It's okay, everyone, you can come back now. The beating is over.
After La Furia Roja's sporting destruction of the stars and bars yesterday, it's important to keep a few things in mind. First, Spain is the world's preeminent soccer nation right now, and the US isn't the first side to have been completely dictated by them – and they certainly won't be the last. Remember that much more manageable foes are on the way. Second, the US's captain and – in my opinion – best four field players (Bocanegra, Donovan, Dempsey, Cherundolo and Bradley) were on the bench during the unsettling first half. Once the latter three found their way on the field after the first 45 minutes, the Jedi-mind-control level of domination was greatly suppressed and the US had a few dangerous forays forward.
That said, here are player ratings from the 0-4 thrashing.
Starters:
Tim Howard, Goalkeeper: 5 – Though he can't be blamed for any of the four balls that found the back of his net, I thought he was a little slow off his line on a few occasions – particularly the Torres goal.
Jonathan Spector, right back/midfielder: 3 – The first and third goal came down his side and he offered nothing going forward – though he had little support from Kljestan on the right flank. He looked more comfortable after moving into the midfield.
Oguchi Onyewu, center back: 3 – It was easier to overlook Gooch's poor distribution when he used to gobble everything up in the box, but that hasn't been the case for over a year now.
Tim Ream, center back: 4.5 – Ream was beat over the top on a few occasions, but his distribution still made him a useful-enough cog.
Eric Lichaj, left back: 5.5 – Lichaj showed enough both in attack and defending to warrant another look at left back.
Sacha Kljestan, midfielder: 3 – Kljestan looked more comfortable after moving to the center of the midfield in the second half, but he was still too indecisive when the ball was at his feet.
Maurice Edu, midfielder: 3 – What little he offered in the attack was nullified by twice losing his mark on goals.
Jermaine Jones, midfielder: 3 – After a sparkling debut for the US against Poland in October, Jones has struggled each time he's donned the red, white and blue – this might have been his worst showing yet.
Robbie Rogers, midfielder: 2.5 – Poor work ethic, poor touch, poor set-piece service – I don't know what else to say beyond this: Robbie Rogers, in no uncertain terms, cannot play at the international level.
Jozy Altidore, forward: 4 – Jozy actually did well at holding the ball up when he got the chance, but his work rate and off-the-ball movement offered little.
Juan Agudelo, forward: 4.5 – Agudelo got caught in possession far too often, but the 18-year old displayed the work rate necessary to make up for such mistakes.
Substitutes:
Clint Dempsey, midfield/forward: 7 – Dempsey was the most dangerous attacking player on the field for the US – he easily could have had a goal and an assist (from Kljestan and to Bedoya, respectively) and made a strong case he should be the starting forward against Canada.
Michael Bradley, midfield: 6.5 – If, after watching Bradley put his superb work rate and decisive passing on exhibit, you still think the US is better without Junior on the field, I don't know what to do for you.
Clarence Goodson, center back: 5 – Was steady pairing with Ream and more composed than the struggling Onyewu.
Steve Cherundolo, right back: 5 – Cherundolo was beat by world-class passing and movement for the fourth goal, but still did plenty to remind US fans why he's not relinquished his spot as the best-choice right back.
Chris Wondolowski, forward: 5 – Wondolowski's touch wasn't top-class, but he did a solid job at making his way into dangerous positions.
Alejandro Bedoya, midfield: 4 – Bedoya made a brilliant run – and subsequent bad first touch – to create one of the the US's most dangerous opportunities, but offered little else.
Keep your eyes on the site throughout Gold Cup – we'll have plenty of analysis and commentary on what will hopefully be a successful run for the Yanks.
