Following the USA’s second half collapse in a 4-1 defeat to Ireland in Dublin on Tuesday, Jurgen Klinsmann’s men ended 2014 on a sour note.
[ RELATED: Ireland 4-1 USA ]
Brief glimpses of good play from the U.S. national team saw them fight back from 1-0 down and equalize in the first half and they then looked to kick on and go ahead. However, the opposite happened as the Stars and Stripes finished 2014 with two-straight defeats after another second half collapse.
Here’s how the players got on, as we gave them a rating out of 10 for their performance at the Aviva Stadium.
USA player ratings vs. Ireland
Bill Hamid - 7
Made a great save in the 28th minute to keep Ireland at bay when the U.S. trailed 1-0. A few shaky moments here and there but Hamid could do nothing on any of the goals. Klinsmann said in camp last week he’s been impressed with the D.C. United ‘keeper. He could challenge Guzan and Rimando going forward.
Fabian Johnson - 5
Promising start as he hit the outside of the post with a shot, but the German born defender held onto the ball and gave it away in the build up to Ireland’s second. After a lackluster display vs. Colombia, another bad performance from Johnson.
Geoff Cameron - 6
Tried to play out of the back when he got the chance but the entire U.S. defense was put under pressure due to a lack of possession. As the game got stretched the Stoke City man and the rest of the backline were susceptible to balls over the top.
Matt Besler - 5
Caught flat footed and out of position on Ireland’s first goal and looked a little subdued all evening. Looked tired and jaded after a long season for club and country.
Timmy Chandler - 5
Showed once again that Garza is ahead of him in the race to replace Beasley. Timid going forward and wasteful in possession. Not one of his better nights.
Kyle Beckerman - 5
Swept up the play whenever he could and tried to get the USA going from midfield. The Real Salt Lake man had his feathers ruffled by Ireland’s midfield in the first half and looked a little unnerved after that.
Mix Diskerud - 6
Popped up with a tidy finish for the USA’s only goal to make it 1-1 in the first half. Diskerud will have showed the multiple scouts watching this match (the Norwegian-American is now a free agent) that he has plenty of quality. Like the rest of the USA’s midfield, went missing in the second half.
Alfredo Morales - 5
Faded as the game went and looked a little bit off the pace in the second half. Some nice touches here and there but the youngster still has plenty to learn.
Alejandro Bedoya - 6
Busy as ever, the midfielder was buzzing around and trying to make things happen. Teed up Altidore to hit the crossbar in the first half. A solid outing.
Chris Wondolowski - 5
Hooked off at half time after giving the ball away on plenty of occasions. Did set up Diskerud for the USA’s goal with a lovely cushioned header... but that was as good as it got.
Jozy Altidore - 6
Dinked in a lovely ball for the USA’s goal and smashed the crossbar with an effort just before the break. Held up the ball well and flicked on a great chance for Wood in the second half. Only had scraps to feed off, especially after the interval. Overall, another decent night for the Sunderland striker.
Subs
Bobby Wood - 6
Looked lively after coming on at half time for Wondo. Had a great chance in the 66th minute as he raced clear of Ireland’s defense but Shay Given produced a wonderful save. Could have scored vs. Colombia too. Plenty of promise from the 1860 Munich forward.
Greg Garza - 6
Looks ready to replace DaMarcus Beasley and become the USA’s new left back. Several promising runs forward and showed his adaptability by playing left wing. Did get burned by Shane Long on one breakaway, but not a bad effort in the second half.
Jordan Morris - N/A - Not enough time on the field for a rating.
Rubio Rubin - N/A
Tim Ream - N/A