The United States under-20 men's national team has defeated France 3-2 on Sebatian Soto's two goals and Justin Rennick's game winner. The USA took the initial lead before falling behind 2-1. The French dominated possession and shots on target, but the Americans survived and played well on the counter attack. I rate each American player's performance in this round of 16 performance before they move on to battle Ecuador in the World Cup quarterfinals on Saturday.
Goalkeeper
Brady Scott - FC Koeln - Bundesliga 2
Rating: 3
Scott, while not the reason for either goal, displayed awful positioning and terrible reflex on the first French goal which he should have been able to stop. His laziness to get back in goal off of the rebound off the post for France's second goal proved backup goalkeeper David Ochoa might have been the better choice.
Defenders
Chris Gloster - Hannover 96 II - Regionalliga
Rating: 7.5
Gloster played very well pushing up the left side of the pitch and played dangerous balls through to his attacking teammates. Gloster was also able to show off his dribbling abilities versus the slower French defenders, and he showed why he is a key part to this national team.
Aboubacar Keita - Columbus Crew - MLS
Rating: 3.5
Keita was the reason for both French goals as his footwork on the first goal allowed the French attackers to run right past him, while his indecision whether or not to attack the ball on the second allowed French winger Moussa Diaby to steal it away and outrun him to the free shot on goal which ultimately rebounded straight to Nabil Alioui who put it in the back of the net.
Chris Richards FC Bayern II - 3. Liga
Rating: 6.5
Richards silently did his job most of the game until the USA had to make their final stand in the last ten minutes of the game. Richards shut down opposing strikers and wingers which allowed the US to move on to the quarterfinals against Ecuador.
Sergino Dest - Ajax - Eredivisie
Rating: 9
It is hard to tell which was more impressive: Dest's defense or his offense. On offense, he consistently pushed up the wing and made key impacts for the US attack including a bullet from long range that bounced off keeper Alban Lafont's hands straight to the feet of Justin Rennicks who put it away for US's third and final goal of the game.
Mark McKenzie - Philadelphia Union - MLS
Rating: 3.5
McKenzie came in as a sub for Soto in the late game to try to prevent a French goal with around seven minute remaining in regular time. McKenzie then fouled French star Mickael Cuisance right outside the American box, but fortunately for him and the US, the referee didn't see it.
Midfielders
Paxton Pomykal - FC Dallas - MLS
Rating: 5
Pomykal had an okay game. He was not involved too much with play, but he did make some valuable stops on the defensive side. However, he gave the ball up too often on his runs towards goal.
Brandon Servania - FC Dallas - MLS
Rating: 5.5
Servania dropped back and played more of a defensive role in the midfield, and he played well. His short passes found their mark more often than not, and he regained possession for his side well enough.
Richie Ledezma - PSV Eindhoven - Eredivisie
Rating: 9.5
Ledezma started the game as an attacking midfielder and played very well making threatening runs that forced the French center backs to step up before he killed them with through balls. His through ball to Sebastian Soto for the Americans first goal of the game was flawless, and he was dangerous in his attacking role the whole game. Later, he moved back into a more defensive center midfield role, and his passes were precise and visionary.
Forwards
Sebastian Soto - Hannover 96 - Bundesliga 2
Rating: 9
Soto netted two of the US's goals in clinical fashion and has proven himself to be the US's best number 9 so far. He has now scored 3 goals in his last 4 matches at this World Cup, and he could be the one to take the reigns from Jozy Altidore on the senior team in a couple years.
Timothy Weah - PSG - Ligue 1
Rating: 8.5
Weah's incredible pace allowed him to stretch the French defense, and he passed the ball well across the middle to set up great chances for his teammates. Weah has developed into an absolute star.
Ulysses Llanez - VFL Wolfsburg u19 - German Youth League
Rating: 8.5
Llanez came on for de la Fuente and then subsequently showed why he should have started the match. He nearly hammered in a shot from considerable distance before using his skills and passing display to help secure the victory for the Americans.
Justin Rennicks - New England Revolution - MLS
Rating: 7.5
Rennicks scored the game-winner after Sergino Dest's bullet shot bounced off the hands of French goalkeeper Alban Lafont. Rennicks ran well and gave full effort since coming on as a substitute, and his passes were crisp and dangerous through balls for attacking partners Soto and Weah.
Konrad de la Fuente - FC Barcelona Juvenil A - UEFA Youth League
Rating: 2
De La Fuente's World Cup is hopefully over. For USA fans everywhere, I hope it is. De la Fuente, deemed the next American star, has been horrific. He consistently dribbles into two or three defenders and loses the ball. It is very rare that he passes, but he excels at giving up possession.
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