USMNT Defeat Ghana in Friendly

The United States Men’s National Team defeated Ghana, 2-1, in an international friendly match.

The USMNT were victorious in their only friendly match before the CONCACAF Gold Cup kicks off on July 8th. It was a match of firsts for some of the players in the lineup, including two first time goalscorers.

Dom Dwyer gave the U.S. the lead early on with a goal in the 19th minute as he volleyed home a deflection from close to range. This was the first match for Dwyer as a member of the USMNT and it turned out to be a dream start for the Sporting Kansas City striker.

Ghana looked poised to tie the match before halftime as they were awarded a penalty kick in first-half stoppage time. However, Brad Guzan guessed right and turned aside the attempt by Asamoah Gyan.

The next goal in the match would be another first-time USMNT goal. Kellyn Acosta produced a fantastic finish off of a free kick in the 52nd minute to make it 2-0. This likely won’t be the last time we see the young FC Dallas star scoring for the Stars and Stripes.

Gyan would make up for his missed penalty in the 60th minute, he delivered an absolutely fantastic free kick to bring Ghana within one of the USMNT.

https://twitter.com/JogaBonitoUSA/status/881279595806420992

Both sides saw opportunities come in the remaining minutes of the second half but none were able to produce any more goals. The match finished  2-1 as the USMNT provided an entertaining match and fantastic win for the fans that came out to watch.

We also got a look at the jerseys the USMNT will be wearing during the Gold Cup.

Debuts

Another debutant worth noting is Kenny Saief, the Gent midfielder came on as a substitute in the 72nd minute. New England Revolution midfielder Kelyn Rowe also made his first appearance for the USMNT.

Panama Awaits

Up next for the U.S. is Panama as they face the Central American country in the opening match of the group phase of the Gold Cup. The match will take place on July 8th at 4:30 p.m. (EST).