USA vs. Ecuador, 2019 friendly: SSFC Man of the Match

The United States Men’s National Team beat Ecuador 1-0 Thursday night in Orlando in a match that saw the first full strength squad under new coach Gregg Berhalter. A goal on a deflection by Gyasi Zardes proved to be the difference, and the defensive effort was one that left Ecuador with only one shot off target for the match.

Because of that defensive effort, it was two players that lined up on the back line stood out for the Stars & Stripes FC community: Tyler Adams and John Brooks. Both were the only players with ratings above 7.000. In the end, Tyler Adams had the highest rating and took home the community’s Man of the Match award. He proved to be very successful at the hybrid right back/defensive midfielder role, locking down the right side of the field and providing cover for the wings and midfielders to press forward. He started out a bit timid but quickly settled into the role and excelled on the night.

The full ratings for the USMNT:

Sean Johnson - 5.987

Tyler Adams - 7.211

Aaron Long - 6.866

John Brooks - 7.057

Tim Ream - 5.454

Wil Trapp - 6.141

Weston McKennie - 6.034

Christian Pulisic - 6.203

Jordan Morris - 4.749

Paul Arriola - 5.962

Gyasi Zardes - 5.839

Michael Bradley - 5.048

Sebastian Lletget - 5.372

DeAndre Yedlin - 5.969

Cristian Roldan - 5.183

Jonathan Lewis - 5.182

Thoughts on Tyler Adams as the community’s Man of the Match? Hit the comments and discuss!