The Hex is Over

Well...that was awesome. The best game by far the U.S. has played under JK. The back was solid, the midfield competed for every ball like snarling dogs, and up front Jozy led the line and we played some of the most quick and inventive games I can ever recall seeing the U.S. play. Several players were given chances due to yellow card suspensions and everyone stepped up. I really think the U.S. is forming into a somewhat deep, legitimate team. Not to mention, we got the Mexicans throwing projectiles at opposing players and dropping more points at home. If Mexico is going to keep shitting the bed, U.S. is a lock for the top spot in the Hex...I'd say you can pretty much just book it now. The crowd in Seattle was awesome and the "fake grass," or whatever the hell that was held up well enough besides a few slips in the first half. Now onto the ratings...



Timmy - 8.5 - Was really only tested once late on and snuffed it out brilliantly. Aside from that, only had to deal with a few crosses. Brad played well in his absence but Timmy is still the unquestionable No. 1.

Brad Evans - 6 - Was beaten for pace a few times in the first half and had a couple of passes run astray. Cleaned it up in the second half but I wouldn't exactly call it an assured display.

Omar Gonzalez - 8 - Plays beyond his years, future captain I say.

Matt Besler - 7 - It's getting closer to the point where we can say that Gonzalez and Besler have solidified a partnership in central defense. I worry about his height sometimes but it was another solid performance.

Beasley - 9 - I gotta be honest, I had to look up how old he was...and I can't believe he's only 31. And pushing for a spot in his FOURTH World Cup next summer. He was awesome. Solid at the back and had several great runs forward. Should have scored the third in the second half but hit the post. He's made the LB spot his.

Fab - 7 -  Instrumental in the first goal. Quick and inventive. Sir Ian mentioned during the telecast that the US had scored 10 goals in the 3 games he's started, I can see why.

Cameron - 7.5 - I suppose I'd be nitpicking if I said I thought his passing was subpar at times considering the beautiful ball he played over the top to Eddie for the first goal. Had a job to do and did it well. Aggressively clogged up passing lanes.

Bradley - 8 - Similar to Cameron in that he was a rock defensively but also started several attacks with his pace and dribbling. Always improving. If Dempsey didn't have the armband I'd have given it to him.

Eddie - 7 - The hometown kid got his goal and it was a beauty. There wasn't an emphasis put on him offensively but he was always buzzing when he got the ball.

Cap'n Clint - 7.5 - Overall was more of a quiet game. But with the standards Clint has set over the past few games (7 goals in 7 before this game), any goalless outing would seem so. Still was important going forward and should have scored in the second half.

Jozy - 9 - MAN OF THE MATCH. Was a pure striker in every sense of the word. Got his goal and should have drawn what was a blatant penalty in the first half. Had a fizzing shot from outside the box that set up a shot for Clint and should have had an assist on a great pass when Beasley hit the post. His passing, hold up play and general touch were top notch. More please.