Pre-Game Hype: USMNT vs. Trinidad & Tobago
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The Hype
Three points and atop of the group of Group C is the start we wanted. Yes, it was a somewhat #timid opponent on Friday night, but our boys dialed in after an early scare to put down the hammer and come away with the result. Bobby Wood, Fabian Johnson, Geoff Cameron, Gyasi Zardes, and a Jozy Altidore brace helped the U.S. to a 6-1 W that could have been much worse. Oalex Anderson’s mazy run gave the visitors an early lead, but Wood’s nicely glanced header equalized just six minutes later. The route was then on, and Jurgen Klinsmann’s men spent the majority of the match in the attacking end dictating the pace with some descent ball movement. The opponent was not Brazil, but it’s a start. Tuesday night’s encounter in Port of Spain will be a much different match altogether. The home team has been strong since their surprisingly good performance in the Gold Cup and started their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 away win at Guatemala. Most picked these two teams (U.S. and T&T) to go through to the Hex next year so there’s much more on the line than just a W in this one. Head coach Stephen Hart will be highly reliant on T&T Legend Kenwyne Jones for goals as well as leadership on Tuesday. The Cardiff City man has 78 caps during his tenure and will be bearing the weight of a nation that looks to get back to their first World Cup since 2006. Here’s their roster: GK: Marvin Phillip (Point Fortin Civic/T&T), Jan-Michael Williams (Central/T&T) DEF: Radanfah Abu Bakr (Koge/Denmark), Sheldon Bateau (Krylia Sovetov Samara/Russia), Daneil Cyrus (Chicago Fire/USA), Aubrey David (Shakhter Karagandy/Kazakhstan), Justin Hoyte (Dagenham & Redbridge/England), Yohance Marschall (Murcielagos/Mexico), Carlyle Mitchell (Seoul E-Land/Korea Republic), Mekeil Williams (Antigua/Guatemala) MID: Andre Boucaud (Dagenham & Redbridge/England), Trevin Caesar (unattached), Cordell Cato (San Jose Earthquakes/USA), Kreon Cummings (North East Stars/T&T), Kevan George (Columbus Crew SC/USA), Neveal Hackshaw (North East Stars/T&T), Khaleem Hyland (Westerlo/Belgium), Joevin Jones (Chicago Fire/USA), Lester Peltier (Slovan Bratislava/Slovakia) FOR: Jonathan Glenn (Breiðablik UBK/Iceland), Kenwyne Jones (Cardiff City/Wales), Willis Plaza (Central/T&T) Here’s our roster: GK: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Tim Howard (Everton) DEF: Ventura Alvarado (Club America), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Fabian Johnson (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Matt Miazga (New York Red Bulls), Michael Orozco (Club Tijuana), Tim Ream (Fulham FC), Brek Shea (Orlando City SC) MID: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Mix Diskerud (New York City FC), Miguel Ibarra (Club Leon), Jermaine Jones (New England Revolution), Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers), DeAndre Yedlin (Sunderland) FOR: Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC), Alan Gordon (LA Galaxy), Jordan Morris (Stanford), Bobby Wood (Union Berlin), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy) It has been said that Jurgen Klinsmann will switch to Tim Howard in goal. Interesting tactic, Jurgy – hope you’re right. Geoff & Beez seem to be developing a partnership, but certainly nice to see Matt Miazga get his first minutes in the jersey. It will be good to have him in the bullpen. JJ picked up a knock on Friday, but JK mentioned that he will be fit to play. Mikey was again a workhorse in the middle and got the wheels back on the bus Friday, we’ll need him to play well tonight. The huggable Darlington Nagbe got his first cap and looked like a boy on Christmas… Great to see. Jozy and Wood looked threatening Friday, here’s to hoping that friendship blossoms into goals throughout qualifying. There is no doubt that tonight’s match will be tough. We stress the importance of keeping behind the team, even when things aren’t going our way. One could say that we’re the syrup to the USMNT waffles. Waffles can be certainly tasty with other toppings such as jelly, butter, chocolate, powdered sugar, cinnamon, peanut butter, spinach & cheese, broccoli & cheese, nutella, mango, ice cream, or even donut glazing. But let’s be real… waffles are much better with quality syrup. Be that syrup, AO. Huge props to those who traveled to T&T to cheer the boys on. Sing your lungs out. AO P.S. > Important to review our Code of Conduct and our AO Watch Program before each game. If someone is being a butt-face, help us fix it.
November 17, 2015