Canada 0 – 0 United States
While many south of the border would be lamenting Tuesday night's performance, north of the 49 it was more of a huge sigh of relief knowing Canada still has it in them to put forth a motivated performance. With Jurgen Klinsmann being vocal that the United States would be putting on an eye-opening display at the expense of Canada, as the game wore on it became more and more likely that the defence that struggled three days earlier wasn't going to break.
Much credit has to go to Colin Miller and the approach he took after the lacklustre game against Denmark. Reinforcing what needed to be done and keeping in perspective what these two games are about, which is gaining experience for the younger players in the player pool, would have made it easier to focus on the right mentality going into the game against the U.S. which would have been on of discipline and unwavering commitment to grinding out a performance.
Canada's defenders stood out the most, as Dejan Jakovic especially looked very solid at centre back and gives Canadian supporters hope that if he can remain healthy and puts in the games with DC United, could become a viable first choice. Nana Attakora, who has struggled over the last year and a half, carried himself like we saw in the World Cup Qualifiers and gave a glimpse that he could still develop into a senior team player.
It was the youth once again that was most important in this game, as Kyle Bekker, Russel Teibert, Simon Thomas, Ashtone Morgan and Doneil Henry all logged important minutes. While some, like Bekker and Thomas, looked good, and Morgan and Teibert had trouble linking effectively on the left side, for now the display is not important and neither is the result, as positive as it was.
Looking ahead it will be an interesting few months as come March it would be unlikely Colin Miller will return to duties with FC Edmonton in the midst of their 2013 preparations. Up against Japan with another friendly appearing to be in the cards, Canada might look to their European based players for these games and it will be another test to see who can stand out enough to be considered through the rest of the year.
The key to the ratings, as seems to be the logic on a scale of 1-10, is not to view it as a “grade”, as in a 6 would be a 60 or a C. The formula is that each player begins the game with a 5 and is the equilibrium from which their performance either improves or degrades moving in increments of .5.
Here is the breakdown of the starting XI:
Simon Thomas – 5.5
Thomas was not tested often but was on point the few chances that did make their way to the goal line. His outstretched save on Wondolowski at the 18th minute was well taken. There were some shakey moments that simply go down to inexperience with regards to communicating with his defenders and distribution, but overall he was good between the posts.
Nik Ledgerwood – 5.5
A match that proved Ledgerwood's flexibility being able to do well at right back for the first half, and advance more in the second half. Definitely left it all on the pitch on this night with a good workrate being busy for the entire ninety minutes.
Dejan Jakovic – 6.5
Jakovic showed his influence early on and kept pushing throughout the game. Physically asserted himself and willing to commit his body in order to stifle countless US attempts on goal, Jakovic demonstrated if he can remain healthy, could become a reliable performer on Canada's back line.
Nana Attakora – 6
Good to see Attakora bounce back after a tough game on Saturday that saw him and Henry struggle to maintain composure and discipline. This game looked more like his U23 displays where he was perfectly capable against the Americans, and on Tuesday night against some of MLS's best, gave an indication if he can get back to San Jose, could become a solid player in the league again.
Ashtone Morgan – 4.5
There were few players who struggled on this night, but Morgan unfortunately was one of them. His linking up with Teibert was inconsistent and the inability to be comfortable with his right foot got him in trouble countless times. Another good outing for experience, but a night where Morgan will need to rewatch and improve on some awkward situations.
Terry Dunfield – 5
A short night for Dunfield and not as busy an outing as against Denmark where he got quite a few more touches and influential deliveries in the attacking third. Was unquestionable in his commitment to get stuck in and still provided the needed veteran presence in the middle, and would have like to see more minutes to see if he could have done more in this match.
Jonathan Beaulieu-Bourgault – 5
Beaulieu-Bourgault was a good in the midfield and although he did not stand out like Bekker over the match, did well considering he has been without a club for some time. Hopefully these appearances can get him on board and on the field with more regularity to keep providing Canada some depth.
Kyle Bekker – 5.5
A very positive performance for Bekker who still has yet to show any kind of deadly delivery, but is very tidy in the midfield and appears to have good vision and calm on the ball. A few moments where he really could have made a difference came up short, with a poor set piece delivery in the last ten minutes, and a poor pass to Stinson coming down the right side, are forgiveable considering these were his first two games playing in a senior game.
Russell Teibert – 5
The left side was one of the weakest areas of the pitch and while Teibert was dogged in his battles with Beltran and solid on his set piece delivery, in open play wasn't able to bring much needed creativity or strong possession in the midfield.
Tosaint Ricketts – 5
Ricketts best work was off the ball where he looked to have been given clear instruction of his role on this night, and he executed it well. Tracking back defensively he was deep in Canada's end for nearly ever American attack, and still found the energy late in the game to win balls back and push deep into the U.S. zone to win a corner.
Dwayne De Rosario – 5.5
It wasn't an overly-influencial game for De Rosario, but given it's his second start since September, he looked comfortable and capable against the U.S. Always a threat in all positions, his shot in the 5th minute, and header down the stretch proved he can fade in and out of games, hemm himself into the sidelines, and still pop up when it counts to threaten on goal. Keeping him in the squad will be essential this year to have the wild card in the attack.
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