Altidore grabbed his first of two goals on the night in the 50′ minute. But the 4-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago will nearly certainly be remembered as Christian Pulisic’s coming-out party for the US rather than for any team achievement.
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The USMNT advances to the Hexagonal where they will open against Mexico at home on November 11.
Kljestan scored and laid on an assist on his first appearance for the U.S.in two-and-a-half years in St. Vincent, and he put in another fine showing in Jacksonville.
Captain Michael Bradley retuned from a ban and Tim Howard made his 32nd World Cup qualifying appearance, grabbing Kasey Keller’s goalkeeping record. Many feel it is time, especially after his performance on Friday. Because the US has a plus-13 goal difference, it could advance even with a loss because third-place Guatemala (2-2-1) is at plus-1.
United States of America had to wait until the 31st minute for their first real chance on Tuesday as an Altidore cross led to 17-year-old Christian Pulisic hitting the post.
His inclusion came despite Klinsmann stressing beforehand that he would take a patient approach with the Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder.
Youngster Christian Pulisic made his first career start for the US national team and provided a spark as well, even assisting one of Altidore’s goals. He looked liked he belonged, albeit in a low-pressure setting, with a modest crowd at EverBank Stadium and opponents who were bright going forward but supine at the back, allowing the teenager plenty of space to run at goal and dispatch a succession of unsafe crosses.
Sacha Kljestan opened the scoring, continuing the revival to his worldwide career.
The keeper ensured his team stayed in the match by blocking an Altidore shot from the top of the box.
A rebound off a Pulsiic rebound gave the USA its final 4-0 decision.
Four minutes later, Altidore doubled the lead.
“First in the group”.
That healthy goal difference has left Klinsmann with room to experiment with his line-up – and fuelled hope that the 17-year-old Pulisic may start.
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With the end result all-but a formality, the USA added another when substitute Paul Arriola found himself wide open following a rebound from a Pulisic slot to slot home.
