“Fits and starts” is a good way to describe the United States friendly against Ecuador in Texas on Wednesday, a match that ended 1-0 to the hosts after a controlling second half.
The Yanks took more than 20 minutes to get their act together, and then had a bit of trouble penetrating La Tricolor’s back four.
[ MORE: Match recap ]
The second half, however, was straight-up dominant. The lack of finish was troubling, but Darlington Nagbe took care of that. The Portland Timbers man not only scored, but also piled vindication on supporters who couldn’t wait to see him up high, and Michael Bradley deep.
And Christian Pulisic, well, he’s a swoon-worthy talent.
STARTING XI
Brad Guzan -- 8 -- Didn’t have a ton to do, but did it very well. A welcome improvement from the Aston Villa keeper.
Fabian Johnson -- 6 -- Probably deserves a 7, but that missed trap of a Jermaine Jones cross was just so ugly.
Steve Birnbaum -- 6 -- Very shaky early, but settled into the game.
FRISCO, TX - MAY 25: Christian Noboa #6 of Ecuador takes a shot against John Brooks #6 of the United States and Brad Guzman #1 of the United States in the first half during an International Friendly match at Toyota Stadium on May 25, 2016 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Getty Images
John Brooks (off 78') -- 7 -- Played very well after a weak opening 10 minutes or so. Still takes chances like the center back version of Jermaine Jones, but those chances came off well on Wednesday.
DeAndre Yedlin -- 6 -- Hit and miss from the right back, who had a heck of a task in dealing with Jefferson Montero. Still, the defensive improvement is impossible to ignore.
Kyle Beckerman (off HT) -- 6 -- Might’ve picked up an injury. Hard-nosed as usual, but feels like he’s a single lost step away from not fitting the bill.
Jermaine Jones (off 64') -- 6 -- Playing as an attack-minded mid with some defensive responsibilities may be the role he was meant to play, and his early second half was promising before subbing off for Bedoya.
Michael Bradley -- 7 -- No surprise that he -- and the States -- thrived once Klinsmann moved the Toronto FC man deeper in the midfield.
Gyasi Zardes (off HT) -- 5 -- The effort was there, as were the runs. The kid works hard and has a brain for the game, but his first touch betrayed him once again. Should’ve been 1-0.
Graham Zusi (off, 88')-- 7 -- You know what you’re getting with Zusi, and the Sporting KC man was one of several players who played an assist-worthy ball in this one. Bedoya tapped his 72nd minute pass just wide of the far post.
Clint Dempsey (off 63') -- 5 -- Will be kicking himself for a poor first touch on an early second half cross from Bobby Wood. Didn’t get much service in the first half, but did play a great ball to Zardes.
Substitutes
Darlington Nagbe (on HT) -- 8 -- This guy. We all knew he had it in him, even Klinsmann after a long enough wait. He was the best player on the pitch in the second half.
Bobby Wood (on HT) -- 6 -- Missed a few key chances, but set up Nagbe’s winner.
Christian Pulisic (on 63') -- 7 -- Dangerous, lively, and that touch. More of him, please.
Alejandro Bedoya (on 64') -- 6 -- Should’ve scored, but didn’t. Also probably should’ve started, so we’ll cut him a bit of slack.
Matt Besler (on 78') -- 6 -- Totally fine, but Ecuador rarely tested during his tenure.
Michael Orozco (on 88') -- N/A