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Player Ratings

Arriola, Yedlin and Wood Shine Against Puerto Rico

DeAndre Yedlin and Bobby Wood delivered confidence-building performances that should help them in Copa America Centenario, while Paul Arriola made a dream debut for the U.S. national team.
BY Brian Sciaretta Posted
May 23, 2016
3:30 PM

AS EXPECTED, the United States men's national team defeated Puerto Rico on Sunday in a friendly that featured many players not included on the Copa America Centenario roster. On an individual level, some players helped build their cases to be involved later in the year, while others, like DeAndre Yedlin, continued to play well after a strong club season.

Here are my player ratings for the first of three friendlies this week.

Starters

Brad Guzan: Guzan was rarely challenged in 45 minutes of action. Puerto Rico’s goal from Luis Betancur was unstoppable. Otherwise, he didn’t do anything to help or harm his status as the United States' No. 1 keeper. Rating: 5.5

DeAndre Yedlin: Building on a solid season in the English Premier League, Yedlin came out very lively and full of energy. His final ball was a little off but he was dangerous and helped open up the game. Defensively he did not make any significant mistakes. He’s heading into the Copa America with real momentum. Rating: 7

Michael Orozco: Orozco went a full 90 in central defense and, like Brooks, could have done better in his positioning on Luis Betancur’s goal. On the positive side of the ledger, he made a very nice pass in the build-up to Paul Arriola’s goal. Rating: 5.5

John Brooks: The Hertha defender was lackadaisical in his one half of action. He could have done better on the goal and his distribution out of the back did not really aid in the attack. His replacement, Matt Miazga, was an improvement. Rating: 5

Tim Ream: Normally a central defender, Ream was given the start at left back and surprisingly came up with the first goal when he pounced on rebound on Matthew Sanchez’s save. He was beaten a few times defensively and aside from the goal he wasn’t involved much in the attack. Rating: 5.5

Perry Kitchen: The Heart of Midlothian midfielder made the Copa America Centenario roster—to the surprise of many—and against Puerto Rico he was given the start at right midfield, an unusual spot for him. In his 45 minutes of action his passing was pretty good and his solid defensive positioning helped force turnovers. He wasn’t a factor offensively, however. Rating: 5.5

Danny Williams: The defensive midfielder broke up some plays from Puerto Rico but was capable of more against a weak opponent. He has the ability to get forward but was rather pedestrian in the game. Rating: 5.5

Alejandro Bedoya: The midfielder from Nantes wore the captain's armband and he responded with a solid, assertive performance. He delivered a quality assist on Arriola’s goal to put the game away. Rating: 6.5

Alfredo Morales: The Ingolstadt midfielder had a hand in the first goal when Puerto Rico goalkeeper Matthew Sanchez was unable to hang onto his shot from distance, allowing Ream to pounce on the rebound. In the second half he forced another save from a long-distance effort. Aside from the shots, it was a decent outing marked by some rugged tackles. He helped the U.S. maintain possession but wasn’t creative in the final third. Rating: 6

Bobby Wood: The newly signed Hamburg SV striker is coming into his own on this team and his 34th-minute goal was a well-executed play off a smart run. He wasn’t always dangerous but when he was involved, he was a threat to score. Rating: 7

Paul Arriola: It was a dream debut for the Tijuana attacker who picked up a goal, an assist, and was dangerous throughout. He was able to use his speed effectively to open up the game. Rating: 7.5 

Substitutes

Tim Howard: Like Guzan, he was rarely tested and made the easy saves. Rating: 5.5

Matt Miazga: The Chelsea youngster came in at the half for Brooks and played well. He won his challenges and his distribution out of the back was an upgrade as the U.S. team sought to assert itself. Rating: 6

Julian Green: Making his first national team appearance since 2014, Green was dangerous and forced Sanchez into making a good save minutes after coming on in the 63rd minute. He had numerous occasions where it looked like he was going to be involved in a goal. Rating: 6.5

Emerson Hyndman: Like Green, Hyndman was active and involved after coming on to start the second half. He pressed hard to push the U.S. team’s attack. Rating: 6.5

Eric Lichaj: The often-overlooked fullback from Nottingham Forest came into the game in the 63rd minute and showed a willingness and ability to press forward. He made a nice run into the box late in the game which nearly resulted in a goal. Rating: 6

Fafa Picault: Making his first appearance with the national team, the St. Pauli forward looked eager but nervous. His speed helped get him into dangerous positions on a few occasions but his execution was not quite there on the afternoon. Rating: 5.0

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