The US national team shoved aside the pressure to record a comfy 4-0 victory over World Cup qualifying guests Guatemala on Tuesday night, leading to much improved marks.
While they did not dominate, the hosts recovered from the loss in Guatemala with a solid team performance that produced a result that was never in doubt.
Brad Guzan (6.5) - There wasn't a great deal for the netminder to do, but he handled it all smoothly. In the late going, he preserved the shutout with a solid save and by ably dealing with a tricky corner kick.
DeAndre Yedlin (6.5) - The Sunderland man looked like an entirely different player on Tuesday night, calmly utilizing his speed in both directions. He found some occasions to jump into attack and piled up defensive plays in his own end when Guatemala improved after the break.
Steve Birnbaum (5.5) - The World Cup qualifying debutant was not tested all that often. He largely kept it tidy, but there were a couple of shaky moments at the back.
Geoff Cameron (6.5) - The Stoke City man finished his goal well and kept busy on the ball in possession. Cameron had one defensive flub near the US area, but got away with it.
Edgar Castillo (5.5) - Though certainly not as solid as he was on Friday, Castillo was disruptive to several Guatemala advances.
Kyle Beckerman (6.5) - There were a couple of bad passes and missed tackles, but Beckerman displayed plenty of value from his mere presence. The Real Salt Lake veteran was constantly available to back up central midfield, allowing the team to attack in numbers.
Michael Bradley (6.5) - His play dipped a little after the hour mark, but it was a rebound effort from the skipper. Bradley notched an assist with a pinpoint restart delivery and could have had another from the run of play. He also acted as a human Roomba in midfield as the US built a first-half lead.
Graham Zusi
(6.5)
- The hustling Sporting KC ace took his goal well and provided several link plays of note.
Gyasi Zardes (5.5) - Though his loose touch often causes headaches, it actually earned Zardes a second assist on Tuesday. His first helper was more representative, with the Galaxy attacker luring two defenders to free Dempsey for the opener. Still, someone with his physical tools can offer more.
Bobby Wood (6.5) - The Union Berlin forward did not provide end product, but he continues to soften defenses on the dribble. Wood earned four free kicks in this contest, including the one that led to Cameron's tally.
Clint Dempsey (7) - The Seattle star regained his mojo on Tuesday night, notching an opening goal that eased pressure on the whole team and the closing assist. Dempsey's effort on this night was such that he made a decent bid to score from his fanny.
Coach Jurgen Klinsmann (6.5) - With observers from all corners questioning his job security, the boss regained his personnel touch. It didn't even matter that the team was not optimally sharp, because they were stationed in the right places. A sense of order and organization returned, and with them, so did a proper result.
Subs:
Jozy Altidore (6.5) - It was a pretty quiet sub shift until Altidore was presented with a late chance, and he took it with aplomb.
Ethan Finlay (6.5) - In addition to working the pressure valve to fine effect, the Columbus winger was rudely denied a first US goal by a sorely mistaken offside flag.
Christian Pulisic (-) - The Borussia Dortmund youngster did not look out of place or intimidated in his 10-minute USMNT debut.
