Young US Squad Falls in Trinidad

It was a battle of young, untested Americans against the grizzled veterans of T&T.  Having already clinched passage to the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, The US sent a young side to play at Trinidad & Tobago on Wednesday night.  Trinidad, on the other hand, is in a fight with Guatemala to secure the 2nd spot in the group and advancement.  Many on the American squad were almost half the age of T&T stars Dwight Yorke and Russell Latapy.

It was a rather quiet first half as neither team produced much offense, but the second half livened up when Carlos Edwards swerved into the box and chipped a ball to Latapy who was waiting on the backpost.  Latapy hit a low volley that eluded US keeper Brad Guzan.  The ball deflected off the post and came back to hit Guzan in the back and go into the net.  The T&T home crowd went nuts, but it was to be shortlived.

The Americans struck back as Jozy Altidore got deep into the box sliding a ball into the 6 for substitute Charlie Davies to finish.  Just like that it was all even at 1-1.  That was the end of the positives for the young Altidore as things would turn sour soon after.  On a Trinidad corner kick, Altidore grabbed the jersey of Dwight Yorke and the referee awarded a penalty which Yorke slotted home.  2-1 T&T.

The US would create one more golden chance and it was once again Altidore involved.  A Demarcus Beasley free kick was headed to the backpost where Altidore waited only a few feet from an empty net.  Unfortunately, Jozy nodded the ball just wide and Trinidad had the victory.  Now Trinidad only need a draw at home with Cuba in the final group game to advance and the young Americans return home licking their wounds but pockting some valuable experience that should pay off in the long run.