The bigger question is why was Ricardo Clark anywhere near that field? I thought Edu played well last match, but for some reason he didn't get to start. And then Clark proceeded to have the worst 30 minutes I've seen in awhile. And having to burn a sub that early turned out to be huge.
The last 15 or so minutes of that match is why soccer will never catch fire in America. The acting from Ghana wasn't even that good, hell that one guy wasn't even touched when he laid down on the ground in "agony". That's frustrating to watch for soccer fans, but the World Cup fan was probably yelling obscenities at his TV because he has no knowledge of how common that crap is. Something needs to be done about the flopping, because it's gotten ridiculous.
DOUBLE BINGO.
The rules of FIFA are pathetic. Flopping and stretchers on plays where a guy just fell down? That's NORMAL in this arcade show.
Ricardo Clark sucks, and wouldn't make any other team roster, and Bradley starts him in this game? Really?
Also, Findley has no clue on how to score. Why would one expect him to learn how in this stage?
Here are the player grades from Carlyle at ESPN:
Player ratings:
(1-10; 10 = best)
United States
[URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/34158"][URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/34158"][URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/34158"]Tim Howard[/URL][/URL][/URL], goalkeeper, 5 -- Gave up too much of his near post on Boateng's goal. He was otherwise solid in his handling, parrying away a free-kick from Gyan in the first half. Could do nothing about Gyan's strike in extra time.
[URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/130986"]Jonathan Bornstein[/URL], defense, 6.5 -- Another strong performance. Conceded a bit too much space out wide in the opening minutes, but was solid with his one-on-one defending throughout the match.
[URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/121844"][URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/121844"][URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/121844"]Carlos Bocanegra[/URL][/URL][/URL], defense, 6 -- Was the Americans' most consistent defender for much of the night, yet he was victimized by his club teammate Gyan on the game-winner.
[URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/43948"][URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/43948"][URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/43948"]Jay DeMerit[/URL][/URL][/URL], defense, 5 -- Miserable first half, much better second. DeMerit failed to close down Boateng on the goal. He also misplayed a ball late in the first half that gave
Kwadwo Asamoah a great chance. Was much more composed in the second half.
[URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/21633"][URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/21633"][URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/21633"]Steve Cherundolo[/URL][/URL][/URL], defense, 5.5 -- Was given a torrid time by
Andre Ayew early but got forward more as the game went on. Overall, Cherundolo had an outstanding tournament.
[URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/39928"][URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/39928"][URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/39928"]Clint Dempsey[/URL][/URL][/URL], midfield, 7 -- Worked his socks off to spark the U.S. attack, setting up Findley with a clear chance in the first half. Was a handful when moved up top and won the Americans' penalty.
Ricardo Clark, midfield, 3 -- Started the same as against England, with a terrible early error that led to a goal. In this case he was stripped by Asamoah, which launched Boateng's run on goal. Being substituted after a mere 31 minutes summed up his night.
[URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/41952"][URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/41952"][URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/41952"]Michael Bradley[/URL][/URL][/URL], midfield, 6 -- Struggled initially against Boateng, but gradually came back into the game. The best U.S. chances often started with his tackles.
[URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/19107"][URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/19107"]Landon Donovan[/URL][/URL], midfield, 6 -- Was forced to help defend often in a bid to limit Ayew's influence. Wasn't that effective going forward in the first half, but grew in influence in the second, especially on set pieces. Tucked away a pressure-packed penalty by kissing it off the post.
[URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/75589"][URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/75589"][URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/75589"]Jozy Altidore[/URL][/URL][/URL], forward, 5.5 -- His good moments were undone by poor touches and decisions. He was more of a physical presence in the second half, and nearly scored while on his back in the 80th minute.
Robbie Findley, forward, 4 -- Failed to convert on a glorious first-half chance after being set up by Dempsey, and never really tested Ghana with his speed. Subbed at half-time.
Subs:
[URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/140173"][URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/140173"]Maurice Edu[/URL][/URL], midfield, 6 -- Solidified the midfield defensively, although his distribution was lacking at times. Still, he had more plusses than minuses.
[URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/66739"][URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/66739"]Benny Feilhaber[/URL][/URL], forward, 6.5 -- Provided instant offense and was denied by a superb save from goalie
Richard Kingson early in the second half. He was sharp with his touches as well and set up Dempsey for the penalty kick.
[URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/147447"][URL="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/147447"]Herculez Gomez[/URL][/URL], 5 -- Tracked back impressively, but offered only flashes offensively in extra time.