The U.S. Men’s National Team secured its spot in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals with a convincing 3-1 victory over Trinidad & Tobago on Friday night at the Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The USMNT scored three goals in the first half, with Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie, and Brenden Aaronson finding the back of the net, while Trinidad & Tobago pulled one back in the second half through Ryan Telfer.
Reyna Opens the Scoring with a Penalty Kick
The USMNT started the game with high intensity and pressure, forcing Trinidad & Tobago to make several mistakes in their half. In the 10th minute, the USMNT won a penalty kick after Sergiño Dest was fouled by Alvin Jones inside the box. Gio Reyna stepped up to take the spot kick and calmly slotted it past goalkeeper Adrian Foncette, scoring his second goal for the USMNT. Reyna became the youngest USMNT player to convert a penalty kick, at 18 years and 208 days old, breaking the record previously held by Landon Donovan.
McKennie Doubles the Lead with a Header
The USMNT continued to dominate the game and created several chances to extend their lead. In the 25th minute, they did just that, when Weston McKennie headed in a corner kick from Kellyn Acosta. McKennie rose above his marker and powered his header into the bottom corner, leaving Foncette with no chance. It was McKennie’s seventh goal for the USMNT, and his third in the Concacaf Nations League.
Aaronson Makes it Three with a Tap-in
The USMNT was not done yet, and added a third goal in the 41st minute, thanks to Brenden Aaronson. The young midfielder, who had a stellar season with Red Bull Salzburg, was in the right place at the right time to tap in a rebound from a shot by Jordan Morris. Aaronson scored his third goal for the USMNT, and his second in the Concacaf Nations League.
Trinidad & Tobago Scores a Consolation Goal
Trinidad & Tobago came out with more energy and determination in the second half and managed to score a consolation goal in the 55th minute. Ryan Telfer, who plays for York United in the Canadian Premier League, received a long ball from Foncette and beat John Brooks with his pace before chipping the ball over Zack Steffen. It was Telfer’s first goal for Trinidad & Tobago, and the first goal conceded by the USMNT in the Concacaf Nations League.
USMNT Secures the Top Spot in Group A
The USMNT controlled the rest of the game and did not allow Trinidad & Tobago to create any more chances. The final whistle confirmed the USMNT’s win and their qualification to the Concacaf Nations League semifinals, where they will face Honduras on June 3, 2023. The USMNT finished the group stage with a perfect record of four wins, 15 goals scored and one goal conceded, topping Group A ahead of Canada, Cuba, and Trinidad & Tobago.
