The United States men's national team wrapped up 2021 with yet another victory, beating Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday in a friendly, 1-0. Cole Bassett, the 20-year-old Colorado Rapids midfielder, recorded his first cap and also got his first goal, finishing a strike inside the box in the dying minutes. Coach Gregg Berhalter used an MLS-heavy squad with the Europe-based players in the middle of their domestic seasons.
Here's the winning goal:
First cap, first goal.
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) December 19, 2021
Welcome to the #USMNT, @colebassett19 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/BCNT5hyeYQ
The match saw the Americans play the last hour up a man following a red card to Amar Begic. But even up a man, it didn't feel like a win was coming. The squad managed just three shots on goal despite having 74 percent possession, completing over 450 more passes than the visitors. But it was still an opportunity for Berhalter to get a look at some players who should play a part in World Cup qualifying next year, including young star striker Ricardo Pepi, who played 62 minutes Saturday night.
Craving even more coverage of the world's game? Listen below and follow ¡Qué Golazo! A Daily CBS Soccer Podcast where we take you beyond the pitch and around the globe for commentary, previews, recaps and more.
The victory does cap off a pretty incredible calendar year for the Americans, having beaten Mexico in both the Concacaf Nations League final and Gold Cup final, while also besting their neighbors to the south in World Cup qualifying.
The U.S. returns to action on Jan. 27 with a World Cup qualifier against El Salvador. All away USMNT qualifying matches can be viewed exclusively on Paramount+.
