Harvard University freshman Andre Akpan scored a hat trick as the USA defeated, Haiti, 4-1 Wednesday night in their opening match of the 2007 CONCACAF Under-20 Qualifying Tournament in Panama City, Panama.
Akpan scored on passes from Anthony Wallace and Danny Szetela in the first half and from Robbie Rogers in the second half. Akpan's dummy set up Wallace for the fourth goal on a pass from Rogers in the 49th minute.
Haiti's lone goal came in the 74th minute when Etienne Yveson scored a penalty that was awarded for a foul by U.S. right back Quavas Kirk in the penalty area.
The USA faces Guatemala on Friday (TV: GolTV, live, 6:30 ET) and Panama on Sunday (TV: GolTV, delay, 7 pm ET).
USA-HAITI GAME REPORT:
Jan. 17 in Panama City
USA 4 Haiti 1. Goals: Akpan 26, 40, 62, Wallace 49; Yveson 74.
USA — Seitz, Kirk, Sturgis, Valentin (Igwe, 85), Ward, Wallace, Szetela (Beltran, 75), Adu, Zizzo, Smith (Rogers, 67), Akpan.
Haiti — Occenat, Exume, Aveska, Natouz, Siri (Scifaite, 71), Saitilus, Saul, Maddy, Norde (Renaud, 90), Yveson, Walson (Joseph, 63).
Referee: Lee Davis.