The U.S. men’s national team were just over 10 minutes away from beating France in Lyon on Saturday, as a virtual USMNT U-23 U.S. side drew 1-1 with one of the favorites to win the World Cup.
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Julian Green’s goal right on the stroke of half time put the USMNT ahead (against the run of play), but Les Bleus equalized late on through Kylian Mbappe to deny the U.S. what would have been a shock victory.
Below is a look at the standout performers for Dave Sarachan’s side as they signed off for the summer with a gutsy display.
USA
Zack Steffen: 8 - It seems like the USMNT’s No.1 jersey is now his and the Columbus Crew star looked steady, assured and confident throughout. A late double save from Fekir and Dembele sealed his superb display.
Shaq Moore: 7 - Recovered well after being pinned back early on by Benjamin Mendy’s marauding runs. Dangerous cross into the box created the chance for the USA’s opener and he crossed for Wood’s offside goal too. Strong display from the Levante right back who gave away a few free kicks cheaply.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 8 - Led the defense and made some great tackles when covering behind the five-man defensive unit. Kept Olivier Giroud fairly quiet and was calm in possession. Mature, commanding display from the 20-year-old.
Matt Miazga: 6 - Really good in possession with some lovely long passes out of the back and solid enough positionally. Replaced early in the second half after a nasty clash of heads with Olivier Giroud as a corner came in.
Tim Parker: 6 - Caught out of position a few times and one moment of naivety almost let Kylian Mbappe in during the first half, but put his body on the line in a typically committed display.
Antonee Robinson: 6 - Didn’t really get the chance to get forward but solid enough defensively. Did enough to warrant enough chance despite France’s equalizer coming from his side of the pitch.
Will Trapp: 5 - Tidier on the ball than his other midfield partners but the USMNT skipper struggled to impact the tempo of the game.
Tyler Adams: 6 - Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante are tough to lock down and Adams’ duel with Kante in particular was tasty. His engine is incredible and he kept popping up to keep things ticking over nicely.
Weston McKennie: 4 - Struggled to get on the ball and gave Pogba a little too much time to pick his passes. A learning experienced for the youngster who had a few heavy touches.
Bobby Wood: 4 - Strayed offside as he thought he had scored the USA’s second goal and he really should have been able to delay his run. The Hamburg man worked hard, as always, but didn’t get much service.
Julian Green: 5 - Scored a shock opener right on half time with a snapshot at the near post but had one bad giveaway and barely touched the ball in the first half apart from his fourth goal for the USA. Quiet second half.
Subs
Erik Palmer-Brown on for Matt Miazga (60') - 6 - Sat in alongside Parker and CCV and was solid enough.
Joe Corona on for Julian Green (70') - 5 - Flashed an effort across goal late on but caught out defensively.
DeAndre Yedlin on for Shaq Moore (74') - 5 - Didn’t get a chance to impact the match.
Josh Sargent on for Bobby Wood (74') - 6 - Looked lively in his brief cameo and set up Corona for a chance.
Jorge Villafana on for Antonee Robinson (82') - 5 - Didn’t have much time to make an impact.