USMNT Through To The Concacaf Finals After Dramatic Late Goal

USMNT
USMNT

It was the score that mattered in the end. The USMNT made it through to the Concacaf National League final, prevailing 1-0 over Honduras. The Americans have substitute Jordan Siebatcheu to thank for as he came on in the second half and headed in the only goal of the match.

The game appeared headed for a dreary draw till the 88th minute. And then an unlikely hero came in the form of the 25-year-old Siebatcheu. His first career goal for the national team might prove to be one of the most important of his career. His 89-minute header ensured that they head to the finals against Mexico.

Siebatcheu Scores For USMNT On His First Appearance

Born in Washington, Siebatcheu spent his youth in France and was with the French U21 and also played for pro clubs there. He was then loaned to BSC Young Boys of Switzerland in 2020.

He then decided to switch to the US national team. He debuted only this year in a friendly match. And today was the first competitive match for Siebatcheu with the USMNT. Coming on as a substitute after 77 minutes replacing Josh Sargent, he headed home with a powerful diving header off an intelligent ball from Weston McKennie.

The goal was the culmination of a fine pass from defender John Brooks. He found McKennie at the back post in what was the best chance of the game.

There were plenty of heart-stopping moments for the USMNT as they struggled to find a way through the Honduras defense. They failed in the crucial third half of the turf. They nearly conceded at times. Sargent made a crucial goal-line save with a header to deny the Los Catrachos in the first half. The Americans were vulnerable when they were disposed of the ball.

As the match seemed poised for extra time, Gregg Berhalter made the crucial change and the young Siebatcheu repaid the faith reposed in him and prevented the match from going into extra time. They are up against Mexico in the final on Sunday.

The USMNT fielded their first-choice team except for Tyler Adams, out will an injury. But the team has been bolstered by the return of Zack Steffen and Christian Pulisic, back from Champions League commitments.

The team needs to get their act together before the final against Mexico. They need to be more cohesive and get accustomed to Berhalter’s system.