G Tim Howard-5.5 - This was not one of Tim Howard's stronger games. He looked as uncomfortable as the entire team in the first half, and despite his save on Leandor Damiao in the first half looked pretty mediocre. 2 of Brazil's goals passed within a foot of Howard and on his better nights would have been saved.
D Fabian Johnson- 7.5 - Solid in defense, solid in midfield, and solid in distribution. Played the role that Brek Shea had played for the US previously and provided a spark and played with confidence.
D Carlos Bocanegra- 3.5 Did not step up and organize the defense. Was soft with the ball and along with Onyewu allowed too many runs on the inside to connect, and two resulted in goals.
D. Oguchi Onyewu 1.5- Gooch has quite a ways to go before he is completely match fit. He was a liability in defense all game long, allowed Pato's late goal by staying back from the offside trap, and looked
uncomfortable with the ball all game long. Even if he had scored the late goal I wouldn't have bumped him up much.
D. Steve Cherundolo- 5- Made some good runs and was one of the few US players who at least physically attempted to match the Brazilians. His chippiness with Marcelo temporarily distracted the Brazilian.
M Jermaine Jones- 5 -Did not have a strong game. His passing was not sharp, his defense was not sharp, and he was not mentally strong. Needs to show more strength in possession and attack.
M. Michael Bradley- 5.5- His position change in the first half really hampered the US attack. Bradley is much more offensive-minded than Edu and Jones and the offense flowed better through him. That being said, he was too passive with the ball other than his through ball to Johnson for the lone US goal.
M Maurice Edu- 5.5 - Showed well in the first half and hampered the Brazilians through the midfield quite often, but was nearly invisible in the second half.
M Jose Torres- 4.5- Showed some good skill on the ball, but didn't keep it long enough to do any damage. His first half shot was nowhere near the frame of goal.
M Landon Donovan- 6 - Donovan was dominated by Marcelo, but he was almost always alone in midfield with the ball. I think his aggressiveness was lessened somewhat by his lack of support in the midfield, but his corners and crosses were all on target, and he had a few good shots on goal in the game as well.
F Hercules Gomez-8- Man of the match. Was strong up front, drew fouls, held the ball, and when he had opportunities put the ball on goal and made the goalie play. His speed and tenacity really were a joy to watch.
Substitutes
M Clint Dempsey- 7- Made a big difference when he entered the game. Made several beatiful passes to Gomez and had a pinpoint goal taken away by a great defensive play from Thiago Silva. It will be great when the US is back to full strength again as the US really outplayed Brazil from the moment Dempsey came onto the field.
D Michael Parkhurst-5- overall a very average performance. Didn't do anything to hurt the team, but didn't really help them either.
D. Edgar Castillo-5- Nearly the same as Parkhurst, I don't blame him for Pato's late goal as he was in the right position holding the offside trap.
F Terrance Boyd- 5.5- Struck his only attempt on goal very well, but other than that wasn't very dangerous. His pace is something to be feared but needs better possession skills.
M Kyle Beckerman- NR- made a nifty move and won a corner kick late for the US, but wasn't in long enough to really impact the game.
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