Daryl Dike came into the U.S. Men’s National Team’s final June match with aspirations of delivering a strong impression against Costa Rica after missing out on the recent Concacaf Nations League. The Orlando City striker did just that with his first international goal in a lopsided victory.
Dike scored the second goal for Gregg Berhalter’s side in a 4-0 win over Los Ticos in Utah on Wednesday night. Dike’s performance in his first USMNT started helped him earn SBI Man of the Match honors. Dike beat out Brenden Aaronson, Reggie Cannon, and Mark McKenzie for top honors.
The 22-year-old striker earned the start for the Americans and showed off his clinical ability in front of goal in the first-half. McKenzie played a through ball behind the Costa Rican backline in the 42nd minute and Dike slotted past Leonel Moreira for his first international goal for the USMNT.
.@MarkMcKenzie collects his first #USMNT assist on @DarylDike's first 🇺🇸 goal.
We ❤️ it!#USAvCRC x @Allstate pic.twitter.com/MplkubVzFq
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) June 9, 2021
Dike was a handful for the Costa Rican defenders in the match and also came close to scoring on a few other occasions. His ability in the final third should help boost his stock heading into a busy summer with the USMNT, and also at club level with his future in MLS unknown.
What did you think of Dike’s performance? Who was your pick for Man of the Match?
Share your thoughts below.
Dike’s for first-touch is rough.
It’s a hard match to pick MoM honors, but for me it was Adams although he didn’t play the entire game. Nothing flashy, just exudes utter calm and control in the middle of the field… in transition from defense to offense and offense to defense. Critical. Both degrade the second he leaves the field. I will say a similar thing can be said for what Dike brings. It is oftentimes not readily apparent or flashy… even when he is not directly involved, he is influencing the game by posing a threat, occupying multiple defenders, creating space /time for players like Aaronson to operate.
I watched Dike closely. I was the most impressed with Aaranson, Weah and Adams. Dike is not mobile like Sargent. In fact, he reminds me a lot of Jozy. He basically parks and waits. It was impossible to compare this game to either Honduras or Mexico. CR had no motivation to play hard. Dike was unmarked, got a nice pass and finished it. A routine goal for a professional. Nothing special on his part.
I do not think he will unseat Sargent at this point. Sargent covers much more ground.. tracks back to help on defense and makes runs to get open.
Aaronson for me too, tho no problem with Dike
Same for me
Big Dike fan here, but I was thinking Aaronson or Adams for MOTM. To be fair, everyone on the team had a pretty good game, so feels like one where there’s not really a MOTM, just 11 solid performances.
Aaronson or Ream , Tim shut down every Costa Rica attack
Here’s another vote for Aaronson
Aaronson. By some margin.
As much as a like Dike, Aaronson had a bigger influence on the match, IMO. What happened to Dike, with that pass inside the box, from Aaronson in the ‘21? Did you see when they said Dike’ goals for Barnsley, made him the American with the most goals in the EFL Championship ever!! Passing, pressing and hold up play could improve but MOTM, I‘ll take it!
Yeah man, what was Dike thinking? His awareness is somewhat lacking and kind of a bull in a China shop. Although, no one wants to body up with him and when he gets a CB on his hip they are done! Dike is a great target and will improve his vision. And hopefully getting quick first touch shots
Peer atmosphere is really going to motivate this group. If you don’t improve next man up will take your spot!
I would disagree, I would give it to Musah or Aaronson.
Aaronson was definitely MOTM in my opinion. In fact I would move him up to center forward to start over Dike and Sargent.
Dike was a force, but I thought Aaronson had a great game. His quick feet were in evidence as he dribbled in the box through 2 defenders and laid a nice pass for Dike who inexplicably did not step into it. He was also chasing back to help defend well.