USMNT Trounces Trinidad and Tobago

By: Jonathan Acosta and Josh LaSelva

Jacksonville, FL – Jozy Altidore continued his strong return to the U.S. Men’s National Team’s starting lineup, filling in the void left by Clint Dempsey’s absence.

Altidore looked extremely impressive in a two goal performance that earned him man of the match honors, and propelled the U.S. to a 4-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago. The win sends the U.S. to next round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.

USATSI_9524187_168381752_lowresBack to full health, Altidore flashed the strength, pace, and skill that American fans have been longing for. His first goal showed all of that off, taking a good ball from Fabian Johnson, creating space in the box, and producing a clinical finish that pushed the American lead to 2-0 at the 59th minute.

Three minutes later, Altidore demonstrated positional awareness, making an attacking run to the far post before tapping in a low Christian Pulisic cross that killed any chance of T&T making a comeback.

Altidore wasn’t the only name people were talking about.

Christian Pulisic is less than two weeks from his 18th birthday. As an early birthday present, head coach Jurgen Klinsmann gave Pulisic his first international start at the senior level. Klinsmann says he has earned it.

He didn’t disappoint.

USATSI_9524233_168381752_lowres For the entire 90 minutes, Pulisic was the catalyst behind a dominant attacking performance, characterized by a strong partnership with the attacking trio of Altidore, Bobby Wood, and himself.

Pulisic officially ended up with one assist, on Altidore’s second goal, but played a part in all four of the American goals. His movement down the left and passing into the box eventually lead to Sacha Kljestan’s 44th minute opener, with Kljestan pouncing on a poor clearance from the Trinidad and Tobago defense before poking the ball into the bottom right corner.

Klejstan had very positive words about the teenager after the match.

In the 71st minute, Pulisic intercepted the ball in the midfield and launched a counter attack. Displaying confidence and quality, Pulisic drove at the defense before laying the ball to Jordan Morris on his right, and then proceeded to make a run into the box to latch on to a Jozy Altidore pass. Pulisic’s attempt bounced off the keeper, and fell to Paul Arriola for the easy rebound goal.

Pulisic was the headliner among a strong performance for young players making their way into Jurgen Klinsmann’s team. Arriola scored his second goal in as many caps, and Caleb Stanko made his international debut, coming on late in the second half. Jordan Morris also came off the bench to earn some valuable minutes.

Veteran goalkeeper Tim Howard says the squad is in a good place right now.

The U.S. will look to continue the momentum from this game into the next round of qualifies in the Hexagonal round. The round begins with a rivalry match-up with Mexico on November 11 in Columbus, Ohio. Klinsmann wants to make a statement during that game.

About Josh LaSelva

Originally from Ocala, Florida. University of Florida Class of 2017. Avid FIFA player willing to beat anybody. Follow me on Twitter for everything you need to know!

Check Also

Orange & Blue Sports Network

Catch the student-led broadcasts from the College of Journalism and Communications right here.

LIVE THREAD: National Signing Day

Here’s an updated thread of all the recruits who picked the Gator hat today! RB …

AFC Divisional Round Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers

During last weekend’s NFL Wild Card round, the Steelers made a statement by handing the Dolphins a …

Houston Looking For an Upset in Foxborough

The saying has always been “it’s hard to beat a good team twice,” and in …

Blue Jackets vs. Lightning Tonight

The Columbus Blue Jackets and the Tampa Bay Lightning will be facing each other once …

Possible Additions to McElwain’s Recruiting Class Visiting this Weekend

With National Signing Day less than three weeks away, the Gators are hosting several talented …

Florida Gymnastics Prepares for Season Opener

GAINESVILLE, FL – The Florida Gator gymnastics team will kick off their season this Sunday …

Surprised Gators Promote Randy Shannon To Defensive Coordinator? You Shouldn’t Be

Florida’s head coach, Jim McElwain, announced Friday morning that Randy Shannon would be making the …

Quarterbacks in Spotlight for NFL Wild Card Weekend

The NFL Wild Card kicks off Saturday and the quarterback situations could not be any more different. On …

College Football Playoff Shakes Up Schedule

The College Football Playoff was a success in its first year. Yet, that doesn’t stop …

Michael Jordan Speaks out about Shootings, Police Officers

NBA great Michael Jordan opened up about his thoughts about shootings of African-Americans and the …

Treon Harris to Transfer

With the college football season approaching, the Florida Gators have announced that former starting QB …

USA Basketball Wins Second Exhibition Game

Just a few short days after their big win over Argentina, team USA won its …

Charlotte Is No Longer The Home Of The 2017 NBA All-Star Game

The House Bill 2 came between Charlotte, North Carolina and the 2017 All-Star Game. The …

Tampa Bay Rays Continue Series Against Oakland

The Tampa Bay Rays are continuing their three-game winning streak. The Rays defeated the Oakland …

MLB Preview Tonight

It’s summer time—the best time to go to a baseball game and experience the atmosphere. …

Braves Begin Series With Rockies

The Atlanta Braves (33-62) open up a four-game road series with the Rockies (43-51) tonight …

Marlins To Close Out Series With The Phillies

The Miami Marlins are in the middle of a crucial ten game span against NL East …

Rays Crush Rockies 11-3, Face A’s Next

In the midst of a terrible season that has seen the Tampa Bay Rays (37-57) …

American League Second Half Outlook

The second half of the baseball season is in full swing which translates to? Pennant races. Teams …

National League Evening Preview

Tonight is a busy night for the National League in the MLB. Starting with the …

Big 12 Looks To Expand

Following a Tuesday meeting between Big 12 presidents, Oklahoma president David Boren announced that the …

LSU Looks To Capitalize On Its Opportunity

The Louisiana State University Tigers will enter the 2016 college football season with high expectations, …

Muschamp Helps Close Out SEC Media Days 2016

It wasn’t Will Muschamps first SEC Media Days experience, but 2016 marked the first time …

Phil Mickelson Leads British Open After First Day

The 145th annual 2016 British Open is underway at Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland. The …

Missouri’s Football Crisis: Rebuilding A Program

On the final day of SEC Media Days, Barry Odom took the stand as Missouri’s head …

Second Half Of MLB Season Begins

The All-Star Break is a good time for teams to rest up and reform themselves …

British Open Underway

The 145th Open Championship is already underway at the Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland. Welcome …

Newberry Softball Caps Week With Third Run-Rule Win In A Row

By Hannah Getman and Adam Edelin  The Newberry High School softball team beat the Eastside …