Top Stories

USMNT vs. Trinidad and Tobago: Your Live Commentary

USA’s forward Clint Dempsey celebrates after scoring during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier football match against Panama, in Panama City on March 28, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / RODRIGO ARANGUA (Photo credit should read RODRIGO ARANGUA/AFP/Getty Images)

The U.S. Men’s National Team begins a massive four-day stretch in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying on Thursday night at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park against Trinidad and Tobago.

USMNT manager Bruce Arena has selected his best possible XI for the Hexagonal round showdown with the last-place team in the six-team competition. With one goal, Clint Dempsey will tie Landon Donovan’s scoring record, a second would make the Seattle Sounders man the all-time leading scorer in USMNT history.

The USMNT must approach the game with caution, as it can’t look ahead toward Sunday’s trip to the Estadio Azteca with earning three points a must against T&T. In addition to that, the USMNT must watch its yellow-card situation, as Michael Bradley, John Brooks, Clint Dempsey and Geoff Cameron enter the game on yellows.

The SBI staff will be offering updates and analysis in the comments section below, so feel free to follow along, and as always, please feel free to share your own thoughts and opinions below.

Enjoy the action.

Comments

      • At one point Villafana got beat badly for pace down the wing. Put Fabian back to LB for Mexico or they could really abuse that position. I was hoping Villafana was the answer at LB after the last two games, but I don’t think he’s good enough for high quality opposition. Despite what Fabian and Bruce may want, the team is better off with Fabian at LB
        .

  1. Johnson giving nothing, forwards coming back too deep, way too static off the ball, treating T&T players like they are Messi defensively. They will not get 3 points this way

    Reply
  2. Is the new US attitude to play casually? I’ve seen more intensity in rec league games. And all the talk about the altitude is overstating the problem. If they have been at altitude for a week, they should be mostly acclimated.

    Reply
    • Others might not agree, but when your d-mid can’t press, and Bradley cannot, it’s hard to play at a high tempo. There was a time I thought Bradley was our best player, and he still does a lot of good things, but he is just so slow of foot.

      Reply
  3. First half= not fking good enough. A draw in this game buts us in serious danger of not qualifying. Need some chair throwing and locker smashing at halftime. I know it altitude but we r fking walking around the pitch. Mexico would eat us alive with this effort. Need more heart.

    Reply
  4. So, a problem with the US pressing? Bradley can’t. I know he does all the little things writers and coaches love, and I don’t deny that, but man, he looks like he runs in slow motion. He might be a slowest player on any field even within CONCACAF.

    Reply
    • Think it makes sense to save him for Mexico. Going to need his pace and ability to get in behind. This game will be a bit more compact. Altidore better at holding the ball, Dempsey more creative. Granted, he could come on as a substitute, but think this game is more tailored for Dempsey-Altidore.

      Reply
  5. 1′ Kickoff and we’re underway. Going to predict a 3-1 USMNT win. Dempsey with two to tie and break the record.

    Reply
    • 11′ Chance for Fabian Johnson, who just can’t get a solid shot in on the waist-high cross. Could have maybe gone for a diving header. First real look for the U.S.

      Reply
      • 15′ Dempsey juuuust high. Great ball from Bradley to pick out Villafana, who finds Johnson. Lay off to Dempsey, but the shot is just over the bar.

      • 17′ Cross in from Nagbe nearly finds Altidore, but it’s just a bit behind him. U.S. starting to get in a rhythm.

      • 23′ T&T content to put everyone in the box and swat away. Wide areas are there. Nagbe looking good so far, but U.S. generating very little in terms of chances.

      • 25′ Pace is quickening for USMNT. Moving the ball a lot faster and pressing much higher. Looking more like you’d expect. Altidore with a chance, but it’s saved by Williams. Much better.

      • 33′ OFF THE BAR! Kenwyne Jones’ header beats Howard but clangs off the bar. Inches away from a goal. That’s all it takes.

      • Two chances for the USMNT! Villafana rips one that is saved. Altidore’s header is also pushed away. Two very good chances.

      • 39′ Crosses getting much, much better. This one falls to Pulisic, whose shot is deflected just wide.

      • HALFTIME: Both teams with chances, but neither with a goal. Frustrating half for the USMNT. Too slow to start and a little off with the final effort on goal.

      • GOAL PULISIC! USMNT FINALLY breaks through and it’s Pulisic of course. Good pressure and great run from Nagbe. Ball goes out to Yedlin who whips it in for a Pulisic finish. Best sequence of the game and the U.S. finally gets a goal.

      • Nearly an IMMEDIATE response from T&T. Ball goes in but the play is ruled for offside.

      • 61′ The record will have to wait. Dempsey off for Acosta. U.S. adding a bit to the midfield.

      • 62′ GOAL PULISIC! A second one for the Borussia Dortmund winger, who breaks through the backline for a one-on-one chance. Fires it near post and it’s 2-0 to the USMNT.

  6. Brooks injury must not be a big deal, was there any thought to save him for Mexico or to important for 3 points tonight?

    Reply
    • He was training in full so would assume he’s fairly healthy. Arena had said he wasn’t saving anyone for Mexico. Have to get three points tonight before even worrying about it.

      Reply
  7. Good evening all. Almost time for the USMNT’s clash with Trinidad & Tobago. A pretty straight-forward lineup from Arena, who goes with a familiar group.

    Before the game kicks off, any questions/predictions for tonight’s match?

    Reply

Leave a Comment