U.S. player ratings in World Cup elimination: Tyler Adams struggles as USMNT falls flat to exit tournament – CBS Sports

The dream is over. The participation of the United States men’s national team in the 2022 World Cup ended on Saturday with a valiant 3-1 defeat against the Netherlands. The Americans looked sharp early on, had their chances but gave up too much on defense, finishing the first half down 2-0. But it was another encouraging performance that raises expectations for the future of this hungry young team.

But how did they all play? Here are our player ratings – and while you’re at it, sign up for our new newsletter, covering the beautiful game in all its glory, including daily World Cup updates, here.

Guardians

It was not his best game, but he is not at fault. Sure, he conceded more in this game than he did in the previous three combined, but that was because of a defense that didn’t score like they should have. He made some good saves, but his positioning on the first two goals could have been better. He is still No. 1 going forward.

Defenders

At fault for the second goal, clearly leaving Daley Blind spinning on a beautiful ball to finish with ease. He’s a defender, but he can barely defend. Does what he offers in attack outweigh his defensive shortcomings? Sometimes, but not today. There were some decent moments in attack, but the end product wasn’t good enough. Had good clearance in front of goal though.

Walker Zimmermann

YOU’RE SAD

He had solid tackles and clearances, he won the ball a lot and sometimes marked Memphis Depay well inside the box. He even attempted a late bike stunt. But he came back in the XI and did pretty well.

At 35, he has really established himself as a rock at the back. He won’t blow you away, but he was always strong and didn’t make a ton of mistakes. That’s really all you can ask for in what is a weak position for this team.

Antonee Robinson

YOU’RE SAD

One of the tournament players for the USMNT. His crosses in this one weren’t that good, but he was often the one to collect the ball and drive it upfield. But his game will be remembered as he allowed Denzel Dumfries to score the third at the far post, sitting completely unmarked.

Midfielders

It was the first match of the tournament where Adams didn’t shine brightly. The Dutchman’s passing was so efficient and quick that he was never able to really react and stop them. He is also at fault for the opening goal as Depay passed him and ended up completely unmarked for his well-taken goal.

I never started. It was almost as if he didn’t even play sometimes thanks to the way the Dutch were able to go on the attack quickly. Defensively he had a few moments but nothing too memorable. He made efforts to try to shut Depay down when no one else did.

Weston McKennie

United States • M

EVALUATION6.5

MINUTES PLAYED67

Really came to life in the second half before being taken off. His short passes were strong and were able to help move the ball around to try and create space for chances. He had a good second-half eyeball which he sent over the bar.

Attackers

Forgetful. Offered nothing, didn’t shoot when he had the chance, and the start was questionable by Gregg Berhalter. Hooked after 45 minutes.

Christian Pulisic

United States • M

EVALUATION7.5

MINUTES PLAYED90

This golden chance in which he missed minutes will haunt him. It could have completely changed the game. But to his credit, he kept fighting, landed some dangerous free-kicks and ended up getting an assist. He was clueless full time, obviously, but you can tell that will only feed him. Clearly, he was a superstar for that side and delivered on the lofts expectations on his shoulders.

He finally started to take a few cracks on goal when no one else would, putting in a fine shot on the frame in the first half that was saved well. Fade out a bit as the game continued to be substituted 67 minutes later. It was a solid tournament for him in what was a weak offense with low expectations.

Substitutes

Hey, he finally played! Came on in the second half for Jesus Ferreira but didn’t do too much. He created two chances but would have liked to be on the ball more.

Was introduced and displayed a first touch that could only be described as horrible. Still, he somehow scored on another bad contact, inadvertently placing him in the top corner in what was an odd streak. May have scored but wasn’t great.

Brenden Aaronson

United States • M

Created a chance in his cameo but occasionally turned the ball over. I never found myself in a really dangerous position.

Late sub who provided decent passes to keep the ball moving.

Came on in the 90th minute and had two touches.

Coach Gregg Berhalter

Playing Ferreira didn’t work. Do a single sub at the break either. He then took McKennie off while he was playing well. Sure, he could have been gassed, but the alternatives haven’t changed much. His team hadn’t seen an attack that could have cut you like the Netherlands, and they had to pay for their defensive mistakes. It was always going to be a tough game, however, and this tournament was overall a success. SCORE: 5