The United States' latest shot at a fresh start after the World Cup looked a whole lot like more of the same from 2014.
Against a superior opponent – on paper, at least – the US struggled to keep the ball, resorted to direct play and failed to get the most out of Jozy Altidore.
Jurgen Klinsmann may not have had Michael Bradley or Clint Dempsey at his disposal, but despite a bright start (and a break from the referee), the Americans simply weathered pressure from a better team until the customary late goal arrived to tip the scales.
Sound familiar? The ratings will too.
Brad Guzan (6.5) – Colombia enjoyed possession (60-40) and consistently forced the US into emergency defending, but Guzan was solid, if not spectacular. In truth, he didn't have to be. The Aston Villa man stonewalled Los Cafeteros' attempts – all on-target efforts apart from the goals came from outside the box – and controlled his area with aplomb.
DeAndre Yedlin (5.5) – Split shifts at right back and right wing make rating the soon-to-be Spurs man a tricky proposition. On one hand, Yedlin's defending is coming along nicely, and he showed as much in numerous 1-v-1 situations. One the other, the attention to detail in the final third (wayward 39th-minute cross) and in possession (49th minute turnover to spring James) still lags. But boy is his speed devastating.
Jermaine Jones (5.5) – His instincts often bely his upbringing in the midfield, but Jones looks the part at center back, despite this being just his second run out for the US. He was fortunate to avoid a penalty kick for what was a clear handball in the box, but his presence (physically and verbally) clearly has an effect on the side.
John Brooks (5.5) – Strong in the air and timely in the tackle, though resorted to the slide tackle too often. His defensive chart is pockmarked by interventions in and around the 18-yard box. The only major quibble? Play until the final whistle.
Greg Garza (4.5) – Garza has all the tools to succeed, except perhaps raw size, and appears to have the starting left-back spot locked down for now. In my opinion, this was his worst runout in the US shirt, showing a tendency to drift into midfield and over pursue centrally, forcing Brooks into uncomfortable positions and opening up space on his flank for the Colombian attack.
Kyle Beckerman (6.5) – Yes, the cross to Rubin was picture perfect and he didn't put a foot wrong in possession apart from the scattered long balls/clearances that Colombian pressure forced, but it's the little things that make Beckerman so valuable. His knack for attack-killing tackles was on display, and his positional intelligence provides a reference point for the rest of the midfield.
Fabian Johnson (4) – In a word, Johnson was poor. Far below his usual lofty standards. The USMNT rely on his verve and playmaking abilities going forward and got neither. His sloppiness with the ball in risky positions was uncharacteristic, and nearly led to a counterattack goal from Carlos Bacca. It seems the rust at Monchengladbach carried over.
Alejandro Bedoya (6) – He was directly involved in the US' early bright moments, and showed real ability over dead balls. Though he seems to thrive at club level centrally, it seems Bedoya is more effective for the US in a wide role that allows him to tuck inside when the situation calls for it.
Mix Diskerud (4.5) – Seems at his best when he can receive the ball facing forward and survey his options. As the point of Klinsmann's diamond and with the Americans defending for large stretches, that never really happened. Attacking impact or not, the US needed more of a settling element in possession from Mix.
Rubio Rubin (5.5) – Like Altidore, spent much of his 66 minutes looking for a touch in a dangerous position. His one opportunity to challenge Colombian 'keeper Camilo Vargas was headed wide, but the hold-up play was there and his attacking movement was promising. It's easy to forget he's a teenager.
Jozy Altidore (5) – Altidore doesn't do well with aimless long balls. That's what he got on a night in which he started brightly – a converted penalty, fouls drawn around the area – but faded as the US failed again and again to possess the ball up field. Even more curious was his movement, roaming for the ball while Rubin stayed high centrally. End of the day, one blocked shot from open play isn't enough.
SUBSTITUTES
Bobby Wood (5.5) – After some decision-making issues in his last camp, Wood showed what he can do when instinct takes over. Tested the 'keeper with a tough-angle shot right after entry, then was unlucky to be denied after Nguyen and Morales combined to play him in on goal.
Alfredo Morales (5) – The ball to Wood, set up by Nguyen, is proof he's not just a midfield destroyer. He's shown as much at club level. But his long-term position is still up in the air with the US. Is he a defensive anchor or a box-to-box terrier?
DaMarcus Beasley (5) – Tidy on the ball, aware tactically. He didn't have much time to strut his stuff, but Beasley won't be pushed out of the left-back battle easily.
Lee Nguyen (5.5) – Brief cameo, but certainly promising. The back-heel flick was special, but it was the run into space that best illustrates his feel for the game in the attacking third.
Julian Green (4.5) – Hard to blame Green for the late winner. Yes, he has to cover the space once Johnson slides near post, but with his slight frame he never really had a chance of muscling a camped-out Teófilo Gutiérrez off the cross.
