KINGSTOWN, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Red Bulls midfielder Sacha Kljestan could have not asked for a better comeback to the US national team Friday afternoon. Though the small nation has never qualified for a World Cup, the USA had to be wary as many of their regular starters were out with injury. The Borussia Dortmund wunderkind’s goal was a historic one as he became the youngest U.S. national team player to score in World Cup Qualifying. “It’s not going to be easy in St. Vincent on a very hard field with heat and whatever else”.
Advertisement
However, Pulisic’s continued development was a positive sign, as was the squad’s ability to cope easily without five regular starters due to a combination of injury and suspension. To start, captain and midfielder Michael Bradley is suspended for the Friday match against St. Vincent, as is Michael Orozco for yellow-card accumulation.
Also rejoining the USA roster is forward Jozy Altidore, who missed Junes Copa America with a hamstring strain and central defender Omar Gonzalez.
Sacha Kljestan was outstanding during his short, second-half stint with the USA national team Friday. On a Caribbean island, there was no way Matt Besler could return home quickly for the arrival of his first child.
Injuries have forced Jurgen Klinsmann to make big changes.
“I’ve been thinking about this during the week: that I nearly had my first national-team career, and then I had a break for two and a half years, I got to reflect on a lot of things and look back, and now I’m more motivated and more driven and more determined”. With a draw, Guatemala would only be able to max out at 10 points with a win in its final game while Trinidad and Tobago would sit comfortably with 11.
Pulisic knocked in a pair of very well finished goals off of assists from Kljestan, who also scored a goal of his own thanks to a set up from – who else?
The United States can clinch advancement tonight, however, but that requires a win over St. Vincent and a Trinidad and Tobago win over Guatemala.
Advertisement
The defeat leaves Honduras in pole position to qualify from Group 1 behind Mexico, the only team so far to have cemented their place. That scenario would leave Tuesday’s match only to decide who emerges in first place from the group. And if they can get a decent lead, it would be a great opportunity for Klinsmann to give some of the younger players a taste of qualifying action.
