Cabral (GK) — 8: When you lose 2-0 and your goalkeeper is the highest-rated player on the team, you know you’re in trouble. Cabral was once again really good. At the end of the first half, he had a spectacular (and weird) moment where he came out of his box, barely got the ball with his head to prevent a looping chip, then barely got the ball again. I liked that moment a lot. But good word, that made me nervous. Sure, he didn’t do much for their second goal, but he was left with no real help.
Quinton (RB, off 45’) — 4.5: This guy is not a right back, and he doesn’t look to be a particularly good center back when he moves in more centrally. This team’s dogged desire to play a hybrid three/four backline means Quinton’s almost undroppable at this point, and that’s a real shame. I think there’s a good player here somewhere, but we’ve given him a really poor opportunity to show it.
Glad (CB) — 5.5: At some point, we need somebody to organize this awful defense. That’s got to be Glad, right? He should call up Nat Borchers and ask for tips, because it’s clear Quinton and Vera aren’t doing it.
Vera (CB) — 4.5: Got caught coming far out of position on Minnesota’s second goal to make a challenge that he ultimately lost. A very poor moment, as he gave himself no chance of catching up with the player. His run back was far too casual, too.
Junqua (LB) — 5: Had a nice run in the 55th minute that ended with a shot he should have at least put at the goalkeeper — Gozo’s cross was inch-perfect, and Junqua didn’t do enough with it.
Eneli (CM) — 7: Even when he’s having an off night, he’ll fight to win the ball back after an errant pass, and he’ll probably be successful. A rare bright spot.
Ojeda (CM, off 73’) — 6.5: Reasonably good midfield performance on the night.
Marczuk (RW, off 45’) — 5.5: Nothing of note.
Goncalves (AM, off 45’) — 5.5: Nothing of note. Poor free kicks on the night.
Luna (AM) — 6: Controlled possession well when dropping deep, but he was not the spark RSL needed. His teammates didn’t help in this regard.
Ajago (ST, off 45’) — 5: A poor showing from RSL’s apparent starting forward. He cannot win a header. It’s kind of wild.
Substitutes
Hidalgo (on 45’) — 5.5: Nothing of note.
Barea (on 45’) — 6.5: He looks bright and showed some really nice movement. It’ll be interesting to see if that continues.
Gozo (on 45’) — 6: He had one really nice cross that Junqua put wide, and he was at least active.
Brook (on 45’) — 6: I’m not sure why he hasn’t been playing, but he put up a good case for more minutes. And he got a yellow card for a poor follow-through. You win some, you lose some, right?
Ruiz (on 73’) — N/A: Not on quite long enough to rate, at least in that game state. Still, he showed some bite and desire, and the team didn’t shove him up at the 10 when he’s clearly better in a deeper spot.
Other
The match producers — 8.5: After some technical difficulties, they gave us a great 4-up view of the action — two closer views, two further views. We never get that. I loved it, even if the quality was not great. And it wasn’t intentional.
Wasatch Soccer Sentinel
