The U.S. Men’s National Team were defeated 2-1 by the Netherlands Wednesday afternoon, March, 3, in Amsterdam. It was the USA’s last match before head coach Bob Bradley names the roster for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. A crucial game, in other words, for “on the bubble” players. Some (DaMarcus Beasley) improved their chances, while others (Jonathan Bornstein) probably did the opposite. The lowdown:

Tim Howard: 9.5
Had he stopped the penalty kick that was awarded on Arjen Robben’s flagrant dive, Howard would have turned in a perfect game. Came up big at other times.

Stuart Holden: 7
First sub for the U.S. on account of a hard tackle from Nigel De Jong in the 31st minute. Holden was having a great game and looked dangerous. His injury was reported as a bruised shin but later revealed to be more serious; Holden could miss as much as six weeks as a direct result of the injury.

Damarcus Beasley: 7
Came on as Stuart Holden’s replacement. Did well getting upfield and even distributed a few passes. Beasley’s best moment was probably on the set piece delivering the assist to Bocanegra in minute 88.

Robbie Findley: 6
Showed some nice touch and control of the ball, but that was about it. Didn’t seem to be able to use his speed to any kind of advantage and was unable to connect with Jozy Altidore in any way that would have threatened the Dutch defense. The amount of time Findley got in this game seems to indicate that his spot for the World Cup is secure. Or does it?

Jozy Altidore: 6
Had some dangerous moments. Created his best opportunity with a ball off of his chest and a quick volley that went high and wide. Was able to hold and control the ball but struggled to make combination passes with his teammates.

Landon Donovan: 6
A below average game for Landon Donovan, who undoubtedly wants to forget his massive blunder against Tottenham. Was strong at times but had moments where he couldn’t be found at all.

Michael Bradley: 7
A solid game, but never really had a breakthrough. Expectations for him and Donovan are higher than they are for other players. Bradley gets a 7 over Donovan because Bradley seemed to have a little better control in the midfield.

Jonathan Bornstein: 3
Where to begin? First the penalty kick. Sure Arjen Robben embellished it, but everyone that’s his M.O. and Bornstein gave him the opportunity to use it. At least he wasn’t given an own goal later; Huntelaar’s shot was decent and the deflection it took from the Chivas USA defender totally froze Howard. Not totally Bornstein’s fault but then again he didn’t stop it either.

Carlos Bocanegra: 8
Great header at the end of the match. Without that goal there would undoubtedly be some very negative feelings toward Bob Bradley and his men (as opposed to just moderately negative ones). Solid play against one of the best attacks in the world. The U.S. captain showed leadership skills holding together a defense that was stretched at times, especially without Oguchi Onyewu.

Francisco Torres: 6
Had the best opportunity of the first half for the Yanks. His shot in the 34th minute barely cleared the bar. Disappointed that he came off after the first half as he was one off the brighter spots today.

Jay DeMerit: 6
Had a solid game. Didn’t stand out which is perfectly find for defenders. Held strong in the defense.

Jonathon Spector: 4
Decidedly below average, although not as badly victimized as Bornstein. But his speed (or lack thereof) against the Dutch was an issue.

Incomplete
Alejandro Bedoya came on late so it’s tough to give him a rating, but he and Bradley had the one really good attacking combination that was broken up just outside the box and led to a free kick. That set piece in return left Beasley with a clear view of goal. Goodson and Edu also made positive impacts coming from off the bench.

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