The United States men’s national team continues to impress as they close out 2025, defeating Paraguay 2-1 in Pennsylvania on a night they could’ve won by 2-3 goals. While questions remain at the back and in goal, the real headline should be the Yanks’ control of a nearly full-strength CONMEBOL visitor despite the absence of many regulars, including stars Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and Chris Richards.
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### USMNT Player Ratings vs Paraguay
**Matt Freese: 5.5**
This rating might be harsh, but I’d expect the keeper to affect Arce given the angle of Almiron’s cross. He was rooted to the line but made a good save on Almiron in the 78th minute. Freese is the presumed World Cup starter.
**Sergino Dest (Off 68′): 7**
Dest was a constant threat in the final third, certainly benefiting from the back three behind him.
**Miles Robinson: 7**
Robinson pushed the ball forward from the back and did well with it, completing the most passes in the match. He still gets himself into trouble with fouls, but he’s doing fine in a weak positional group.
**Tim Ream: 7**
Ream was strong in possession and positioning again. He remains one of the great stories in USMNT history in terms of longevity and humility. While you may prefer a slightly more athletic center-back at a World Cup, the back three appears to compensate for any lost quickness.
**Joe Scally (Off 68′): 6.5**
Scally was narrowly beaten by Almiron in the run-up to Paraguay’s equalizer, marking his first time in a USMNT back three. He was the game’s co-leader in tackles won (4) when he exited the game.
**Max Arfsten: 8**
Arfsten registered the second-most touches of any player in the first half and was a very effective presence as the left-sided wingback. He drew two fouls in the first half, won 7-of-11 duels, and assisted Reyna’s goal. He completed four dribbles and led the game with 11 duels won.
**Cristian Roldan (Off 75′): 6.5**
Roldan has made a strong case to be in the team but whether he is World Cup starter caliber remains in question. He is a smart, veteran presence whose ceiling may be as a valuable bench piece.
**Tanner Tessmann: 8.5 – Man of the Match**
Tessmann was our standout performer. Despite his size, he was deft on the ball and physically imposing, putting opponents on the ground with authority. He has a strong case to start at multiple positions over the course of a tournament.
**Brenden Aaronson (Off 80′): 7**
Aaronson had one of his brighter days in a USMNT shirt. In good form for Leeds, he was sharper than usual but still fell short on passing and shooting accuracy. Nonetheless, his energy and intelligence were evident.
**Giovanni Reyna (Off 75′): 8.5**
Welcome back, Gio. The Borussia Mönchengladbach playmaker was bright from the start. His strength and composure, especially when scoring while floating away from goal, was nothing short of spectacular—truly chef’s kiss quality.
**Folarin Balogun (Off 75′): 7**
Balogun showed flashes of greatness. The USMNT have had elite finishers like Clint Dempsey, physical athletes with a nose for goal like Jozy Altidore, and cerebral forwards who can hold up the ball and exploit space. Balogun has a chance to be all three. Notably, he displayed blazing speed on a crucial 60th-minute recovery run.
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Overall, this performance sends a strong message ahead of upcoming challenges, especially with key absences. The blend of youth and experience on display offers promising depth for the U.S. as they prepare for the World Cup.
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/usmnt-player-ratings-vs-paraguay-000659625.html