In their final tune-up before the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup kicks off, the US national team posted a solid 2-1 victory over friendly guests Ghana on Saturday night.
Though occasionally tested by the visitors' speed on the flank, the USMNT generally controlled the proceedings.
Brad Guzan (7) - The new Atlanta United netminder didn't have so much to do but came up big with a penalty stop just before the break. Guzan had no chance on Asamoah Gyan's perfectly placed free kick goal.
Graham Zusi (6.5) - Sporting KC's converted right back had an excellent first half on both sides of the ball, but was predictably exposed a bit when Ghana speedster Frank Acheampong switched over to his side.
Matt Hedges (7) - Aside from one poor second half pass in his own end that caused the hosts stress, Hedges shined at the back in his first US cap in nearly two-and-a-half years. In addition to cutting out a couple of dangerous crosses, he thoroughly blanketed young Ghana hotshot Raphael Dwamena.
Matt Besler (6.5) - The veteran defender was largely effective, racking up a team-high 16 total defensive stops. However, Besler made consecutive errors on the play that ended with Ghana being awarded a spot kick. After failing to hold the line ahead of the cross into the box, he then whiffed on a clearance attempt.
Jorge Villafana (5) - Largely because of Acheampong's hot wheels, the Santos Laguna left back endured his most trying US cap to date. Villafana was beaten for pace a few times, and eventually gave up the penalty with a shirt pull in the area. He did partially make up for his troubles in defense by helping to tee up the home team's opener with a nifty dribble maneuver and dish in the Ghana area.
Dax McCarty (8) - It was a terrific all-around outing for the Chicago midfielder. McCarty completed his first 27 passes on the way to 60 made out of 63 attempts. His incisive passing repeatedly made Ghana players look slow, which is no small feat.
Kellyn Acosta (7) - Though his restart serves were unusually poor, Acosta atoned by burying a clever free kick for his first US goal. It wasn't the FC Dallas ace's cleanest game on the ball, but he did some good possession work.
Kelyn Rowe (6.5) - The New England debutant could have used more touches, as he asked some troublesome questions of the Ghana defense in the final third.
Joe Corona (7.5) - In his first cap since 2015, the Tijuana midfielder made a strong bid to act as the central playmaker during Gold Cup. He often had the Ghana midfield running in circles, made some clever link touches to spur the US attack and won five free kicks in the away end. Despite not showing up on the score sheet, Corona was a major handful.
Paul Arriola (5.5) - Corona's Tijuana teammate caused some problems with his high pressure, including on the play that led to the first US goal. Other than that, it was a quiet night for Arriola, who again failed to do much defensively to help his wingback.
Dom Dwyer (8) - It was plain to see that the newest US forward came to play. He was a constant headache for the visitors' back line with his movement and got his just reward with a debut goal.
Coach Bruce Arena (7) - The boss' lineup construction proved to be solid, he got a good look at some new faces and enjoyed a nice win to boot.
Subs:
Gyasi Zardes (6) - The LA Galaxy man was solid in transition during his sub shift on the left flank.
Kenny Saief (6.5) - It was an encouraging debut for the Gent attacker, who displayed some nice technical skills and decisions in just 19 minutes of action.
Alejandro Bedoya (6.5) - The USMNT veteran caused some trouble from the right flank during his 18 minutes. Most notably, he was cruelly denied an insurance tally on a back post header.
Jordan Morris (6.5) - The Seattle forward got loose to serve up the (gasp!) pinpoint left-footed cross that saw Bedoya robbed.
Omar Gonzalez (-) - A mere cameo for the Pachuca man.
