USA blow out St. Vincent and the Grenadines

The U.S. Men’s National Team was in cruise control Friday afternoon, riding first half goals from Bobby Wood, Matt Besler and Jozy Altidore on route to a easy victory over St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Carribean.

The beginning of the match featured brief drama, as Bobby Wood missed a sitter then Oalex Anderson of the Sounders reserve squad had a real opportunity off a header from close range, but he flubbed the effort.

In the 28th minute, Bobby Wood took advantage of some Jozy Altidore hold up play to beautifully curl a shot from the top of the box into goalkeeper Lemus Christopher’s side netting. Four minutes later, Matt Besler would take advantage of a poor St. Vincent clearance to rifle a left-footed volley past a helpless Christopher, then after Wood drew a penalty kick late in the half, Jozy Altidore would convert from the spot to give the Yanks a commanding lead.

St. Vincent did their best to make it a contest in the second half, as the small Carribean nation managed put the ball past Brad Guzan twice, only for the ref to whistle both goals offside.

The U.S. would take their pedal off the gas, however substitutes Christian Pulisic and Sacha Kljestan would have a major impact, with both playmakers setting up the other for easy finishes.

Pulisic would complete the brace in stoppage time, nestling an open look from close range into the left corner right before the final whistle blew.