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United States Men’s National Team manager, Bruce Arena, decided to go with a new look against 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Group B leader Martinique. The only players to make the starting XI in Game 2 were, Brad Guzan, Kellyn Acosta, and Omar Gonzalez.
The rain stayed away for the second game of the night, and the new face USMNT provided an early attacking offense. They dominated much of the first half, especially the midfield. This provided two good chances in the first couple of minutes. Most notably, Gyasi Zardes’ entry pass that was just too far for Jordan Morris. The first fifteen minutes were all USA, which led to plenty of chances and controlling the tempo.
That continued until about the 35th minute, when Martinique finally got things going. Kevin Parsemain finally got a quick Martinique counter going, but was thwarted away by Guzan. The half closed with a few more chances, and Arriola just missed connecting on a pass to Zardes.
The USMNT came out of the half applying pressure, just like they did the first. Keeping the tempo up, led to opportunities. Once again Arriola was able to sprint past a Martinique defender, but was not able to beat Kevin Olimpa.
Omar Gonzalez’s Goal, First of the Match
They were finally able to get one by Olimpa, as Omar Gonzalez put back a rebound, and gave the US a 1-0 lead. The US continued to play their faster pace into the second half, and it worked out brilliantly.
Eric Lichaj worked the ball out wide and was able to thread a pass on the round to Morris who buried it home for a 2-0 US lead.
Jordan Morris’ First Goal
It took about a minute later before Martinique found Kevin Parsemain at the top of the box. Parsemain fired a low bullet past Guzan, and brought Martinique back into the game. They looked like a completely different team than Saturday. But once they woke up, they really got things going. A quick side note, some club, whether MLS or overseas needs to sign Parsemain. He as a lot of talent, and has really taken advantage of this world stage.
Kevin Parsemain Goal
Alejandro Bedoya came into the game for Kellyn Acosta, and played very well. Getting a few good looks right off the bat. Martinique was able to counter again, and Johan Audel was able to put a rebound past Guzan. The goal stunned the stadium as they were tied at 2 late in the second half.
Jordan Morris’ Second Goal
That was erased very quickly, as Morris was able to net his second goal of the match, giving the USMNT a 3-2 advantage. Martinique did not go down without a fight, as Sebastien Cretinoir almost beat Guzan on a set piece header in the final moments in regulation.
Martinique manager, Jean-Marc Civault, was in good spirits after the matchm “I saw courage, with low resources we can still compete with the large counties.” He made a few references to the lack of funds currently being allocated to the team. They have made a good case to get a few more resources. Bruce Arena on the second half scoring, “We were a little more cleaner in the second half, Martinique got a little tired… We scored 3 goals, and probably could have had a few more to make it easier on ourselves.”
In a very close game the USMNT was able to get 3 points, and all but their spot in the Gold Cup knockout stage. They’ll face Nicaragua in Cleveland on Saturday where they need at least one point to feel safe. However, all eyes will be on the first game. Martinique will need a win or a draw to advance into the knock out stage. Panama should be in depending on the goal differential.
For more 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup action, check out our Live Blog or follow The AOSN on Twitter @TheAOSNcom.