USMNT Player Ratings:…

For a brief moment, it seemed as though the United States men’s national team might settle for a draw against Germany. But then, Leroy Sané made his mark.

The veteran Galatasaray winger seized an opportunity to score the ultimate game-winning goal, leading to a 2-1 defeat for the U.S. on Saturday at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Let’s dissect the performances of the players and what this means for the team’s final preparation ahead of their World Cup opener against Paraguay on Friday.

Manager Rating (out of 10)

Mauricio Pochettino, 7 — He deployed a lineup that appears set to take the field against Paraguay, although center-back Chris Richards‘ injury status remains uncertain. Following an early goal from Germany, the U.S. regrouped and displayed a more confident structure, limiting the Germans to just one shot on target until Sané’s decisive goal, but ultimately struggled to respond offensively.

Player Ratings (0-10; 10 = best; 5 = average)

GK Matt Freese, 3 — Concerns arise regarding his positioning on Kai Havertz‘s goal that put Germany ahead 1-0. He managed a few long-range shots effectively, but Sané’s goal before the hour mark evaded him, leaving the U.S. behind.

RB Alex Freeman, 4 — His performance was somewhat inconsistent. Freeman faced challenges against Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz but became more involved in both defense and attack as the game progressed.

CB Miles Robinson, 3 — His early misstep came when he was outjumped by Havertz on Germany’s opening goal. While he showed some steadiness at times, he was ultimately exposed on Sané’s strike.

CB Tim Ream, 5 — Ream demonstrated more reliability than in the previous match against Senegal. He successfully disrupted German attacks but made a misstep during Sané’s goal.

LB Antonee Robinson, 7 — His spectacular volley from outside the box was a highlight for the U.S., despite later succumbing to cramp after a vigorous performance. While he struggled against Sané’s speed at times, he contributed significantly on the left flank.

CM Weston McKennie, 5 — The Juventus midfielder had his share of challenges, particularly with 50-50 balls. Nonetheless, he gradually contributed to the offense and added a physical presence throughout the match.

CM Tyler Adams, 5 — After a rocky start, Adams found his rhythm, making effective tackles that transitioned into U.S. counterattacks while actively working to retain possession or progress the ball forward.

AM Sergiño Dest, 4 — He was another player who struggled initially. Dest found himself involved in several attacking opportunities that faltered due to positioning and timing issues.

AM Malik Tillman, 4 — His contribution was a mix of subtlety and silence. While not heavily involved in possession, he engaged in quick passes that helped create space for the team.

AM Christian Pulisic, 7 — Once again, Pulisic was a constant threat on the pitch. His assist to Dest could have tied the game early, and his dynamic runs, particularly when shifting to the right flank, kept Germany on high alert.

ST Folarin Balogun, 6 — Monaco’s striker had a multifaceted performance. He was one of the hardest workers on either side, often shifting to left wing to add another layer to the attack, yet lacked substantial scoring opportunities like some of his teammates.

Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes do not receive a rating)

RB Joe Scally (on for Freeman, 72nd minute) — Registered a powerful shot that resulted in a corner.

CB Mark McKenzie (on for A. Robinson, 61st minute), 5 — Partnered effectively with Auston Trusty to limit Germany’s lead to a single goal.

CB Auston Trusty (on for M. Robinson, 61st minute), 5 — Aided the U.S. in maintaining defensive shape while trying to stave off the German attack.

LB Max Arfsten (on for Ream, 72nd minute) — Was exposed during an exchange that led to Nadiem Amiri‘s long-range attempt.

CM Sebastian Berhalter (on for McKennie, 61st minute), 4 — Contributed to the U.S.’s possession management, but failed to deliver the incisive passes needed.

CM Cristian Roldan (on for Adams, 72nd minute) — Like Berhalter, he was able to maintain possession but lacked the creativity to create a genuine threat.

AM Timothy Weah (on for Dest, 72nd minute) — His quick combination play culminated in a foul later in the match, which resulted in a yellow card, showcasing his effort down the stretch.

AM Brenden Aaronson (on for Tillman, 72nd minute) — Made a dangerous run from the left to the center, leading to the most threatening shot from the U.S. in the second half.

AM Gio Reyna (on for Pulisic, 61st minute), 4 — Reyna faced challenges similar to Tillman, remaining central to attack without being pivotal to the team’s offensive efforts.

ST Ricardo Pepi (on for Balogun, 72nd minute) — His opportunities were limited as the U.S. struggled to create significant scoring chances in the final third.