
<p>United States men’s national team defender Sergiño Dest was sent off in a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/concacaf-nations-league-schedule/">Nations League</a> matchup with Trinidad and Tobago Monday night. The red card, however, was not for dangerous play such as a terrible tackle. Instead, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/psv-eindhoven-tv-schedule-for-viewers-in-the-us/">PSV</a> full-back was handed two yellow cards within 30 seconds for dissent.</p>



<p>As the Yanks were winning the match 1-0, and up 4-0 on aggregate, Dest thought he kept the ball in play along the sideline. Nevertheless, the assistant referee waved his flag to signal for a throw in. The defender then picked up the ball and kicked it off of the pitch in protest. Match referee Walter Lopez quickly gave Dest his first yellow card.</p>



<p>Several American teammates, including Gio Reyna and Yunus Musah, tried to cool down Dest after the booking. Reyna even tried putting his hand over Dest’s mouth to avoid any further incident. Dest, however, could not keep his calm and was shown a second yellow card as he continued to yell at the ref. The full-back even blew Lopez a kiss after being sent off.</p>



<p>Trinidad and Tobago would go on to win the match 2-1 on their home turf. Despite the loss, the Yanks advanced to the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals on an aggregate score of 4-2. Although they do not yet know their opponent, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/usmnt-tv-schedule/">USMNT</a> will play the semifinal matchup in March at AT&amp;T Stadium in Texas.</p>



<h2>USMNT coach calls Dest’s actions ‘inexcusable’ </h2>



<p>After the disappointing display, Dest took to social media to apologize for the incident. “I want to apologize to my teammates, Staff, Fans and whole nation for my behavior it was unacceptable, Selfish and immature I let my team down!” Dest wrote on Instagram. “It’s something I have to learn from and it won’t happen again!”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231121_WST_471686_Dest-USMNT-1200x675.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-471760" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Dest-USMNT-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Dest-USMNT-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Dest-USMNT-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Dest-USMNT.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Dest has been a designated starter at full-back for the USMNT for years, including playing each game at the 2022 World Cup.</figcaption></figure>



<p>USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter was asked about the defender’s actions after the loss. The manager labeled the incident as “concerning” and also claimed that the player must be accountable for his actions. “It’s inexcusable and it was surreal,” <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12773309/Sergino-Dest-red-card-USMNT-Tim-Ream-Matt-Turner-furious.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> Berhalter. “It is concerning because that’s not what we represent, that’s not who we are as a group.”</p>



<p>“We pride ourselves in staying mentally disciplined, battling through any type of conditions. Whether they’re good decisions or bad decisions, we’re supposed to keep going and respond in an appropriate way, and that obviously wasn’t the right response from Sergiño.”</p>



<p>“He apologized to the group. He said it’s not going to happen again. As a team, the players, the staff, we need to hold him accountable.”</p>



<h2>Teammates also call out Dest for red card display</h2>



<p>Berhalter was not the only one associated with the team to criticize Dest’s actions during the game. The team’s captain on the night, Tim Ream, also revealed that Dest received some choice words from teammates during halftime of Monday’s match.</p>



<p>“Not too many things I can say here publicly that we said privately,” <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12773309/Sergino-Dest-red-card-USMNT-Tim-Ream-Matt-Turner-furious.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stated</a> Ream. “It’s a complete lack of respect for the guys that are playing, for the guys that are on the bench. It’s a lack of respect for the game itself and for the referees.”</p>



<p>Fellow defender Antonee Robinson also called the sending off a “moment of unprofessionalism.” Dest will now miss the Nations League semifinal matchup in Texas. The 23-year-old full-back was also previously sent off in a contentious matchup with rivals <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/mexico-national-team-tv-schedule/">Mexico</a> back in June. Dest was last handed a red card in club play while featuring for the Ajax U21s in January of 2021.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>


USMNT coach, players criticize Dest for bizarre red card

USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter and several players have condemned Sergino Dest picking up a red card when the USMNT lost to Trinidad and Tobago.


<p>The first leg of the Nations League quarterfinals was a slog for the US. Trinidad and Tobago held the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/usmnt-tv-schedule/">USMNT</a> scoreless for the first 80 minutes despite picking up a red card in the first half. The dam eventually broke, and the US was able to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/usa-leaves-it-late-in-nations-league-quarterfinals-20231117-WST-471041.html">pull out a 3-0 win</a>. </p>



<p>The scene now shifts to Trinidad &amp; Tobago for the second leg. This is the first time the US has been to Trinidad since the calamitous defeat in October of 2017. That infamously led to the USMNT missing the World Cup in Russia in 2018. Fittingly, this game is an opportunity for the US to secure qualification for another massive international tournament. By advancing to the Nations League semifinals, the United States earns qualification for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/2024-copa-america-to-be-hosted-in-united-states-20230127-WST-417271.html">Copa America 2024</a>. </p>



<h2>First leg recap</h2>



<p>The US has typically breezed through home games in the early rounds of the Nations League. 2019 saw them beat Cuba 7-0 and Canada 4-1. 2022 saw a 6-0 win over Grenada. But the US labored mightily against the Socca Warriors on Thursday night. </p>



<p>The first half was so dreadful. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4faNaWddCGA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The only highlight</a> US Soccer included in its recap was Noah Powder’s red card. Trinidad &amp; Tobago played the majority of the game with fewer players.</p>



<p>The second half was better. Still, it was not great from the US. Things started looking dicey until the talent of the US finally broke through. In the 80th minute, Ricardo Pepi flicked home from six yards out to give the US a 1-0 lead. Four minutes later, Antonee Robinson doubled the lead with a blast from 20 yards out. Three minutes after that, Gio Reyna rounded out the scoresheet. The Borussia Dortmund star scored his third goal in the last two USMNT matches.</p>



<h2>USA win allows preview of another important game against Trinidad and Tobago</h2>



<p>While it may have been a frustrating watch for the 19,850 fans in Austin, the result is what mattered. In a two-leg Nations League quarterfinal tie, it was especially important for the US to win by multiple goals. </p>



<p>Now, all the US needs to do to officially book their spot at the Copa America next summer is to not turn in a shambolic performance down in Trinidad. That may sound all too familiar to USMNT fans.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231120_WST_471379_USMNT-TT-2017-1200x675.webp&amp;width=650&amp;height=365" alt="" class="wp-image-471471" width="650" height="365" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/USMNT-TT-2017-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/USMNT-TT-2017-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/USMNT-TT-2017-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/USMNT-TT-2017.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px"></figure><figcaption>Christian Pulisic scored the only goal when the USMNT lost to Trinidad &amp; Tobago in 2017 to miss the 2018 World Cup.</figcaption></figure>



<p>In October of 2017, all the US needed to do to qualify for the World Cup was not turn in a shambolic performance in Trinidad. The 2-1 loss, coupled with results elsewhere in the Hex, eliminated the United States from World Cup qualifying. That brought heavy change to the soccer scene in the United States as it was the first time the USMNT failed to qualify since 1986.</p>



<p>Gregg Berhalter and the US players have repeatedly said that the goal for this World Cup cycle is to change American soccer forever. A good showing at the Copa America next summer would go a long way towards accomplishing that goal. But they have to get there first. And to do so requires Gregg Berhalter to do well in a true road game, which he has historically not done (a 2-5-5 record in true road games). </p>



<h2>Game information</h2>



<p>While the last trip to Trinidad for the US was to Couva, this one is to the capital Port of Spain and the Hasely Crawford Stadium. The United States has not won a game there since a World Cup Qualifier in September of 2009.</p>



<p>Monday’s game is set for a 7 p.m. ET kickoff. The game will air on TNT in English and NBC Universo in Spanish. </p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>


Trinidad and Tobago vs USA preview: Copa America beckons

the USA defeated Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday night, 3-1, allowing the USMNT to see a preview of what it takes to reach the Copa America.


<p>Weston McKennie, alongside Christian Pulisic and Timothy Weah, has found himself sidelined as the Juventus midfielder pulled out from US Men’s National Team (USMNT) duty due to a knee issue.</p>



<p>The United States took control of the series with a 3-0 win on Friday in Austin, Texas. All three goals scored by Ricardo Pepi, Antonee Robinson, and Gio Reyna had <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/most-successful-americans-in-champions-league-history-20231029-WST-464940.html">McKennie</a>, a pivotal player in that game, credited with an assist.</p>



<p>The result of this game and the away leg on November 20 will determine not only which team advances in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/concacaf-nations-league-schedule/">Nations League</a>. It will also decide which team advances in the race to host the prestigious <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-america-tv-schedule/">Copa America</a> tournament in the United States in 2024.</p>



<p>The midfielder played the whole 90 minutes on November 17, but Gregg Berhalter will miss him for the return leg after the 25-year-old was sidelined due to a knee injury. </p>



<p>He has since had to return to Italy after being forced to leave the national team’s training camp. On Saturday, the team declared that they would not be naming a replacement.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="445" height="508" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231119_WST_471399_image-10.webp&amp;width=445&amp;height=508" alt="" class="wp-image-471423" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/image-10.png 445w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/image-10-263x300.png 263w" sizes="(max-width: 445px) 100vw, 445px"></figure><figcaption>Weston Mckennie has left the USMNT training camp</figcaption></figure>



<h2>How long will Weston McKennie be out?</h2>



<p>“USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie has departed camp to recover from an aggravated left knee tendinopathy. No replacement will be added to the roster as the United States travelled to face Trinidad &amp; Tobago in the second leg of the Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinal on Saturday”, <a href="https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/11/weston-mckennie-departs-usmnt-camp-to-recover-from-left-knee-tendinopothy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a statement from the US Men’s National Team read</a>.</p>



<p>The news of his injury will cause anxiety for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus</a> as they get ready to play Inter Milan next weekend. He reportedly has tendinitis in his left knee. There has apparently been a recurrence of an old injury. However, the reason for McKennie’s absence from the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/usmnt-tv-schedule/">USMNT</a> team is reportedly precautionary, according to <a href="https://football-italia.net/mckennie-departs-usmnt-squad-for-precautionary-reasons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Football Italia</a>.</p>



<p>The matter is deemed not highly concerning, leading to his return home as a precautionary step. The report adds that the American star has a chance to play in next week’s Derby D’Italia against the Serie A top side.</p>



<h2>How will Juventus and USMNT change without McKennie?</h2>



<p>Max Allegri, manager of Juventus, will be keeping his fingers crossed in the event of an injury to another midfielder. Allegri’s depth at that position is already thin. While Manuel Locatelli’s status is unclear, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/juventus-eye-double-swoop-to-fill-gaps-left-by-pogba-and-fagioli-20231111-WST-469393.html">Nicolo Fagioli</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/pogba-faces-four-year-ban-after-failing-second-drug-test-20231006-WST-460799.html">Paul Pogba</a> have been banned.</p>



<p>After a short loan at Leeds, McKennie has established himself as an integral part of the Bianconeri’s starting lineup. The team has used him in the midfield and in the right wingback position.</p>



<p>Even at this early point of the 2023-24 season, McKennie has received praise. Many predicted that he would leave Italy this coming summer. However, his strong play this season has earned him a spot in Allegri’s first team rotation.</p>



<p>On the other hand, without the former Schalke talent, the United States national team’s midfield has less spark. Coach Gregg Berhalter might try moving Yunus Musah up to make more direct runs, or he could play Lennard Maloney in defensive midfield.</p>



<p>This strategic move, however, increases the burden on wingers, with Kevin Paredes and Malik Tillman under heat for their recent play. They face a tough battle in Port of Spain, but they have a three-goal lead that should be enough to get them through.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire</p>


Another star joins Pulisic and Weah as USMNT squad absentees

With his withdrawal from national team participation, another USMNT star joins Christian Pulisic and Timothy Weah on the sidelines.

Another star joins Pulisic and Weah as USMNT squad absentees - World Soccer Talk


<p>The USA men’s national team made a big step towards the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/concacaf-nations-league-schedule/">CONCACAF Nations League</a> semifinals on Thursday night with a win in the quarterfinals. The Americans topped Trinidad and Tobago 3-0 in the first leg. However, Gregg Berhalter’s team did not exactly make it easy.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/usmnt-tv-schedule/">USMNT</a> entered the night as heavy favorites against their Caribbean opponents. After all, the Yanks are currently the highest-ranked CONCACAF team by <a href="https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/men?dateId=id14177">FIFA</a> and played the match at home in Texas. Trinidad and Tobago, on the other hand, is currently ranked 99th by the governing body of the sport. This is the 11th best of all CONCACAF teams.</p>



<p>Despite dominating play, the Americans could not find the back of the net in the opening half. This was even after Noah Powder was sent off for the visitors in the 38th minute of the match. The midfielder initially received a yellow card in the 18th minute for tough tackle. Match referee Oshane Nation then issued Powder a second card 20 minutes later for bringing down midfielder Weston McKennie from behind.</p>



<h2>Second-half substitute finally puts USMNT in front</h2>



<p>After coming out of the halftime break still scoreless, the Americans thought they won a penalty kick in the 60th minute. Nation initially believed McKennie was fouled inside the opposing box. However, the spot kick was taken away after a VAR review overturned the original decision.</p>



<p>The introduction of Ricardo Pepi and Brenden Aaronson six minutes later provided a much-needed spark for the hosts. The center forward eventually gave the USMNT the lead with just eight minutes remaining on the clock. Defender Antonee Robinson made his way down the left flank and sent a cross towards his teammate. Pepi then put a shot past the goalkeeper with a clever touch with the outside of his boot.</p>



<h2>Americans grab two more goals to complete a home victory</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231117_WST_471041_Robinson-goal-1200x675.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-471104" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Robinson-goal-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Robinson-goal-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Robinson-goal-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Robinson-goal.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Jedi Robinson’s goal gave the USMNT more breathing room for the return leg against Trinidad and Tobago.</figcaption></figure>



<p>Although it took 82 minutes for the Yanks to finally score, they managed to double their lead just four minutes later. Robinson, instead of supplying an assist, scored a goal of his own in the 86th minute. Gio Reyna attempted to send a pass into the middle of the Trinidad and Tobago box. The defender headed the ball straight to Robinson.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/fulham-tv-schedule/">Fulham</a> defender collected possession and hit a rocket into the top corner of the net from 20 yards away. It was just his third-ever senior goal for the national team. The full-back celebrated the stunning strike with a series of acrobatic backflips. </p>



<p>Reyna then finished off the victory with a goal just three minutes later. Robinson was once again at the heart of the attack by first playing a neat ball towards Folarin Balogun. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/monaco-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Monaco</a> forward then sent a short pass with his first touch to Reyna inside the box. Reyna finally placed a perfect shot beyond the outstretched goalkeeper.</p>



<p>The late barrage of goals gives the USMNT a huge 3-0 advantage in the return leg of the tie. Trinidad and Tobago will next host the Yanks on Monday, November 20th to officially determine a place in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals. The upcoming game is available on TNT and MAX in English, as well as Universo and Peacock Premium in Spanish language.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>


USA leaves it late in Nations League quarterfinals

The USA men's national team will take a three-goal advantage to Trinidad and Tobago on Monday in the Nations League quarterfinals.


<p>The Copa America is on the horizon for the USA when it takes on Trinidad and Tobago. Like the 2016 edition, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/2024-copa-america-to-be-hosted-in-united-states-20230127-WST-417271.html">next year’s tournament is in the United States</a>. Unlike the 2016 edition, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/usmnt-tv-schedule/">USMNT</a> does not qualify automatically as the host. The six guest nations from CONCACAF must qualify through the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/concacaf-nations-league-schedule/">Nations League</a>. </p>



<p>The path to the Copa America for the USMNT through the Nations League goes through a familiar opponent. It is the same opponent who kept the US out of the 2018 World Cup in Russia: Trinidad &amp; Tobago. </p>



<h2>US roster shakeup for Nations League quarterfinals</h2>



<p>While the Copa America is on the horizon, Gregg Berhalter has wisely decided to leave out several key US players who are nursing injuries suffered on club duty. Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah have both been left in Italy after sustaining small injuries with AC Milan and Juventus, respectively. Johnny Cardoso of Brazilian club Internacional also withdrew after being called into camp.</p>



<p>The rest of the squad is about as full-strength as expected. The trio of Matt Turner, Ethan Horvath and Gaga Slonina are in goal. The back line is anchored by 36-year-old Tim Ream as well as his Fulham cohort Antonee Robinson, in addition to Sergiño Dest, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Joe Scally. </p>



<p>The midfield sees Gio Reyna back in the camp after a successful pair of games in October. Also included are Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Luca de la Torre and Paxten Aaronson. The strike force up front includes Breden Aaronson, Ricardo Pepi, Folarin Balogun and Alejandro Zendejas. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231115_WST_470086_Pulisic-Weah-1200x675.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-470207" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Pulisic-Weah-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Pulisic-Weah-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Pulisic-Weah-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Pulisic-Weah.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Pulisic and Weah are mainstays in the USMNT lineup, but they will not feature against Trinidad and Tobago.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>USA seeks revenge against Trinidad and Tobago</h2>



<p>One thing the US has done very well since that fateful 2017 night in Couva is to obliterate the Socca Warriors every time they play them. The two teams have met three times. The US has won all of them. </p>



<p>First was a 6-0 win during the 2019 Gold Cup in Cleveland. Then was a 2021 friendly in Orlando which the US won 7-0. And then most recently was a Gold Cup game this past summer in Charlotte, which was another resounding 6-0 win. They will need two more similar performances to be sure to book their spot at next summer’s Copa America.  </p>



<h2>Scouting the opposition</h2>



<p>This summer’s Gold Cup was not the greatest for the Socca Warriors. They finished third in Group A with three points out of a possible nine. They won their opener 3-0 against St. Kitts &amp; Nevis but dropped their next two: 4-1 to Jamaica and of course, 6-0 to the US. </p>



<p>Trinidad &amp; Tobago earned their spot in the Nations League A quarterfinals by finishing as the runner-up in Group A with nine out of twelve points (just one behind Panama with ten). </p>



<p>The roster called in by manager Angus Eve features several players who ply their trades at US clubs. Defender Shannon Gomez plays for San Antonio FC while the midfield includes Oakland Roots man Neveal Hackshaw and former Memphis 901 FC midfielder Duane Muckette. Up top is Miami FC man Ryan Telfer and perhaps most excitingly is 19-year-old Kaile Auvray of Sporting Kansas City II in MLS Next Pro who represented the US U17 team in 2020. </p>



<h2>Notes</h2>



<ol><li>The US/Trinidad &amp; Tobago game is set for a 9 p.m. ET kickoff on TNT in English and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/televisaunivision-acquires-spanish-rights-to-copa-america-2024-20230516-WST-433139.html">Telemundo in Spanish</a>.</li><li>The game will be played at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. This will be the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/30/usmnt-top-20-overlooked-cities/">fourth USMNT game at Q2 Stadium</a> (all competitive fixtures) since the venue opened in 2021. </li></ol>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>


USA vs Trinidad &amp; Tobago: USMNT aims to reach Copa America

With the Copa America coming up next summer, the USA must get past Trinidad & Tobago in the Nations League to qualify.

USA vs Trinidad & Tobago: USMNT aims to reach Copa America


<p>The Gold Cup did not start well for the United States Mens National Team (USMNT), as they opened play in Group A with a 1-1 draw against Jamaica.  </p>



<p>Fortunately, they followed that up with a 6-0 thumping of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/usmnt-salvage-draw-against-jamaica-in-gold-cup-opener-20230625-WST-439424.html">Gold Cup</a> debutants St. Kitts &amp; Nevis.  That leaves the top spot in Group A up for grabs as they get set to take on Trinidad &amp; Tobago.  </p>



<h5>St. Kitts &amp; Nevis win</h5>



<p>There was only ever going to be one winner in the US game against the Sugar Boyz.  The only question was how big the margin of victory would be.  </p>



<p>Given the results elsewhere in Group A, goal difference could be a deciding factor in determining who wins the group.  So few US fans were sad to see the Americans bang six goals against St. Kitts &amp; Nevis.  </p>



<p>Jesus Ferreira scored a hat trick, <a href="https://deadspin.com/usmnt-jesus-ferreira-soccer-gold-cup-fc-dallas-1850592652" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proving that he’s a great player when it comes to scoring against semi-professional opposition</a> (seven of his eleven international goals have come against Grenada and St. Kitts &amp; Nevis).  </p>



<p>Djordje Mihailovic got his first two USMNT goals since Gregg Berhalter’s debut match in January 2019 against Panama.  And Bryan Reynolds became the first US player since Earnie Stewart to score a goal on his birthday.  </p>



<h5>Trinidad &amp; Tobago</h5>



<p>The deciding match in Group A at this year’s Gold Cup will be against Trinidad &amp; Tobago.  The Socca Warriors will live in US Soccer infamy for years to come, as it was a loss in Couva that kept the US from qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.  </p>



<p>Since then, the US has done a very good job of heaping misery upon them as a form of payback.  In the two meetings since that fateful night in 2017, the US has combined to outscore them 13-0: 6-0 at the 2019 Gold Cup and then 7-0 in a 2021 friendly.  </p>



<p>So far, at this Gold Cup the Socca Warriors have split their first two games.  </p>



<p>They beat St. Kitts &amp; Nevis 3-0 but fell to Jamaica 4-1.  </p>



<p>Anything other than a win sees them eliminated from the tournament.  The roster called in by manager Angus Eve features nine players who play for American clubs (and, surprisingly two players who do not currently have a club).  </p>



<p>Of those nine, only two are on MLS rosters <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/usl-championship-partner-with-espn-for-major-doubleheader-20230701-WST-440789.html">with the rest playing in the USL Championship.  </a></p>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/usl-championship-partner-with-espn-for-major-doubleheader-20230701-WST-440789.html">Those two are  Kevin Molino of the Columbus Crew and </a>Ajani Fortune of Atlanta United. </p>



<h5>Other Notes:</h5>



<ol><li>Sunday’s game against Trinidad &amp; Tobago kicks off at 7pm ET on will air on big FOX in English and on Univision in Spanish. <br></li><li>This marks the first ever game for the USMNT at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, and the first USMNT appearance in North Carolina since March of 2018 (against Paraguay)</li></ol>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / Agencia-MexSport</p>


Preview of the Gold Cup game between USA and Trinidad & Tobago with the winner going top of Group A after mixed starts to the tournament.

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