It was their chance to step up…they didn’t. Given a golden opportunity, the young “stars” of the US national team failed to take advantage of playing time and failed to stop the lowly Trinidad and Tobago, losing 2-1.
The lineup included just three starters from last week’s 6-1 win over Cuba win they clinched a berth into the next round. Michael Orozco made his first appearance as a member of the national team and Jose Francisco Torres was given his first start. Neither were impressive.
Captained by DeMarcus Beasley (for the first time), the US played down to Trinidad and Tobago’s level. They had no offense and at times were getting cut apart in the midfield by veterans Dwight Yorke and Russell Latapy.
Jozy Altidore gave up an immature penalty by tugging on Makan Hislop, and allowed Yorke to score on a penalty. Charlie Davies was the only bright spot, I guess, when he scored to tie the game at 1-1. But, let’s be real, any one could have scored it as it was basically an open netter.
How are we supposed to trust this “youth movement” if they can’t beat up on a team like Trinidad and Tobago? Sure, they had already advanced to the next round, but this is a time to prove yourself and it’s never good to roll over going into the World Cup.