The United States started so brightly, but individual errors eventually cost them the points in a disappointing 2-1 loss to Under-20 World Cup opening foe Ukraine.
The US barely let their opponents get a whiff of the ball before a big mistake at the back was punished on 26 minutes. They quickly replied to pull level, but were unable to turn their large possession edge into grand chances and became increasingly disjointed when forced to chase the lead again after the break.
Brady Scott (6) — The goalkeeper couldn't really be blamed on either goal and had very little to do the rest of the night.
Sergino Dest (4) — The young Ajax right back showed plenty of drive when motoring forward on the right flank, such as when he played a key part in the team's lone goal with link touches in three different areas of the final third. However, his outing will mostly be remembered for the shocking gaffe dealing with an entirely speculative ball over the top that gifted Ukraine the opener.
Aboubacar Keita (6.5) — The Columbus Crew SC center back was solid in cutting some threatening Ukraine advances short.
Chris Richards (6.5) — For about 89 minutes and 55 seconds, the Bayern Munich II defender was as cool and cultured as cucumber sorbet at the back. Unfortunately, during those other five seconds he failed to attack a corner kick serve, allowing opposite Denys Popov to saunter in front of him for the winning header.
Chris Gloster (6.5) — The Hannover 96 prospect generally inhabited the right spaces and made the right decisions at both ends of the field, but sorely needed some better balls to run onto when he surged forward.
Chris Durkin (3.5) — The D.C. United midfielder put in an uncharacteristically poor shift that seemed to get worse as the game progressed. Simply put, Durkin authored far too many giveaways passing up the middle.
Brandon Servania (7) — The FC Dallas midfielder made the right run at the right time to bury the US goal, which was mighty important at the time. Servania also linked US rushes well, and their build-ups really suffered after he was removed.
Alex Mendez (6.5) — When Mendez was able to let it rip from outside the box, he scared Ukraine. Against a lesser goalkeeper, he might have bagged one or two. It would be preferable if the Freiburg youngster was more consistently involved around the ball, though.
Paxton Pomykal (7) — The FC Dallas playmaker was the best player on the field for most of the match, even if the US formation/tactics did him no favors. Pomykal had plenty of ideas, but sometimes lacked the execution or proper teammate cooperation to pull them off.
Konrad de la Fuente (4.5) — The winger was among the US players linking play on the goal build. Still, for most of his 84 minutes, de la Fuente was menacing without actually being effective in the final third.
Timothy Weah (5.5) — The speedster seemed to know he was miscast as the center forward, as he spent most of the game fanning out wide or dropping extremely deep to offer decent hold-up play. What he didn't do was get free in the box or unsettle the Ukraine center backs, and that presented a big problem. His grade was somewhat rescued by the smart set-up on Servania's goal.
Coach: Tab Ramos (4) — The boss definitely had his charges ready to play from the get-go, but some of his personnel maneuvers hurt the effort. It was demonstrably unwise to put Weah up top when he's much better served trying to get loose on the flank. Ramos also essentially cut out the attack's connective tissue when subbing out Servania. Sure, the players made some costly mistakes, but then so did their coach. The good news is he tends to get a lot shrewder as a tournament goes on.
Subs
Sebastian Soto (3) — For a guy already getting Bundesliga minutes, he gave the ball away much too cheaply with poor touches and passes. He'll enjoy far better days ahead.
Matthew Real (5) — The injury sub left back wasn't tested much defensively, but also was unable to match Gloster's adequate push up the wing.
Justin Rennicks (6) — The late sub was eager and willing as the US searched for an equalizer, but was unable to conjure the required magic.
