It was a mixed bag.

During its showing at the Nike International Friendlies (against Korea Republic, Brazil and Turkey) a little more than a week ago, the U.S. U17 Men’s National Team delivered some strong moments, a few incomplete ones and one disappointing finish.

A bad 2-0 loss to Turkey on the final day obscured what was an otherwise positive showing as the U.S. finished third in the four-team round robin.

But enough about the team. Just in time for the winter semester, here are individual grades based on what we saw from the group during the three matches.

GOALKEEPERS

Kendall McIntosh: GRADE C … Got his only start in the tournament-ending 2-0 loss to Turkey. McIntosh made some nice plays, but also a bit of a miscue when he came off his line too early and provided a target for Enver Cenk Sahin who scored the second goal of the match.

Fernando Pina: GRADE A … He was the man in goal. Confidence and leadership were obvious traits for Pina, particularly against Brazil where he stood tall against a few world-beater attackers. Allowed his only goal to Korea Republic in the opener. 

DEFENDERS

Andrew Souders: GRADE B+ … Started all three matches and was one of the top players in the back. The defense appeared a little disorganized early against Turkey, but otherwise performed solidly.

Kellyn Acosta: GRADE C- … Had a tough match against Turkey, where his turnover led to the second goal of the game. Showed good signs, but struggled at times in connecting with teammates.

Nathan Smith: GRADE B … Worked hard tracking back and showed an ability to get the ball forward. His action set up the team’s opening goal against Korea Republic.

Mobi Fehr: GRADE A- … Fehr has been a great find from Japan. Upon his arrival back to the states he spoke of needing to adjust to the physical nature of the U.S. game. He has clearly adjusted. A leader on the field.

Alessandro Mion: INCOMPLETE … Didn’t see the pitch during the three matches.

Luis Martir: INCOMPLETE … Didn’t see the pitch during the three matches.

MIDFIELDERS

Tarik Salkicic: GRADE C+ … Started in every match but wasn’t as big a factor as he could have been. Team may have needed him to win a few more possessions at times.

Matthew Dunn: GRADE B … Scored the team’s opening goal against Korea Republic. He was one of the more active players at times in the defensive midfield.

Marc Pelosi: GRADE A- … One of the more dangerous players with the ball at his feet. Quick and technically capable – problem was, the ball didn’t seem to find his feet enough.

Dillon Serna: GRADE A- … Was thrust into the game when teammate Alejandro Guido went down early against Brazil. Serna proved to be a threat out there, and though he missed some good chances, few other U.S. players were creating any.

Nicholas Melo: GRADE B … He proved to be a nice change of pace off the bench. He’s dynamic with the ball – something the U.S. team could’ve used a little more of.

Esteban Rodriguez: GRADE B- … Saw action in all three matches but didn’t leave his stamp on any one of them. 

Alejandro Guido: INCOMPLETE … Was injured early in the second match against Brazil and shelved for the final game against Turkey.

Joseph Amon: INCOMPLETE … Played only briefly in the opening win against Korea Republic.

FORWARDS

Mario Rodriguez: GRADE B+ … Coach Wilmer Cabrera compared Real Madrid’s recent physical treatment of Lionel Messi to the way teams were getting bodying up on Rodriguez … well, kind of. The point is, Rodriguez officially became the team’s focal point – both a gift and a curse for the talented star.

Paul Arriola: INCOMPLETE … He only saw action against Turkey and we didn’t see enough of an impact to issue a grade.

Andrew Oliver: INCOMPLETE … Played late in two matches and took a DNP in a third.

Daniel Flores: INCOMPLETE … Didn’t see the pitch during the three matches.