The USA refused to share the ball with Trinidad & Tobago. It played more than half the game with a man advantage. It outshot the Caribbeans 18-1 and American goalie Kasey Keller didnÆt have to make a single save.
The Americans also had a dream start, with Brian McBride, in the 2nd minute, poking the ball into the net from close-range after a low pass from Bobby Convey, who had been sprung loose on the wing by a John OÆBrien pass.
But in the end it was a paltry 1-0 victory with which the USA started the second half of the final round of qualifying.
Claudio Reyna made a successful return to the squad, passing accurately and wisely in all areas of the field. With central midfield deputy John OÆBrien, and his second-half replacement, Chris Armas, Reyna made sure the Americans owned the midfield.
But the U.S. defenders, particularly outside backs Chris Albright and Eddie Lewis, played too conservatively when T&TÆs tame offense invited them to attack.
McBride threatened little after his early strike while Landon DonovanÆs aim was off. The ice-cold finishing of Eddie Johnson, not called up after just returning to action with FC Dallas from a toe injury, was sorely missed, although Taylor Twellmen did not appear to be offside when his late shot into the net was nullified by the linesmanÆs flag.
REPORT CARD (1=low; 5=average; 10=high)
STARTERS:
5 Kasey Keller
4 Chris Albright
6 Oguchi Onyewu
5 Gregg Berhalter
4 Eddie Lewis
4 Steve Ralston
6 John OÆBrien
7 Claudio Reyna
6 Bobby Convey
6 Landon Donovan
6 Brian McBride
SUBS:
6 Chris Armas
5 Santino Quaranta
5 Taylor Twellman