USMNT World Cup Player Ratings vs Wales: Tyler Adams stands out as Walker Zimmerman’s error costs USA

The United States men’s national team put in a far from consistent performance in Monday’s World Cup opener as they drew Wales 1-1. The Americans looked great in the first half, although they didn’t create many chances when Tim Weah scored, but it was a different story in the second half as Wales took control and had Gregg Berhalter’s team on the ropes while Gareth Bale scored a penalty. That, of course, came after the biggest mistake of the game when Walker Zimmerman unnecessarily knocked down the LAFC man in the box and gave up the game-changing penalty.

But how did he and all the other Americans play? Here are our player ratings:

goalkeeper

Matt Turner

USA • GK • #1

The Arsenal goalkeeper had absolutely nothing to do in the first half and arguably wasn’t breaking a sweat. In the second he made a fantastic save against Ben Davies in the 64th minute. Couldn’t do anything about the penalty but was handed a rocket shot.

defender

Sergino goal

United States • Germany • #2

Picked up an early yellow card but it was tough. On the ball, his touch was wrong at times, but he was solid for the most part. There were moments when his defensive positioning was questionable.

Walker Zimmerman

United States • Germany • #3

Tough and reliable, at least in the air, it clears some dangerous balls out of the box that could have caused big problems. On the ground it was a different story. His foul on Gareth Bale to give up a penalty was reckless and surprising. He knew immediately that he had made a serious mistake.

Tim Riem

US • Germany • #13

Did well with Bale early on by looking up high and he was always composed. Maintained good positioning late in the game and certainly deserved more minutes. But don’t be surprised if he doesn’t play against England as he’s on a yellow card.

Antonia Robinson

US • Germany • #5

EVALUATION6.5

MINUTES PLAYED90

A real ray of light. Strong when the ball is played forward. He moved well, connected well with his teammates and helped create chances. Conquered the ball well and always seemed prepared.

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midfield player

Tyler Adams

USA • M • #4

The best player on the pitch. The captain was cool and composed. Always played smart, checked the ball, gave directions to those around him and set a good example. He had a late tackle on Bale that was pretty impressive. He is the heart and soul of this team.

Yunus Musah

USA • M • #6

Lively, who on a few occasions broke the lines with his runs to get the attack going. He would have liked to have been more involved but his chemistry with these guys is growing and it’s obvious. It wasn’t consistent, but we have to remember that he’s only 19.

Weston McKennie

USA • M • #8

It wasn’t McKennie’s best performance, as an early card limited how aggressive he could be in offense. His passing wasn’t at his best and he was never really involved in attack. However, a feat like this should only spur him on.

Forward

Josh Sargent

US • F • #24

With his first good chance he hit the post, headed hard on the near post. Was crucial on goal with his hold-up play, allowing Christian Pulisic to get the ball and go. Somewhat faded as the game progressed but still put in a good layer.

Christian Pulisic

US • M • #10

EVALUATION7.5

MINUTES PLAYED90

Moved well into space and showed that speed to pick up the ball from Sargent and feed Weah on the opener. He’s been pushed around quite a bit so it will be worth watching how he recovers over the next few days. But his support was massive.

Timothy Weah

US • F • #21

EVALUATION7.5

MINUTES PLAYED88

Did well early on with limited touches down the right flank but grew as the game progressed, scoring the opener with a beautifully executed shot just after the hour mark. His diagonal run was excellent and he finished it with class, certainly deserving more minutes if he went forward.

substitute

Brenden Aaronson

United States • M • #11

Adds just a bit of dynamic ability. His spins into space are superb and he gave this team some juice they couldn’t take advantage of. He probably should have gotten more than 24 minutes.

Haji Wright

US • F • #19

A solid little shift highlighted by a good move to head a ball towards the back post that ended up not being dangerous. But his large frame and ability to shield the ball can be an advantage when used correctly.

Kellyn Acosta

United States • M • #23

His performance will be remembered by the yellow card he picked up against club-mate Bale. The Welsh star had caught Turner off his line and was looking to score from midfield. Acosta didn’t give him a chance and attacked him like he was playing the other football. intelligent game.

DeAndre Yedlin

USA•D•#22

A late sub who cleared the ball once and won his only ground duel. Had a few chances to put the ball in the box but didn’t make much of it.

Jordan Morris

US • F • #16

A late sub who had three touches and was not a factor.

Coach Gregg Berhalter

He had this team ready… to play 45 minutes. It was a good start for her and the energy was there. They played the ball smart and never gave up anything. In the second it was like they were playing to hold on and it hurt them at the end. Why not be a little more aggressive? That’s not to say they played scared, but it was way too conservative, especially after the hour mark. RATING: 6