The United States men's national team dominated the first half in St. Louis as they searched for a bounce back victory after drawing against Jamaica in their opening game of the Gold Cup and they did just that defeating Saint Kitts and Nevis 6-0 on Wednesday. The USMNT lived up to early expectations, scoring three times in the first 16 minutes, and four in the first half overall. Paced by a hat trick by Jesus Ferreira, the United States scored early and often to make sure that Group A's fate could be in their control.
The draw in their first match means that if both the USMNT and Jamaica win out the group winner will be decided by goal difference. That meant the Americans needed to not only win the match, but also run up the score following Jamaica's 4-1 victory over Trinidad and Tobago earlier in the night. After winning three consecutive Concacaf tournaments, finishing anything other than first in the group wouldn't' see the USMNT play to expectations under B.J. Callaghan, but that wouldn't be a worry as Djordje Mihailovic opened the scoring in the 12th minute and the team was off and running after.
James Sands had another good match setting the defensive tempo while Jalen Neal seemed like he has always been a part of the USMNT defense despite only being 19. A response was what the team needed and it was just what was provided but there were also a few notable goals as well.
Bryan Reynolds, making his first USMNT appearance in an official FIFA competition since March versus Grenada in Nations League, celebrated his 22nd birthday by scoring quite a goal following a corner. Playing in crosses with pace and getting into the box when he had space, Reynolds was unlucky to only score one goal but he'll take it.
Ferreira also became the fifth USMNT player to register two hat tricks for the National Team, but even he didn't match his best goal tally as that would be four goals also against Grenada. Mihailovic also scored two goals and assisted two more, showing his growth since moving to AZ Alkmaar. Next up is Trinidad and Tobago for the United States on Sunday, July 1 where they'll look for more of the same.
Domination was expected but the USMNT took care of business scoring six goals in the match to rise to the top of Group A. A hat trick by Jesus Ferreira was matched by Djordje Mihailovic's four goal contributions as the result was never in doubt versus Saint Kitts and Nevis. Their first ever meeting was a memorable one with the USMNT putting 15 of their 34 shots on target.
Zendajas had a chance to make it six but just couldn't hold his run. 33 shots for the United States and 15 ended up hitting the target in quite a game.
There's Djordje! He now has two goals and two assists after the assist from Roldan was unselfish creating a chance rather than scoring himself. Mihailovic is really showing what he can do.
Brandon Vazquez was inches from scoring his second goal from the bench via a header but he couldnt' finish the chance. The United States have taken 23 shots to Saint Kitts and Nevis' one.
Archibald was called into yet another big save, his sixth of the match and the United States will make even more changes as Cristian Roldan will get ready.
Hat trick Ferreira as Cade Cowell helps keep the play ticking over for Mihailovic to assist Ferreira on the goal. He needs one more goal to match his career high in a match for the USMNT.
Alan Sonora comes in for Gianluca Busio in order to get more mintues under his belt. The game is beginning to get physical but the ref is letting things go so far.
No added time but it wasn't needed with the United States scoring four goals in the half to jump to the top of Group A as things stand. The team has understood what they need to do making sure to leave no doubt and now Callaghan will be able to rotate the team in the second half to ensure that he rests his players.
That's a brace for Ferreira as he caught the entire Sugar Boyz defense off guard. Two goals and an assist in only 25 mintues and the team hasn't dropped their levels of intensity one bit.
Before you could blink, Bryan Reynold took a laser of a shot to score on his birthday to put the United States firmly in the lead. And then Jesus Ferreira struck and it's three goals in five mintues for the Red, White, and Blue.
What a team goal! Busio runs into the box and is found to setup Mihailovic for the opening goals. While the USMNT have scored early, they'll need more goals but it was an encouraging one as movement form the team created space to play into.
Saint Kitts and Nevis were on the attack but Sands broke everything up well to get the USMNT on the attack. The USMNT weren't able to score but they created two shots from the tie. So far the match is open but the United States are looking composed.
The United States are pushing the pace in front of a strong crowd in St. Louis. Comfortable with the ball, the USMNT will need to be careful to not be reckless with their chances.
The anthems are underway and next up will be game time. Jamaica has already won 4-1 so the United States will need to win by three or more goals to regain the top spot in Group A.
Once the USMNT warm up to the game, they'll be able to pick apart Saint Kitts and Nevis' defense, leading to their first victory in this edition of the Gold Cup. Pick: United States 4, Saint Kitts and Nevis 0
There's a change in net as Sean Johnson starts between the sticks. Cade Cowell comes in as well as Jordan Morris picked up an injury at the end of the match against Jamaica.
Starters: Sean Johnson, Matt Miazga, Bryan Reynolds, Gianluca Busio, James Sands, Fesus Ferreira, Cade Cowell, Djordje Mihailovic, DeJuan Jones, Alex Zendejas, Jalen Neal
The goal is clear for the United States. Score, score, and score some more. Jamaica are already on the way to victory over Trinidad & Tobago so the best way to win the group will be by garnering a superior goal difference. With Julain Gressel now with the squad, B.J. Callaghan will have more attacking options to tinker with as the USMNT will play in front of a strong crowd in St. Louis.
