GOLD CUP: U.S. cruises into quarterfinals
Brian McBride scored a pair of goals late in the first half off nifty assists by Steve Ralston to lead the United States to a 2-0 Gold Cup win over Martinique Monday in Foxboro, Mass.
The victory clinched the Group C title for the Americans, who await the outcome of Wednesday's Group D match between Costa Rica and Cuba to see who they play Saturday in the quarterfinals at Gillette Stadium.
The United States is a perfect 16-0-0 all-time in Gold Cup group play.
Goalkeeper Kasey Keller tied Tony Meola with the most shutouts, 32, in U.S. history. Keller has recorded six straight shutouts in Gold Cup play, dating back to the USA-South Korea game (2-1 win) on Jan. 21, 2002. Keller is enjoying a remarkable unbeaten run on home soil, amassing a 17-0-4 record in matches played in the United States since 1998.
With his first goal of the night, Brian McBride moved into sole possession of third place on the U.S. all-time scoring list, passing Bruce Murray. With his two goals, McBride has 23 goals, one away from tying Joe-Max Moore for second place.
USA-MARTINIQUE SUMMARY
July 14 in Foxboro, Mass.
USA 2 Martinique 0. Goals: McBride 39, 43.
USA — Keller, Hejduk, Bocanegra, Gibbs, Convey, Mulrooney, Reyna (Stewart, 46), Ralston, Lewis (Mastroeni, 65). Donovan, McBride (Vanney, 86)
Martinique — Heurlie, Vaton, Suedile, Dicanot, Lavril, Padoly (Germany 75), Girier-Dufournier, Coridon, Duragrin, Goron (Real 82), Percin (Michaud, 68).
Yellow cards: USA — Hejduk 30; Martinique — Girier-Dufournier 45, Dicanot 62, Girier-Dufournier 89.
Red card: Martinique — Girier-Dufournier 89.
Referee: Roberto Moreno (Panama).
Att.: 8,780.
STATS:
Shots: USA — 13; Martinique — 3.
Save: USA — 3; Martinique — 5.
Corner Kick: USA — 11; Martinique — 1.
Foul: USA — 13; Martinique — 15.
Offside: USA — 3; Martinique — 4.