Brian Ching and Eddie Johnson notched goals on either side of halftime to lead the United States to a 2-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago Saturday at The Home Depot Center.
The victory gives the U.S. six points and first place in Group B and stamps their pass to the quarterfinals. The Stars and Stripes dominated the game and could have scored several more goals if not for the efforts of Trinidadian 'keeper Jan Michael Williams.
Just one player that started in the United States' opening win against Guatemala - Benny Feilhaber - was on the field to begin the game against Trinidad & Tobago. Head coach Bob Bradley started Frank Simek, Jay Demerit, Michael Parkhurst and Jonathan Spector in defense; the quartet had a grand total of 10 caps collectively coming into the match.
The United States went on the attack immediately. In the fourth minute, Steve Ralston won the ball on the right wing, dribbled into the penalty area, and slotted a cross along the ground for Ching, whose point blank effort slammed into the chest of a well positioned Williams.
Williams needed to come up big again seconds later. The Soca Warriors turned the ball over in midfield, and the USA quickly countered. Ching was sprung loose on the left side of the area and played the ball along the carpet across the face of goal. Johnson ran onto the ball, but his shot was slightly deflected and snagged by Williams.
A scary moment suspended the match for about 5 minutes when Anthony Noriega had to be carried off on a stretcher. Williams' elbow caught Noriega in the head as they leapt up to challenge Ching for a ball in the air. Noriega lost consciousness and did not wake up until en route to the hospital, according to the Trinidad & Tobago press officer.
When play resumed, the USA continued to press and five minutes later had another golden opportunity to take a lead. Jonathan Spector roamed forward from his left fullback position and slipped Ching in on a breakaway. Williams charged hard off of his line altering Ching's shot which sailed high and wide of the target.
Ching had another chance on a breakaway in the 28th minute. Williams again was forced to make a big save to keep the game scoreless, but it was short-lived.
Just a minute later, Mapp sprinted past Spain on the left flank and cut into the box. He then centered the ball for Ching, and the Hawaiian only had to tap the ball home to open the scoring.
The outside backs continued to join in the attack, and Simek broke down the right flank three minutes before halftime. Simek dribbled into the area and tried to chip home, but the ball sailed wide.
The United States came out in the second half and again dominated possession. In the 54th minute, second half substitute Landon Donovan created their second goal.
Donovan jumped on a loose ball and broke out of the back before playing a give and go in midfield with Ching. Donovan raced in behind the Trinidad defense and played a ball across the box for Johnson, who was all alone and drove the ball into the empty net to double the advantage.
The USA continued to control the possession, but the game slowed after Johnson's goal. Stars and Stripes seemed content only to make the occasional foray into the attacking third.
Donovan could have had the USA's third three minutes from time after playing a give-and-go with Taylor Twellman that set Donovan free inside the area. The Los Angeles Galaxy captain got a touch to the ball but Williams made yet another save for the Soca Warriors.
The United States plays El Salvador Tuesday night in Foxborough, Mass., needing only a draw to win Group B. Trinidad & Tobago's second round hopes are slim as they finish up group play against Guatemala Tuesday.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
