Facing off with an overmatched Cuba team, Emerson Hyndman’s ability to move the ball was on full display Saturday night.
The U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team midfielder helped lead the way in a dominant 6-1 victory, while earning recognition as SBI U.S. U-23 Men’s National Team Man of the Match.
Just 16 minutes into the game, Hyndman helped the U.S. kickstart what would become a scoring barrage via an assist on a Cameron Carter-Vickers header. From there, Hyndman and the U.S. midfield continuously picked apart a subpar Cuba team with little to no resistance. Hyndman’s efforts payed off in the form of a 69th-minute goal via a rocketed shot on a quick throw in.
The goal was more than deserved for a player that controlled the game throughout, as Hyndman earned SBI U.S. U-23 MNT Man of the Match honors over Luis Gil, Jordan Morris and Carter-Vickers.
What did you think of Hyndman’s performance? Which player stood out to you in Saturday’s victory?
Share your thoughts below.
Luis Gil sent in the free kick for the first goal by CCV, not Emo. His set piece deliveries have been subpar thus far. Just a correction
Yes Hyndman always looks good against “sub-par” as you put it competition but he was still muscled off throughout. Whether his abilities will transfer to the highest level or even Olympic level is still a question. With Morris, Gil Pelosi Miazga I think there is much less of a question
Hyndman was overmatched physically throughout the game. Gil or Pelosi for me
Keisewetter or Gil for me.
Not a chance. For me, it was Jerome Kiesewetter
Hyndman was excellent.
While watching the game I kept finding myself saying “who was that who played that pass?” and I’d find out it was Hyndman. He also had some nifty footwork and skill displays in keeping the ball under pressure.
Hyndman’s game was super clean. I was impressed. He was largely invisible in the first game, but he was the metronome in this one.
Gil also showed that he’s better at collecting and moving the ball than Zelalem is right now. Gil knows where to be and has a better command of the field.
They weren’t tested often, but CCV and Miazga were good again. I think that those two guys will be top level pros sooner rather than later. They’re studs.