Score USMNT vs. Grenada Standings: Jesus Ferreira scores four goals as USA sail to easy win

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Score USMNT vs. Grenada Standings: Jesus Ferreira scores four goals as USA sail to easy win

The United States men’s national team started their Concacaf Nations League title defense on Friday night with an easy, one-sided 5-0 win over Grenada. Jesus Ferreira, who is set to be the starting forward for the USMNT at the 2022 World Cup, set a team record with four goals to help his case, albeit against weak opponents.

The Red-White-Blues, playing their last game on American soil this calendar year, beat the visitors 25-3 in a game that at times looked more like a scramble than an official competition for Gregg Berhalter’s team.

Shockingly, it took the United States 43 minutes to score, despite dominating ball and chances, with an alert Ferreira completing from the box.

With so many missed shots in front of goal lately, Ferreira was able to reverse that poor form with a productive game that, while a great stat for him, was played against a team ranked 170th in the world. He is the fifth player to ever score four goals in a game for the United States, after Archie Stark (1925), Aldo Donelli (1934), Joe-Max Moore (1993) and Landon Donovan (2003).

With key players like Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams rested, USA were able to set the pace of play throughout the night. The visitors never got close to a goal and recorded a 0.10 xG on three shots. USA finished their 25 shots with an xG of 4.08. The Americans also had 66.6 percent of the ball, didn’t concede a corner and saw Matt Turner not have to save a single goal.

The reigning champions extended their unbeaten home win to 26 games, equaling the previous record set in 2013-15.

The Americans now turn their attention to what is expected to be a much tougher test on Tuesday when they take on El Salvador on Matchday 2.

The USA will play at the World Cup in November after failing to qualify for the 2018 edition. The USMNT meets Wales on November 21, England on November 25 (the day after Thanksgiving) and Iran on November 29.

USMNT Player Ratings

(GK) Matt Turner

90 Wasn’t tested at all as Grenada fired three shots that got zero on target. One of the easiest games he will have in the national team shirt.

7

(DEF) Antonee Robinson

60 Just created a chance but that doesn’t matter as the goal conceded is the most important thing. It was good to see that Robinson can be more conservative and only bomb forward when necessary.

7

(DEF) Aaron long

45 Didn’t have much to do with Carter-Vickers being the more dominant defender on the night. A solid performance in the first half was then taken back as Berhalter continued to test his central pairings.

7

(DEF) Cameron Carter-Vickers

90 Kept the game ahead, made five interceptions during the game, and won most of his dogfights. While it’s not one of the tougher defensive challenges he faces, it was a nice improvement from Carter-Vickers after joining Celtic earlier in the day. 8th

(DEF) Reggie Cannon

90 Developed well and racked up three interceptions as it looks like Cannon is paving his way to the world championship. With its versatility, it is good to have in every situation. 7

(CENTER) Kellyn Acosta

90 Controlled the game from midfield. Acosta was everywhere throughout the game, helping the United States wear Grenada down until the ball hit the back of the net. On a day when many regulars in midfield were rested, Acosta shone. 9

(CENTER) Luca de la Torre

71 Was that a coming out party for de la Torre? Even without the assist, he had a great game that helped him control possession and pick up the pace against the Spice Boys. It will be important for de la Torre to be so dominant against stronger sides but it’s good to see the ability is there. 8th

(MID) Weston McKennie

45 Was not in the game when the goals came properly but was instrumental in wearing Grenada down, creating two chances and ensuring the side kept the ball in the first half. 7

(FWD) Jordan Morris

60 Had created a big chance and missed some good attacking chances. As the USMNT turned the game into target practice, Morris couldn’t keep up with the other members of the team, which could cost him with limited minutes. 6

(FWD) Paul Arriola

90 Created three chances, one of which ended in a goal, for Dallas teammate Ferreira. Arriola developed well throughout the game and did everything right on both the attacking and defensive side. 7

(FWD) Jesus Ferreira

90 What a way to break a scoring drought. Ferreira scored four goals as he was in the right place at the right time for most of the game to show what he is good at for the national team. Although the quality of the opposition makes it difficult to gain too much from the game, there isn’t much more Ferreira could have done. 10

George Bello

Robinson, (’60) Did what was asked in limited minutes but didn’t do anything too spectacular 6
Walker Zimmerman Long, (’45) Calm as ever, Zimmerman kept things going on defense after coming into play. He didn’t win any of his headers but had two clearances and an interception when he entered. 7
Brenden Aaronson de la Torre, (’71) It didn’t take him long to make his mark on the game and created an assist with his only chance created. A strong sub cameo where Aaronson’s fresh legs really helped tear Grenada down. 8th
Malik Tillmann McKennie, (’45) Tillman, who is officially tied with the United States, came on in a deeper midfield game. He put on a strong performance that showed what he has to offer across the board but at the same time showed how raw he is. Nothing to worry about at this point as with polish he could be a force. 7

Christian Rollan

Morris, (’60) Maintains possession of the ball after the game has already been won. 6
Gregory Berhalter 5 Even if he didn’t get all the necessary draws in the first Nations League game, it was a clear victory that will hopefully give Ferreira confidence after four goals. It was a strong performance as the team did exactly what was asked and scored five goals to show the game plan was correct. 9

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