By Tommy Kane

Published: June 23rd, 2019

The United States Men’s National Team destroyed Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), 6-0, on Jun. 22, 2019 in Cleveland, OH. This match was the second group stage game for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The last time the U.S. played T&T was back on Oct. 10, 2017, in a World Cup Qualifying match. The Americans lost the game, 2-1, and were knocked out of contention for the 2018 World Cup in arguably the most embarrassing game in USMNT history. This had left a sour taste in the mouth of every U.S. soccer fan and member of USMNT, as well as the United States Soccer Federation.

Head coach, Gregg Berhalter, decided to keep the same starting 11 that he previously had in against Guyana for this match. It proved to pay dividends for the team and helped the players further sync in with each other on the field.

Relaxed, But Good

The United States pounced on the ball very quickly into the game, most likely recognizing that an early goal will help smooth the pitch for them. Various chances came early for them, but Trinidad and Tabogo keeper, Marvin Phillip, held the fort.

It wasn’t all sunshine for the Americans, because T&T countered back with aggression as well, causing Zack Steffen to make some huge saves early on. Due to a Panama win earlier in the day, T&T desperately needed a result to keep their Gold Cup aspirations alive.

In the 41st minute, the U.S. struck and never looked back from there. Starting the goal party was Aaron Long (shown above #23), earning his first goal at the international level. He received a nice lob pass across the pitch from Christian Pulisic and then headed it in the net. His goal spark the Americans and gave the Outlaws a sigh of relief that they finally got one before the half ended.

Game Opens Up Quickly

The second half got off with a major scrum minutes in, in which Weston McKennie earned himself a yellow card, as well as Daniel Cyrus of T&T. Weirdly enough, this scrum was possibly a spark for the Americans.

Gyasi Zardez scored twice in the game, and this time none of the goals came off his face. His first goal came in the 65th minute and was created by a well-thought-out play by Micahel Bradley and Nick Lima. His second goal came only four minutes later and was from a nice pass by none other than Pulisic. The U.S. went up 3-0 quick.

Dominance was starting to show for the Stars and Stripes. Pulisic (shown below) was finally able to get on the scoresheet in the 73rd minute. Between that and the instrumental plays he was making on the pitch, he was on another level in that game.

Two more goals were scored to secure the 6-0 USA victory. Paul Arriola scored in the 78th minute, and Long scored his second goal of the night in the 90th minute, which led to the blowing of the whistle to end the beaten-down game.

The Americans had eight shots on target while T&T had four, meaning Steffen needed to save four shots to secure the shutout, which he did. The United States also controlled the possession of the match 66% of the time.

Huge Victory

This was a much different night than on Oct. 10, 2017. The Americans came out and played with a clear purpose, which was to secure a place in the knockout round. They also played for the critics that have doubted this Berhalter team. Finally, they played to avenge that dreaded 2-1 loss on that fateful night in tropical Trinidad.

A player that was not talked about much, but had another stellar game, was Tyler Boyd. Boyd had a few great looks and passes but was subbed out midway through the second half of the match. It was a shame to see him go, but it wasn’t the end of the world and he played to the best of his abilities. His future is bright with USMNT.

Another great player was Steffen in the net. He played great against Guyana, but in this game, he saw more action and proved that he should be the #1 keeper. Again, his future is bright.

Lastly, the USMNT has so far slashed expectations and have risen above them. Real tests will come in the knockout stage, but it could be argued that the Americans are playing the best in the Gold Cup. Time will tell if they can continue this play.

Panama in Kansas City

The final match in the group stage is on Jun. 26, 2019 at 9 PM EST. The match against Panama will take place in Kansas City, MO.

Both Panama and the United States have earned six points in group D, meaning that they both won their first two games. With six points in the group stage, both teams will advance to the knockout round no matter how they do against each other. The match will simply decide who will finish atop the group.

Expect star players to be rested for the knockout stage. A lot of new faces should be in the starting lineup against Panama, but, who knows. When a team is playing so well and in sync, there is a possibility that a lot of the same faces will play that night.

The game will be on FS1 as usual. Lastly, there is some hope for the National team.

GO USA!

Match Stats Against Trinidad and Tobago

Video Highlights Against Trinidad and Tobago