The U.S. men’s national team closed out its Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal series against Trinidad and Tobago with a 2-1 away loss on Monday, which was enough to win 4-2 on aggregate and qualify for the 2024 Copa America.
Held at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, the game began promisingly for the USMNT, which took a lead in the 25th minute off a goal from Antonee Robinson. Things seemed straightforward given that the U.S. already led 3-0 from the first leg, but the match was then flipped on its head after fullback Sergiño Dest earned back-to-back yellows and an ensuing red due to arguing with the referee.
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Galvanized by the man advantage, Trinidad and Tobago leveled in the 43rd minute after a goal from Reon Moore. After the break, the hosts made it 2-1 when Alvin Jones found the back of the net in the 57th minute. Needing at least three more goals to win on aggregate, Trinidad and Tobago pushed forward in the final stages but ultimately fell short.
While the USMNT will now prepare for the Nations League semifinals in March, Trinidad and Tobago will have one last opportunity for Copa America qualification through a single-elimination play-in match that will take place in the same month.
Manager rating (scale of 1-10)
Gregg Berhalter, 4 — Although Dest’s red was an unexpected curveball for Berhalter, the manager couldn’t find a way to quickly bolster his defense and avoid the loss. With his side wilting under increasing pressure, Berhalter couldn’t shift the momentum that remained in Trinidad and Tobago’s favor until the final 5-10 minutes.
USMNT Player ratings (0-10; 10 = best; 5 = average)
GK Matt Turner, 5 — The Nottingham Forest goalkeeper could have done better on both goals he conceded, especially the second.
DF Sergiño Dest, 1 — Credit to him for an assist and his runs forward, but Dest completely lost his composure with unnecessary back-to-back yellows. A bizarre and shocking moment from the 23-year-old, who will need to be sharper and more disciplined in big moments.
DF Cameron Carter-Vickers, 6 — Some good defensive interventions, although he was questionable at times when the hosts pressured the USMNT back line.
DF Tim Ream, 7 — The USMNT captain worked well with Carter-Vickers and looked strong with his aerial duels.
DF Antonee Robinson, 8 — Despite losing possession a couple of times in dangerous areas, Robinson emerged as one of the most active players in the night. His 25th-minute goal was the icing on the cake of a great performance.
