Spain Defeats US 1-0

In a hard fought game by both sides, the host team eventually walked off the pitch as the victors. The US played with more pride than in the England game, and had a few nice opportunities particularly in the first half, but Spain controlled much of the game. After some halftime changes the US went into defensive mode and showed very little offensive power. The only goal came when Xavi took a pass from Fabregas and dribbled by Bradley and Onyewu and slid the ball past Brad Guzan. Fear not, the US shall get their revenge when domestic side NY Red Bulls face FC Barcelona this summer...

For Spain I thought Fabregas showed his quality nicely, assisting on the goal and quietly making the right decisions to maintain possession and spread the defense. Xavi looked strong with the impressive touch and dribble to score. Fernando Torres was a marked man, but with limited opportunities showed why he can be so devastating as he managed a nice half-volley on target in the first half with what seemed like zero space to get a shot off. For those who will note I predicted 2-1 with goals by Torres and Villa, Villa sat out with an injury picked up in training.

As for doing my best to give the American players a grade on their performance, here we go:

Tim Howard: B Was solid when called upon, had one spill on a tricky cross but recovered well to get the ball out of danger.

Steve Cherundolo: C Solid game from the veteran, but was limited in terms of getting forward and providing service. Was subbed off at halftime again, this time in favor of Frankie Hejduk.

Oguchi Onyewu: B Was a beast winning balls in the air, combined with Bocanegra well to limit the chances for Torres. Lateral agility was exposed a bit on the goal from Xavi.

Carlos Bocanegra: B- See Onyewu, with the exception of being caught napping on a ball into the box early. Howard bailed him out.

Heath Pearce: B I thought the left back looked solid all game and did well getting forward to make Spain's midfield work back some. Personally I think he is our best left back option.

Michael Bradley: C Improved first half compared to the England match. Looked a bit slow as he tired in the second half. Earned a yellow and was dangerously close to a red for repeated fouls late in the game.

Maurice Edu: C- Quiet first half, a bit better in the second but did not leave any mark on the game.

Clint Dempsey: C- Another mediocre performance from the flamboyant winger, he needed to make himself more available to have an impact. He did draw a foul that may have been worthy of a red card if the ref wasn't so clueless.

Freddy Adu: B+ Very nice first start for Freddy. Very active in the first half and was not afraid to go at Spain. Created a nice opportunity and drew some decent free kicks. His inspiring play was brought to an end when he was subbed out at halftime with an apparent foot problem from a Puyol stomping.

Eddie Lewis: B- The vet did what he needed to do offering defensive support when needed. Narrowly missed on a free kick opportunity.

Eddie Johnson: C Even this grade is generous. He wasn't awful, but he was just there is about all I can say. Some smart plays to maintain possession, but plenty of turnovers as well. Had a goal called back after an Adu throughball as he was 2 step offsides. Perhaps a bit more active than we've grown accustomed to, but he had a pair of 1 on 1 chances where he slapped the shot with his purse.

Subs:

Brad Guzan: C+ Looked ok, did well to avoid a rebound on a long range blast. Didn't think he made himself big enough on the goal, although I wouldn't say he goofed, he simply failed to come up big.

Frankie Hejduk: B I was concerned when he came on, but his tackles were spot on and he nearly saved Bradley/Onyewu as he hurried over the challenge Xavi on the goal but was shrugged off.

DaMarcus Beasley: C An uninspiring half for Beasley as he continues to wear off the rust on his return to action. I complain about Donovan's set pieces, but I missed him greatly on corners today!

Josh Wolff: C- He was subbed in? Virtually invisible the final 20+ minutes, did little to atone for his silent night at Wembley.

Pablo Mastroeni: Inc. Came on for the final 5+ for Dempsey (great offensive sub when down a goal late...) as Bob Bradley tried to appease Pablo and the Colorado Rapids as he called in Mastroeni for this friendly then didn't really use him.

Did you catch the game? Share your thoughts... happy with the improved effort? How about the players, agree with my ratings, hate my ratings? Think the US is on pace to beat Argentina on Sunday (who just now finished thrashing Mexico 4-1 led by a brace from Messi)?