Soccer America’s player ratings for the U.S. under-20 team in the Americans’ 1-1 tie with Ukraine in their World Youth Championship Group C finale Saturday, June 23 at Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza, Argentina: The draw, coupled with Chile’s 1-0 victory over China in the second game of the doubleheader, left the U.S. squad second in Group C and facing a second-round match Wednesday, June 27 in Buenos Aires. Goalkeeper D.J. Countess: 4. Another terrific performance … until the end. Owned his box, cleaned up teammates’ mistakes, made the big saves when required, then let Denis Stoyan’s 90th-minute free kick, from 35 yards — “a save I make 10 of 10 times,” he said — slip through his hands and into the net. Chile’s late goal negated the effects of GK’s miscue. Defenders Oguchi Onyewu: 6. Right back came up big in the air, of course, but he was whistled for fouls that gave Ukraine free kicks from just outside the U.S. box. Biggest contribution: two long throw-ins into the Ukrainian box, the last one headed home by Arena. Kelly Gray: 5. Last-minute replacement for Alexander Yi, who came down with stomach flu before the match, did a decent job denying Ukraine chances most of the match. A few poor passes and one major error, not going after a long ball to which Olekci Byelik beat Countess, heading it just over the crossbar. Nelson Akwari: 7. U.S. captain’s best performance of the first round. Repeatedly thwarted Ruslan Valeev, cleared dangerous balls from the box, and made just one error, enabling Valeev’s late blast that Countess turned aside. Ricky Lewis: 6. Back in action thanks to Philip Salyer’s bout with the flu. Outstanding first half on the left, well-positioned, strong defensively and good with the ball. Faded a bit as the game wore on, but vast improvement on his performance against Chile. Midfielders Kenny Arena: 7. Defensive midfielder waged a strong battle in a contentious midfield, providing bite the U.S. lacked in first two encounters. Decent with the ball — his supposed weakness — and great in the air in the Ukraine box, with a superb finish on Onyewu’s 39th-minute throw-in to give the Yanks an advantage that lasted until the 90th. Brad Davis: 4. Not enough space to suit right flank’s tastes, and provided far more on defense than on attack. Seldom went forward and wasted best chance, firing high when Buddle was in position to his right. Bobby Convey: 5. Often physically overwhelmed by the bigger, stronger Ukrainians and never was in position to get around outside backs and deliver crosses. Outstanding corner kick in the sixth minute nearly finished by Arena, who had more success with Onyewu’s throw-ins. Landon Donovan: 6. Took on more responsibility in midfield, where he was the key link when teammates found their paths filled by Ukrainians. Another fine defensive performance, but unable to provide passes that led to scoring opportunities. Forwards DaMarcus Beasley: 5. Discovered space to run on few occasions, and it didn’t last. Ukrainians, cognizant of his weaponry, didn’t allow him to make an imprint. One great pass that led to nothing. Moved to the flank after Davis’ exit. Edson Buddle: 4. Ukrainian defense left big striker little space in which to maneuver, and he made a few poor decisions with the ball, one after beating Roman Passichnichenko to create a scoring chance. Pulled after a little more than an hour. Substitutes Alecko Eskandarian: 4. Again had his chances, again did little with them. Came on for Davis in the 58th minute, whiffed on Casey’s deflected shot in the 74th — with time and space allowing for a more patient approach — and was unable to elude Bogdan Shershun after a sweet feed from Beasley in the 77th. Conor Casey: 5. Buddle’s 65th-minute replacement linked well in crowded spaces, providing Eskandarian chances, but ultimately ineffective.