Because Fox Soccer's coverage has driven me crazy, I watched the game on Univision. It was a bit nostalgic for me as Spanish language broadcasts were the only soccer that was on t.v. when I was a kid. I understood every third or fourth word, but the commentators make the game sound so much more interesting. Heck, even Marcelo Balboa's comments on the pre-game show appeared to be more insightful when he said them in Spanish.
As to the game itself, it seemed eerily like the first Gold Cup match against Panama for awhile -- lots of US possession, Panama in a defensive posture, some close chances . . . but no US goals. The US continued in its struggles to break down a bunkered opponent. That was, until, Freddy Adu came back from the dead and saved the day! Okay, so that's a bit of an exaggeration, but it was really nice to see Freddy return. What actually happened is that the stars of the USMNT -- Dempsey and Donovan -- stepped up and did what stars are expected to do, setting up a game against Mexico for CONCACAF supremacy. I don't think it was a stellar performance, but the USMNT got the job done. (mwc)
We are using a 1-10 rating scale, with 1 being the worst rating and 10 being the best. Do you agree or disagree with our ratings? Let us know in the comment section below. CONTINUE READING AFTER THE JUMP.
HOWARD
7: Only made 1 or 2 saves, but he was there when needed. (Evan)
5: He had two good saves and a confident punch on a corner kick, but was largely untroubled tonight by a Panama team that seemed disinterested in offense during the first half. (mwc)
BOCANEGRA6: The captain struggled at times with the speed of a few Panamanian attackers, but didn't allow a goal. The USA has not allowed a goal since the first half of the second game of the group stage. (Evan)
5: Established better air supremacy than the Allies during World War II. Alright, I was reaching there, but Boca got his head to every ball that came his way. He did allow an attacker in behind him resulting in a nervous moment for the US in the second half. (mwc)
GOODSON6: Was beaten by speedier players a few times, but won absolutely everything in the air. (Evan)
5: Goodson had a mixed night. He had a good tackle in the box and won several balls, but he also unnecessarily over-committed and then fouled to give Panama a free kick in a dangerous spot at the end of the first half. (mwc)
CHERUNDOLO7: Was very dangerous going forward. He served in a cross that nearly resulted in a goal. 'Dolo didn't get beat and even won a few balls in the air. (Evan)
5: He had a solid game tonight. Sent in the cross that Agudelo headed off the post and made an important tackle in the box late in the game. (mwc)
LICHAJ6: Decent game from Lichaj. He had a few good runs and was solid defensively. (Evan)
5: Lichaj did a nice job tonight, for the most part. He closed his man down in two one-on-one situations and made a couple of good runs into the offensive end. Bornstein bashers rejoice. (mwc)
KLJESTAN (subbed off 45')4: Had a very quiet night and lost the ball a few times. Strangely, he was used on the outside rather than up top for this game. Was subbed at halftime. (Evan)
4: He did not seem to have it offensively this game, but, to his credit, he put in the work on the defensive end before he was subbed off. (mwc)
JONES5.5 His touch looked heavy at times, but he won a lot of challenges and showed excellent range in the center of the field. (Evan)
5: Not his best game, but I commend him on avoiding a yellow card keeping him eligible for the Championship game. Jones' first taste of US v. Mexico ought to be interesting. I wonder how he will react if Marquez lets loose with another one of his trademark karate kick cheap shots? (mwc)
BRADLEY6: Controlled the center of the field, but should have done better in the final third. (Evan)
5: Bradley was not as dominant tonight as I thought he should have been. Solid, but nothing spectacular. (mwc)
BEDOYA5: Made some dangerous runs, but none of them resulted in anything. Was guilty of giving away the ball a bit too easily at times. (Evan)
4: Not as good as the Jamaica game, but not terrible. His first touch when receiving the ball was suspect, but he worked hard and he had an important poke away in the box in stoppage time. (mwc)
DEMPSEY7: Was quiet at times, but he scored the winning goal on a great back post run where he was exactly even with the defender. That alone is enough for a 7. (Evan)
7: Dempsey’s goal was a thing of beauty. He made his run, he tap danced on the line of defenders to stay onside and he stretched to re-direct a hard, bouncing pass into the net. That was no sitter, people. He also had a couple of nice passes that caused Panama some trouble. (mwc)
AGUDELO (subbed off 66')6: Very unlucky not to score. As always, he showed that he isn't afraid to run at people, but at times Felipe Baloy (who was probably Man of the Match) got the best of him. (Evan)
4: As a starting forward, he needs to have more impact on the game than he did tonight. I realize that he hit the post, but he did not have enough positive touches in the offensive end. (mwc)
DONOVAN (subbed on 46')
7: Donovan had his best game this tournament. He was smooth on the ball and provided defensive cover. His pass that set up Dempsey was perfect. (Evan)
6: I do not think the US is good enough to consistently win games with Donovan only playing for a half. The gamble paid off, though, and he should be fresh for Mexico. The US needed a moment of individual excellence to get a result and Landon stepped up with a perfectly struck assist. If he hits that any differently, Dempsey does not score. (mwc)
ADU (subbed on 66')6.5: Adu had that great long ball to set up the goal and completed a few dribbles, but he also gave away the ball in bad places a few times. In all, this was probably his best game for the national team. (Evan)
6: If you were not excited to see Adu waiting on the touch line to be subbed into the game, then you, sir or madam, are a Communist. He had to be feeling the nerves and the pressure in his first game back knowing any mistake could send him back into exile, yet he showed good touch and vision on the early ball to Donovan in the build up to the goal. He wasn't perfect, but he did some good things. I wish Freddie the best of luck as he continues on the road back. (mwc)
