USMNT player ratings: Tyler Adams solid; Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah not aggressive enough in Panama loss

They are nightmares from Copa America again as the United States lost 1-0 to Panama in the semi-final of the Concacaf Nations League who will see the competition for the first time in its history. The United States were able to create opportunities, but again Panama were a thorn in the side of the USMNT. Some struggles were expected without the full USMNT -swimming pool available due to injury, but the worries around the depth are still there because the road to 2026 World Cup is going well.

The USMNT used an unconventional XI during the game with Yunus Musah who works like a right wing again, but let’s be about how everyone performed during the game.

Goalkeeper

Matt Turner

Cry • GK • #30

Matt Turner could have been in a chair for most of the game, but the finish of Cecilio Waterman was well placed, making it almost impossible to save.

Defenders

Joe Scally

US • D • # 26

Joe Scally had some good moments overlapping with Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah on the wings, but he was not alert enough for Waterman who got the ball and rides at the net of the United States. Playing from his position on the left, but another moment when Antonee Robinson is missed.

Tim Ream

CLT • D • #3

Another steady version of Tim Ream for defense. He did nothing particularly flashy, but he didn’t make any big mistakes to hurt his team. If the USMNT only had a younger reach.

Chris Richards

Cry • D • #26

Tyler Adams had to clean up after errors when Chris Richards sometimes struggled in possession. Had to leave the game after he was beating while he was on a yellow card.

Midfielders

Yunus

US • M • #6

Musah is perhaps too versatile for his own good, because although he was well put under pressure for the USMNT, it would have been fun to see someone with a better last ball on the wings to make deliveries in the box.

Tyler Adams

BOU • M • #12

The man of the competition for the USMNT. It was so good to have Adams back on the field to wipe mistakes. Everyone had hoped for a better result, but the return of Adams is so important for the future of the USMNT.

Tanner Tessmann

US • M

It was not a bad achievement of Tanner Tessemann, so the match of deep remains, it is just that he is not the man who splits the lines against a team that is deep. The balance between midfield did not suit him.

Weston McKennie

JOV • 1000 • # 16

Weston McKennie came in good areas for the USMNT and created some opportunities, but unable not to take those who fell to him. It is another problem with the balance between midfield, because although McKennie is many things, there is not a 10 of them.

Ahead

Christian Pulisic

MIL • M • #11

It is understandable that Christian Pulisic plays a bunked defense and it is understandable that Christian Pulisic would struggle to get from shots, but there is not enough to take one throughout the game. He struggled to find the game sometimes and when that happens, the USMNT does not have much hope.

Timothy Weah

JUV • F • # 22

Tim Weah did what he could do to create opportunities from broad areas, but just like Pulisic he had to shoot more during the competition. Someone who is usually not shy to shoot from somewhere, it could have given Panama something to think about.

In what felt like a big chance for Josh Sargent to take a step forward in his search to become the starting striker, he only touched the ball eight times on his one shot. It is not Sargent’s fault that the USMNT struggled to break down the defense of Panama, but he needed more support.

Replacement

Jack McMlynn

Hou • M • #21

Came from the bank cards and brought another dynamic to midfield.

Patrick Agyemang

US • F

It could be a night to remember for Patrick Agyemang with two chances to win the game. His impact was good, but he has to finish the chances of going up the ranking of nines.