Player ratings from ESPN.com
Player ratings (scale 1-10):
Tim Howard, 6 -- No fault on the goals, although maybe you could maybe nitpick that he could have come for the first goal-producing service. He claimed the crosses that needing claiming, gobbled up the efforts from range and got after his defenders at the right moments.
Drew Moor, 4 -- A few things good, like setting up the second U.S. goal and reasonably efficient passing. But he's on the hook for two huge boo-boos, as Jonny Magallon got by him for both Mexican goals. That's hardly what Moor needed in making a case to understudy for Steve Cherundolo.
Carlos Bocanegra, 6 -- Bob Bradley's preferred center back pairing looks more comfortable together with each match. The Fulham vet was sure in the tackle and never beaten over the top.
Oguchi Onyewu, 7 -- The big man did it all on the first goal, causing havoc by heaving a mighty throw-in, then powering his way up for a huge goal. At the other end, Onyewu is beginning to look less like a young project and more like a leader.
Ramiro Corrales, 4 -- It's tough to see him as the answer at left back, even temporarily. He looked uncertain all night, like he was always about to make a mistake. His foul led to El Tri's opening goal, and he was never a threat going forward.
Landon Donovan, 6 -- The one U.S. player who did something from wide spots. Caused some limited trouble with pace on the right side and set up Onyewu's goal. Still, as the team's go-to, you'd like to see Donovan hunt and probe and find the ways to influence big matches.
Michael Bradley, 4 -- Not the best night for Bradley, despite a confident and active start. Never exploited his specialty, the late run into the penalty area. A bit sloppy after the break. And like the rest of the midfield, never supplied the forwards enough to work with.
Ricardo Clark, 5 -- A pretty average night. Not bad. Not great. Nothing special. His passing was typically competent, but rarely incisive. Clark did what he does best: competed hard.
Bobby Convey, 4 -- The U.S. left midfielder contributed absolutely nothing to the match. Never linked with Corrales, couldn't run at people, lost some early battles with Castro and never got into crossing spots. With DaMarcus Beasley injured, he had a big chance to seize the spot.
Clint Dempsey, 5 -- Scored a terrific goal that was called back for offside. Doesn't have much chemistry with strike-partner Altidore, which isn't surprising given limited time together. A pretty quiet night overall.
Jozy Altidore, 7 -- Probably the busiest man on the pitch. Certainly didn't look out of place despite being the youngest of 22 starters and playing in a somewhat pressurized environment. His goal was a cracker. All in all a promising show from the youngster.
Substitutes
Benny Feilhaber, 6 -- Had a settling effect on a team that needed it, giving the Americans a little more possession. Did mangle one late, routine possession, which nearly proved costly.
Freddy Adu, 6 -- Set up one of the Americans precious few dangerous free kicks by going at two defenders. Provided a useful delivery on his one corner kick.
Eddie Lewis, 5 -- At 35 years old, he isn't the answer going forward at left midfield. On the other hand, he delivered exactly what you expect in 20 minutes: a couple of good tackles and reliable possession.
Maurice Edu, 5 -- Played the last 11 minutes for Ricardo Clark and got immediately into the physical battles and didn't back down.
