In his second start of the Gold Cup, Rowe was among the better performers for the U.S. in a 3-0 victory over Nicaragua that saw the host nation take first place in Group B and avoid a quarterfinal date with Costa Rica. Rowe’s outing was his second strong one in a Gold Cup that has been lacking them for the U.S as he managed his first-ever senior goal for the national team.

While Rowe’s play today was very good, his teammate Alejandro Bedoya made a statement as to why he deserves to remain in the national team conversation. The midfielder put in a hard-working effort and was rewarded with a pair of assists in the victory.

Late goals win group for USA

And with the U.S. needing a goal late, Matt Miazga, in his first senior start, was the one to step up. For a player who was on the fringe of the player pool a month ago, that goal could be instrumental to his chances this fall.

Here are Goal’s full player ratings from the American’s victory over Nicaragua in Cleveland:

GK Bill Hamid, 6.5: In his first game in two and a half years, Hamid was calm and collected between the sticks. Was tested a few times, and may have saved his back line by scrambling to get on top of a rebound off a hard shot in the second half.

D Jorge Villafana, 5: A few nervy moments on the ball, and not as many good moments going forward as normal. Wasn’t put under too much pressure in an okay performance.

D Matt Belser, 6: With Nicaragua rarely threatening, Besler did not have much to do. Was solid the few times he was called upon.

D Matt Miazga, 7: In his first senior start, was largely steady at the back, though not put under a lot of pressure. His big moment came on his expertly-timed run and excellent headed finish off a set piece to get the U.S. third goal and send the side top of the group.

D Graham Zusi, 6: Again very shaky defensively, with some giveaways that would have been punished by a better side. But contributed well offensively with a good run in the first half and then delivering the set piece which Miazga finished to give the U.S. the group.

M Dax McCarty, 5: McCarty’s passing was solid as usual, but he struggled at times on the ball. One first half turnover could have resulted in a goal and he lost possession a few other times. A decent outing but likely would have been punished against a better team.

M Alejandro Bedoya, 7.5: Was active in pressing and on the ball, popping up in the right places. He delivered a good low cross to set up Corona in the first half. Bedoya later created a turnover and found Rowe for the U.S. second. Man of the match for his side.

M Joe Corona, 6.5: One the hardest workers on the night and deserves credit for the composure shown on his goal, even if it took a fortunate deflection. Could have had an excellent game, but put his second-half penalty right at the keeper.

M Chris Pontius, 6: Workman like shift, challenging in the air and trying to create from out wide. While he did set up Dwyer’s penalty, he did not contribute a great deal on the offensive end.

M Kelyn Rowe, 7: Was active and involved and one of the few U.S. players willing to try things. Was rewarded for his efforts with a goal on an excellent first touch and cheeky finish with the outside of his boot.

F Dom Dwyer, 5.5: Hard to fault his effort tonight as he ran hard and got into the right channels, but the final touch was lacking. Perhaps summed up best by his second-half sequence of winning a penalty and hitting it decently enough, but having it saved anyway.

Substitutes

M Paul Arriola, 5: Came on as a second half substitute and had a few decent moments on the ball. Overall did not make too much of an impact.

F Jordan Morris, 4: Showed hustle upon entering, but did not do much else after his two-goal outing against Martinique.

F Juan Agudelo, 5.5: Was largely anonymous after coming on until winning a key free kick and red card to put the U.S. a man up. The free kick was turned into a goal by Zusi and Miazga.