Nicholas Gioacchini made his first start for the U.S. Men’s National Team on Monday and got to celebrate in style with a multi-goal performance.
The Caen striker scored twice on his way to an SBI USMNT Man of the Match performance in Monday’s 6-2 romp over Panama in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. Gioacchini beat out Gio Reyna, Richie Ledezma, and Sebastian Soto for MOTM honors.
Gioacchini’s goals came in a four-minute span in the first half, not long after Gio Reyna equalized for the Americans. Gioacchini’s first goal gave the USMNT a 2-1 advantage in the 22nd minute, being in the right spot to score off a Uly Llanez rebound.
The 22-year-old added to his tally in the 26th minute after once again being in front of goal. Matt Miazga headed across goal and Gioacchini was there to head home his second goal of the match.
Gioacchini saw his second-half penalty kick saved by Orlando Mosquera, denying him a first international hat trick, but overall did well his in his 77 minute performance. He won four fouls, the most by any player in the match.
What did you think of Gioacchini’s performance? Who was your pick for Man of the Match?
Share your thoughts below.
I’m with beachbum, McKennie for the second game in a row. He is already our best central midfielder since Jermaine Jones, and looks like he has plenty of room to grow and get better still. Haha that slide tackle…I cringed but part of me loved it. As far as the strikers, Gioacchini seems to have that poachers instinct, which is great. Thought Soto’s goals were more clinical/difficult finishes. Ledesma credit for sending in nice crosses and picked up 2 assists.
lots of choices, I’d pick McKennie. Dominated, literally all over the field
While he might not have been MOTM, for me the most important aspect of these 2 games is Musah. I think he looked at least as good as Reyna. We really need to get his commitment.
my guess is he is using us to get England attention and it looks like it worked. I would be shocked if he picks us over England. He grew up thru their ranks
I don’t know his Instagram was full of heart and kissy face emojis to his teammates.
There is this re England. Berhalter has basically said he sees Musah as our center midfielder and Reyna on the wing. It looks like Mason Mount might have that position locked down for England. Certainly, Musah has to figure he has a better chance with starting for the US and with this group we are pretty much a cinch to go to the next few WC’s.
Musah looked really alive, aggressive, dangerous the first half. Really adept in tight spaces and goes at players, very hard to push off the ball. Drew all kinds of attention. All at 17. So hope he is a US player for years to come… he certainly has better prospect of significant time w/ us over a pretty stacked English side. He fit in well immediately and he and Pulisic on the field the same time would give defenses absolute fits.
ITA. He has a crowded path with England, less so with US. For me, he was the most interesting player in both games. It was a pleasure watching him receive a pass in the defensive third and turn with ease and move almost effortlessly into the middle third of the pitch time after time after time. When have we had a midfielder that can do that, especially receiving the ball with their back to the rest of the field?
hope he’s having fun with this group and likes the feeling and the building chemistry we’re seeing the last couple games
I’d put both 20-year-old young strikers as “Men of the Match” today. Gioacchini played well and scored a brace (could have easily score 3). Sebastian Soto had done so scoring 2 goals quickly in 13 minutes of mop up time.