The US national team came back to Earth on Wednesday night, and so did their marks after a 4-1 defeat to Brazil in Landover, Md.
There were patches of possession and attack menace to be excited about, but the frequent loss of focus and shape ended any hopes of a stirring rally.
Tim Howard (6.5) - The goalkeeper made one terrific save and nearly swatted out the last Brazil goal. All four goals came left Howard helpless.
Steve Cherundolo (5) - While he helped pushed forward on occasion, the Hannover 96 skipper couldn't produce any chances. Also had periodic issues dealing with Brazil's attack down the left side.
Oguchi Onyewu (5) - A lot went on for Gooch, who was money in the air and rang the bar with a header off a corner kick. There's no mark off here for a rather unfortunate penalty whistle, but among other things, Onyewu's balloon-kick gaffe set the stage for Brazil's second and he failed to pick up the assist lane on their third.
Carlos Bocanegra (4.5) - It was a very rough first half for the captain, who had two glaring turnovers and missed assignments. The second half was tidier until near the end.
Fabian Johnson (7) - After severely testing the left back defensively in the early moments, Brazil stayed opposite his side for much of the night, which likely helps his grade. Johnson often got forward to dangerous effect; he not only chose the perfect centering delivery on the US goal, he also showed awareness to recognize the quick turnover while cycling back to defense.
Maurice Edu (4.5) - The defensive midfielder was too often found lacking in the tackle and distribution.
Jermaine Jones (5.5) - The Schalke man was usually involved somehow when the US got forward, but it wasn't always quite wise play. In addition to a silly yellow card, Jones overran his mark on Brazil's second.
Michael Bradley (6) - A mixed bag for the midfielder, he seemed one of the few out there trying to apply the game plan. His through pass helped set up the US goal and he was among the Americans robbed of a goal late on. The biggest marks against Bradley came from not closing down playmakers a few times.
Landon Donovan (5.5) - The LA Galaxy star's touch was off all night, both in receiving and transmitting passes. That said, 10 of his 11 restart serves were troublesome, some especially so.
Jose Francisco Torres (4.5) - Even when the left-sider successfully maintained possession against pressure, he looked to have no plans for the ball. Like Klinsi says, Torres also needs to compete more physically, as he had a torrid time with Brazil's fast traps.
Herculez Gomez (7.5) - The revelation of the night was that this Mexican champ can play the No. 9 spot against tough international opposition. Gomez made no mistake on the goal, was cruelly denied another late, won several free kicks and generally made the defense work hard overall.
Coach Jurgen Klinsmann (5) - You can't fault the boss for flubs, lost marks and bad luck. On another night, the result could have been a little brighter. Still, a couple lineup picks made for trouble and Klinsmann was also unable to keep the boys organized.
Substitutes:
Clint Dempsey (6.5) - Deuce immediately raised the temperature and he helped create a couple of fine chances.
Terrence Boyd (6) - The biggest larceny of the night stole a debut US goal from the youngster near time.
Michael Parkhurst (5.5) - The new Danish champion made a quick impact helping the hosts move into attack. Then, of course, he fell victim to a highlight-reel move from Neymar.
Kyle Beckerman (-) - Just a cameo.
Edgar Castillo (-) - See directly above.
