USA 5 - 1 Scotland
Individual Performances
Formation - 4-3-3
Goalkeeper - Tim Howard - Grade: n/a
Howard was not tested at all. The own goal had nothing to do with him. He came out a few time to clear crosses, easy night for the clear number 1 keeper.
Defender - Fabian Johnson - Grade: 7
Congratulations Fabian Johnson, from what was shown tonight he has won the starting spot as an outside back. He played very solid, quick and to Kilsmanns liking. Barring injury he is the top dog along with Cherundolo.
Defender - Carlos Bocanegra - Grade: 6.5
Carlos played solid as usual. Wearing the captains band as he has become accustom too, his physical play set the tempo early. His verbal leadership helped the cohesiveness of the back four. Carlos will be expected to guide "Uncle Sam's Army" through qualifications.
Defender - Geoff Cameron - Grade: 5.5
Gave up a rough own goal in the 14th minute. He was tasked with marking Kenny Miller for most of the match. He looked a little shaky at first however, his ability to get the ball forward and distribute was good. For his first start, not bad but a high level will be needed.
Defender - Steven Cherundolo - Grade: 6.5
Dolo played solid, another good cap from the steady veteran. The back line messed well, he should appear in most of the upcoming matches.
Midfielder - Michael Bradley - Grade: 8
Got the United States off to the start they needed. His precise assist to Landon Donovan followed by his thunderous volley from 25 yards cemented why he is the main cog in the USA's success. Bradley's volley was one of the best goals I have seen this year, the timing and power was no match for the Scottish keeper Allan McGregor. His first half was one of the best I have seen him, his ability to drop deep in the middle was reminiscent of Paul Scholes. He demanded the ball and when under pressure was able to escape with ease. Bradley continued where he left off playing in Italy, if his new level of play stays constant a switch to a larger club maybe in his future.
Midfielder - Jermaine Jones - Grade: 7.5
Jones was very active on and off the ball, almost drawing a penalty in the 48th minute. He seemed to be playing with a new found fire under Jurgen Kilsmann. Although he is usually used as a defensive midfielder he excels in his attacking ability. Look for Jones to be a lock in the future starting 11's.
Midfielder - Maurice Edu - Grade: 6
Edu played decent, he was seen checking in and out of the central space most of the night. His technical skill may need to be quicker when facing opponents such as Brasil in future friendlies. Overall he displaced enough to be keep in contention for a starting spot or at least a given substitue.
Midfielder - Jose Torres - Grade: 7
Had an early heads up play by taking a free kick outside the box early, only missed barely by hitting the cross bar. His speed and technical skill was matched by his composure on the ball.
Midfielder - Landon Donovan - Grade: 10
Opened the game with a well worked attacked, finished a beautiful pass from Jermaine Jones after his initial shot was stopped. He added to his tally in the 59th minute and 65th minute to complete his hat trick. He looked excellent on the ball and going forward each attack seemed to end with at minimum a decent looking chance. Donovan looked relaxed and most of all confident every time he touched the ball. Donovan once again proved why he is the greatest scoring in USA international history.
Forward - Terrance Boyd - Grade: 7
There is no doubt in my mind that Terrance Boyd will become a very talented player. His size, athleticism and desire to find the back of the net was seen as soon as the whistle blew. His ability to challenge Scottish center half Gary Caldwell, was also a good dimension of his performance. Every cross into the box Boyd was either first too or somehow involved. His biggest upside was his work rate, tracking back as well as playing to every whistle. He needs some shaping and needs to learn to play a little quicker but the raw talent is there, for his first international cap I as well as most others was extremely happy.
Sub - Onyewu (Bocanegra 63rd)
Sub - Kyle Beckerman (Edu 63rd)
Sub - Herculez Gomez (Terrance Boyd 63rd)
Sub - Joe Corona (Torres 68th)
Sub - Brad Guzan (Howard 70th)
Sub - Edger Castillo (Johnson 73rd)
Overall Grade: A
Tonight was the best display of 70 minutes of attacking football I have personally watched the US play in a very long time. The attacking trio of Donovan, Bradley and Jones caused serve havoc for the Scottish. It seemed a if they all knew where each other were at all times. It was nice to see minus multiple players such as Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore they still could put together a great performance. The US looked extremely organized, the most since Kilsmann took over. Whether attacking or defending constant shape was keep, there were very few brake downs which is another large positive. They looked threatening in every attack, each time in the Scottish box I was prepared to celebrate another goal. Another aspect of the game they did well was switching the point of possession and attack. When needed they easily executed quick passes from side to side. This along with the ability to strike from set pieces will be extremely valuable against Brasil in the next friendly. If this is any sign of the new USA team, then I believe it will be more an a breeze in qualifying for Brasil 2014. The next big test will be another great indicator as they face Brasil next Wednesday May 30th.
Goals (Assist) Time - Donovan (Unassisted) 2nd
Bradley (Jones) 11th
Cameron (OG) 14th
Donovan (Jones) 59th
Donovan (Bradley) 65th
Jones (Donovan) 70th
Individual Performances
Formation - 4-3-3
Goalkeeper - Tim Howard - Grade: n/a
Howard was not tested at all. The own goal had nothing to do with him. He came out a few time to clear crosses, easy night for the clear number 1 keeper.
Defender - Fabian Johnson - Grade: 7
Congratulations Fabian Johnson, from what was shown tonight he has won the starting spot as an outside back. He played very solid, quick and to Kilsmanns liking. Barring injury he is the top dog along with Cherundolo.
Defender - Carlos Bocanegra - Grade: 6.5
Carlos played solid as usual. Wearing the captains band as he has become accustom too, his physical play set the tempo early. His verbal leadership helped the cohesiveness of the back four. Carlos will be expected to guide "Uncle Sam's Army" through qualifications.
Defender - Geoff Cameron - Grade: 5.5
Gave up a rough own goal in the 14th minute. He was tasked with marking Kenny Miller for most of the match. He looked a little shaky at first however, his ability to get the ball forward and distribute was good. For his first start, not bad but a high level will be needed.
Defender - Steven Cherundolo - Grade: 6.5
Dolo played solid, another good cap from the steady veteran. The back line messed well, he should appear in most of the upcoming matches.
Midfielder - Michael Bradley - Grade: 8
Got the United States off to the start they needed. His precise assist to Landon Donovan followed by his thunderous volley from 25 yards cemented why he is the main cog in the USA's success. Bradley's volley was one of the best goals I have seen this year, the timing and power was no match for the Scottish keeper Allan McGregor. His first half was one of the best I have seen him, his ability to drop deep in the middle was reminiscent of Paul Scholes. He demanded the ball and when under pressure was able to escape with ease. Bradley continued where he left off playing in Italy, if his new level of play stays constant a switch to a larger club maybe in his future.
Midfielder - Jermaine Jones - Grade: 7.5
Jones was very active on and off the ball, almost drawing a penalty in the 48th minute. He seemed to be playing with a new found fire under Jurgen Kilsmann. Although he is usually used as a defensive midfielder he excels in his attacking ability. Look for Jones to be a lock in the future starting 11's.
Midfielder - Maurice Edu - Grade: 6
Edu played decent, he was seen checking in and out of the central space most of the night. His technical skill may need to be quicker when facing opponents such as Brasil in future friendlies. Overall he displaced enough to be keep in contention for a starting spot or at least a given substitue.
Midfielder - Jose Torres - Grade: 7
Had an early heads up play by taking a free kick outside the box early, only missed barely by hitting the cross bar. His speed and technical skill was matched by his composure on the ball.
Midfielder - Landon Donovan - Grade: 10
Opened the game with a well worked attacked, finished a beautiful pass from Jermaine Jones after his initial shot was stopped. He added to his tally in the 59th minute and 65th minute to complete his hat trick. He looked excellent on the ball and going forward each attack seemed to end with at minimum a decent looking chance. Donovan looked relaxed and most of all confident every time he touched the ball. Donovan once again proved why he is the greatest scoring in USA international history.
Forward - Terrance Boyd - Grade: 7
There is no doubt in my mind that Terrance Boyd will become a very talented player. His size, athleticism and desire to find the back of the net was seen as soon as the whistle blew. His ability to challenge Scottish center half Gary Caldwell, was also a good dimension of his performance. Every cross into the box Boyd was either first too or somehow involved. His biggest upside was his work rate, tracking back as well as playing to every whistle. He needs some shaping and needs to learn to play a little quicker but the raw talent is there, for his first international cap I as well as most others was extremely happy.
Sub - Onyewu (Bocanegra 63rd)
Sub - Kyle Beckerman (Edu 63rd)
Sub - Herculez Gomez (Terrance Boyd 63rd)
Sub - Joe Corona (Torres 68th)
Sub - Brad Guzan (Howard 70th)
Sub - Edger Castillo (Johnson 73rd)
Overall Grade: A
Tonight was the best display of 70 minutes of attacking football I have personally watched the US play in a very long time. The attacking trio of Donovan, Bradley and Jones caused serve havoc for the Scottish. It seemed a if they all knew where each other were at all times. It was nice to see minus multiple players such as Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore they still could put together a great performance. The US looked extremely organized, the most since Kilsmann took over. Whether attacking or defending constant shape was keep, there were very few brake downs which is another large positive. They looked threatening in every attack, each time in the Scottish box I was prepared to celebrate another goal. Another aspect of the game they did well was switching the point of possession and attack. When needed they easily executed quick passes from side to side. This along with the ability to strike from set pieces will be extremely valuable against Brasil in the next friendly. If this is any sign of the new USA team, then I believe it will be more an a breeze in qualifying for Brasil 2014. The next big test will be another great indicator as they face Brasil next Wednesday May 30th.
Goals (Assist) Time - Donovan (Unassisted) 2nd
Bradley (Jones) 11th
Cameron (OG) 14th
Donovan (Jones) 59th
Donovan (Bradley) 65th
Jones (Donovan) 70th
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