ASN: Pulisic, Kljestan Stand Out as U.S. Overwhelms SV&G

The Borussia Dortmund teenager and the New York Purple Bulls playmaker did not get into the sport till the 66th minute however they mixed superbly and helped the Yanks lock up the win.

BY

Brian Sciaretta

Posted
September 02, 2016
3:55 PM

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THE UNITED STATES males’s nationwide crew coasted to a straightforward 6-0 street win over St. Vincent and the Grenadines in World Cup qualifying. The 2 greatest standouts by far had been Sacha Kljestan and Christian Pulisic who each got here on within the 66th minute and turned the sport right into a rout.

The win, after all, is to be taken with a grain of salt given the novice degree of the opponent. The first goal of this recreation was to place it away early and keep away from accidents. In that regard, it was mission achieved. On a person degree, nobody actually harm their standing though some gamers performed higher than others.

The win put the U.S. crew primarily within the 2017 Hexagonal. On Tuesday, the U.S. will advance with a win or draw in opposition to Trinidad & Tobago together with a loss so long as it doesn’t cough up a 12-goal differential benefit.

Starters

Brad Guzan: A short second of uncertainty result in a harmful probability for St. Vincent and the Grenadines however in any other case there actually wasn’t a lot for him to do. Score: 5

DeAndre Yedlin: The precise again used his velocity properly each offensively and defensively though he he wasn’t all that harmful in the long run. His yellow card can have him suspended for the group stage finale. Score: 5.5

Geoff Cameron: The Stoke Metropolis veteran was a strong presence on the backline and cleaned up no matter St. Vincent needed to provide—which wasn’t a lot. Score: 6

Matt Besler: In what was an emotional day, Besler celebrated the beginning of his daughter within the morning and scored the crew’s second purpose within the first half when he bounced on a botched clearance. Defensively he did his job. Score: 7

Kellyn Acosta: Enjoying out of place at left again, Acosta managed to be lively. His last ball was missing a bit however he appeared to have learn on the sport. Defensively he held his floor. Score: 5.5

Graham Zusi: He was overwhelmed a number of instances however offensively his passing helped the U.S. discover its method by St. Vincent’s overrun protection. Score: 6.5

Kyle Beckerman: Whereas strong on the final World Cup, age has taken its toll for Beckerman in recent times every time the U.S. crew has to go in opposition to top-tier competitors. Towards most of CONCACAF, nevertheless, he’s nonetheless a gradual and dependable hand. This was the case tonight as his passing was correct and his was a disruptive power within the center. Score: 6.5

Alejandro Bedoya: The brand new Philadelphia Union midfielder was not as concerned offensively in a central position however his ordinary high-level work price was obvious as he tracked again defensively within the warmth. Score: 5.5

Fabian Johnson: In a rarity for the U.S. males’s nationwide crew, Johnson had the chance to begin in his regular midfield position. He assisted on Bobby Wooden’s opening purpose however was not as lively as he might have been. The warmth appeared to take its toll. Score: 6

Jozy Altidore: After lacking the Copa America with an damage, Altidore wore the captain’s armband in his return and scored from the spot shortly earlier than halftime. Whereas that was his solely purpose on the day he was lively within the assault and in hold-up play. Score: 6.5

Bobby Wooden: The Hawiian set the tone early with a pleasant purpose to place the U.S. on the board. Later within the half he made a really good run into the field the place he was fould to earn a penalty—transformed by Altidore. Within the second half he slowed down however he was instrumental within the first half. Score: 6.5 

SUBSTITUTES

Christian Pulisic: The 17-year-old was a recreation changer after approaching within the 66th minute. He scored two objectives and registered an help. He was dynamic, energetic, and enjoyable to observe. Score: 8

Sacha Kljestan: Like Pulisic, he got here into the sport within the 66th minute and helped put the sport out of attain with two assists and a purpose. His motion and skim of the sport was superb and he mixed very properly with Pulisic. Score: 8

Jordan Morris: The Seattle rookie got here into the sport within the 72nd minute however didn’t have a lot of an impression because the U.S. coasted. Score: 5.5

the COACH

Jurgen Klinsmann: Not like another street video games in opposition to minnows, Klinsmann’s crew was ready and put the sport out of attain early. Towards a weak opponent, there may be probably not that a lot a coach can study his crew. As a substitute, he bought the absolute best consequence—a stress-free three factors and 0 accidents. Score: 6.5