The US national team saved their best Copa America Centenario tune-up for last, cruising past friendly visitors Bolivia in Kansas City.
The Americans were always in control, calmly passing the few tests presented by Bolivia's attack. The hosts patiently moved the ball around until enough the cracks formed in the away defense for them to capitalize.
Brad Guzan (6.5) – The netminder made two comfy saves and distributed well.
Michael Orozco (5.5) – It was a quiet half of right back for the versatile defender, whose most notable involvement was a giveaway in the US end.
Geoff Cameron (6) – It was an easy night at the office for Cameron, who seemed content to stay back and keep it simple.
John Brooks (7) – The Hertha Berlin center back cut several Bolivia rushes short and repeatedly put the hosts in the express lane with his incisive passing out of the back. Oh, the goal was nice, too.
Matt Besler (5.5) – The Sporting KC man didn't look especially comfortable at left back, but eventually threw himself into the overlap game. A bad early giveaway knocks his grade just below passing.
Michael Bradley (7.5) – The General forced six Bolivia turnovers near midfield in the first half and his tempo game kept the USMNT patient on the ball until they broke through. Bradley twice offered key build passes to help the team cash in for goals.
Jermaine Jones (7) – The Colorado ace didn't add much in the first half, but he was seemingly everywhere after the break. Jones made eight total defensive plays in the second frame, including one that led to the US capper. His passing game also solidified, and he was the catalyst for the combo pass that led to that last home strike.
Alejandro Bedoya (7) – A took a while for Bedoya to warm up to the contest, but he ended up with a fine pair of assists. His setup for the US opener was diabolical.
Gyasi Zardes (7.5) – A pair of strong finishes gave the Galaxy star his first USMNT brace. The run on his first goal made the strike look easy. He didn't do much else, but who cares?
Bobby Wood (7.5) – The Hamburg recruit looked like the best player on the field for most of the first half. His maturity is apparent in every purposeful touch and on every mad dash at a defender. Wood showed his cut-back skills from the flank to tee up Zardes’ second.
Clint Dempsey (6.5) – The man they call "Deuce" wasn't in the box for many scoring looks because he spent so much time dropping back to find the game. By bulling the team forward to win seven free kicks, Dempsey found a way to contribute.
Coach Jurgen Klinsmann (7) – Despite the odd starting fullback choices, it ended up a very successful night for the boss. He finally balanced the midfield and rewarded with organized 4-3-3 play that worked in both directions. The team owned 60 percent of the ball, created several dangerous rushes and didn't allow a shot on goal until the 67th minute.
Subs:
DeAndre Yedlin (6) – It was a solid relief half for Yedlin, but we'd still like to see his crossing game raised a notch.
Fabian Johnson (6) – Like his fellow halftime sub/opposite back, Johnson made a few surges forward without end product and made a couple of defensive stops.
Christian Pulisic (7) – Sure, he became the youngest US player to score, but his outing was more than just a decisive finish. With dancing feet and the touch of a goose-feather pillow, Pulisic is a threat to spark an attack every time he gets the ball.
Darlington Nagbe (7) – The Portland star worked a nice give-and-go in order to notch his first US assist on Pulisic's goal. Nagbe also found time to stick his nose in for six defensive stops in just 27 minutes of action.
Graham Zusi (6) – The Sporting KC attacker provided a few link touches and a couple of dangerous balls into the box, but also misfired passes.
Chris Wondolowski (6) – The Quakes hit man was robbed from close range on a late chance.
