The US men’s national team ended the 2021 round with the Gold Cup group game with a 1-0 victory against rivals Canada.
Shaq Moore opened the game with one of the team’s fastest goals ever and placed the ball past Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau after just 20 seconds.
After the early goal, Miles Robinson and James Sand kept up the pace by knocking on Canada’s door again and again. As the minutes went by and the game was decided, Canada began testing the United States’ defense and New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner but could not stop finishing.
Several Major League players took part in Sunday’s triumph and confirmed the progress and impact the league has had on American football as a whole. Sporting Kansas City home-grown player Gianluca Busio continued to draw attention to himself and was praised by USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter for another fantastic performance.
But despite the points and individual awards, Berhalter made it clear that there is more to be desired from the North American giants.
Here are the player’s ratings from USMNT’s victory.
Matt Turner vs. Canada 2021 Gold Cup / TIM VIZER / Getty Images
Matt Turner (GK) – 6 / 10- Turner did not fail, but in no way did he excel in any way. The American team’s offense ensured that Turner had the best view of the match, rather than playing an active role in the triumph.
Miles Robinson (CB) – 9/10 – Robinson received Berhalter’s praise after the match against Canada. The defender blocked all North American rivals’ attempts and denied entry on all counts. The Atlanta United star did everything that was asked of a player in his position without turning around.
James Sands (CB) – 8/10 – The New York City FC defender also captured USMNT’s head coach for his quick defense and solid position throughout the match. He led the defense with calm and stability. Walker Zimmerman (CB) – 5/10 – Zimmerman almost gave up the lead by committing a punishable foul. Even if the referee did not call, Zimmerman’s rookie game could have ruined the game for the United States.
Shaq Moore during his goal against Canada / John Dorton / ISI Photos / Getty Images
Sam Vines (LWG) – 7/10 – The Colorado Rapids player did a decent job of maintaining a solid and stable backline throughout the game, but given that USMNT led the attack for most of the game, the Vines could have hit the ball a little more.
Shaquell Moore (RWB) – 8/10 – The Tenerife player scored one of the fastest goals in USMNT history and found the net in 20 seconds. In addition to the goal, he played an important defensive role in the match, eavesdropping and redirecting Canadian players before reaching the box.
Sebastian Lletget (CM) – 5/10 – The LA Galaxy player left a lot to be desired in what was largely background performance.
Gianluca Busio (CM) – 7/10 – Busio is slowly becoming a favorite of Gregg Berhalter. Although he did not have a particularly outstanding moment, he learns to adapt to any position, making him a valuable player for USMNT.
Kellyn Acosta (CM) – 6/10 – The Colorado Rapids midfielder had two big runs before disappearing into the abyss, which gave him a mediocre rating. He helped set the winning goal in the first minute of the match, but failed to maintain speed and was eventually suspended.
Daryl Dike vs. Canada 2021 Gold Cup / John Dorton / ISI Photos / Getty Images
Daryl Dike (CF) – 7/10 – The Orlando City striker is a Romelu Lukaku in training. He has lots of potential and physical presence to influence every game he enters.
Gyasi Zardes (CF) – 6/10 – He may have just finished a shot on goal, but Zardes kept games in the Canadian half for most of his time on the field. He also contributed to defensive play before being relegated in the second half.
