The United States men’s national team broke through 10-man Trinidad and Tobago’s packed-in defense late to secure a 3-0 win in Austin, Texas on Thursday and send the Yanks to within 90 minutes of this summer’s Copa America.
It should’ve been over long before then, but Gregg Berhalter’s front three struggled to provide much until Ricardo Pepi came off the bench to start a three-goal, control-seizing, eight-minute run.
[ RECAP, VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: USMNT 3-0 Trinidad and Tobago ]
Antonee Robinson and Sergino Dest were fantastic in the win, and Giovanni Reyna wasn’t far behind the duo as Berhalter’s plan to control the play by working wide was a good one (if betrayed by his starting wingers).
It was a good win for the Yanks even if the scoreboard betrays an excellent performance by T&T and a disappointing night for a trio of players who would’ve expected more against this opposition.
The Yanks are 90 minutes away from Copa America qualification. Those 90 mintues begin at 7pm ET Monday and you can watch it here (Stream at 7pm ET on November 20 en Peacock en Espanol).
USMNT player ratings versus Trinidad and Tobago
STARTING XI
Matt Turner: 7 — Can you play 90 minutes and get an N/A? 10 touches. Ten. ONE EVERY NINE MINUTES.
Antonee Robinson: 9 — Part of it was the bright hair, but Jedi looked like Giovanni Reyna quarterbacking the final third for much of this game. How good is this guy? Goal, assist, 94 touches, five created chances, 13 passes into the final third, and seven recoveries.
Tim Ream: 8 — On the rare occasions that T&T got the ball out of their half, Ream made sure to quickly push the pace back into the Soca Warriors’ third. His long-distance passing was on point and he nearly scored off a set piece. Good day for the captain.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 8 — The Celtic back is a bad, bad man. Clearly growing toward his prime at age 25.
Sergino Dest: 8 — Berhalter deserved massive praise for the game he designed for his fullbacks, as Dest’s day is only overshadowed by Robinson. Dest had 118 touches and was credited with four created chances. His crossing was just a bit off.
Yunus Musah: 7.5 — Another player with over 100 touches, Musah and McKennie are too much for most of CONCACAF.
Weston McKennie: 8.5 — Yet another fella over 100 touches. Ten recoveries. Tried to will his forwards with pure energy.
Malik Tillman (Off 66'): 6 — Three shots on the day including a header on target. Not his best day.
Giovanni Reyna: 7 — Ran all over the pitch to help facilitate his fullbacks, but was a little trigger-shy in the first half. Shoot, Gio!
Kevin Paredes (Off 66'): 5.5 — Tidy enough with the ball, but lacking adventure. Sailed a back-post effort over the goal shortly before subbing out. He’ll have better days in the shirt.
Folarin Balogun: 6.5 — Got his assist late and it’s a valuable one, but is clearly not in his best form. Four shot attempts on the day.
SUBS
Brenden Aaronson (On 66'): 7 — Immediate energy, as expected from an Aaronson. Missed one chance to open the scoring.
Ricardo Pepi (On 66'): 7.5 — Can’t get a low mark for a breakthrough goal, but Pepi probably could’ve scored thrice in his cameo.
