7 — Did loads to hyperlink protection to assault by hitting diagonal balls into the attacking third, often to Morris. Wasn’t actually examined defensively however did his job. Solely criticism is that a few of his set-piece deliveries left a bit to be desired.

MF Sebastian Lletget, 6 — Created a strong probability for Roldan within the first half, and was loads concerned within the U.S. assault throughout the first half. Light a bit as the sport went on by way of his affect, though he was sharp on the ball.

FW Tyler Boyd, four — He’ll be having nightmares about his miss within the 22nd minute, when he in some way contrived to place his shot over the bar when on the doorstep. He barely bought on the ball within the first half, though a few of that was because of the U.S. workforce’s success on the left flank. His sport picked up after halftime, however a subpar efficiency total.

FW Josh Sargent, 6 — Offered some slick holdup play after dropping deeper into midfield, and may have gained a penalty just for the referee to disregard a handball late within the first half by Gimenez. Did not get a lot in the way in which of service within the second half.

FW Jordan Morris, eight — A close to fixed risk on the left wing, and may have had an help on the chance he created for Boyd. Positive, his objective had a component of luck to it, however he’ll take it, and it was simply reward for his onerous work.

Substitutes

DF Miles Robinson, 6 — Was known as into motion instantly, and made some very important interventions.

FW Corey Baird, 5 — Took up some good positions, however he wanted to do higher to pick Gyasi Zardes on one crossing try.

FW Gyasi Zardes, N/R — Threatened with a couple of runs, and did get one shot off, however not that impactful.

DF Nick Lima, N/R — Made a direct affect with some telling crosses, and helped hold the play alive within the run-up to Morris’ objective.

MF Paxton Pomykal, N/R — Had one driving run within the 88th minute that put the Uruguay protection beneath strain.

DF Daniel Lovitz, N/R — Settled in at left again, though he largely stayed dwelling given Lima’s forays ahead.