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USMNT player ratings vs. Mexico: Sullivan's star shines brighter
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- USMNT player ratings vs. Mexico: Sullivan's star shines brighter
The U.S. men's national team defeated Mexico 3-0 in an international friendly in Glendale, Arizona on Saturday, Oct. 3.
Mauricio Pochettino welcomed back more of his experienced players into the lineup against his side's rivals. He still involved some young players with Cavan Sullivan, Julian Hall, and Diego Kochen getting the nod.
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Hall rewarded his manager's faith by scoring in his third straight match to open his international career. He tapped in a mishandled ball by Raúl Rangel in the 28th minute to open the scoring. It would be the lone tally of the first half.
Mexico's second-half tactical changes did nothing to turn the tide in its favor. El Tri's frustration reached a tipping point after an hour when Rangel made another mistake to gift Sullivan his first-ever international goal to make him the youngest to find the net in USMNT history.
Soon after, Mexico was reduced to 10-men as Mateo Chávez was sent off due to reckless conduct. The Americans were able to easily see out the match with the man advantage, scoring a third through Malik Tillman.
The USMNT wraps up this extended international break with a friendly against Canada on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
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Let's take a look at how the U.S. players performed in the win:
USMNT player ratings
GK: Diego Kochen - 7.5
The Barcelona product got his chance and made the most of it, showcasing a plethora of skills that have watchers of this team salivating. His composure with the ball at his feet is certainly a highlight of his skill set. He was also able to put his shot-stopping on display as well with a second-half save. He may be a bit further out of the picture than some of the younger players, but it's clear to see his future is bright.
RB: Alex Freeman - 8
Not only is he playing with extreme confidence, he's beginning to learn the more nuanced side of the game. It's the little things he's added that have taken his game to the next level, like the perfect pass to Gio Reyna to help set up the USMNT's opener.
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CB: Chris Richards - 7.5
He is this team's rock and proved it once again. When he's fit and in form, he has a calming influence over the whole team. He helped keep Santiago Giménez quiet all night.
CB: Auston Trusty - 7.5
The job next to Richards is wide open as competitive matches approach. Trusty did nothing to hurt his chances of getting more looks in that spot in this one. He's not the most dominant or noticeable, but he seems to do the little things well.
LB: Antonee Robinson - 7
It was another above-average performance for Jedi, who added good value to the team on both sides of the ball.
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CM: Tyler Adams - 7
The new USMNT captain put in an admirable shift in the middle of the park, making it difficult on Mexico to get anything going in the danger areas. He also did a fine job of linking play from the defense to attack.
CM: Sebastian Berhalter - 6.5
Unfortunately, his goal streak comes to an end here, but he still showed some great grit against a Mexico side looking for a fight.
CM: Malik Tillman - 8.5
Tillman was an absolute dynamo, providing energy, composure, creativity, and final product. His work rate is second to none and he has the technical ability to back it up. He must be a dream for Pochettino to put in the lineup every chance he gets.
RW: Cavan Sullivan - 8
It what was easily the biggest match of his young career, the teenage phenom had a relatively quiet day until he pounced on a bad pass and scored a historic goal for the USMNT.
His moment of opportunity was seized brilliantly and he breaks a three-day-old record set by Mathis Albert to become the youngest scorer in program history.
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LW: Gio Reyna - 6.5
He won't be credited for an assist on the opening goal, but he did the heavy lifting to make it happen. Other than that highlight, it was another composed performance as he helped pull the strings all over the attack.
ST: Julian Hall - 8
Three matches as a USMNT player, three goals. It's a dream start for the youngster who still has a decision to make as far as committing to a national team. It's hard to get off to a much better start than this.
Sub: Yunus Musah - 7
After missing out on the World Cup, we've seen a completely rejuvenated Musah for both club and country. He's so good on the ball and brings a calming influence to the midfield whenever he's playing well.
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Sub: Justin Ellis - 5
He had a chance to either score or play in a teammate for a late goal but made a mess of the chance.
Sub: Peyton Miller - NR
He had one official touch. Not enough playing time to judge.
Sub: Brooklyn Raines - NR
Completed all of his passes in eight minutes, but not fair to give him a score.
Sub: Mathis Albert - NR
Late injury replacement.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USMNT player ratings vs. Mexico: Sullivan's star shines brighter
