It wasn't pretty, but, a win is a win. A good start which saw most of the possession in favor of the American's was nullified by a torrid Jonathan Bornstein clearance which fell to Rodolfo Zelaya who found Christian Castillo who out jumped Jonathan Spector and beat Tim Howard who was already cheating to the back post. But the US got back to basics following the goal, and it took ten minutes for Landon Donovan to find Clint Dempsey on a perfect cross which Dempsey finished clinically. Then four minutes after that Donovan found Jozy Altidore with another perfect cross and Altidore's snapped header flew past Miguel Montes. The second half followed the same script as the first, with the US dominating possession but did get caught with numbers up field a few times giving El Salvador chances, the most threatening of which Tim Howard did well to stop. Here are my player ratings for the game:Tim Howard (6): Didn't have a lot to do for the duration of the match and should have done much better on El Salvador's opener as he cheated towards the back post. Did very well to stop a late equalizing chance.
Jonathan Spector (6): Though we saw his best play at the Confederations Cup and thought he could only improve, Spector took a step back in this match. He got forward well but his service wasn't as sharp as we've seen. Didn't play bad enough to lose his spot however.
Chad Marshall (6): Played as well as could be expected, however, you could tell just by watching that the US missed Onyewu in the middle. Held firm though and was good in the air as always.
Carlos Bocanegra (7): The US captain earned his keep with his leadership and timely intervention on several El Salvadorian chances. If DeMerit returns to fitness he'll slide over to that troubling left back slot again.
Jonathan Bornstein (4): Shaky, at best. It was his poor clearance that led to El Salvador's goal. Needs to learn that at this level you can't just kick it and hope for the best. Provided none of the service from the left flank that he was touted was going to do. Count me in as one who cannot wait for Castillo's clearance to play.
Clint Dempsey (6.5): Another on and off performance from Dempsey. Great goal, but should've scored at least two more, still getting caught in possession in the middle of the field to much as well. But his header was glorious.
Benny Feilhaber (6): A decent performance from Benny. He didn't do much wrong and gave the team some much needed possession in midfield. Defended valiantly as well.
Michael Bradley (7): A much improved performance from the Mexico game, plays much better with Feilhaber on the field. Got forward well and sprayed passes around with accuracy and precision.
Landon Donovan (8): This is Landon Donovan at his best. He was running from the first minute until the 93rd minute. Taking on defenders, shooting from outside, and providing precision crosses. Not to mention the two pin-point assists to Dempsey and Altidore.
Charlie Davies (6.5): So dangerous when running at defenders. His pace gave El Salvador fits all night. I'm hearing the injury is not serious so hopefully he'll be able to go vs Trinidad and Tobago.
Jozy Altidore (7): If he can see the field at Hull on a consistent basis he'll improve mightily from this performance. But you can tell he's learning to hold the ball up and his touch is improving. Great aerial skill on his header, perfectly snapped past a helpless Montes.
Stuart Holden (7): Came on and gave Bob Bradley exactly what was needed; hustle. His deceptive pace and excellent crossing ability gave El Salvador's tiring legs fits late on and he was nearly rewarded with an assist for his efforts.
Kyle Beckerman (5): The hometown hero did not impress me in the least. His touch was off, he was nervous, and unprepared for the situation. Luckily it didn't cost the US. Won't be called up once Edu returns to fitness and Jones is finally able to suit up for us.
Jose Torres (6.5): Oh only if he'd been able slam home Holden's perfect cross. It was no fault of his own though, Montes made an excellent save.
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