After a rocky start to the U.S. Men’s National Team’s Gold Cup quarterfinal match against El Salvador, Omar Gonzalez stepped up to save the day.
The 28-year old Pachuca defender scored his second goal in as many matches on Wednesday night, using his head to finish off a Michael Bradley free kick in the 41st minute to give the USMNT a much-needed 1-0 lead. Combined with a shutout performance in defense, especially in the second half against immense pressure from El Salvador, Gonzalez earned the SBI USMNT Man of the Match honors.
Gonzalez’s goal could not have come at a more vital time. El Salvador came out swinging in the early parts of the match, nearly seizing the lead on several occasions, as the UMSNT struggled to find their footing. Anxiety levels around the stadium were rising as many saw the USMNT struggling to put away what should’ve been a certain win, but then Gonzalez’s head found Bradley’s perfectly placed free kick and alleviated all the pent up tension in the building.
His performance was impressive enough to beat out fellow goalscorer Eric Lichaj, assist-man Michael Bradley, and impactful winger Paul Arriola for the Man of the Match honors.
Who was your USMNT Man of the Match? Which players stood out to you on Wednesday?
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