SANTA MONICA – The USMNT dominated Nicaragua on Saturday, beating them 3-0. They went into the game needing three goals, and despite missing two penalty shots, they succeeded. This win now puts them as the number one finisher of group B and guarantees them a spot in the quarter-finals.
Alejandro Bedoya got things started by breaking away from Nicaragua’s defense and coming down on the right side in minute 36. He then made a beautiful pass to Corona, who, after some fancy footwork, slid the ball past several defenders and into the far left side of the goal.
Then, Kelyn Rowe kept the scoring going in minute 56. After receiving a cross in front of the goal, Rowe kicked the ball into the back of the net, giving the USMNT a 2-0 lead.
Although the USMNT were already ahead by two, they still were in desperate need of one more goal so they could win group B. Then, in minute 88, just before the match was ending, that is precisely what Matt Miazga did. Graham Zusi starting things off with a nice direct kick towards the goal. Miazga then redirected the ball with a header, scoring his first career goal for the USA and giving the USMNT their third and final goal of the game.
By getting three goals and winning their group the USMNT will avoid playing Costa Rica in the quarter finals. They will be playing a not yet determined team on Wednesday, July 19th at 6:00 for the quarterfinals.
Matt Miazga scored his first career goal for the USA and gave the USMNT their third goal of the match on Saturday.
Photo by: Rick Osentoski
Photos by ISI.
