The United States men’s national team did what it wanted — and had — to do Wednesday night in Port of Spain

September 9, 2009, 9:41 pm

Player Ratings: U.S. vs. Trinidad and Tobago

By Jack Bell

The United States men’s national team did what it wanted — and had — to do Wednesday night in Port of Spain, defeating Trinidad and Tobago, 1-0, to pocket another 3 points on a march that seems likely to end in South Africa for next summer’s World Cup.

With two games remaining in the final round of qualifying in the Concacaf region — at Honduras and against Costa Rica, both to be played next month — the U.S. has 16 points.

On Wednesday, nothing came from five U.S. corner kicks in the first 20 minutes, and the American team sat back and took some jabs from T&T. The Soca Warriors actually had the better scoring chances in the first 45 minutes and have only the crossbar and a couple of good saves from Tim Howard to blame for not taking the lead.

But the often languid Ricardo Clark connected on a swerving shot from 30 yards out midway through the second half for the only goal.

Final note: Has anyone ever heard a more original rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” than the version in Port of Spain played on the steel drums? Those guys deserve an honorary 10.

Final Score: United States 1, Trinidad and Tobago 0

The Ratings (on a scale of 1, diabolical; to 10, world class):

U.S.

Goalkeeper

Tim Howard
Came out smartly to snatch the ball from Edwards in early going. Has the crossbar to thank for stopping Cornell Glen’s terrific chip midway through first half. Chance came from some lax play in U.S. defense on a T&T throw-in. Good positioning, made the saves he is supposed to make. Grade: 7

Defenders

Jonathan Spector
Marking closer than in last Saturday’s game, but that’s not saying much. Played big against a smallish T&T striker. Grade: 5

Oguchi Onyewu
Returned at center back after a one-game suspension and replaced Marshall. A redwood in the center of the U.S. back line. Grade: 6

Carlos Bocanegra
Looked awkward at the most inopportune times. Grade: 5

Jonathan Bornstein
Actually ventured forward once or twice, but appears to be keeping the position warm for a guy like Edgar Castillo — the American, Mexican, American again left back. We shall see. Grade: 5

Midfielders

Michael Bradley
For all his experience overseas in the Netherlands and Germany, he should be a more dominant figure in the middle of the field for the U.S. Restraint is not serving him well. Grade: 4

Ricardo Clark
Back in the starting lineup, replacing Feilhaber. Caught looking on a cross for a Jones header that Howard had to stop on the line. One decent long diagonal ball in the first half. Tracked back well, but break-out passes do not seem to be there. Just when it seemed he was headed to the subs’ bench, lashed a shot from 30 yards, taking a pass from Donovan, to put U.S. ahead. Goal saved the game … and his grade. Grade: 7

Landon Donovan
Good aggressive run in first 10 minutes … but pushes the ball too far. Picked up another assist, his third in two games, on Clark’s goal. Again seemed to be one of the few U.S. players really exerting himself. Hit a deflected pass from Holden first time in the second half, but over the bar. Grade: 7

Clint Dempsey
Good player, great skill, but gives away way too many balls. When are we going to see the Dempsey who plays week in, week out for Fulham in England? Seemed to come alive — a bit — when Altidore left the match. Grade: 4

Benny Feilhaber
Replaced Altidore in 63rd minute. Patient, holds the ball well, then makes useful passes. Grade: 6

Stuart Holden
Replaced Dempsey in 82nd minute. Always seems to know what to do when he gets the ball on the flank … cross it, cross it and cross it again. Grade: 6

Forwards

Charlie Davies
Overcame leg contusion, which forced him out of the El Salvador game in the second half, to start in Port of Spain. Right idea in shooting from distance. Pace makes him dangerous, just not dangerous enough against T&T. Grade: 5

Jozy Altidore
Used body well in early going to hold off defenders. In 27th minute, again shielded the ball and unleashed a blast from 30 yards on goal that was pushed wide. Replaced by Feilhaber in the second half. Grade: 6

Brian Ching
Replaced Davies in the 77th minute. Grade: 5

Coach

Bob Bradley
Two changes from Saturday’s starting lineup: Clark replaced Feilhaber in the midfield, and Onyewu returned at center back for Marshall after a one-game suspension. Bradley stuck with his shaky wing backs — Bornstein and Spector — from the El Salvador game.

Quick start the coach was hoping for did not materialize. Took off Altidore and inserted Feilhaber, hoping for some better ball control in the center of the field, with Dempsey pressing forward. Grade 5

Substitutes/Did Not Play