The United States reboot lurched forward a little bit more Friday night in New Jersey as the Americans fell 2-0 to Brazil at MetLife Stadium. A young, outmatched team acquitted itself well despite the scoreline.
Positives
The new era for the U.S., with an interim head coach still in charge, is largely about getting experience for a young group of players. Despite a massive talent deficit, the Americans didn't crumble against Brazil. The scoreline -- the result of a bad moment from Antonee Robinson and a questionable penalty call -- was not out of step with the balance of the game.
Negatives
A decided lack of attacking danger stands out as the most frustrating part of the evening for the U.S. The Americans' best chances came on set pieces, with Weston McKennie and John Brooks coming closest to putting the ball in the net. The lack of a playmaking force in the center of the field hamstrung their ability to threaten Brazil with anything but low-percentage crosses.
Manager rating out of 10
6 -- Dave Sarachan did his job -- he set out a young team, allowed them to try to get a grasp on the game and introduced substitutes with an eye toward building a book on the player pool as it currently stands. Any criticism of Sarachan amounts to nitpicking because of the low stakes and his own temporary status.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Zack Steffen, 6 -- Not at fault for either Brazil goal. Made a solid save in the first half that was parried into danger and a pair of necessary saves in the second half.
DF DeAndre Yedlin, 6 -- Defended well overall. Missed a few chances to provide dangerous service when pushed up the field into attack.
DF Matt Miazga, 6 -- Put in an encouraging performance despite being partially culpable on Brazil's first goal and whiffing on Fabinho in the penalty sequence. Played confidently with solid positioning most of the night.
DF John Brooks, 6 -- Not equal to Miazga, but close. Turned more than once by excellent Brazilian moves. Involved in the penalty call, but did not make contact. Played within himself.
DF Antonee Robinson, 4 -- A decidedly mixed bag for the very raw full-back. Handed Brazil its first goal by losing Douglas Costa. Beaten numerous times but showed attacking prowess and speed as well.
MF Wil Trapp, 5 -- Moved the ball well side to side, but struggled to get it up the field with accurate passing. Conceded the penalty for Brazil's second goal on a questionable call. Needed to be more active.
MF Paul Arriola, 5 -- Spent most of the night tracking Brazilians but did pass with reasonable accuracy. Was not able to create anything on the ball or via the cross from the wing.
MF Tyler Adams, 6 -- Worked sideline to sideline, covering ground, applying pressure and popping up in the attacking end when the opportunity arose. Missed just three passes on the night.
MF Weston McKennie, 5 -- Missed two of the best chances the US had on the night. Misplaced too many passes. Covered good ground but was unable to impact game with pressing.
FW Julian Green, 5 -- Provided a few moments of danger, particularly toward the end of the first half with an excellent left-footed cross. Played overly safe for most of the first half-hour and seemed unwilling to go forward.
FW Bobby Wood, 5 -- Limited mostly by the inability of the Americans to maintain possession. Worked hard, showed a solid first touch to retain the ball and bring teammates into the play.
Substitutes
MF Tim Weah, 6 -- Added a dynamic element to the left side when introduced. Showed ability to harry defenders high up the field to force errors.
MF Kellyn Acosta, 6 -- Energetic in just over a half-hour of play. Provided good set-piece service and had to give defensive interventions in limited time.
FW Gyasi Zardes, NR -- Missed on a headed chance late in the game but was otherwise a nonfactor.
MF Cristian Roldan, NR -- Missed a handful of passes in cameo appearance.
MF Marky Delgado, NR -- Touched the ball once and committed a foul in a short runout.