Player Ratings
United States 1 | Poland 0
Although considered a friendly, this game had much more meaning for the U.S. players who took the field on this cold, snowy night in western Germany. For many of the players involved, the game presented perhaps their last opportunity to impress manager Bruce Arena before he finalizes his World Cup roster in April.
The U.S. roster featured an even mix of MLS and European based players and should be the core of the team that meets the Czech Republic on June 12th. The game also presented an opportunity to play against another World Cup bound team on European soil where the U.S. has traditionally had problems.
The first half was rough to watch. Both teams had difficulty maintaining possession and generating offense. The weather certainly didn’t help the cause but it could not solely be blamed for the poor form each team showed.
The best chance for the U.S. came late in the half when Steve Cherundolo’s free kick curved just wide of the post. Poland didn’t create much offense but the few times they pressured the U.S. defense Kasey Keller he was quick off his line to break up the attack.
Despite poorer weather conditions, the U.S. played much better in the second half after the insertion of Pablo Mastroeni for Kerry Zavagnin. Mastroeni was able to hold together the midfield and he provided toughness and energy that was lacking in the first half.
Deeper into the second half the U.S. began to take hold of the game as Landon Donovan began to show signs of life. The U.S. got the game’s only goal when Clint Dempsey headed home a deflected Eddie Lewis cross from close range.
While the game lacked attractiveness, the team must be happy with the result. For just the second time under Arena, the U.S. won a game in Europe and they did so against a World Cup bound team. To win this game at less than their best has to be considered a positive.
Player Ratings
Kasey Keller (6) – Inspires confidence in fans, coaches and teammates. Played the first half and didn’t have to make many saves but was quick off his line on several occasions to break up potential scoring opportunities.
Eddie Lewis (7) – The converted midfielder seems to be the answer to the left back problem. In his limited time on defense, he has shown the ability to both defend and get involved in the offense. He’s also excellent on set pieces and his free kick set up the lone U.S. goal. A well deserved “Man of the Match” performance.
Oguchi Onyewu (6) – His consistently strong performances have him on the verge of securing a starting position in Germany. His physical presence, speed, strength and heading ability set him apart. Still needs to improve his distribution but with all his intangibles he’ll be hard to keep off the field.
Gregg Berhalter (5) – A solid, professional effort. Made few errors and covered for his defense partners when necessary. He’s an experienced player that should find his way onto the roster.
Steve Cherundolo (6) – Each time I watch him I come away impressed. Likes to push forward but has the ability to recover with his excellent speed. Was one of the few U.S. players dangerous in the first half. He covered a lot of ground and almost scored on curving free kick.
Kerry Zavagnin (4) – Had a below average game that couldn’t have helped his chances of making the final World Cup roster. Did not effectively provide the link between offense and defense. When Pablo Mastroeni came on for him in the second half you noticed an immediate difference in the team’s play.
DaMarcus Beasley (4) – His worst performance in a U.S. jersey in some time. He was nowhere near the dangerous player that dominated the Gold Cup and World Cup Qualifying. He only mustered one of his patented runs and was invisible for the majority of the game.
Landon Donovan (5) – Was invisible for most of the first half but became much more effective after the introduction of Mastroeni. Controlled the game in the final 25 minutes but his consistent disappearing act has to be a concern.
Clint Dempsey (6) – A solid performance capped by an opportunistic game-winning goal. He has a high work rate and the confidence to take on players. He’s not on the team yet but his recent performances seem to have him closing in on one of the 23 spots.
Eddie Johnson (4) -- He didn’t do much but seems to be getting closer to game shape. He was unable to separate himself from a slower Poland back line. Lack of quality service didn’t help his cause but if he’s healthy he’ll be going to Germany and could still find himself starting next to Brian McBride.
Taylor Twellman (5) – As usual, he was active throughout the game and battled on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. His challenge on the keeper led to Dempsey’s goal but, against a tougher opponent, he didn’t distinguish himself. Due to a lack of quality competition, he still has a good chance to make the roster.
Substitutes
Tim Howard (46th minute for Keller) (5) – Didn’t have to do too much as the U.S. controlled most of the play in the second half. Almost got caught once venturing outside of his box but overall he played a solid half and did nothing to hurt his chances for the World Cup.
Bobby Convey (71st minute for Beasley) (6) – One of the best performances of any U.S. player. Commanded the ball, made good decisions and was not afraid to take on players. Coming off an excellent season in England he’s currently a very confident player.
Pablo Mastroeni (56th minute for Zavagnin) (6) – Replaced Zavagnin and made an immediate impact. He did a much better job connecting the offense and defense and the team’s performance improved dramatically after he entered the game.
Josh Wolff (79th minute for Johnson) (5) – Didn’t get many opportunities in his short stint on the field. He works hard to put himself into positive positions but seems to have lost his confidence and scoring touch.
Carlos Bocanegra (46th minute for Berhalter) (5) – A solid performance that didn’t do much to help or hurt his chances of making the roster. Picked up a silly yellow card due to a lapse in judgment. That type of mistake could prove costly in a World Cup.
Chris Klein (89th minute for Dempsey) (no rating) – Late entry in the game ensured a match paycheck.