USMNT vs. El Salvador score, ratings, highlights: USA settles for draw in Concacaf World Cup qualifying opener

The U.S. didn't have Christian Pulisic and it showed

The United States men's national team's Concacaf World Cup qualifying campaign started uneventfully on Thursday as the red, white and blue had to settle for a 0-0 draw at El Salvador. Playing at the Estadio Cuscatlan in San Salvador, the Americans had their chances and were the better team on the night going forward, but a lack of precision when it mattered most saw them blow a chance of taking three points and kick-start their road to the World Cup. 

Without Christian Pulisic, the U.S. struggled to find a reference point in attack that could be that threat and creator. Coach Gregg Berhalter went with an ultra-attacking lineup, deploying Josh Sargent, Gio Reyna, Brenden Aaronson and Konrad de la Fuente, but the returns were minimal on 13 shots, despite some solid chances. 

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Miles Robinson, who started at center back with Tim Ream, had the clearest chance in the first half off a set piece from Reyna, but his wide-open header went over the goal.

The hosts threatened very little, with Matt Turner looking sharp at goal when called upon, helping record yet another clean sheet after his stellar performances at the Gold Cup. Turner only had to make one save on the night. 

In the end, substitute Kellyn Acosta had one excellent change to collect all three points but saw his header well saved. The result will leave a sour taste in the mouths of USMNT fans who felt three points were likely, but as always in Concacaf, nothing is given. 

The U.S. returns to action on Sunday when they host Canada in their second qualifier in Nashville. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET.

Here are our player ratings from the match:

USMNT ratings

Name	Minutes	How did they do?	Rating
(GK) Matt Turner	90	A spectator. Had to make one save and did it well. Also dealt with the high balls well.	7
(DEF) Sergino Dest	64	He was average. Had some OK moments going forward but too often he tries to do too much and can end up turning it over. It's as if he's trying to be cute 100 percent of the time.	5.5
(DEF) Miles Robinson	90	Should have scored nine minutes in with a wide-open header that he sent over the goal. Defensively he was where he needed to be, but he won't forget that chance.	7
(DEF) Tim Ream	90	Lacked that killer instinct when attacking the ball, but he played it safe and did alright. Truthfully, he didn't have a whole lot to worry about and was solid in clearing crosses.	6
(DEF) DeAndre Yedlin	79	Had some trouble down the right with Alex Roldan and just wasn't at his sharpest. But his awareness was good to get back and be in position defensively, not getting caught too far forward.	5
(MID) Tyler Adams	90	Effort was there, looked confident but sometimes was left on an island by himself, needing a little assistance to deal with El Salvador's pace.	6
(MID) Weston McKennie	90	Not short of confidence, he had a couple looks that he skied. Touch wasn't quite there at times but was efficient in his passing. Missed a good headed chance late.	6
(MID) Brenden Aaronson	78	Was put into a big spot in the middle and was fairly quiet. Did have some moments and grew into the match in the second half, but he wasn't great.	5
(FWD) Gio Reyna	90	A threat whenever he had the ball. It seemed like where he was really dangerous was on the dead ball situations. During the run of play, he lacked accuracy aside from one delivery to McKennie.	6
(FWD) Josh Sargent	64	As usual, he worked his tail off, helped defend, helped get the attack going moving forward yet just didn't get the service he needed and created little for himself. Story of his life.	6
(FWD) Konrad de la Fuente	64	Looked lively down the left early. He showed off that flair, but that was about it. His service was quite poor and he provided no end product.	5
Substitutes	Replaced	How did they do?	Rating
Antonee Robinson	Dest	Helped improve the defense that was under threat with Dest getting forward. Held his own.	6
Jordan Pefok	Sargent	Did more defensively than in attack, so that tells you everything considering he's a striker. His size and effort was needed earlier. He occupied the center backs well, and should be in the mix to start as qualifying goes on.	7
Kellyn Acosta	Konrad	Shaky off the bench early, including a poor defensively clearance that could have been costly. Had a really nice late chance that he should have done better with. Played both midfield and fullback so his versatility came in handy.	6
Cristian Roldan	Aaronson	Went up against his brother and almost got in on goal before being called for a foul. Played just 12 minutes.	6
Sebastian Lletget	Yedlin	Came in off the bench and tried to make an impact on the left but was defended well.	6
Manager	Subs used	How did the manager do?	Rating
Gregg Berhalter	5	Didn't care for the starting XI and cared less for his subs. I thought taking Dest off made a lot of sense, but more was needed centrally to possess the ball. Not having Pulisic was so noticeable, and in the end it's a point he'll take.	5

[Sep 2, 2021 at 11:43 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

USMNT 0, El Salvador 0 (2H)

[Sep 2, 2021 at 7:39 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

How to watch and odds

Date: Thursday, Sept. 2 | Time: 10:05 p.m. ET
Location: Estadio Cuscatlan -- San Salvador, El Salvador
TV: CBS Sports Network | Live stream: Paramount+
Follow live updates: CBSSports.com
Odds: El Salvador +500; Draw +275; USA -200 (via Caesars Sportsbook) 

[Sep 2, 2021 at 11:52 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Three added minutes

[Sep 2, 2021 at 11:38 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

76' USA comes close again

A great ball in from McKennie goes to the back post, and Acosta is there, but his effort is saved well by Gonzalez at the right post.

[Sep 2, 2021 at 11:34 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

72' What a chance for the US!

A lovely bit of skill in the  box down the left from Reyna, and he lobs it into the six for McKennie who reaches it with his head, but he knocks it wide.

[Sep 2, 2021 at 11:19 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

57' A good look there for ES as they get their first shot on target, with Zavaleta heading on frame off a corner, but Turner is there to save it somewhat comfortably. 

[Sep 2, 2021 at 11:17 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

55' This match is there for the taking

Neither team has looked sharp in what's been a sloppy display. The field isn't helping, but it feels like it could go either way at this point. El Salvador's physical play is keeping the U.S. off balance as we approach the hour mark.

[Sep 2, 2021 at 11:00 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Taking a look at the xG numbers at the break for the U.S...

Sargent leads the way with his one chance at 0.50, while Miles Robinson is at 0.36 with that header he had off the set piece that just went wide. Gio Reyna is having some issues, completing just 58.8 percent of his passes as his sharpness just looks a tad off.