Well, it did get ugly...for Ecuador.
Donovan had an outstanding second half, and the entire team played much better. Bringing Bradley in did wonders for the composure in the midfield. The way the US is set up personnel wise they should probably go with a 4-5-1 as their base formation. Donovan as an attacking midfielder is the best option. No one else in the player pool could sit in that midfield role and provide good enough service. Plus he can make great runs and finish. Putting him up front makes him too dependant on service that will never come.
Fulltime Grades:
Howard 6 - Not much to do in the second half.
Bocanegra 4 - No glaring errors. Beat for pace a couple times early.
Onyewu 6 - A couple of nice stops in both halves.
Conrad 4 - Can play better.
Cerundolo 4 - Beaten for pace early. Did better in 2nd as Ecuador wore down.
Donovan 8 - Great hat trick. Would have been a 9 were this a non-friendly.
Dempsy 4 - Looked a little rusty out there. Couple Nice moments.
Beasley 4 - Much better second half after disastrous first. Lost a half step?
Feilhaber 4 - Less noticeable in second half. That was good and bad.
Johnson 3 - Some work. Too timid.
Ching 4 - Puts his body in harms way, linked up well with Donovan on a goal.
Of the subs only Bradley gets a grade:
Bradley: 6 - Really settled down the midfield. Nice impact.
Donovan had an outstanding second half, and the entire team played much better. Bringing Bradley in did wonders for the composure in the midfield. The way the US is set up personnel wise they should probably go with a 4-5-1 as their base formation. Donovan as an attacking midfielder is the best option. No one else in the player pool could sit in that midfield role and provide good enough service. Plus he can make great runs and finish. Putting him up front makes him too dependant on service that will never come.
Fulltime Grades:
Howard 6 - Not much to do in the second half.
Bocanegra 4 - No glaring errors. Beat for pace a couple times early.
Onyewu 6 - A couple of nice stops in both halves.
Conrad 4 - Can play better.
Cerundolo 4 - Beaten for pace early. Did better in 2nd as Ecuador wore down.
Donovan 8 - Great hat trick. Would have been a 9 were this a non-friendly.
Dempsy 4 - Looked a little rusty out there. Couple Nice moments.
Beasley 4 - Much better second half after disastrous first. Lost a half step?
Feilhaber 4 - Less noticeable in second half. That was good and bad.
Johnson 3 - Some work. Too timid.
Ching 4 - Puts his body in harms way, linked up well with Donovan on a goal.
Of the subs only Bradley gets a grade:
Bradley: 6 - Really settled down the midfield. Nice impact.
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