MLS Players Shine in USMNT’s 2-0 Victory Over Cuba in Historic International Friendly
The USMNT recorded a 2-0 win over Cuba in a historic international friendly that saw MLS’ striker, Chris Wondolowski, have a huge impact on the match.
The United States Men’s National Team played in an international friendly against Cuba on Cuban soil for the first time since 1947. Three MLS players were featured in the starting lineup for Jurgen Klinsmann and a few more came on as second half subs. Chris Wondolowski ended up being the difference maker for the USA walked away with a 2-0 win.
Sacha Kljestan of the New York Red Bulls, Michael Bradley of Toronto FC, and Jozy Altidore of Toronto FC were all in the Starting XI. Steve Birnbaum of D.C. United and Chris Wondolowski of the San Jose Earthquakes were both brought on as second half substitutions at the beginning of the second 45′. Jordan Morris of the Seattle Sounders subbed on later in the second half.
The historic match was overshadowed by the horrible conditions of the pitch. The ball never seemed to roll flat on the surface and the bumpy field resulted in frustrations from the U.S. players. Even though it was a tough match for everyone involved, Jurgen Klinsmann and company got the well-deserved win.
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Kljestan and Bradley had trouble in the first half as the USA rarely played the ball through the middle of the field. The conditions of the pitch made it difficult for the creative midfielders to control the ball and get forward from their positions. Instead, Klinsmann’s side played long balls to Altidore and tried to create chances from Jozy’s touches.
Chris Wondolowski found the breakthrough for the USMNT after a scoreless first half. He scored his 11th career international goal came in the 62′ minute of the match. The score came after Julian Green’s shot attempt was deflected wide of goal and Wondo finished off the rebound attempt.
The San Jose Earthquakes’ striker had a hand in the second goal of the game as he assisted on Julian Green’s goal in the 71′ minute. Wondolowski found himself onside after the long ball from Timothy Chandler and he picked the perfect pass to Green who finished off the point blank opportunity. The longtime MLS’ forward made the difference in the match and gave his country a 2-0 lead after the assist.
Despite not being on the scoresheet, Michael Bradley played well in his holding midfielder role. He controlled the ball in the center of the pitch for the majority of the second half. Sacha Kljestan, Jozy Altidore, and Jordan Morris all had decent outing but nothing too spectacular. Unfortunately, Steve Birnbaum suffered a head injury when he was kicked late in the game. He was bleeding from his head and was later subbed off after receiving treatment. The Cuban player should’ve been booked for his offense but the ref gave no warning or card.
The most impressive man on the field for the U.S. besides Wondo was the man between the posts. Ethan Horvath kept a clean sheet and played wonderfully in goal.
The United States Men’s National Team will continue their international friendlies against New Zealand on October 11th. That game will take place in Washington D.C. as the national team returns stateside. Every MLS player on the roster besides San Jose Earthquakes’ goalkeeper, David Bingham, got one the pitch in this one. Hopefully he gets the chance to prove himself in the next match.