The US Under-23 national team took a decent step toward Olympic qualification with a 1-1 share at Colombia on Friday night, but one can't escape the feeling that they could have achieved more.
There some standouts and some disappointments sprinkled around the formation, which gradually became more conservative as the visitors attempted to make an early Luis Gil strike stand up in the Barranquilla heat. Eventually, the US were punished for constantly backing into their own end, but they still managed to escape with an away goal and a solid result that most observers would have gleefully accepted before kick off.
Starters
Ethan Horvath (7) - Before leaving with a knock on the edge of halftime, the Molde FK netminder was strong. He made a pair of saves look easy, including a tricky one just before the US took their early lead. Horvath also made an important rush out of his area to clear on the late first half play that resulted in his injury.
Kellyn Acosta (4) - The FC Dallas midfielder-turned defender had a tough day, as he was constantly found chasing the play on his flank. Acosta was beaten by a few crossers, lost a mark on a late first half free kick and was eventually charged with the obvious penalty foul that allowed Colombia to tie the game.
Matt Miazga (4.5) - Sure, the Chelsea youngster provided some clearances and cover for teammates, but overall his showing was a letdown. Miazga was beaten on the ground a handful of times and a careless attempt to play the ball in the US area helped facilitate Acosta's penalty infraction.
Tim Parker (7) - The Whitecaps man was easily the coolest customer on the US back line. He made just about every clearance, steal and block that was required.
Eric Miller (5.5) - Like Acosta, the Montreal left back was often a step behind when Colombia attacked his corner. However, Miller's grade was rescued a bit when he came up with a big steal in his own area to kill a dangerous breach in the 71st minute.
Matt Polster (5.5) - The Chicago midfielder was often helpful when the US broke pressure, especially after the break, but he certainly could have offered more resistance in the defensive end.
Wil Trapp (5) - It was an underwhelming outing for the Columbus midfielder, who was much too easy to bypass at the gate to the US area and mediocre on the ball. There was also an unnecessarily cute attempt to touch-pass out of pressure that nearly caused a problem in the 79th minute.
Emerson Hyndman (7) - The Fulham midfielder shined throughout, even though he was tasked with playing deeper than usual. Hyndman repeatedly picked Colombian pockets and then sent the visitors in the right direction with his passes.
Luis Gil (6.5) - Much like the team in general, Gil's performance was pretty good when it could have been great. His forceful fifth minute finish found its way through to put the US ahead; if only his second golden chance had received the same type of effort, the visitors might have escaped with a victory. His restarts, on the other hand, were all disappointing.
Mario Rodriguez (6.5) - Though his touches were few and often far between, Rodriguez blended strength and mobility to give his teammates at the back some needed breathers. Most notably, the 'Gladbach II attacker teed up Gil's early goal with a pinpoint cutback.
Jordan Morris (6.5) - The Seattle speedster also enjoyed less involvement than he'd like, but did all the requisite running as a pressure valve for the US and caused a bit of trouble around the area despite being stranded up top far too often. His outside-of-the-boot cracker off the bar was inches from being an instant classic goal.
Coach Andi Herzog (6) - One might assume it would be hard to gripe considering the result, but the US game plan became too defensive as the game wore on and that timidity eventually helped Colombia break through for the equalizer. There has to be much more of an effort to hold the ball and play away from the US area in the second leg.
Substitutes
Cody Cropper (6.5) - The backup 'keeper almost immediately got into the act with a good stop. Cropper also impressed with excellent anticipation to squelch a Colombia attack in the 74th minute, but got away with a late dart off his line moments later.
Fatai Alashe (5.5) - It was a fairly unremarkable 24-minute sub shift for the Earthquakes man, who like most of his midfield mates, could have done more to close off lanes to the home attack.
Jerome Kiesewetter (5.5) - The 72nd-minute sub could have been more helpful in draining the clock, but he did make a couple of strong runs into the Colombia end.
