Hartford, CT (July 1, 2017) – In their final tune up before the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, the United States Men’s National Team defeated Ghana 2-1. Forward Dom Dwyer scored the opening goal on his debut. Kellyn Acosta got the game winner on a set piece in the second half.
American Manager Bruce Arena had several players making their senior team debut. The team was in a 4-4-1-1. Brad Guzan was in goal with Matt Besler leading the defelse. Kellyn Acosta and Dax McCarty led the midfield. Dom Dwyer made his debut up top in front of Joe Corona. Kelyn Rowe started at left midfield in his debut as well.
The Black Stars were in experimental mode as well. They came out in a 4-4-2. Manager Kwesi Appiah started Asamoah Gyan up top with Raphael. Richard Ofori Antwi was in goal with John Boye leading the defense at center back. Chicago Fire star David Accam started at left midfield with Mohammed Abu at center mid. Coming into the day, Gyan had more caps with the national team then all other starters combined.
Dom Dwyer Scores In Debut As USMNT Wins Gold Cup Tune Up Over Ghana 2-1
The Americans came out flying. McCarty and Acosta got the ball moving quickly in the midfield. Rowe did well getting forward and creating chances for others from a wide position. Dwyer worked hard to split the center backs and get in behind. He and two great opportunities in the 14th and 18th minute but could not get a great shot off.
The third time was the charm in the 19th minute though. Jorge Villafaña won a ball in the final third and dribbled into the box. It took a deflection, but found Joe Corona. The forward sent the ball towards goal. It deflected off Villafaña and right towards Dwyer who volleyed it first time under the bar and into the net. The finish was almost as good as the backflip celebration. The Americans were off and running 1-0.
Everyone, meet @Ddwyer14. @Ddwyer14, meet everyone. A dream #USMNT debut for the 26-year-old! ?? pic.twitter.com/41cLap5kGK
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) July 1, 2017
There was controversy in the 24th minute. Dwyer got in alone and was taken down by Antwi just outside the box. The keeper appeared to go studs up to take down Dwyer and did not get any of the ball. Despite this, he was only given a yellow card.
¡OUCHH! pic.twitter.com/6jqsilkdfc
— Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) July 1, 2017
Gyan and Frank Acheampong led the attack for Ghana. Gyan had some chances but was marked well by Besler and Hedges. Most of the chances for the Black Stars came on set piece headers. Guzan made a few saves and the finishing was not great.
Acheampong won a PK right at the end of the first half. Villafaña appeard to tug on his shirt on a broken play inside the box. Gyan stepped up to take the PK but Guzan guessed right and deflected the ball out of play. The half ended 1-0.
That’s CAPTAIN @bguzan to you .
His second career PK save ? has the #USMNT up a goal in the second half! #USAvGHA pic.twitter.com/fBu0ulBkmK
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) July 1, 2017
Kelly Acosta doubled the advantage in the 52nd minute. The midfielder scored from just outside the box, going just around the wall and inside the far post.
Never saw it coming ?.
First goal; won’t be his last. Do your thing, @KellynAcosta! pic.twitter.com/F1oB4UjY2O
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) July 1, 2017
Gyan found redemption minutes later. Ghana won a set piece five yards outside the box. Gyan stepped up and sent it over the ball and out of Guzan’s reach. It was 2-1 in the 60th minute.
Asamoah Gyan makes up for his missed penalty with a free-kick #Golazo, curling it into the top corner to make it 2-1. #Ghana #USMNT #USAvGHA pic.twitter.com/zgrsyv9zkF
— Jason Foster (@JogaBonitoUSA) July 1, 2017
After that goal, both teams started making several substitutions. The game got a bit less clean, but neither could score. Guzan made sevearl good saves to close the game out. Substitute Alejandro Bedoya had a great chance on a header near the post, but it was saved. The match ended 2-1.
Scoring Summary:
19′ USA – Dom Dwyer, assisted by Jorge Villafaña
52′ USA – Kellyn Acosta, unassisted
60′ Ghana – Asamoah Gyan, unassisted
Final Thoughts:
This is a great result and performance all around for the United States. The players who made the debuts looked good. Dwyer was a danger all game and it was great to see him score on his debut. Rowe looked good as well on the wing. Kenny Saief was not bad off the bench either. This Ghanian team is probably better than any team they will play in the group stage of the Gold Cup. All of this is encouraging.
