Sergino Dest and Jordan Morris help set up Jesus Ferreira late in an otherwise terrible game, according to the USMNT player ratings versus Mexico
Nothing could ultimately separate Mexico and the U.S. men’s national team. Jesus Ferreira scored on one end, and Uriel Antuna on the other. That concluded the 1-1 draw.
The first Continental Clasico, which gave very little and became a largely forgettable latest chapter in this illustrious rivalry, is now history.
The game on Wednesday was always going to be special since it was a midweek friendly between the two CONCACAF powerhouse who were both missing many of their star players. There were several well-known players on both sides, including World Cup veterans, but the teams were shells of what they may have been.
There wasn’t much of an offensive spark in the game; in the first 45 minutes, only three touches were combined by the sides in the opponent’s penalty area. In general, neither team had any good offensive options, and it appeared like the game might have gone scoreless if it weren’t for two terrible errors by Aaron Long and Kellyn Acosta.
It didn’t because of Antuna’s winning finish. The Mexican forward’s goal increased his self-confidence while also motivating the USMNT. In a game where few others made their cases, Jesus Ferreira finished the Stars and Stripes’ sole effective offensive sequence of the evening with assistance from Sergino Dest and Jordan Morris. Although not many of his teammates will agree, the FC Dallas star will feel better after this game.
Thankfully, there will be at least one more matchup between these two clubs this year, with much, much higher stakes. This friendly won’t give us a very good idea of where these two teams are; their Nations League match in June will.
Defense and goalkeeper
(6) Sean Johnson
The unbeaten streak is over. Could he have approached Mexico’s debut from a different angle?
6/10 for Segino Dest.
A player who lacked form and confidence until the goal-scoring sequence. Ferreira’s goal was launched by a classic Dest run through a tangle of Mexican players, which is fantastic news for a guy who needs something, anything, to hang his hat on.
6.1 Walker Zimmerman:
Although there were some long balls, the defense was generally strong. Despite his best efforts, nothing about this performance will be able to sustain him at his initial speed.
4/10 Aaron Long
Acosta and Long, whose errant touch set up Antuna, share some of the blame for the goal. was fine up until that point, but as a defender, your errors define you.
(6) DeAndre Yedlin
very likely the top USMNT defender in the competition. showed he still has a role to play, at least for the beginning of the cycle, by being strong in his own half and getting the ball often.
Midfield
(5) Kellyn Acosta:
A poor pass left Long in a difficult situation on Mexico’s goal. Never really got into the game, even putting that aside.
7/10 James Sands
For the majority of this match, the USMNT’s top player was likely. was a good passer and had good ball control and defense. A successful outing for a player who recently returned to the MLS.
Attack
5/10 for Cade Cowell
Quality was lacking yet there was effort. It was challenging for the young San Jose Earthquakes star, but it was also a fantastic teaching moment.
Jesus Ferreira (6 out of 10)
For the first half, he was more of a second striker or No. 10. For the second attempt, he returned to the top and scored. Again, his ideal position is still up in the air, but goals are always wonderful for a guy with such a promising future.
6/10 for Jordan Morris
Ferreira received the ideal pass across the goal, despite a slight deflection. Before then, I was a little careless, but it only takes one.
5/10 for Brandon Vazquez
A discouraging evening. Almost imperceptible with only 15 touches. Not the kind of night he had hoped for given his relationship with El Tri.
Manager and Subs
6.5/10 for Aidan Morris
made a second-half appearance to support the midfield’s stability. achieved so with a reasonably seamless performance.
6/10 for Alan Sonora
A GREAT ball was used in the scoring sequence. Added an offensive spark to the team’s midfield that no other player could.
(6) Matt Miazga:
replaced Long with just 20 seconds remaining and displayed exceptional ball control.
(N/A) Paxton Pomykal
came on immediately before the stoppage.
(N/A) Caleb Wiley
similar to Pomykal. A longer run for the rising star would have been excellent.
(6/10) Anthony Hudson
Even though the starting XI was a little too safe, you can understand why, the substitutes were good.
