USA over power Martinique in 3-2 thriller

A sluggish U.S. Men’s National Team took awhile to get going, but eventually defeated Martinique 3-2 in an entertaining Gold Cup contest Wednesday night in Tampa Bay.

With Bruce Arena making eight changes to the lineup this US lineup lacked cohesion, and as a result were able to keep possession but failed to consistently create danger. On the other hand Martinique was doing better than expected, with Kevin Parsemain striking Brad Guzan’s post late in the first half.

Obviously frustrated, the Americans came out swinging after the break and when Omar Gonzalez poked home off a deflected shot, the USA were ahead. And when Jordan Morris’s wicked near-post run allowed him to redirect a Eric Lichaj cross ten minutes later, the USMNT’s lead looked secure.

Then the US allowed Martinique back into the match: In the 66th minute Parsemain’s speculative effort from distance was bungled by Brad Guzan, and when a wicked deflection following a Martinique attack ended with the ball in the net once again, the Americans had blown the advantage.

However, Gyasi Zardes would race to the end line and locate Jordan Morris who roofed into the net to give the US a late lead they would not relinquish.