Several US national team players stood out among uneven marks for Friday's dramatic CONCACAF World Cup qualifying win at Jamaica.
Jozy Altidore and Brad Evans played the goal heroes, while Michael Bradley and Graham Zusi starred as the guys who made everything possible. In the end, the excitement of a stoppage time winner successfully obscured continuing issues with set piece defense and blown leads.
GK Tim Howard (5) – The netminder worked comfortably until the last moment, tallying five saves. But on Jamaica's late equalizer, Howard meekly played his line and was left watching as Jermaine Beckford headed home.
RB Brad Evans (7.5) – Though not as good over 90 minutes as against Germany, the right back was quick and steady on the spin when a chance to win the game suddenly presented itself. Evans may have also saved a goal by contesting Rodolph Austin's shot off the post.
CB Omar Gonzalez (5.5) – The LA Galaxy man again patrolled air space well and rang up a good number of clearances. He also continued to struggle with quick combos around the area, but was rescued by the post on the most dangerous of occasions.
CB Matt Besler (6.5) – It was the best USMNT outing thus far from the Sporting KC defender, whose late shoulder bump nixed what looked to be a good Jamaica chance.
READ: Armchair Analyst: What we learned from a reassuring result in Jamaica
LB DaMarcus Beasley (5.5) – It may sound strange, but he had trouble much of the night with the speed and quickness Jamaica offered down the flank. Still, Beasley is always helpful in possession and closed the game strong.
CM Michael Bradley (7.5) – Forget "The General" – it's time to dub him the Zen-eral. Everything gets very calm for this team when Bradley is nearby, most notably on the winning set-up in stoppage time.
CM Jermaine Jones (6) – The Schalke midfielder came out of the blocks in a flash, pushing the early US pressure with both the tackle and the long pass. However, Jones was also absent in fronting his backline on Jamaica's two big first half scoring chances.
RM Graham Zusi (7.5) – It was another fine all-around showing for the Sporting KC playmaker. The opening assist was the perfect example of a winger making a half-yard for himself to give his striker two.
CAM Clint Dempsey (6) – Like Jones, Deuce started fast before fading a bit. But even when he had trouble moving forward, Dempsey found a way to pitch in with a couple of hard-fought corner kick clearances.
LM Fabian Johnson (5) – While the Hoffenheim ace did well at finding space to receive the ball, he often failed to take advantage after. Johnson just looked a shade off all night.
OPTA Chalkboard: Zusi dominates right flank, Altidore links up well
FWD Jozy Altidore (7.5) – It was a well-timed separation on the opening goal as the AZ Alkmaar forward answered his critics again. His calm in passing in and around the area is underrated.
Coach Jurgen Klinsmann (7) – The team started well, but were too satisfied with the one-goal halftime lead and it bit them. Of course, they also responded properly and promptly.
While the team were not dazzling, they were generally quite organized and moved with confidence. Overall, it was a smash-and-grab worthy of the team's first World Cup qualifying win in Jamaica.
Substitutes:
RB Geoff Cameron (6) – In to replace the concussed Jermaine Jones, the Stoke City man performed decently. Cameron also drew an extra defender away from Evans on the winner.
LM Edgar Castillo (6) – Though he did not have great impact, the Tijuana standout made some small contributions.
FWD Eddie Johnson (5) – The late sub did a good job killing clock, but was left watching as his mark scored the equalizer.
