US Soccer tops Jamaica
By Matthew Laux
The United States Men’s National Soccer finished 8-0 in home world cup qualifying with a win, Friday, toppling the visiting Jamaica in Kansas City, Missouri. Head coach Jurgen Klingsmen tried a new formation, a 4-4-2, attempting to implement a more aggressive strategy. The USMNT has already qualified for the 2014 World Cup, and Coach Klingsmen had nothing to lose from the change.
Oct 11, 2013; Kansas City, KS, USA; United States midfielder Graham Zusi (19) kicks a shot on goal as Jamaica defender Adrian Mariappa (19) defends during the second half at Sporting Park. The United States won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The USMNT, however, looked sluggish in the first half with several miscues that could have proved costly. The United States returned to form in the second half, and rebounded with two late goals. The first came from reserve Graham Zusi, who is member of the hometown Sporting Kansas City, on an impressive cross body shot in the 77th minute. Zusi provided the US with a boost of energy that the team lacked in the opening half. The next tally came from none other than Jozy Altidore just four minutes later. Altidore scored on a cross set up perfectly by another reserve Castillo. Altidore has now scored in six consecutive international contests, and has been a dominant force for the US.
With the win, the United States wrapped another qualifying group title and has been a member of the last seven world cups. The USMNT will hit the pitch again on Spetember 15th when they take on Scotland in a friendly.