The U.S. men’s national team didn’t leave Port of Spain as winners on the night but did achieve two of its major goals this fall.
Despite a 2-1 second leg loss to Trinidad & Tobago in CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal play, Gregg Berhalter’s squad sealed a berth into the 2024 Copa America tournament and reached the Nations League semifinals. The Americans advanced 4-2 on aggregate into March’s Final Four in Texas.
Reon Moore cancelled out Antonee Robinson’s opening goal before Alvin Jones’ second half strike helped the Soca Warriors to a first head-to-head victory over the Americans since 2017. Sergino Dest was ejected in the 39th minute after receiving a pair of yellow cards for a pair of separate incidents.
The USMNT struck first in the 26th minute after Robinson delivered a diving header in the Trinidad & Tobago box. Dest’s dangerous cross was met by Robinson as the Fulham defender celebrated his second-straight goalscoring appearance.
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Dest’s night was cut short though with the USMNT right back being sent off in the 39th minute after a pair of yellow card offenses. The 23-year-old first punted the ball into the air after a turnover out of bounds before receiving a second yellow card for arguing with referee Walter Lopez.
Dest’s ejection means he will be suspended for the Nations League semifinal round in March.
The Soca Warriors took advantage of the extra man advantage by equalizing before halftime. Reon Moore fought off pressure from Cameron Carter-Vickers before unleashing a powerful right-footed shot past Matt Turner for a 1-1 scoreline.
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Momentum continued to grow for Trinidad & Tobago after Alvin Jones propelled the hosts in front in the 57th minute. Jones’ long-range free kick could not be kept out by Turner, giving the Soca Warriors a 2-1 lead.
Nathaniel James missed a golden opportunity in the 60th minute to extend T&T’s lead on a breakaway, while Andre Rampersad was denied by a diving Turner just five minutes later.
The USMNT backline would stand firm, avoiding any late drama to seal its spot in the Nations League. It marked the third-straight Nations League that the Americans reached the semifinal round.
Trinidad & Tobago will still have its opportunity of reaching the Copa America during March’s play-in round. The USMNT is likely to be in action during the January window.