The US national team concluded Group B play at the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup with a 3-0 victory over Nicaragua on Saturday at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, clinching the group win with a late goal by defender Matt Miazga.
Joe Corona opened the scoring late in the first half, with a solo run in the box and shot that deflected off a Nicaragua defender on its way to goal. Kelyn Rowe finished off a USMNT attack shortly before the hour mark to extend the lead for the tournament hosts.
Shortly after the restart, Dom Dwyer earned a penalty for the US, but his subsequent spot kick was blocked by Nicaragua goalkeeper Justo Lorente. The US got another chance at a penalty after that, with Corona stepping up to take the second attempt, but Lorente blocked that as well.
Luis Copete picked up his second yellow card in the 85th minute and was ejected, leaving Nicaragua down to 10 men. With it looking like the US might end up finishing second in group play to Panama on goal difference, Miazga scored on a header from a free kick in the 88th minute to grab hold of the group and ensure the USMNT finished on top.
Goals
- 36' – USA – Joe Corona
- 56' – USA – Kelyn Rowe
- 88' – USA – Matt Miazga
Next Up
- NCA: Eliminated
- USA: TBD
