The United States men’s national team weathered a suspect first dozen or so minutes before putting a powerful hurting on Costa Rica’s aching back line on Tuesday in Chicago.
[ MORE: Match recap ]
The Yanks won 4-0 to keep the side in control of its own Group A destiny ahead of Saturday night’s huge match with Paraguay.
Starting XI
Brad Guzan -- 7 -- Quietly superb, marshaled the unit well during a shaky as heck first 10-15 minutes.
Fabian Johnson -- 7 -- He can do a job as a left back when the side’s not facing a top-end team.
John Brooks -- 8 -- A really good night for the big man, who is kind of a defensive Jermaine Jones in how his freakish gifts meet risky play.
Geoff Cameron -- 6 -- Made a huge mistake in the early stages that could’ve put the tournament behind the 8-ball, but regained his composure to put in a classic Cameron performance.
DeAndre Yedlin -- 5 -- He’s doing fine positionially, and knows where to be in the attack, but his touch and passing were poor tonight.
Michael Bradley -- 6 -- Much improved evening, but didn’t have to do too much.
Jermaine Jones -- 9 -- Probably his best game for the United States since his stunner against Portugal at the 2014 World Cup.
Alejandro Bedoya (Off 82') -- 7 -- Good positionially, as usual, and he’s got a shout along with Cameron for the most under appreciated USMNT fixture of their generation.
Bobby Wood (Off 70') -- 8 -- He’s learning on the job when pushed out wide, but his terrific goal in the center of the field makes it clear he’s a possible longtime CF for the USMNT.
Clint Dempsey (Off 78') -- 7 -- Scored his 50th U.S. goal on a penalty, and played with fire... without playing with fire.
Gyasi Zardes -- 4 -- “But he works so hard” just isn’t doing it for us anymore, at least not in the “sort yourself out during a major tournament” way. Needs a breather. It’s been a crazy couple years.
Subs
Graham Zusi (On 70') -- 7 -- That goal was gorgeous.
Chris Wondolowski (On 78') -- N/A
Kyle Beckerman (On 82') -- N/A