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U.S. player evaluations

Come in from the ledge, American fans, we're not Argentine or French (or Portuguese). Upon further review, things weren't that bad in the 3-1 loss to Poland. USA dominated in shots (17-8), corner kicks (8-3) and possession (64 to 36 percent). Take Jeff Agoos off the field, which coach Bruce Arena should do against Mexico, and it's a 1-1 game. Nevertheless, the overall effort was middling and the attack often was out of synch. Times staff writer Pete Young grades the U.S. players:

F BRIAN McBRIDE, 5.0 -- He was not having a strong game, but Arena might have been better served yanking Clint Mathis and maintaining an air target. He's level-headed so expect him to bounce back.

SUB JOE-MAX MOORE, 6.0 -- Entered in the 58th minute and provided a blast of energy. Robbed twice, on a great save and nice defensive play. His long cross nearly led to a Mathis goal.

F CLINT MATHIS, 4.5 -- Presumably the Mathis movie will have to wait until after the next World Cup. His prime chance rang off the post, and he seemed lethargic/careless many times.

MF LANDON DONOVAN, 6.5 -- His nullified goal was the most significant play. Appeared to cleanly outfight the defender. Showed poise and skill on his "second" goal. Should stay on left side.

MF JOHN O'BRIEN, 5.0 -- Caught looking on Poland's opening goal. Fired away from outside but never hit the mark. Quiet for stretches after being a major presence in the opening two games.

MF CLAUDIO REYNA, 5.5 -- Usually his mind is a step ahead, but it frequently seemed a step behind. Still, had some nice setups. Along with O'Brien, must recapture top form vs. Mexico.

MF EARNIE STEWART, 4.5 -- Lacked the pace of the opener, when he played a great half before a groin injury. Came off early, so perhaps it still hurts. Beaten on the third goal.

SUB COBI JONES, 5.5 -- Had a few bad decisions/touches in his 31 minutes, but mainly was a positive presence. Delivered some nice, long crosses, and his hustle led to the U.S. score.

D FRANKIE HEJDUK, 6.5 -- His best game. His engine always is in top gear. Excelled in the open space during second half. Bad news: picked up a second yellow card and must sit vs. Mexico.

D JEFF AGOOS, 2.5 -- The pariah. Undermining the defense and sabotaging morale. Wiffed on a header off the corner, leading to the first goal; flat-out beaten to the spot on the second.

SUB DaMARCUS BEASLEY, 5.5 -- Came in sooner than expected (36th minute) when a leg strain mercifully felled Agoos. Played confidently at MF in 3-5-2 alignment but impact was limited.

D EDDIE POPE, 5.5 -- Was beaten badly once while covering the wing for Tony Sanneh, but otherwise played a solid game. Capable offensively in the air, he hasn't been a factor on set pieces.

D TONY SANNEH, 5.0 -- Slipped from his high standard: Out of position on the second goal; delayed reaction on rebound made him a bit culpable on the first; guilty on the penalty kick.

GK BRAD FRIEDEL, 5.5 -- Not to blame for the goals, but might have saved one had he been more aggressive on them all. Recouped with a few beauties, including snuffing another penalty kick.

COACH BRUCE ARENA, 4.5 -- The sheen is gone. Legacy at stake with his decision to continue playing Agoos. Team didn't adapt well strategically to come-from-behind role. Must regroup.

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