Relax, this is what is to be expected, this is not an annointment of the USMNT in any way shape or form. They did what they had to do at minimum plus one goal. To advance and assure themselves a spot in qualifying for the World Cup, they must still beat Cuba, I would have bet the house on it ahead of the previous game with Canada, now I would be the car. They need the wins along with a 3 goal differential, that they accomplished, but there was no reason for it to be this difficult. Was it a one off, the horror with Canada in the other game, were the European based players the difference (hope not), I would be certain all were read the riot act as far as this being a game to win, a must win not by any means, the FIFA rank of the US should still get them into the Hex win or lose. This game was described as a World Cup final for Canada, hardly, it was not even the final for them to get into qualifications to represent Concacaf in the world's largest sporting event, there will be esssentialy out bracket games to gain entry at a later date. It was said on social media, I know, but it was stated that this is a golden age of US soccer players? I am not debating that however, it is way too soon to say, I will keep my NY centric view going and say no Pulisic (father played youth soccer on LI), Weah or Adams, not a fair statement. Great that we have the best players should this be an accurate statement, does that mean they may be beyond the coaching staff so that it is never really known? Why do as Earnie Stewart did, and give a vote of confidence to your HC as he heads into this game, keep the pedal to the metal, say nothing of the sort, force all do work under that pressure, the game in and of itself provided none. I would say this game did nothing other than correct for one game, the previous with Canada. Get a game that means something facing a better opponent, Costa Rica, Mexico, not like the next, Cuba or the TNT's of our group possibly the weakest of all groups on the globe. This is a game, not lost in 35 years, even then we were not expected to even be competitive with Mexico, with El Salvador etc. yes, now those games should be wins, so there has been progress, but in that amount of time we should only have to worry about Mexico in our group. Yes, due to many reasons, our domestic league has clearly benefitted out opponents in these such games far more than has MLS benefitted the US, I feel the bringing back of so many players Jozy, Bradley etc., here was the top cause of the failure with the last World Cup. In what should be all but a gimme, Nov. 19 from the Caymans from 7:30 ET on FS1, TUDN & Uni Mas expect the US to win, I would start my better players, none that even have the slighest of knocks, build a lead then sub liberally, to get a lok at the rest of the roster despite it being against weak competition.
This win made Gregg Berhalter the 2nd fastest US coach to hit double digits in wins with his 10th. The first 3 goals came fast and furious, with Zardes getting the first of his brace, Morris with a score and assist, to go with NYRB Aaron Long and a well placed header. The last goal by Zardes he seemed displeased that it was not already in the net, almost frustrated as he struck it true. Newly cap tied Sergino Dest assisted the first of the game from MLS champ Jordan Morris this was the first assist for Dest who made his first full international for the USMNT, his chip was taken off the full volley and sent home by Morris. the 23' mark saw Gyasi get his first of the game heading home a ball from Jordan as did Long at the 34' mark via a cross from a former Red Bull, Tim Ream and redirecting it well out of the reach of the 'keeper. Dest all but got one of his shots to show on the score line as in the 37' he beat the defender but his shot was just wide. The first half was a bit of a lopsided affair.
As the 2nd half opened, Canada was a different squad more possession, more forward movement with the ball and far more aggressive. A trio of subs by their HC, John Herdman just before the 60' mark added some more fire, as they clawed one back by way of a Steven Vitoria header, making it 3-1, game on. Davies now of Bayern Munich out of MLS had a great low go at goal saved by Guzan as he got through the US defense with aplomb. He was all but blankeetd by the US almost as if it was a message, someone else must beat us . A scant 5' later Zardes put the game to bed with his final goal, 4-1 US.
Kwik Kixx:
-Now the US in 15-9-11, 8-7-4 in official games and 12-1-9 at home facing the neighbors to the North.
-Berhalter has 10 wins in his first 17 games, 2nd only to Bob Bradley who did it in his first 11 games back in 2007.
-28 caps was the avg. for the winner's starters, the 2nd lowest for the team, in such competitions to the team that beat Cuba last month with their avg. of 23.
-The starters avg. age was 26 years, 110 days.
-12 goals put Zardes at the top in goal getters for the US on 2019.
-John Brooks, back for the first time since Mar. 21. a 1-0 win over Ecuador also in Orlando got his 2nd cap on the year.