USMNT vs. Guatemala: Graham Zusi earns strong grade for performance

Sporting Kansas City midfielder Graham Zusi earned a 7 out of 10 rating from Empire Of Soccer's Patrick MacDonald for his performance in the U.S. Men's National Team's 3-1 victory over Guatemala on Tuesday.

Zusi, who was playing in front of his home crowd at Livestrong Park in Kansas City, Kan., had a solid night, according to MacDonald:

Cool on the ball, aides well in the attack. Got an assist on Bocanegra's goal. Certainly has earned a spot for the U.S.in the immediate future.

After the United States found itself in a 1-0 hole, Zusi put a corner kick in a good enough spot to where Clint Dempsey could deflect the ball toward Carlos Bocanegra, who put it in the back of the net to knot the game at one goal apiece. Dempsey went to score the next two goals of the game, putting the USMNT into the final round of World Cup qualifying.

Zusi had a breakout year with Sporting KC in 2011, which earned him a call-up to the USMNT, as well as a new four-year deal with Kansas City.