US Strikes Late, Earns 2-1 Win Over El Salvador

Leave it to the US to give its fan yet another dramatic ending.  In the rain and slop of Raymond James Stadium the US attacked aggressively and defended valiantly, but it was the visitors who struck first in the 59th minute on a brain fart from right back Brad Evans, who looked to attempt to head the ball back to keeper Nick Rimando, but failed to connect properly and Rudis Corrales slotted past a helpless Rimando.

But the United States didn't slack.  They continued to push forward, amassing 18 total shots over the match, compared to only 3 for El Salvador.  The US finally broke through 16 minutes later, after Heath Pearce attacked down the left flank and sent in a rocket cross which found the head of Brian Ching who powered a header off of Miguel Montes' hands and into the corner. 

The match looked to be headed towards a draw when another brain fart, only this time in the El Salvador end, would decide the match.  Sacha Kljestan crept up on the blind side of a Salvadoran defender and stole ball as the defender stood flat footed.  Kljestan then played a nice one-two with Brian Ching and then slotted home as cool as you like two minutes into stoppage time.

Player Ratings:

Nick Rimando (5.5)- Not much to do and the goal was entirely Brad Evans fault.

Brad Evans (5)- Played decent enough around the gift of a goal, but that brings his score down.

Clarence Goodson (7)- The lone foreign commodity on the US roster has pushed his way into and locked down the 4th CB spot in my mind.  Made tackle after tackle and was good in the air both in defense and on set pieces.

Jonathan Bornstein (6)- A strange start in the central defense, but played well enough, but did play another overhead kick, which worked...this time.

Heath Pearce (6.5)- Pearce has put his name back in the conversation for LB time with a dominant performance on the flank and even showed off a few moves.

Robbie Rogers (5.5)- Tried to attack but someone needs to tell him that he's not some hybrid Ronaldinho/Robinho, needs to learn how to pass and finish.  Did hit some long range shots and delivered good set pieces.

Sacha Kljestan (6.5)- His grade goes up for the awareness on the winning goal, but other than that he had two other chances that he easily could've buried.

Kyle Beckerman (6)- I think Beckerman caps out against CONCACAF competition.  Didn't hear his name much, but didn't do anything wrong.

Brad Davis (5.5)- With a lot to prove to get him in contention, he couldn't quite shine like he does in Houston.

Robbie Findley (5.5)- Had one good attack all game and needs to learn to shoot when given the chance.

Conor Casey (5)- The Honduras match sinks further into the depths after last night.

SUBS:

Brian Ching (7)- Was active, running, drawing fouls, and got the goal he deserved.  Good first game back for the Big Aloha.

Eddie Gaven (6)- Attacked well and drew a lot of fouls, but if he and he Crew teammate could finish there would be no need for the late game heroics.

Dax McCarty (NA)- To be honest, I didn't even know he came into the match.

Geoff Cameron (NA)- The Dynamo man gets his first cap and nearly made it a dream when his shot went just over the crossbar.