Commentary
USA-Jamaica: Men's Gold Cup Player Ratings
- by Mike Woitalla @MikeWoitalla, Jul 4, 2019
July 3 in Nashville
USA 3 Jamaica 1. Goals: McKennie 10, Pulisic 52, 87; Nicholson 69.
Att.: 28,473.
It took a thunderstorm to stop the USA after it started the Gold Cup semifinal playing its most impressive, well-tuned attacking soccer of the Gregg Berhalter era. After a quarter-hour of relentless and varied attacks during which outstanding goalkeeping kept the USA lead at 1-0 -- the game was delayed for 88 minutes because of lightning in the Tennessee sky. The Reggae Boyz regained some composure after the long break, which benefited the game by creating end-to-end action. But the Americans maintained the upper hand on the way to a 3-1 victory. The USA faces Mexico in the Gold Cup final on Sunday.
USA PLAYER
RATINGS
(1=low; 5=middle; 10=high.)
GOALKEEPER
Zack Steffen delivered a ball to Jozy Altidore that help spark an early U.S. attack. Steffen made a diving save on Junior Flemmings' 25-yard shot in the 22nd minute and snatched a cross in the crowd late in the second half.
Player (Club) caps/goals (age)
6 Zack
Steffen (Columbus Crew) 14/0 (24)
DEFENDERS
Both outside backs contributed the USA's attacking game. Right back Reggie Cannon went way down the wing to receive Michael Bradley's pass and side-foot volley it to Weston McKennie to set up the 1-0 goal. Left back Tim Ream supported and fed Christian Pulisic and Paul Arriola. Matt Miazga stifled Junior Flemmings when Jamaica gained momentum after the weather delay. But Miazga let his guard down while marking Shamar Nicholson when he headed into the U.S. net from eight yards. Aaron Long handled his defensive duties and managed a couple shots on goal at the other end.
Player (Club) caps/goals (age)
7 Reggie
Cannon (FC Dallas) 5/0 (21)
6 Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls) 10/2 (26)
4 Matt Miazga (Chelsea/ENG) 16/1 (23)
7
Tim Ream (Fulham/ENG) 34/1 (31)
MIDFIELDERS
The USA's early waves of attack began when Christian Pulisic stormed into the penalty area from the left in the 1st minute, beat two Reggae Boyz, and struck a pass that bounced off Jozy Altidore's thigh. Pulisic, whose 12th-minute free kick was brilliantly saved by keeper Andre Blake, looked dangerous nearly every time he got on the ball. He pounced alertly and struck with composure to score twice on rebounds. In the buildup to his second goal, Pulisic evaded three Jamaicans to feed Arriola. Weston McKennie scored the USA's first goal and sent a excellent pass through the middle to Jordan Morris to set up the shot that Blake rebounded to Pulisic on the second U.S. goal. Michael Bradley did his usual defensive work but also a considerable amount of offensive play-making. His connection to McKennie and Pulisic was better than ever. And Bradley hit the the precise pass from near the center circle to Cannon on the wing that help set up the USA's first goal.
Player (Club) caps/goals (age)
9
Christian Pulisic (Chelsea/ENG) 30/12 (20)
8 Michael Bradley (Toronto FC/CAN) 149/17
(31)
8 Weston McKennie (Schalke/GER) 13/3 (20)
FORWARDS
Paul Arriola coordinated well with Pulisic, allowing Pulisic to move into the frontline frequently. Especially in the second half, when Arriola was usually behind Pulisic. The partnership peaked when Pulisic finished the rebound of Arriola's shot to make it 3-1 in the 87th minute after Pulisic fed Arriola. In the fourth minute, Jordan Morris stroked an inviting pass into path of Arriola, whose close-range shot was heroically smothered by Blake. Jozy Altidore was credited for an assist on McKennie's goal although what mattered most was that his attempt to connect with Cannon's pass didn't change its path. Altidore failed to get a shot on goal, but he did occupy the Jamaican central defense, and joined in when the U.S. pressured.
Player (Club) caps/goals (age)
7 Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders) 32/5 (24)
6 Jozy
Altidore (Toronto FC) 114/42 (29)
8 Paul Arriola (D.C. United) 26/5 (24)
SUBSTITUTES
Gyasi Zardes horribly mis-hit on a prime chance within a minute of replacing Altidore when McKennie sent him in alone on Blake. Jamaica exploited Zardes' giveaway in the U.S. half on the way to scoring its goal.
Player (Club) caps/goals
(age)
3 Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew) 50/10 (27)
5 Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders) 14/0 (24)
nr Daniel
Lovitz (Montreal Impact) 7/0 (27)
TRIVIA. The average age of the USA's starting lineup was 25 years, 171 days.
July 3 in Nashville
USA 3 Jamaica 1. Goals: McKennie 10, Pulisic 52, 87; Nicholson 69.
USA -- Steffen; Cannon,
Miazga, Long, Ream; Pulisic, Bradley, McKennie; Arriola (Lovitz, 88), Altidore (Zardes, 55), Morris (Roldan, 70).
Jamaica -- Blake; Powell, Francis, Hector,
Lawrence; Williams, Bailey, Watson; Mattocks (Brown, 74), Flemmings (Nicholson, 65), Vassell (Lewis, 83).
Yellow cards: USA -- McKennie 31, Altidore 43. Jamaica -- Watson 39,
Flemmings 43, Vassell 49. Red cards: none.
Referee: Ivan Barton (El Salvador)
Att.: 28,473.
Stats:
USA/Jamaica
Shots: 16/16
Shots on Goal: 9/4
Saves:
3/6
Corner Kicks: 2/1
Fouls: 14/18
Offside: 0/0
Possession: 51%/49%
Greg Berhalter did a good job making some adjustments to get the team playing better. I was wrong earlier in thinking he didn't know how to get this team playing better.
This is the first that I have seen McKennie play well. What I disliked about McKennie's past performances (bad decisions and poor passes) weren't as apparent this time. He made one foolish professional foul and draw an unnecessary yellow card, but it was an exception to his otherwise good play.
Falling in love with a player after one good performance is a terrble critique. Quality players may have a mediocre game here and there. So who is quality on a consistent basis?
Now, that’s what I was talking about. They actually played together as a team! Good job, U.S.A. They lost that feel for a bit after the extendedb rain delay (which provided Jamaica with the time to work out a change in their approach). But the U.S. didn’t give up or slow down and just improved and came back up to speed bit by bit as the game progressed. Bravo, Christian Pulisic for a wonderful game!
The 28 year old referee was interesting. I give him points for the way he quickly settled the “disagreement” Jozy and one of the Jamaicans got into. It could have gone south very quickly. Without the slightest hesitation, he stepped right in, literally separated the men, carded them both and got on with the game. There were some fouls that I felt were cardable, but it is CONCACAF we’re talking about here.
Pulisic & McKinnie are going to do well together! This team needs a real striker and a # 6. Bradley's game has slipped a lot. He can still make quality passes but, has become even slower. Sorry, but he was not an 8. They team showed some grit for a change. Maybe the women are rubbing off. Don't expect them to beat Mexico but, if they play hard for 90 minutes it will feel like progress.
Agree Kevin. A couple or 3 received inflated values, eye of the beholder. I’m so exhausted at seeing Jozy bow up at someone or engage in an adolescent fit. Which raises a concern regarding Weston, he too needs to learn to control his emotions. A roster depends upon players staying on the field.
I'm hoping for a decent final, building on the Jamaica game, the first time this tournament they actually looked like a team.
But I'm more excited for the coming months when (hopefully) the new generation will be incorporated into the team. The U20's were loaded with talent, and I hope GB will test and find a true creative midfield general, which this team sorely lacks.
WOW!!! Who was that team in the first 15 minutes?!
Even thought the tempo changed after the interuption. They showed they can do it and will have the film to prove it.
Both of Pulisic's goals were somewhat opportunistic, right place at the right time.
But give him credit for being there. Also by far... in my opinion, his best game yet.
In some games he's had great plays then disapear for long periods.
This was a solid 90 minute performance.
Both of Pulisic's goals were the result of good attacks by the wingers.
John agree about Pulisic and I thought McKennie also had his best game for USA (at least that I've seen). A really well-taken goal, but just as importantly he showed a range and feel of passing I hadn't seen from him before, and committed way fewer turnovers as well. Also have to mention that I thought Bradley had a very strong game. I know I've critized him on this site and I still feel we should try to get younger / quicker in this part of the field, but Bradley provided a lot of defensive cover and his passing was much more incisive, not so hesitant and reluctant to look forward. A good win for USA in a big game, no doubt, and I'm excited to see if we can maintain this level against Mexico.
Pulisic is the glue of the team...when he's on the squad plays better. Otherwise, it's a yawn. So how long is coach B going to stick with the dead weight?
Is there a replay anywhere? I can't seem to find it....
My cable company has replays availabe "on demand", both English and Spanish broadcasts. I expect that I could also watch on line by going to the website for the broadcasters. Fox Sports and Univision.
Very impressive win, pretty accurate ratings. Pulisic showed why we have our hopes up, Mckinnie as well. I only hope we can play as well against Mexico....I thought the ref did a nice job as well
Sam, agree all around. I admit I had not been as high on Pulisic as some...I'm in.
Very impressed with Mckennie, his speed and passing, terrific.
and while maybe no longer at his prime, with all the young, less experienced guys.
Bradley is still the the calming... director on the field.
I am sorry but zardes needs to go, bring back christian R. He got 1st goal for LAFC last night.