United States and El Salvador Play to Scoreless Draw
The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) opened 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying with a scoreless draw versus El Salvador on Thursday night. Hosted in San Salvador, the matchup kicked off what is expected to be a breakout run for the young American side.
The United States is coming off two celebrated victories versus Mexico this summer. The USMNT topped its rival in the Nations League as well as Gold Cup Final. The upcoming round will boast a flurry of American prospects that hope to turn the tide of disappointing international performances. In addition, it will expose the rising stars to unpredictability and the required grit needed to advance in Concacaf.
Soccer News: The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) played to a scoreless draw versus El Salvador on Thursday, September 2, at Estadio Cuscatlán. In front of a sellout crowd of 29,000, 12 players made their World Cup qualifying debut for the U.S., which tied a modern-era record.
The opening match of 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying missed the presence of USMNT captain Christian Pulisic who was sidelined due to a recent positive test for COVID-19. The 22-year-old also missed out on a clash with Arsenal FC in recent weeks. Manchester City FC goalkeeper Zack Steffen was also unavailable due to back spasms.
The U.S. opened the first half of play with an opportunity inside 10 minutes. Gio Reyna served in a free-kick that met Miles Robinson for a free header that went just over the goal.
El Salvador also had two promising chances in the opening half. In the 16th minute, a header from Ronald Rodriguez off a corner kick went just over the crossbar. In the 33rd minute, Alex Roldan put a chip attempt just high of U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner.
The best chance for the U.S. came in the 76th minute off a lofted cross from Weston McKennie that found substitute Kellyn Acosta at the far post. The midfielder put his header on target but an impressive save from El Salvador goalkeeper Mario Gonzalez kept the match level.
The United States secured one road point ahead of its home match against Canada on Sunday, September 5, in Nashville. Kickoff is at 8:00 p.m. ET. The USMNT will conclude the international break with a qualifier versus Honduras in San Pedro Sula on Wednesday, September 8th.
Media Credit: US Soccer
