El Salvador vs. USMNT score, ratings: Jordan Morris rescues late point with header in injury time

It wasn't a positive display for Gregg Berhalter's side, but they got the point

Jordan Morris came off the bench and rescued a point for the United States men's national team in a 1-1 draw at El Salvador on Tuesday in Concacaf Nations League play. Morris, the all-time leading scorer in the competition's history with five goals, headed home a cross by getting inside his defender before heading to the far post with little time left. The U.S. now have four points from two games in League A's Group D. Here's the tying goal:

The goal came at a moment in the match where the U.S. were just sharper, building on a solid second half and getting a boost when El Salvador saw red with just over 10 minutes to go to make it 10-v-10. Luca de la Torre positioned himself well after a failed cross to whip in a ball right into the heart of the box, and Morris didn't waste it.

The victory avoids what would have been an embarrassing defeat as the U.S. have lost to El Salvador just once, back in 1992. 

With the match taking place on a shockingly poor, wet and destroyed pitch at the Estadio Cuscatlan, it was Alexander Larin's goal in the 35th minute that gave the hosts the narrow lead. The Comunicaciones left back went for goal from a narrow angle, and nobody saw it coming, including goalkeeper Ethan Horvath, who was left stunned and frozen.

Both teams finished with 10 men thanks to Paul Arriola and Ronald Gomez seeing red, though Arriola's dismissal was harsh. No VAR meant that it couldn't be reviewed, putting the U.S. in a tough spot that they managed to climb out of.  And just when defeat looked likely, a determined USMNT came to life when it mattered most with Morris' quality goal.

The loss stretches the USA's unbeaten streak against El Salvador to 20 matches. 

USMNT Player ratings

But how did each player perform in this one? Here are our player ratings for the match for every starter, substitute and manager.

All ratings are out of 10, and the higher the number the better. A zero would be a first-minute red card. A 10 would be like a dominant hat trick.

Considering that the match was played in terrible conditions, the ratings for Tuesday's match should be taken with a grain of salt. While there were plenty of mistakes to go around, and the way the team concedec El Salvador's goal was bad, when it came to putting together a coherent attack, it was easier said than done in the torrential downpour in San Salvador that was better for a tough mudder than a soccer match.

Name	Minutes	How did they do?	Rating
(GK) Ethan Horvath	90	Horvath only made one mistake -- and he wasn't helped by Cannon allowing the shot from a tricky angle --  but it will come back to bite him as he was caught flat footed on El Salvador's goal. He could rebound from this with regular playing time for Nottingham Forest but without that, he may have lost his roster spot to Sean Johnson.	5
(DEF) Antonee Robinson	90	Robinson hasn't been himself going forward lately which can be expected after such a long European season. Only creating one chance in a match when he often took up advanced positions was disappointing but he was defensively sound.	6
(DEF)  Aaron Long	90	Another strong performance for Long as he was asked to take on a different role in the tough conditions. He attempted a team high 103 passes and didn't lose a duel or a header in the match. Without a strong showing from Chris Richards to start the season, Long is likely your starter next to Walker Zimmerman at the World Cup.	7
(DEF)  Cameron Carter-Vickers	81	A shaky start to the game saw Carter-Vickers rebound as the match went on. Brought an important bite to the game when things started getting chippy.	6
(DEF)  Reggie Cannon	90	Not Cannon's finest moment to cap what hasn't been a great international window for him. Didn't close down fast enough on El Salvador's goal and was beaten multiple times while not bringing much to the attack.	5
(MID) Tyler Adams	80	Adams looked a little lost at times in the first half but brought a different look -- and some wrestling moves -- to the match after the break. It'll be interesting to see how Berhalter tinkers with things with a healthy Weston McKennie, but Adams was effective dropping into a back three when the team went down to 10 men.	6
(MID)  Brenden Aaronson	45	Struggled to find the game and was withdrawn at the half. The midfield experiment doesn't seem to be going as well within Concacaf as it did versus stronger sides which is something that Aaronson and Berhalter will need to work on.	5
(MID)  Yunus Musah	90	Almost every good thing that the team did came via Musah. From his mesmerizing runs to forcing three saves out of Gonzalez for El Salvador. Musah has been growing into his own as of late and it couldn't have come at a better time for the team.	8
(MID)  Christian Pulisic	90	Pulisic created a team high two chances in the match which says all that you need to know about the game that happened. He led the fight by the team to charge back into things and wore the captain's armband well even if he didn't have optimal conditions to make things work on the pitch.	7
(FWD) Tim Weah	61	Weah didn't see much of the ball as the team wasn't able to find him. He was direct as always creating a chance and putting a shot on frame but this just wasn't a match for a player of his style in those conditions.	7
(FWD) Haji Wright	45	Another anonymous performance for Wright. While it wasn't on him at all, he's a forward who needs support and since the United States doesn't utilize a natural ten, he can disappear in games like this. Only nine touches just isn't enough to go off of.	6
Substitutes	Replaced	How did they do?	Rating
Weston McKennie	Aaronson, ('45)	Looked more like himself orchestrating the midfield. McKennie only misplacing three passes in those conditions was pretty impressive and he almost created a goal the second that he came on.	7
Jesus Ferreira	Wright, ('45)	This was the night that Jesus Ferreira likely won the starting role at the World Cup for good. Took a similar amount of touches to Wright but it's what he did without the ball that made a difference both pressing and opening attacking lanes for the United States.	6
Paul Arriola	Weah, ('61)	Uh, Aarola spent a grand total of nine minutes on the pitch before being sent off for a high boot in the 70th minute. While it's true that his foot was high, it's also important to look at the circumstances to explain why his slide was erratic in those conditions. Tough break	4
Jordan Morris	Adams, ('80)	⚽ 90' Not only did Morris score the equalizer, if the tournament had VAR he would've also drawn a penalty via a handball. An excellent sub appearance and maybe enough to grab a spot at the back end of the World Cup roster.	8
Luca de la Torre	Carter-Vickers, ('81)	Getting more decisive with his passing by the day, de la Torre was a sparkplug assisting Morris's equalizer and pinging the ball around in limited minutes.	7
Manager	Subs used	How did the manager do?	Rating
Gregg Berhalter	5	It does feel like Berhalter learned something from the match which is all that you can ask for. The team showed that they can fight and the removal of Carter-Vickers for an attacker helped push for the equalizer. Not a match that much can be drawn from but good enough.	6

[Jun 14, 2022 at 10:42 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

El Salvador 1, USMNT 1 (FT)

[Jun 15, 2022 at 12:04 am ET · Chuck Booth]

It was a grueling one but the points will be shared in a 1-1 draw

Jordan Morris got the equalizer late on after Reggie Cannon and Ethan Horvath combined to allow Alexander Larin to get quite the strike. Two red cards and a lot of mud will sum up this one but the draw away to El Salvador is disappointing but good enough to close out this break.

[Jun 14, 2022 at 11:57 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

What a header from Morris

[Jun 14, 2022 at 11:55 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Phew! Jordan Morris! It's 1-1

After finally getting sustained pressure Morris makes up for not getting a penalty and levels the game with a header. Six minutes are added to get a chance at getting a winner.

[Jun 14, 2022 at 11:52 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

The lack of VAR is weird

A hand ball shout that won't be reviewed after Morris' header could've tied this game up. It's odd that VAR isn't setup for Nations League matches when other Concacaf competitions use it but here we are.

[Jun 14, 2022 at 11:45 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Uh, El Salvador are down to 10 too

This has escalated as Ronald Gomez was sent off for denial of a clear goal scoring opportunity on Musah. Musah forced another save on the free kick after but ten minutes remain to get an equalizer.

[Jun 14, 2022 at 11:41 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

It's getting chippy out there

After a coming together in midfield Tyler Adams has now seen yellow. The United States are chasing an equalizer but it's going to be tough at this point.

[Jun 14, 2022 at 11:34 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Paul Arriola has been sent off!

In what looked like a slip when he had possession of the ball, Arriola went sliding into Larin and was sent off for lifting his leg during the slide. With no VAR, this can't be overturned but you'd have to take the conditions into effect.

[Jun 14, 2022 at 11:28 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

A tad better from USMNT

The Americans are getting the ball down the right with some ease, and Musah has been able to use his technical ability despite the conditions. He's really the only one who has found his groove in the second half. 

[Jun 14, 2022 at 11:26 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Musah's chance

[Jun 14, 2022 at 11:22 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Oh no Musah!

Tim Weah created an excellent chance after Musah's run was able to break through all of El Salvador. A great save from Gonzalez but Musah is so so close to scoring his first goal for the national team.

[Jun 14, 2022 at 11:15 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Ferreira had a chance at an empty net

After being played in by McKennie it was an excellent chance before a sliding tackle from an El Salvador defender. Ferreira is already showing what he can bring to these types of games without much time on the pitch so far.

[Jun 14, 2022 at 11:09 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Two changes at the half

Jesus Ferreira and Weston McKennie have entered the game for Haji Wright and Brenden Aaronson. A bit risky introducing McKennie in these conditions but it shows that Berhalter wants to win.

[Jun 14, 2022 at 10:57 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

At the break, it's 1-0 to El Salvador

It's ugly. La Selecta lead by the narrowest of margins after a wild goal from Larin, catching Horvath off guard. The pitch is unplayable, and the sloppiness will continue in the second half, no doubt about it.

[Jun 14, 2022 at 10:52 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

And the first yellow goes to...

Reggie Cannon, not a great first half for him so far being beaten for the goal and also allowing El Salvador to close out the half with a free kick in a dangerous position. Aaron Long deals with the danger but it wouldn't be surprising to see Cannon withdrawn at the half.

[Jun 14, 2022 at 10:43 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

A look at the opener

[Jun 14, 2022 at 10:42 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

El Salvador did it! 1-0 lead 

Larin got space on Cannon and fired a shot when Horvath was expecting a cross. Not great from the keeper but Cannon should've stayed closer to his man as well. This is the first goal that the United States have allowed during this international break.

[Jun 14, 2022 at 10:37 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Reyes put Aaronson through the mixer

It was good pressure from El Salvador as Reyes sent Aaronson both ways before putting a cross into the box but no one was there. The US recovers so that it's not too dangerous but both teams have had their chances if you can call low quality shots chances.

[Jun 14, 2022 at 10:32 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Let's take a look...

Four total shots, a combined xG of 0.17, and this match is setting the sport back 50 years. It's really, really poor. The pitch looks unplayable, the U.S. jerseys are stained with mud, and you cannot play a simple ball on the ground. 

[Jun 14, 2022 at 10:31 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Good Attempt from Musah

Haji Wright has caused a few issues but Musah's follow up ended up being saved by Gonzalez. One of the best attacking moments for the USMNT ended with Pulisic's corner going off of Aaronson's back in the box. Knocking on the door but not close enough.

[Jun 14, 2022 at 10:29 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Quite a few fouls so far

The referees are giving some leeway but El Salvador have already racked up seven fouls compared to three for the United States. With a foul essentially every two minutes, it feels like we'll see cards sooner than later.

[Jun 14, 2022 at 10:24 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Live check in on the captain

[Jun 14, 2022 at 10:20 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Give El Salvador some credit

Conditions aside, they're bringing the Concacaf flying into tackles and ensuring that the United States aren't able to get comfortable in the attack. They've had good reads on the USA's crosses and have had the best attacking chance of the game so far. They'll take this first 15 minutes for sure.

[Jun 14, 2022 at 10:13 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Pulisic takes a corner kick and it goes nowhere

The rain is pouring down and Pulisic couldn't beat the first man as and finesse is out of the window. He did a good job following things up to keep possession but the first goal scored is going to be an ugly one.

[Jun 14, 2022 at 10:08 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Tactics are out the window tonight

You said it Rog about the field conditions. Both teams are going the route one direction as El Salvador took advantage of Cameron Carter-Vickers in the air. With Ethan Horvath defending his own net in a puddle of mud, expect shots from everywhere because what is there to lose.

[Jun 14, 2022 at 10:05 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

The pitch is worse than I thought it would be

Go to your local middle school after a lot of rain, and that field is probably better than what these guys are playing on tonight. Atrocious is the only way to describe it. It's always ugly on the road in Concacaf, but this might just be unplayable at times.

[Jun 14, 2022 at 9:55 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Almost match time

Five minutes until we find out if the USMNT can maintain their perfect international break.

[Jun 14, 2022 at 9:40 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

What do ES do well?

To be honest, not a whole lot. Look, I'm half Salvadoran, my dad was part of the youth national teams there before immigrating to the United States, and I want to see them return to their glory days of the early 1980s. But this is a team that has so much to improve upon, a lack of talent and really just aiming to find some cohesion. This is a game they can win if they keep it ugly, but on paper the United States should be able to get the victory. On the road in Concacaf is never easy, so it won't be a cake walk for either.

[Jun 14, 2022 at 9:30 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Haji Wright's time to shine

While he likely won't match Jesus Ferreira's four goals versus Grenada, Wright will need to impress in this start to continue the battle to be the starting number nine in Qatar. Can he take advantage of soft spots in El Salvador's defense while also performing on a less than ideal field?

[Jun 14, 2022 at 9:15 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Roger Gonzalez poses some important questions for the team

Which is the ideal center back pairing?

Answer: On paper, it's Walker Zimmerman and Chris Richards. But, you have to be around to earn your spot, and injuries have kept Richards from making the statement he wants. I think he's far and away the best center back prospect this country has, but we are running out of time for him to make an impression. He'll get his shot, but if I have to pick from the guys who are available now, I'm taking Zimmerman and Cameron Carter-Vickers. I'm not saying that with the most confidence, but I just think Carter-Vickers' experience at Celtic gives him in the edge. Zimmerman has been a first-choice center back for Berhalter and has paid his dues. If he's healthy, he likely starts at the World Cup. I'm not certain we see John Brooks again with this team unless he finds his form at a new club. I would feel good about a Zimmerman-Richards pairing in Qatar, but anything other than that will leave me uneasy, with Carter-Vickers being my next choice. 

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