U.S. player ratings (cont.)

Maurice Edu (-, 6, 6, 6)
Average grade: 6

Introduced at halftime against Slovenia and after 31 minutes against Ghana, both to fruitful effect. Also started against Algeria with similar good vibes. He was easily the most effective of three men chosen to start alongside Bradley, sitting deep in a disciplined posture to help keep a strong midfield shape. Good (but not great) passing, and always handy on all the gritty little stuff. Got forward to score against Slovenia, although the goal was incorrectly waved off by a referee who was subsequently vilified for the decision.

Clint Dempsey (6, 5, 6, 6)
Average grade: 5.75

He was so close to crossing the finish line as a true difference maker several times. But as this is a bottom line sport, World Cup 2010 was perhaps a little less than it should have been for the Fulham man. Fairly or not, a lot was expected from him. His best moment was an unexceptional shot that Robert Green spilled infamously into England's goal. Dempsey came close to being the game-changing figure everyone sought, running at defenders when he could and caressing one off the post against Algeria. He also scored a little tuck-away goal in the group play finale, a strike incorrectly waved offside. Always battling, he spent a lot of World Cup 2010 on the ground or clutching his face after yet another tussle in the attacking half. He started in the midfield and was moved to striker at some point in each match; what might have been if Dempsey had been allowed to work into a match from the start as a second striker?

Benny Feilhaber (-, 5, 6, 6)
Average grade: 5.67

Found his place as halftime substitute in South Africa, entering at the break in three matches and producing a calming effect each time. Tidy in possession, he was also one of the team's best passers. Feilhaber was at his best over his first 30 minutes against Ghana, instrumental in helping turn momentum in U.S. favor, providing skill and a keen eye for what the game needed. Probably deserved a start somewhere along the way.

DaMarcus Beasley (-, -, 5, -)
Average grade: 5

Only got in for 10 minutes, against Algeria as the U.S. pressed late. Seemed to be a good presence around the U.S. camp, adding some veteran calm to the overall enterprise and happy to play his part, whatever that was.

Stuart Holden (5, -, -, -)
Average grade: 5

Seemed to do enough in a late appearance against England to justify another appearance, but that was the last we saw of the young Bolton man. As he's just 24 and seemingly on the rise, look for Holden to be a big part of the next qualifying cycle and, quite possibly, a key member of the 2014 World Cup effort (assuming the U.S. qualifies.)

Ricardo Clark (5, -, -, 3)
Average grade: 4

Looked nervous right off the bat against England, playing his part in the calamitous series of mistakes that led to the early goal. He did settle into the match from there and was given another starting opportunity, which may have been Bob Bradley's ultimate undoing. It's not a stretch to say that may be the decision that could cost Bradley his job, for the United States paid a handsome price for it. Clark was removed after 31 minutes, a sure concession that the rangy midfielder just wasn't up for the job on that day. Clark is a good player, and he'll have good moments ahead in the Bundesliga, but he'll be remembered for a having a critically bad World Cup.

Jose Torres (-, 4, -, -)
Average grade: 4

Bob Bradley stepped outside his comfort zone and gambled on Torres, thought to be someone who could unlock Slovenia's tightly packed defense. Instead, Torres struggled to move the ball forward, preferring lateral or negative passes. Plus, he just couldn't do enough to hold the center of the park defensively. He came out at the half and wasn't seen again.

Forwards

Jozy Altidore (5, 8, 7, 4)
Average grade: 6

Started with an average performance and finished without much sizzle, but he made his World Cup bones with two outstanding performances in the middle, big nights full of determination and elbow grease. He was an absolute handful against Slovenia, running at and turning against defenders and winning more than his share of aerial challenges. He punctuated the breakout evening by rising high, fighting off a challenge and providing the onrushing Michael Bradley with the critical setup against Slovenia. Most striking, the young forward was responsible for drawing five cautions against opposition defenders during the tournament. He didn't get a goal, but that was a tangible and substantial contribution.

Herculez Gomez (-, 5, 6, 4)
Average grade: 5

The last man invited to the camp did just what he should have in South Africa, kept his head down and worked his socks off when called upon. In the end, he didn't make a big impact (despite a couple of reasonable chances) but it wasn't for lack of effort in two appearances as a sub and one as a starter. He chased dutifully and worked his way around the field in his one start, against Algeria, although he was removed at halftime as part of a tactical adjustment.

Edson Buddle (5, -, 5, -)
Average grade: 5

Got a late appearance against England but did have 26 minutes to make a difference against Algeria. He fought his way onto the end of a Cherundolo cross but needed to do a little better, powering a header right at the Northern Africans' goalkeeper.

Robbie Findley (4, 4, -, 4)
Average grade: 4

The Real Salt Lake man was added to the roster for his fast feet, but speed without purpose or committed intent is fairly benign, as we saw. His game lacked the savvy and sophistication required at this level. Was that his fault? Probably not, but his grade and overall assessment suffers for it. In all honesty, Findley's appearance on this roster was telling, symptomatic of a side that just didn't have the striking capacity it needed.