By RYAN TOLMICH
Jordan Morris just continues to add to his already impressive international resume.
The Stanford star scored two goals to lead the U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team to a 3-1 victory over Canada in the opening game of CONCACAF Olympic qualifying. The performance was good enough to earn Morris SBI U.S. U-23 MNT Man of the Match honors.
Less than a minute into the match, Morris gave the U.S. the ideal start to the team’s qualifying run by smashing home a pass from Jerome Kiesewetter. In need of a second goal to ease pressure, Morris stepped up again in the second half by battling through a defender to finish off a Wil Trapp long ball for his second goal of the night. Overall, Morris was a consistent threat throughout the game, providing a series of timely runs and dangerous looks against a resolute Canada defense.
The pair of finishes were enough to help Morris beat out Kiesewetter, Emerson Hyndman and Matt Miazga for Thursday’s honors.
What did you think of Morris’ performance? Which U.S. player impressed you the most on Thursday?
Share your thoughts below.
This team does not know how to play with the ball. After the goal(s) they sit back, absorb pressure and play for the quick counter. This will not be effective against a team that possess the ball well.
The reason why Miazga was in mention for “MOM”, is that Canada was getting their chances, not effective ones due to his and Carter-Vickers’ play, but enough to challenge.
I thought Kiiesewetter was MOM, but Morris was certainly right up there with him. His speed is really something else. His complete lack of using his left foot is a bit troubling though.
In theory, midfielders that can play the ball into space on the ground like Hyndman and Zelalem fit Morris’ strength, those three were just never able to get on the same page though.
A great performance, though Kisewetter was not far behind. Morris is becoming a crazy story.
Chelsea would be a great team for him.