For the primary time in program historical past, america males's nationwide staff held Brazil to a tie. Gregg Berhalter challenged his staff after a lopsided 5-1 loss Colombia on the weekend and the gamers responded in model with a 1-1 draw in opposition to Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior and co. Other than Rodrygo's opening recreation for Brazil, it was Christian Pulisic's first-half equalizer and Matt Turner's 11 saves that grabbed the eye at Tenting World Stadium in Orlando.
Now it's time for the USMNT to regroup and put together for his or her Copa America opener in opposition to Bolivia on June twenty first. However earlier than we glance forward, let's replicate on how the staff fared:
Keeper: Matt Turner
Other than the distribution, Matt Turner was glorious. Made a whopping 11 saves – essentially the most by any American goalkeeper since Tim Howard's 15 video games Belgium to the 2014 World Cup – and I felt like every cease was simply as beautiful as the following. Perhaps Turner wanted a recreation to shake off the rust from not taking part in frequently Nottingham Forest. Extra of that and the USMNT might have an actual shot on the Copa America. He takes dwelling my participant of the match award.
Score: 8
For a passionate, unapologetic and knowledgeable dialogue of the USMNT and the state of the American recreation, take a look at the Name It What You Need podcast! Obtain and watch Name It What You Need on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!
Proper Again: Joe Scally
Joe Scally might have wanted assistance on protection at occasions, however who wouldn't when your job is to defend Vinicius Jr. Mixed with Tim Weah and Reyna, Scally was capable of hold Vini and the motion forward by profitable all three of his attracts. That is your Copa America beginning proper on the again and he’ll enter the match with confidence.
Score: 7
Middle again: Chris Richards
He had the odd second when he obtained a yellow card nevertheless it was overturned throughout a assessment to see if it was a pink, however Richards was stable for essentially the most half. There have been too many moments when Brazil had photographs on aim, however that was extra as a result of they didn't have that type of protect Tyler Adams in entrance of the protection than it was as a result of efficiency of Richards and Tim Ream who have been the place they need to have been typically.
Score: 6
Middle again: Tim Ream
Calm of their decision-making with out Ream's passing capacity, there are a number of conditions the USMNT is not going to get out of as they’ve been adamant about taking part in from the again. If it was a aggressive recreation, Brazil may need gone tougher on the centre-backs, however they did what they wanted to do.
Score: 6
Left rear: Antonee Robinson
After considered one of his most stunning video games for the USMNT in opposition to Colombia, Antonee Robinson responded properly in opposition to Brazil. He went ahead when he wanted to become involved within the assault creating joint possibilities within the staff together with Weston McKennie with three. However even then, Robinson didn’t neglect his defensive duties Raphinha it holds up properly in the course of the recreation.
Score: 7
mid-fielders: Yunus Musa
Yunus Musah rattled the crossbar with a shot within the first half and was unfortunate to not rating. Whereas nonetheless uncooked in lots of areas of his recreation, he will be the most unpredictable member of the USMNT midfield since Reyna. In a position to dribble from tight angles and win the ball again, Musah was capable of hold Brazil on their toes and deserved a aim.
Score: 6
Midfielder: Gio Reyna
It wasn't a basic Gio Rey recreation, however in some ways in which's a great factor. On condition that in the course of the World Cup incl Catarrh, has been engaged on enhancing his defensive work price since his day off on the World Cup in Qatar and it has proven. He made a sort out together with 4 ball recoveries as he was a continuing pest in midfield. It's clear that in opposition to the highest groups, Reyna must be on the sector. And if Tyler Adams isn't fairly 100% for the Copa America, then Reyna will probably be one of many first names on the staff sheet.
Score: 6
mid-fielders: Weston McKennie
McKennie did just a little little bit of every little thing when he appeared in assault and defence. Whereas it appears he might have finished extra with the ball at his ft, he nonetheless confronted Brazil – a troublesome draw for any participant. McKennie is at his greatest when he's on the ball extra, however he's made the many of the alternatives he's had.
Score: 6
Ahead: Tim Weah
Cut up between specializing in protection and being concerned in assault, Weah did a great job exhibiting what he realized taking part in at full-back. He was nonetheless capable of check Alisson with two photographs on course. As soon as the match begins, you'll need Weah to unleash on offense.
Score: 5
Ahead: Ricardo Pepi
In his first begin in 2024, Pepi had the thankless process of forcing Brazil into errors when taking part in from the again. Even when he didn't register a shot, that doesn't imply he didn't hit. Berhalter could have powerful selections to make about what to take up in opposition to Uruguay per attacker in the course of the group stage. Balogun ought to nonetheless be the popular choice in video games the place the People are favored.
Score: 5
Ahead: Christian Pulisic
He gained the free kick and buried it after just a little trick from the USMNT to idiot Alisson within the internet. Ingenious ending and nice work price from the staff captain, Pulisic might have boosted and assisted if it was a weaker opponent. Whereas there was room for enchancment, Pulisic led by instance within the rebound recreation.
Score: 7
Substitute: Folarin Balogun
Balogun had a shot coming off the bench however didn't see many touches as Brazil pushed for the profitable aim.
Score: 5
Substitute: Tyler Adams
After coping with a season-ending again damage, it's good to see Tyler Adams again and on the sector. Tidy in a small function, perhaps he can construct on that on the Copa America.
Score: 5
Change: Brendan Aaronson
He nearly had a match winner however Alisson denied him from shut vary. Precisely the type of efficiency you need from the bench.
Change: Johnny Cardoso
He got here to decelerate the sport and was additionally typically on the ball. He actually didn’t make a mistake in an vital look from the bench.
Score: 6
Change: Shaq Moore
He dedicated a number of fouls to carry Brazil off steadiness and likewise spelled Scally.
Score: N/A
Supervisor: Gregg Berhalter
Berhalter obtained the response he wanted from his gamers after 5:1. They huddled collectively and appeared way more fired up. This had shades in opposition to the World Cup tie England the place the USMNT absorbed the strain and in opposition to all odds obtained some extent. This isn’t a staff that may't match Brazil with out a little bit of luck. The truth that they accepted it and did what they might to maintain Brazil was a constructive.
Score: 7