The United States men’s national team rebounded from Friday night’s embarrassing loss in Guatemala City to retake control of its World Cup qualifying destiny with a 4-0 win in Columbus, Ohio.
[ MORE: Match recap | Three things we learned ]
These player ratings will be a whole lot better than Friday night’s edition, as the Yanks controlled the game the way they should against an opponent like Guatemala.
Here goes something:
Starting XI
Brad Guzan -- 6 -- His first save was easy, and came in the 34th minute. Barely troubled, and that’s the way it should be against Guatemala.
Edgar Castillo -- 6 -- A fine tackle early, but not much else to do. Stayed tight on his marks and the ball. Wasn’t exactly marauding down the left.
Geoff Cameron -- 9 -- Funny how playing one of your best players at one of his best positions helps. Played the long ball that Zardes knocked down for Dempsey’s opening goal.
Steve Birnbaum -- 6 -- Again, didn’t face a load of work but was tidy in his business.
DeAndre Yedlin -- 7 -- One of his finer performances as a national teamer came, no surprise here, when he was set at right back. Lively and active, if a bit too theatrical.
Kyle Beckerman -- 6 -- Totally fine, and allowed his back four and the five in front of him to do work. That’s usually what he does, you know?
Michael Bradley -- 8 -- Not a huge surprise to see the captain rebound from a rough Friday in Guatemala City. Played a picture-perfect free kick on Cameron’s goal, and should’ve had an assist on Wood’s missed sitter.
Graham Zusi (Off 81') -- 7 -- Had a rough free kick from the right in the first half, but played with fire (without playing with fire) in keeping the Yanks’ heads on straight.
Gyasi Zardes (Off 71') -- 5 -- Was a part of two goals. The first was a terrific run up the gut of the Guatemala defense, the second was more of what his night resembled, fighting his touch despite good smarts and athleticism.
Clint Dempsey -- 7 -- Took his chances, and took them well.
Bobby Wood (Off 66') -- 5 -- Missed an all-time sitter, but was otherwise lively in the attacking trio up top.
Subs
Jozy Altidore (On 66') -- 7 -- You’d like him starting -- he’s injured -- but what an impact sub this guy is after a defense deals with smaller, shiftier guys all night.
Ethan Finlay (On 71') -- 7 -- We’ll give him the 7 as if he scored the goal that should’ve stood. He was onside. The refs did not have a good night.
Christian Pulisic (On 81') -- 6 -- Lively enough, played well positionally, and is now cap-tied to these United States.