The US men’s national team comfortably passed an easy test in their first ever Concacaf Nations League group phase match, drilling a weakened Cuba, 7-0, at Audi Field Friday night.
The home team raced out of the blocks, putting a first half 6-spot on the board by generating cutting moves from wide locations. Jordan Morris and Weston McKennie ran wild for a while, and then departed at intermission as the USMNT safely backed a win into the garage.
Brad Guzan (6) — With the team in front ruling play, the US netminder had next to nothing to do.
Reggie Cannon (8) — The FC Dallas right back was a constant attack nuisance in the opening frame. When he wasn't releasing Morris, he was creeping forward to chalk up two assists. Cannon was rarely busy at the other end, but allowed no funny business when he was.
Matt Miazga (6) — Aside from a second half passing mistake in the US area, the Reading defender was adequate.
Tim Ream (7.5) — The Fulham veteran is suddenly grabbing hold of this left center back slot, at least until John Anthony Brooks is fit. Ream won his challenges on the rare occasions when Cuba played forward directly and offered some strong lead passing to the flank.
Daniel Lovitz (7.5) — The Montreal Impact left back provided more impact in this game than he had in is first 10 US caps combined. Lovitz was the picture of solidity, especially in supporting rushes from the left. It was his cross that earned the spot kick for the team's only second-half tally.
Jackson Yueill (8) — One could actually form an argument that the San Jose midfielder was the best US player in the first half. Yueill put on a passing clinic, repeatedly unlocking Cuba with long diagonals, splitting balls into zone 14, sneaky slip passes to the area... whatever the team needed. He even won some balls in midfield, but was more conservative after the break.
Cristian Roldan (7.5) — Acting as the attack's utility worker, Roldan performed an array of positive tasks in, and moving toward, Cuba’s end.
Weston McKennie (9) — Putting away his three goals was a matter of doing simple jobs in a simple manner. The art to McKennie's hat trick was how he constantly drove into Cuba's area at the opportune moment. Though the US spent so much time building play out wide, the Schalke regular made himself available for midfield link duty when necessary. If he can now shine in this sort of advanced box-crashing role against tougher foes, it would have a favorable domino effect on the rest of the first unit.
Jordan Morris (9) — Cuba simply could not put a lasso around the Seattle winger, who ran loose time and again to put up a goal and three helpers in just 45 minutes. Morris has had some good games on the left, and this time he was even better on the right.
Christian Pulisic (6.5) — Most of the real fun happened across the field from him, but that was in part due to Pulisic's gravity; the defense shades toward his side, opening spaces elsewhere. While the playmaker got his wheels revved up a few times, his biggest impact came from a penalty conversion as cool as Jean-Paul Belmondo in a hat.
Josh Sargent (7) — The kid striker ruthlessly lashed home one finish, but was annoyed after putting another good chance over late. Sargent had a decent night in the hold-up game and often opened avenues to pass behind by pulling a central defender out.
Coach Gregg Berhalter (7.5) — The team was organized, in sync and came out with intention that paid off. If I had to nit-pick, it would have been nice to stay on the pedal longer.
Subs
Paul Arriola (6) — Playing in front of his home D.C. United fans, the halftime sub had his moments.
Tyler Boyd (6) — Though unable to find the space Morris did, the right wing sub was functional in the build.
Sebastian Lletget (5.5) — The LA Galaxy man came close to making something happen a couple times, but loose handles let him down.
