photo by Chris Humphreys/USA Today Sports
By FRANCO PANIZO
Locked in a scoreless affair at halftime, the U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team needed someone to ignite an attacking flame to defeat Panama.
Jerome Kiesewetter proved more than capable of helping in that regard.
The U.S. finished play in Group A of CONCACAF Olympic qualifying by dispatching Panama, 4-0, on Tuesday night, and it was Kiesewetter that came off the bench to help make the difference. Kiesewetter scored a goal eight minutes after checking into the match at the start of the second half, delivered an assist shortly thereafter, and drew a penalty kick later on to help the Americans improve to 3-0 in the tournament.
Kiesewetter’s sterling substitute performance earned him SBI’s U.S. U-23 Men’s National Team Man of the Match award, and further adds to to his impressing showing in the qualifying campaign.
The VfB Stuttgart attacker, who started the match on the bench so as to get some rest, had arguably his best outing of the competition on Tuesday. He gave the Americans a 2-0 lead with a clinical finish in the 53rd minute, fed Jordan Morris for another insurance goal three minutes later, and was brought down in the box to set up Luis Gil’s 71st-minute tally.
Kiesewetter, 22, was not the only player to impress on an undefeated U.S. side that is high on confidence right now. Others who garnered consideration for the latest SBI honors were Morris, Gil, and Gboly Ariyibi.
What did you think about Kiesewetter’s performance vs. Panama? Agree that he was the Americans’ Man of the Match? Who else impressed you?
Share thoughts below.
Did anyone notice Maki Tall being a bully on Defense; literal throwing players around?! He’s that player that is not afraid to get his hands dirty. Only other player with this nastiness on any of the rosters is Jermain “Jermesus” Jones.
Jordan Morris is a very good player, i expect european teams to come knocking if he finishes with college
Lets say that we qualify for the Olympics in Brazil. Which players (excluding the 3 over aged) would could we possibly see added to the Squad? I can only think of the 6 listed below. Any other options out there that I’m overlooking?
Cropper, O’Neill, Brooks, Yedlin, Rubin, Payne,
It’s a great question and one that bears monitoring because it could prove to be the difference in receiving a medal or not…..first things first though, we have to qualify
You didn’t list Landon Donovan! You must have some deep-seated vendetta against LD. Don’t you remember how great he was in all those games? He should totally be on the roster. He deserves it!
Horvath
Keisewetter and Morris should become attacking stalwarts for the USMNT for years to come.
Lol in Texas
Very solid game…I’m impressed with his vision and ability to combo with others, especially Morris. They play so well together…rarely selfish, always recognizing when the other is in a better position to score.
Wow this kid left me awe struck in the run up that drew the penalty… from a die hard fan since 02 and i am 29 this squad has the biggest most athletic guys I have ever seen assembled for the stars and bars…
May the tri color burn down
Come on you yaaaanks
ummm I think you mean stars and strips. Cause quite a few of these guys would not make it on the stars and bars team.
stripes not strips
Funny on many levels. Thank you,
Here’s to hoping that Honduras beats Mexico tomorrow.
You’d prefer to play Mexico in the “do or die” game?
guess he wants double USA v. Mexico games on saturday. i don’t think i could handle that.