By Tommy Kane

Published: July 1st, 2019

The United States Men’s National Team played Curacao for the first time in USMNT history. In the debut meeting, the two squared off in the Quarterfinals of the 2019 Gold Cup on Jun. 30, 2019, with Curacao making their first appearance in a Gold Cup Quarterfinal.

The match, which took place in Philadelphia, PA., was a surprisingly close game between the two, with the United States winning, 1-0, off a Weston McKennie goal. With that victory, the Americans will go on to the Semifinal of the 2019 Gold Cup.

Head coach, Gregg Berhalter, used the same starting lineup that he used in the first two matches of the Gold Cup. This came as no surprise because of the great chemistry between the 11 players.

One Goal Victory

The Americans started the game off well. Christian Pulisic made a huge end-to-end run minutes into the first half but missed the target wide on the shot. He also had a great header, but it was stopped by Eloy Room of Curacao.

Curacao responded quickly to the U.S. by stringing together opportunities themselves. They started to control the pace of the game and forced the Americans to be patient, which was frustrating for all.

Finally, in the 25th minute, Pulisic (shown below on the right) made a great lob pass across the box and it found the head of McKennie (shown below on the left), who was then able to shove it past Room for the only goal of the match. Pulisic made a similar pass earlier in the tournament which resulted in a goal for the United States.

The second half of the game was downright difficult for the U.S. Curacao controlled the ball again, but the Americans just looked very slow and predictable with their passes, to the point where Curacao was able to crack them and force turnovers.

American keeper, Zack Steffen, was key for the game. He made six saves throughout the game, with most of them being in the second half and not being easy saves. He notably made a game-changing save around the 84th minute, by knocking the ball above him and keeping it out of the net.

The Stars and Stripes killed off the last few minutes of the game to hold onto that 1-0 lead which will send them to the Semifinals. It was relieving to hear the final whistle blow because Curacao would not quit on the ball at all. In the end, a win is a win and the Americans are glad to have gotten past that checkpoint in the tournament.

Following the match, the Americans only had three shots on goal to Curacao’s six. Curacao barely controlled the possession, having it 53% of the time.

A Familiar and Tough Foe Ahead

Jamaica looms ahead for the United States in the Semifinals on Jul. 3, 2019. The match will be at 9 PM EST in Nashville, TN. The Reggae Boys defeated Panama, 1-0, on a penalty kick to punch their ticket to the Semis against the States.

Recently, Jamaica beat the U.S., 1-0, in a friendly game. This has got to be on the minds of the Americans heading into the pivotal match because the winner will have a chance to play either Mexico or Haiti in the 2019 Gold Cup Final. The United States last won the tournament in 2017 (a 2-1 victory against Jamaica), so they are looking to make a repeat run.

The game against Curacao was downright awful for the Americans, despite the win and great goal. They were not playing their best soccer that night, and it showed by the sloppiness on the ball and the clear-cut predictability. Curacao was also able to find multiple opportunities and they hammered Steffen, who was able to keep that clean sheet.

Yes, the Stars and Stripes have not allowed a goal yet in this Gold Cup, but the game against Curacao could not be repeated against an opponent like Mexico, which could be a viable final match. After that game, some may question Berhalter’s decision against Panama to shift the lineup completely, possibly severing the momentum and chemistry that was gained throughout the first two matches. Curacao was just underestimated as a soccer team by the U.S. and they almost paid the heavy toll for it.

Pulisic was good, McKennie played well, Steffen did the job at the end. Tyler Boyd, Micheal Bradley, Gyasi Zardes, and most of the other 11 had a rough night across the board. They did not play up to their potential and almost cost the U.S. a historic loss.

With that being said, they will show up against Jamaica. It was a difficult game in the end and they did do enough to survive and advance. Facing a Jamaican side, the U.S. knows what the Jamaicans are capable of doing.

Besides, if the United States of Americans hoists the Gold Cup, who will even remember about the close bout against Curacao?

GO USA!

Match Stats Against Curacao

Video Highlights Against Curacao