Photo by ISIPhotos.com
By DAN KARELL
With the U.S. struggling to break down a dogged and determined Azerbaijan side midway through the second half, head coach Jurgen Klinsmann turned to a player who always seems to create chances when he’s on the field.
Just four minutes after coming on the pitch, Mix Diskerud provided the game-changing moment.
Off a Brad Davis free kick from 40-yards out in the 75th minute, Diskerud helped keep the ball in place inside the box so that Michael Bradley could fire. Bradley’s shot was deflected by the leg of an Azerbaijani defender but the rebound bounced up and towards Diskerud. The Norwegian-American reacted quickest and side-footed home to put the U.S. in the lead for good.
Diskerud’s quick thinking earned him SBI USMNT Man of the Match, as chosen by SBI staff.
Diskerud beat out other strong performances from Geoff Cameron and midfield pair Jermaine Jones and Bradley.
What did you think of Diskerud’s performance and goal? Which player stood out the most to you?
Who did you think deserved Man of the Match honors? Cast your vote here:
- Mix Diskerud
- Michael Bradley
- Jermaine Jones
- Geoff Cameron
- Brad Davis
- Timmy Chandler
- Jozy Altidore
- Matt Besler
- DaMarcus Beasley
- Aron Johannsson
Who did you vote for, and why?
Share your thoughts below.