With a mixture of European based players, youngsters and MLS veterans, the U.S. national team looked vastly different than usual in its 3-2 defeat in Denmark.
[ RECAP - Denmark 3-2 USA ]
Another second half collapse saw the U.S. let a 2-1 lead slip late on, with Jurgen Klinsmann’s men continuing their World Cup hangover into 2015.
Here’s how we ranked them out of 10.
U.S. player ratings (out of 10)
Nick Rimando - 6
Decent save in the 48th minute from Eriksen down low but maybe the RSL goalkeeper got a little bit lucky as he pushed the shot straight out. Not much else for him to do apart from pick the ball out of the net three times.
Timothy Chandler - 4
Bad tracking on Bendtner’s opening goal for Denmark, caught out of position on a few other occasions but did make the run and play in the ball for Altidore’s opener. Overall, a poor showing from the German-American as he should have cleared the ball which led to Bendtner’s second.
Michael Orozco - 6
Stepped in well on a few occasions early on but like the rest of the U.S. defense, struggled more and more as the game went on. Replaced by Alvarado late on.
John Brooks - 4
Won some aerial challenges but gave the ball away cheaply and lost Bendtner on the opening goal. Also at fault for Bendtner’s second as he charged out of defense and let Bendtner peel off his back shoulder for the third goal. Not a good outing.
Greg Garza - 5
A tough day at the office for the Club Tijuana defender. Everything good for Denmark came down their right flank, with Vibe ripping Garza apart. Improved in the second half with Shea ahead of him.
Michael Bradley - 7
Captain for the day and tidied things up in midfield nicely. Was able to influence the game more from a deep-lying position in midfield and clipped in a lovely ball to Altidore to set up the second goal.
Alejandro Bedoya - 5
Playing alongside Bradley in central midfield, Bedoya couldn’t get on the ball. Looked a little lost compared to his usual busy self out wide. Replaced at half time by Alfredo Morales.
Gyasi Zardes - 5
Another who looked a little lost, as the LA Galaxy striker played out wide but couldn’t use his pace and spent too much time dropping back to help out Chandler defensively. Taken off early in the second half.
Fabian Johnson - 5
Like Zardes, Johnson spent too much time tracking back on the left wing rather than heading forward. We hardly saw the Monchengladbach man in the final third. No surprise he was subbed out for Brek Shea at half time.
Jozy Altidore - 7
Smashed home a half volley at the back post to put the U.S. ahead and put in a typical display full of power and pace. Didn’t have much help up top.
Aron Johannsson - 6
Failed to support Altidore and didn’t drop deep to help out Bradley and Bedoya in midfield in the first half. Looked a little off the pace against Denmark’s robust defense but did tap home with his last touch of the match to put the U.S. 2-1 up.
Subs
Brek Shea - 6
Delivered one superb ball to the back post and worked the left flank well. Looked a lot sharper after getting minutes for Orlando.
Alfredo Morales - 5
Very shaky after some bad giveaways at the start of the second half just after coming on, but improved as the game wore on. Put good pressure on Denmark’s midfielders.
DeAndre Yedlin - 5
Hardly any time to get on the ball or get forward.
Rubio Rubin - 5
No chances to shine but buzzed around up top.
Venturo Alvarado - 5
Booked on his USMNT debut for a cynical foul on Eriksen and he U.S. defense fell apart late on after he arrived.