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U.S. evaluations

A noble, distinguished effort in defeat. U.S. soccer earned as much respect in this loss as in the victories over Portugal and Mexico and the tie with South Korea. The finishing touch and a dollop of luck -- e.g. the placement of German defender Torsten Frings' left arm -- were the only things missing. Frings apparently had a direct line to the big guy upstairs as he also sustained six fouls without committing any, but who's counting? Ultimately, German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn's magnificence decided matters. The United States outplayed a major power in a World Cup quarterfinal. Good stuff, Yanks. Staff writer Pete Young grades the U.S. players on a 1-10 scale.

F BRIAN McBRIDE, 5.5: Plays like a prototypical German, so maybe that undermined him. Supreme air target was largely neutralized by a team that specializes in high balls.

SUB CLINT MATHIS, 6.0: Entered in 58th minute and gave maximum effort, which he can't always say. Clever move, cross set up Tony Sanneh's heart-stopping header late.

F LANDON DONOVAN, 7.5: Denied on spectacular saves by Kahn on two first-half shots at the end of nifty runs. Dynamic presence in the first half, focus of German defense after that.

M EDDIE LEWIS, 4.5: Comedown from his eye-opening game against Mexico. Off target on multiple crosses. Clean look in the 36th minute hit right at Kahn. His mark, Miroslav Klose, rattled the post with a header.

M CLAUDIO REYNA, 7.0: Second straight top-notch effort. Calming influence, excellent distribution and nearly nailed a 50-yard plus shot with Kahn out of the net.

M JOHN O'BRIEN, 6.5: A stellar possession midfielder, O'Brien repeatedly won the ball and distributed to the attackers. Considered by some to have been the best U.S. player over the five games.

M PABLO MASTROENI, 5.5: Tough, smart, hard-nosed defensive middie did his job competently in his second straight start. Lack of speed, uncertainty in defense-offense transition lowered the grade.

SUB EARNIE STEWART, INC.: Entered in the 80th minute. Groin injury rendered him a bit player after his fabulous first half against Portugal. Likely the last World Cup for the 33-year-old.

M FRANKIE HEJDUK, 6.5: After struggling some in the first game, he found his form. Adjusted seamlessly to right midfield spot after playing left back in the opening three games.

SUB COBI JONES, 6.0: Entered in the 65th minute, had a few good runs and crosses and got pounded some, as he (and Hejduk) always do. Likely the last World Cup for the 32-year-old.

D GREGG BERHALTER, 6.5: Nearly brought the soccer world to a halt with his 50th minute half-volley that came within a few molecules (and the referee's discretion) of making history. Solid on defense.

D EDDIE POPE, 7.0: Put on a clinic at central defense until an unwarranted yellow card in the 41st minute made him tentative. Struggles helping on the outside, otherwise an anchor.

D TONY SANNEH, 8.0: Was the best U.S. player. Has an American right back ever done more in one match? If his just-miss header had connected and if his mark, Michael Ballack, hadn't scored, he would have been flawless.

G BRAD FRIEDEL, 5.5: Kasey Keller's muzzled supporters had their moment. The mongoose-like Keller likely would have smothered Ballack's header. Friedel wasn't threatened much as most German chances didn't require a save.

COACH BRUCE ARENA, 8.0: Cemented his legacy, for this World Cup at least, with a sterling effort. Hejduk's new role was shrewd. The lineup, formation and tactics were in synch. Well done.

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