{"id":310,"date":"2016-09-06T23:19:22","date_gmt":"2016-09-07T03:19:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsoccer.com\/?p=310"},"modified":"2016-09-06T23:19:22","modified_gmt":"2016-09-07T03:19:22","slug":"usmnt-takes-care-trinidad-tobago-style","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/2016\/09\/06\/usmnt-takes-care-trinidad-tobago-style\/","title":{"rendered":"USMNT Takes Care of Trinidad and Tobago In Style"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jacksonville, FL- The U.S National Team<\/strong><\/a> dragged it out into the second half, but eventually made good work of Trinidad and Tobago<\/strong>, winning 4-0. Jozy Altidore<\/strong><\/a> bagged a brace, Christian Pulisic<\/strong> starred, Sacha Klejistan<\/strong><\/a> cemented his spot in the squad, and Paul Arriola<\/strong> made a case for future involvement in the win.<\/p>\n

US Takes Care of Trinidad and Tobago In Style<\/h1>\n

Kljestan\u2019s Statement<\/h2>\n

The first goal came from a great combo play between Pulisic and Fabian Johnson<\/strong>. They combined for a few passes on the left hand side of the 18-yard box. A square ball to Kljestan got deflected and a failed clearance was sent straight into his stomach. The New York Red Bulls<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0captain promptly slotted home with his left, giving the US a 1-0 lead.<\/p>\n

Jozy\u2019s Brace<\/h2>\n

With the opening goal being the only bright spot in the first half, things were much better when the two teams came out of their respective locker rooms after halftime. A great ball from Johnson found Altidore. With Pulisic continuing his run around the left hand side, he drew a the second defender away from Altidore. The TFC striker took possession and with some nifty footwork, created space to get a shot off. Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Marvin Phillip left too much room to his near post, and Altidore exploited it, firing a shot into the lower right corner.<\/p>\n

This time Pulisic played creator for Jozy\u2019s second. Michael Bradley<\/strong><\/a> sprayed the ball out wide to Pulisic from a free kick. Pulisic beat his man and got inside, firing a ball across the goal mouth. Altidore made the necessary run to the back post, and made a sliding finish to make it 3-0.<\/p>\n

Arriola Capitalizes<\/h2>\n

Arriola came on for Alejandro Bedoya<\/strong> in the 66th minute. In his few appearances, the Club Tijuana midfielder has recorded a goal and assist for the US. Pulisic fed Altidore on the left side of the box, who then found Jordan Morris<\/strong><\/a> in the middle. Morris\u2019 shot was saved, but the rebound caromed out to the right where a wide-eyed Arriola pounced. Arriola\u2019s second goal for the U.S just may have earned him a roster spot when the the Hexagonal begins in November.<\/p>\n

Pulisic’s Impact<\/h2>\n

Pulisic had the offense flowing through him and showed he has no problems doing it. He had the primary assist on Altidore’s second, and made a good run to attract attention away from him for his first. He did have a shot ring off both posts in the 30th minute. At 17 years old, he completely took hold of a significant competitive match. Potentially, this performance could vault him into the conversation to start for the U.S in the Hex.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Next?<\/h2>\n

This win gives the U.S. the top spot in Group C, guaranteeing they advance to the Hexagonal Round of Qualifying. Their first match will be against Mexico<\/strong> on November 11th which US Soccer announced after tonight’s game will take place in Columbus, OH.<\/p>\n

Be sure to check out our other takeaways from tonight\u2019s match<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n