One Step Closer

The United States Men's National Soccer Team scored an important 1-0 over Trinidad and Tobago in East Hartford, Connecticut tonight. The only goal was scored by Brian McBride on a gorgeous finish in the second minute. Trinidad and Tobago only managed a few organized attempts against a solid USA back line, anchored by Oguchi Onyewu and Eddie Lewis, leaving keeper Casey Keller largely untested. The United States played with a man advantage for most of the match, after D. Lawrence of Trinidad and Tobago was sent off in the 42d minute for a foul which denied an obvious goal scoring opportunity on Landon Donovan. The two sides remained at those strengths until Bobby Convey was sent off for the United States in the 87th minute for a second bookable offense. The game was not as close as the score indicated, which is worrisome for the United States as they could not finish on numerous scoring opportunities against a suspect T&T defense throughout the match. The United States, now assured of finishing no worse than fourth in the CONCACAF Final Qualifying round, next face arch-rival Mexico on September 3 in a match that will likely decide the outcome of the group.