Netherlands Soccer Star

By IVES GALARCEP

It was as crazy a game as the U.S. Men’s National Team has played in recent memory, with the kind of stirring comeback that surely had U.S. fans excited at the potential of a young team not given much of a chance.

By the time the final whistle blew on the USMNT’s 4-3 victory against the Netherlands, it was easy to feel good about the performance, even though it was definitely far from perfect.

The immediate impact of Jurgen Klinsmann’s second-half substitutions helped turn the tide in a match the Americans trailed 3-1 at one point, but as compelling and promising as the three-goal rally was for the U.S. attack, it should not be forgotten that the Dutch could have scored five or more goals on the day.

There were plenty of positives to go with the defensive negatives, and for a rundown of some of the key points to consider from the match you can read my Goal.com breakdown.

For a closer look at how all the U.S. player fared against the Netherlands, here are the SBI Player Grades for the match:

USMNT 4, Netherlands 3: SBI PLAYER GRADES

BRAD GUZAN- (6). The U.S. goalkeeper couldn’t do much on the three Dutch goals, but made some key stops, including a crucial one in the final moments.

TIM CHANDLER (4.5). Though he got forward at times, it’s tough to give Chandler much better given how much he was torched by Memphis Depay. Now it should be noted that there isn’t an American fullback who wouldn’t have suffered the same fate, but for a player who has yet to show he can be a consistent and reliable defender for the U.S., it felt like a missed opportunity.

JOHN BROOKS (5). From a defensive standpoint, Brooks left plenty to be desired. Carried part of the blame on the first two Dutch goals, and looked uncomfortable at times. His grade received a boost courtesy of his excellent interception, run and finish on the second U.S. goal.

VENTURA ALVARADO (4.5). Had some good moments, and didn’t look shy, but positioning needed to be better on a couple of occasions, such as on the Dutch team’s first goal. Only had 45 minutes in his first pairing with Brooks, but he was active and his passing was efficient. He should get another look against Germany.

BREK SHEA (4.5). Better in the first half than the second half, Shea provided a threat getting forward at times, and used his pace to hep deal with a few dangerous moments. In the second half he simply didn’t apply enough pressure on Dutch wingers, who were allowed to deliver a steady stream of service.

ALFREDO MORALES (4.5). Not nearly productive enough in central midfield, saw little of the ball and didn’t do much to pressure the Dutch.