U.S. Men’s National Team manager Bruce Arena turned plenty of heads when his starting XI was released on Sunday evening. One of the biggest alterations that stood out was a three-man back line featuring Geoff Cameron, Tim Ream and Omar Gonzalez.
Outside of one lapse in defending on the Mexico strike, which was created through a brilliant counter attack, the back three was impenetrable. Cameron was the man whose play stood out the most, especially in the second half as the defender earned honors as SBI USMNT Man of the Match.
Whenever Mexico charged forward into the box, the American back line stood firm, with Cameron making plenty of key interventions. Cameron’s final display of astute defending came in the 92nd minute, when he stood in front of a cross and knocked it out for a corner that didn’t produce anything for El Tri.
The performance from the Stoke City man was even more impressive considering he was one of four players left in the starting XI from Thursday’s win over Trinidad and Tobago. To play that well with that little rest at altitude is an incredible accomplishment, even for the best professionals.
In addition to Cameron’s standout night in defense, Ream and Gonzalez were solid as they committed few mistakes against a Mexico attack loaded with dangerous attackers.
Kellyn Acosta also showed well in a major spot, one normally reserved for Jermaine Jones next to Michael Bradley. Bradley scored one heck of a goal, and almost notched a second impressive winner.
What did you think of Cameron’s performance? Who stood out as your Man of the Match?
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