by Jeff Dieffenbach

World Cup bound Ecuador put up a stronger fight than Honduras against the United States Men’s National Team, but in the end, the result was the same—a victory for the Red, White, and Blue. The US victory fueled by a first half Eddie Lewis strike was the first in nine tries against Ecuador, the previous six of which didn’t even include goals for the US.

In the end, though, this match was played for two reasons and two reasons only—to give the national side playing time together against a quality opponent, and to help determine just who this national side will include.

Take a look at the Dieffenbach selections then send us your selections be emailing the editors at opinions@soccer365.com

Tim Howard (goalkeeper), grade A: The Ecuador match marked the fourth in a row demanding only a single high quality save from the goalkeeper. Howard made his in the 33rd minute, reacting with his right leg on a point blank right side blast from Edison Mendez. The rest of Howard’s afternoon was housekeeping as he battles with Zach Thornton for the third goalkeeping roster spot (Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller having locked up the first two positions). Verdict: If Howard makes the roster over Thornton, it will be to gain understudy time watching Friedel or Keller from the bench.

Greg Berhalter (defender), grade A-: The busiest of the US defenders, Berhalter staked out the central defense as his own. Several touches left room for improvement, but by far the bulk of his day was spent frustrating Ecuador’s forwards and midfield with strong tackles and well-timed clearances. Verdict: Berhalter makes the roster with the potential to start.

Carlos Llamosa (defender), grade B+: Out of the action the past few matches, Llamosa played predominantly mistake free ball, but was overshadowed in number of chances by Berhalter. Competition for spots in central defense is strong and even—Llamosa needs to do more in the remaining matches to stand out from this crowd. Verdict: A toss-up, but Llamos is still on the outside looking in, behind Berhalter, Pablo Mastroeni, and Eddie Pope.

Jeff Agoos (defender), grade A-: Playing on the left side for the first time in a while, Agoos again displayed composure in relatively few defensive chances. As with the Honduras match, he made more of an impact on the offensive end, passing well, shooting once, and even taking an Ecuadoran player off the dribble. Verdict: Agoos continues to demonstrate the solidity that will have him starting in South Korea, apparently at the wing back spot.

Richard Mulrooney (defender), grade B+: Like Agoos on the left, Mulrooney was seldom challenged on the right. He needs more minutes and better opposition to make his case for the World Cup roster. Verdict: Mulrooney’s stock is rising, but not enough, as he stays at home this time around.

Chris Armas (midfielder), grade A-: Wearing the captain’s armband, Armas saw more duty pleading to no avail with disinterested referee Rodolfo Sibrian to keep his mates out of card trouble. Defensive midfield generally provides no end of opportunities to make crunching tackles and an indelible impression on opposing attackers—this match was an exception. That said, Armas did everything asked of him in providing a rock of stability in the central midfield. Verdict: No change since Honduras, as Armas owns the starting defensive midfield spot on coach Bruce Arena’s lineup card.

Landon Donovan (midfield), grade A-: After two goals against Honduras, Donovan’s play could only appear a let down, but he continues to show the offensive creativity on the pass that makes him a capable heir to Claudio Reyna’s attacking midfield throne. Just 20 years old, he is making good use of the weight room to bulk up a small frame that against Ecuador had him on both ends of yellow card tackles—Landon the enforcer! Verdict: Donovan’s adeptness at making others around him assures him a trip to the World Cup

Eddie Lewis (midfield), grade A: Score a goal, get a grade of A. Lewis one-timed a 21st minute left footer from twelve yards out off of a patient pass by Clint Mathis. Versatile enough to play wing midfield or defense, Lewis unleashed a quiver of his trademark driving, accurate crosses that make him a favorite of teammates. Verdict: Lewis is getting the looks and the results that should have him dusting off his passport this summer.

Cobi Jones (midfield), grade B+: Every match seems to have its invisible man—this time it was Jones’ turn. He did emerge once to deliver a long ball to Clint Mathis in the left corner that led to the goal by Lewis, earning Jones a “plus” on his grade of B. Verdict: Now in his eleventh year with the national side and the all-time cap leader for the US, Jones will have a chance to earn more in South Korea.

Brian West (midfield), grade B: An 82nd minute substitute for Jones, West was the only player to come off the bench for the US. Coach Arena appears to view him as a late game turbo charge (West played a similar, albeit longer, role against Honduras. West’s major contribution was hustle, coming up with few touches of note beyond holding the ball in the right corner to kill some clock. Verdict: West hasn’t delivered in his relatively scant minutes, and won’t be doing any international deliveries in June.

Brian McBride (forward), grade A: McBride’s unselfishness showed itself again, as he repeatedly dished the ball creatively to his fellow attackers. Shots were relatively few for McBride, excepting the one that he took from the feet of goalkeeper Jose Cevallos in a cartwheeling martial arts like move following a second half collision. Verdict: With Agoos, Armas, and Reyna, McBride is a lock for a starting spot against Portugal, South Korea, and Poland.

Clint Mathis (midfield), grade B+: With a patient assist on the Lewis goal and a long-range rifle shot later in the first half, Mathis should have earned an A. His none-too-subtle 58th minute retaliation for what he thought was a foul on McBride instead earned him his second yellow card, a trip to the showers, and only a B+ from this reviewer. While teammate may appreciate being taken care of, such obvious antics will quickly leave them a man down on the punishing world stage. Verdict: Mathis is simply far too effective to leave off the roster for one such transgression—punch his ticket for the final.

With the latest grades in hand, it’s time to consider how the final 23-man roster shapes up if the call were made today?

GOALKEEPERS (3): Friedel or Keller to start, backed up by Howard.

DEFENDERS (7): Agoos, Berhalter, Pope, and David Regis to start. Steve Cherundolo, Pablo Mastroeni, and Tony Sanneh as backups for the seven roster spots likely to supply the expected 4-4-2 formation.

MIDFIELDERS (8): Armas, John O’Brien, Reyna, and Earnie Stewart to start. DaMarcus Beasley, Donovan, Jones, and Lewis off the bench.

FORWARDS (5): McBride and Mathis to start. Joe-Max Moore, Ante Razov, and Josh Wolff in support.

Changes since last report card: None.

Outside looking in: Carlos Bocanegra, Jeff Cunningham, Frankie Hejduk, Jovan Kirovski, Carlos Llamosa, Brian Maisonneuve, Richard Mulrooney, Ben Olsen, Brian West, Richie Williams, and Zach Thornton.

With matches remaining against Germany, Mexico, Finland, Uruguay, Jamaica, and the Netherlands, there’s still time for players to make their mark, but with eleven starting positions and three times as many candidates, the time to impress is now.