USMNT faces crucial World Cup Qualifying stretch

Photo Credit: USSoccer.com

by Chris Asbrock

The United States started off the hex qualification on a bad foot. The first game of the hex, at home against Mexico, saw the United States fall 2-1 to El Tri in Columbus. Things went from bad to worse for the United States when they were destroyed on the road in Costa Rica, 4-0. Two massive and stunning defeats in four days proved to be the straw that broke the camels back, as US soccer and coach Jurgen Klinsmann parted ways. The tension, worry and discomfort with Jurgen at the helm, forced US Soccer President Sunil Gulati to make the move away from Klinsmann.

Former national team coach Bruce Arena came back into the fold, leading the United States to a crucial four points in the next two hex games. The first three points 6-0 thrashing of Honduras at home in March. Four days later, the Americans drew 1-1 on the road with Panama.

Next up, a game in Denver against a desperate Trinidad & Tobago team, that is currently sitting bottom of the hex. With a crucial game at the Estadio Azteca against Mexico in just a few days, words cannot begin to describe how crucial this match is tonight for the Americans, if they hope to qualify for Russia.

With the next two games being at altitude, look for Arena to use a lot of players in these next two games. The Americans should be able to knock off a struggling T&T with a bit of a weakened lineup and it will be interesting to see if Arena moves forward tonight with that approach. One thing is certain, Arena will rely heavily on the young starlet, Christian Pulisic. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder is clearly the United States’ best player and will need to step up and take control.

Even with Trinidad struggling, the United States must not look past T&T tonight. Look for the Americans to cruise to a relatively easy victory tonight, setting up the big match in Mexico City on Sunday night.

Below are the current standings from CONCACAF before the matches tonight and this weekend.