U.S Battle T&T to Scoreless Draw

FEAT-USA-111715vTrinidad-769x385

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad & Tobago — Trinidad & Tobago earned a rare point against the visiting United States in FIFA World Cup Qualifying, playing its CONCACAF Group C rival to a 0-0 draw at Hasely Crawford Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Trinidadians entered the match having lost 11 out of 14 all-time qualifiers (2W-1D-11L) to the USA.

Both teams remained tied with 4 points apiece on the strength of 1W-1D-0L records, although the Americans lead the group with a superior goal difference (+5 to +1) thanks to their opening 6-1 win over St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

The Soca Warriors, spurred by Friday’s 2-1 victory at Guatemala, were the aggressor from the opening kickoff, but had nothing to show for their efforts.

Only 10 seconds into the match, Joevin Jones, off a right-wing pass from Kenwyne Jones, fired wide left of the target.

Kenwyne Jones had an opportunity himself in the 13th minute, but his effort went wide left as well.

The host’s best chance came in the 26th minute, when a through ball found Cordell Cato, who split the U.S. defense. He got a step on defender Tim Ream, only shoot beyond the left post through center back Matt Besler’s legs.

Two minutes into the second half, Gyasi Zardes had a golden opportunity to put the Americans in front, heading a right-wing cross from Jozy Altidore off the crossbar.

U.S. midfielder Jermaine Jones experienced a similar fate in the 78th minute as goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams parried the shot off the top of the bar and out of bounds for a corner kick.

Buoyed by two late substitutes, the host pressed forward for the winner in the waning minutes. Keron Cummings, off a Trevin Caesar feed, fired a 12-yard attempt wide right in the 87th minute.

Group C will resume play on March 25 with St. Vincent & the Grenadines hosting T&T and the U.S. traveling to Guatemala.

Via – www.concacaf.com 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *