Sporting Kansas City midfielder Graham Zusi put in quite a performance last night for the U.S. Men's National Team in their 1-0 victory over Jamaica at Columbus Crew Stadium. Zusi made his fourth international appearance, all of which have come in 1-0 wins coincidentally, but last night's cap was his first in a competitive match and came in a vital FIFA World Cup qualifier to move the U.S. back atop the group with two games remaining in the round.
Zusi started and played 72 minutes in Jurgen Klinsmann's squad, receiving high praise not just from the ESPN2 commentary team of Taylor Twellman and Ian Darke during their nationally televised broadcast, but also from national media members in their analysis of the match. Check out some of the comments below...
For this being his first big USMNT match, Graham Zusi has been great. Very poised, active and smart with his decisions. Looks like a veteran. - Ives Galarcep, FOX Sports
Didn't look out of place at all, despite his relative inexperience. Cracked a shot off the bar in the 6th minute and just missed the target on another in the 23rd. He definitely proved himself with this performance. -- Jeff Carlisle, ESPN.com
The best player on the field in the first half, he banged an opportunistic shot off the crossbar and looped an excellent cross that yielded a chance neutralized by a pushing foul on Herculez Gomez. His presence and connections with Cherundolo on the right flank spearheaded the U.S. first-half dominance. -- Ridge Mahoney, Soccer America
Steve Cherundolo and Graham Zusi exerted the most impact in the first half by controlling the right side and posing problems in the attacking third. -- Kyle McCarthy, GOAL.com
When Graham Zusi goes forward, he doesn't lose the ball...Zusi was excellent for his entire shift, and deserves whatever plaudits are going to come his way (and there will be plenty). -- Matthew Doyle, MLSSoccer.com
Grasped his first start in a competitive match by the horns and worked extremely well with Steve Cherundolo down the right. Hit the post in the first half. -- Shane Evans, GOAL.com
Arguably, he could have done better with his chances in the first half, but overall it was a great night from the former Maryland Terp. The flow of U.S.’s attack definitely suffered when he exited the game. -- J.R. Eskilson and Travis Clark, TopDrawerSoccer.com
Surprise starter Graham Zusi put together one of the more impressive performances for the Nats, especially in the first half when he played with a lot of energy. He combined very well with Steve Cherundolo down the right side, as if the two were regular partners. -- John Halloran, BleacherReport.com
A very good first half for the Sporting KC midfielder, as he saw his early effort denied by the crossbar. He had great understanding of knowing exactly when to pinch in to allow Cherundolo to get wide, and the pair worked well together to wreak havoc on that right side. Zusi wasn't as effective in the second half as the pace of the match slowed down and he was on the other end of a few reckless Jamaican tackles. All in all, a solid job as he won his midfield battle and put in a workmanlike effort to help contribute to a very important 3 points. -- Alecko Eskandarian, Sports Illustrated
Like Williams, the Sporting KC midfielder had his best night in a US shirt thus far. Zusi aided possession expertly, threatened occasionally and was one slightly lower shot from competing for Man of the Match honors. -- Greg Seltzer, MLSSoccer.com
No player helped his case more than Zusi, who was the only M.L.S. player in the starting lineup. He looked comfortable in the team and greatly improved its possession, and he seemed to have a nice chemistry with Cherundolo on the right side. Zusi was both solid playing wide but also when he moved centrally. He had been a fringe player in the past but he should be part of the team moving forward. -- Brian Sciaretta, NY Times
For more on Zusi's strong showing, check out feature stories written by GOAL.com and MLSSoccer.com on the Sporting KC playmaker's impact on the international level. Highlights from the match and postgame reaction, including an interview with Zusi in the locker room, are available on the U.S. Soccer YouTube page.
