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The USMNT was a little slow to start but ultimately finished their second Gold Cup match with a dominating 6-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago on Saturday night. The match was the first time the teams have met since that fateful night in Couva and while it does little to set things right several of the involved American’s admitted that this match meant a little more and they felt there was a score to settle.
"I didn't like to say it, but I definitely had a little chip on my shoulder today and I hope you guys could see that."@cpulisic_10 opens up after the redemption match against Trinidad and Tobago pic.twitter.com/SDiO6Xl6rm
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 23, 2019
It wasn’t just words for Pulisic who had an outstanding performance on the day for the USMNT. Pulisic led the team as it dominated possession (66/34) and he had two assists as well as a goal.
PULISIC ADDS ANOTHER!
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 23, 2019
The goal fest continues in the second half for the @USMNT! #GoldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/2swNrbbl0q
And the young man wasn’t content just getting on the score sheet either, he also felt the need to steal a mans soul on the pitch.
In the words of @stuholden:
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 23, 2019
FILTH of the highest order from @cpulisic_10 pic.twitter.com/m557PUBAZR
The SSFC community rewarded Pulisic’s effort with Man of the Match recognition and a rarely seen 9+ rating (9.003).
It was a close race for runner up as the two men who managed to score a pair each ended the voting in second and third. Aaron Long had a 7.860 rating and the much maligned Gyasi Zardes finished 3rd with 7.630.
The lowest score of the night belonged to Tim Ream (5.727) who looked vulnerable on a number of occasions. The defense in general came out of the rankings with low scores (with the aforementioned exception of Long) and there are questions as to whether the offense will be able to produce enough to come out on top when the team meets an opponent capable of taking advantage of the back line.
The full SSFC rankings were as follows:
Zack Steffen - 7.339
Nick Lima - 6.760
Walker Zimmerman - 6.446
Aaron Long - 7.860
Tim Ream - 5.727
Michael Bradley - 6.436
Weston McKennie - 7.288
Christian Pulisic - 9.003
Tyler Boyd - 7.311
Gyasi Zardes - 7.630
Paul Arriola - 7.390
Jordan Morris - 7.125
Jozy Altidore - 5.755
Reggie Cannon - 5.649
So what did you think? Will the offense continue to take charge or will the defense be this team’s undoing? Are the scores appropriate for a 6-0 drubbing? Let us hear your thoughts in the comments below.