Soccer America Senior Editor Scott French was on hand for the U.S. under-17 national team’s 2-1 win over Jamaica Wednesday, April 18 at Robert Hermann Stadium in St. Louis. Here’s his report card on the performances of the U.S. players in the comeback win: Goalkeeper Adam Schuerman: 5. Took some unnecessary risks but came through when required. Did well to keep out curling Jamaican corner kick midway through the first half. Defenders Chris Lancos: 5. Right back, stepping in for injured David Chun, did a decent job defending and going forward, but he was beaten by Luton Shelton on the Young Boyz’s goal. Gray Griffin: 6. Solid in the middle and might have had a hat trick with a little more fortune. Couldn’t stop Shelton in the 36th minute. Chad Marshall: 7. Unstoppable in the air, in the back and up top. Didn’t have to jump to place Craig Capano’s corner kick inside the right post for the winner in the 76th. Jordan Harvey: 7. The Yanks’ best defender kept things tight on the left — Shelton switched sides for the Jamaican tally — and contributed to the attack. Midfielders Jordan Stone: 7. Holding midfielder prevented Jamaica from throwing much of a test at Schuerman and the back line, teaming with Capano to keep control of the middle. Craig Capano: 7. The Yanks’ attacking midfielder caused havoc from deep, playing dangerous balls and finding space for teammates on the wings. Perfect corner kick found Marshall for winning goal. Santino Quaranta: 8. Best player on the field was dangerous with every touch and might have scored a half-dozen — maybe more — with superior finishing. Tricky moves led to PK, which he buried. Forwards Mike Magee: 6. Delivered penetrating balls from deeper positions, but his finishing — like his teammates’ — wasn’t sharp. His 69th-minute shot found Leon Williams’ hand, an iffy if welcomed PK call by Mexican referee Marco Rodriguez. Eddie Johnson: 6. Worked better as a link man, as tight Jamaican marking — and an always-crowded box — left little room to maneuver. Checked back in the second half to strong effect. Erwin Diaz: 4. Found it difficult to get involved on the right and made little impact before departing at halftime. Substitutes Justin Mapp: 7. Exhibited great skill on the left after replacing Diaz at halftime, enabling the Yanks to attack from both sides in the second half. Might have had a goal and a couple assists with better finishing. Paul Johnson: NR. Came on for Eddie Johnson in the 84th minute, not enough time to get into the game’s flow.
