United States Knocks Off Guatemala

The United States Men’s National Team ended the Semifinal Round of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying on a high note Wednesday night, as an MLS-heavy squad knocked off Guatemala by a score of 2-0, finishing at the top of Group 1 with a 5-1-0 overall record.FC Dallas forward Kenny Cooper and former MLS star Freddy Adu provided the offense for the young and relatively inexperienced squad fielded by head coach Bob Bradley for the match, with both players finding the back of the net in the second half to propel the United States to victory. Former Chivas USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan also got in on the action, making three saves in the game to preserve a clean sheet.

“It’s a good way for us to finish up this round,” said Bradley following the match. “A successful run and now we focus on the challenge ahead. There was an opportunity tonight to see some different players and, as always, there were some things that were positive and some things that need work. All in all, it was a good night for us.”

One of the bright spots certainly had to be Cooper, who scored his second international goal in just three appearances when he volleyed a cross from Jozy Altidore between the legs of the Guatemalan goalkeeper in the 54th minute. His performance will certainly delight the throngs of supporters who had been calling for the former Manchester United reserve to see more time in Bradley’s group.

Freddy Adu also had a night to remember, notching his first international goal at the senior level in the 69th minute, roping an incredible free kick around the wall with his left foot to double the Americans’ advantage. Following the game, Adu spoke of the conversation he had with Sacha Kljestan while standing over the ball on the play.

“We were having a long conversation,” said Adu. “Sacha goes, ‘All right, I’m hitting this.’ I go, ‘From here? You crazy?’ He goes, ‘All right, if you score I won’t talk.”

On the negative side, Pablo Mastroeni played well in his home stadium, but picked up a yellow card in the 78th minute that will cause him to miss the first match of qualifying’s final round early next year.

“I think the way the game was going, it was a weak yellow,” said Mastroeni. “[The challenge] wasn’t from behind. My reputation precedes me a bit, that’s the way it goes.”

The Final Round draw will be held this Saturday, allowing the six countries that have advanced to learn their 10-game schedule. Besides the United States, the other countries to advance to the final round are: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Honduras and Trinidad & Tobago.