In the USMNT’s final send-off match before the Gold Cup, Jurgen Klinsmann’s men cruised to a 4-0 win over Guatemala.
[ FULL RECAP: USA 4-0 Guatemala ]
After a less than convincing first half, Klinsmann made three substitutions at the break and the U.S. picked up the tempo, scoring three goals to head into the Gold Cup with some confidence. Let’s see how each player fared, as a lot of guys got some action in Nashville.
GK -- Brad Guzan: 7/10 -- Guzan wasn’t tested much, but when he was, he made the stops. Another clean sheet as fans don’t need to worry heading into a big tournament without Tim Howard.
LB -- Fabian Johnson: 7/10 -- Klinsmann has played Johnson all over the pitch, but it looks like he’s going to be starting at outside back come the Gold Cup. Always dangerous on the attack with the pace to get back and defend.
CB -- John Brooks: 6/10 -- The hero of the 2014 World Cup got an hour of time and didn’t have much to do defensively. Communication needs to improve between the backs on set pieces.
CB -- Omar Gonzalez: 6/10 -- See John Brooks, minus the World Cup hero part.
RB -- Timmy Chandler: 7.5/10 -- Chandler scored his first international goal on a rocket of a shot, and was very involved getting forward. There are still some questions about his defending, but a strong performance nonetheless.
LM -- Graham Zusi: 5/10 -- An uneventful first half saw Zusi subbed off at the break, and the strong play of his replacement Gyasi Zardes didn’t help the cause.
CM -- Mix Diskerud: 6/10 -- Sitting behind Michael Bradley in the middle, at times Mix looked great and at others he looked a bit lost. If the two start to click at the Gold Cup, the U.S. will have a very strong central midfield.
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CM -- Michael Bradley: 8/10 -- The only player to start all of the USMNT’s matches in 2015, Bradley was once again the best player on the pitch for Jurgen Klinsmann. With Chicharito out injured, Bradley could be the best player at the Gold Cup.
RM -- DeAndre Yedlin: 8/10 -- Yedlin got a much deserved start and proved why Tottenham was so keen to sign the youngster. Ridiculous speed on the outsides, his cross led to the opening goal for Klinsmann’s side.
FW -- Jozy Altidore: 4/10 -- Jozy really didn’t get involved much in the attack, and his penalty miss was bad. He’s going to have to be A LOT better next week.
FW -- Clint Dempsey: 6.5/10 -- Despite getting his captaincy taken away, Dempsey took it like a professional and responded with a goal. A good performance after missing the United States’ historic trip to Europe in June.
Subs
LB -- Greg Garza: 6.5/10 -- A late call-up to the Gold Cup roster, Garza played the second half and tried his hand at helping out on the attack. Unfortunately for Garza, Fabian Johnson is much more effective in that role.
CB -- Ventura Alvarado: 6/10 -- After starting in both wins against the Netherlands and Germany, the 22-year-old was relegated to the bench with the return of Omar Gonzalez. He’s still not experienced enough to be the team’s top center back.
CB -- Tim Ream: 5/10 -- Ream came in when the match was already won, and I’m not sure Klinsmann has plans for the Bolton Wanderer to see much playing time in the Gold Cup.
LM -- Gyasi Zardes: 8/10 -- Zardes came on at halftime and made his presence felt, really bringing a spark to the U.S. offense. He very well could have played his way into a starting role on Tuesday vs. Honduras.
CM -- Alfredo Morales: 6/10 -- More of a holding central midfielder, Morales didn’t fit into Klinsmann’s attacking lineup today. He did nothing wrong, so no news is good news?
FW -- Chris Wondolowski: 7/10 -- Wondo did what Wondo does, scoring a goal from tight quarters inside the box. He’s not going to impress you with dazzling runs, but he’s a poacher in front of the net.