Matt Miazga's late goal gives U.S. 1st place in Gold Cup group

CLEVELAND (AP) — Matt Miazga scored on a closer-range header from Graham Zusi's nook kick inside the 88th minute, giving the usa first place in its CONCACAF Gold Cup group with a three-zero victory over Nicaragua on Saturday night.

Panama's three-zero win over Martinique within the first match of the doubleheader supposed the U.S. wished a three-aim win to move back over Los Canaleros into first. however the individuals struggled for long stretches towards Nicaragua, a group ranked one hundred and fifth with the aid of FIFA.

Joe Corona scored his first international goal in 4 years within the 37th minute and Kelyn Rowe doubled the lead inside the 56th together with his first global aim, but the U.S. squandered opportunities when Dom Dwyer and Corona took terrible penalty kicks within the 2d 1/2 that without difficulty were saved by using Justo Lorente.

Nicargua's Luis Copete became ejected inside the 86th minute for his 2d yellow card and Luis Galeano turned into receiving treatment for an harm, giving the U.S. had a -man gain when Zusi took his free kick from approximately 30 yards. Miazga, a Chelsea defender gambling his first international match considering the fact that may additionally 2016, had an open header close to a put up and scored his first intention in 3 country wide team appearances.

The U.S. and Panama both completed with seven factors and a plus-four purpose difference, however the americans gained the institution bases on total desires, 7-6. The people have gained their organization in thirteen of 14 Gold Cups, finishing 2nd to Panama in 2011.

america' Matt Miazga (four) celebrates with Chris Pontius (7) after scoring a aim against Nicaragua at some point of a CONCACAF Gold Cup football in shape in Cleveland, Ohio, Saturday, July 15, 2017. (AP image/Ron Schwane) image: Ron Schwane/related Press

image: Ron Schwane/related Press

photo 1 OF 6United States' Matt Miazga (four) celebrates with Chris Pontius (7) after scoring a goal towards Nicaragua in the course of a CONCACAF Gold Cup football in shape in Cleveland, Ohio, Saturday, July 15, 2017. (AP photo/Ron Schwane)photograph 1 OF 6 u.s.' Matt Miazga (4) celebrates with Chris Pontius (7) after scoring a aim against Nicaragua for the duration of a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match in Cleveland, Ohio, Saturday, July 15, 2017. (AP photo/Ron Schwane)

CLEVELAND (AP) — Matt Miazga scored on a better-variety header from Graham Zusi's nook kick inside the 88th minute, giving the us first place in its CONCACAF Gold Cup institution with a three-zero victory over Nicaragua on Saturday night time.

Panama's 3-zero win over Martinique within the first healthy of the doubleheader supposed the U.S. wanted a three-goal win to transport lower back over Los Canaleros into first. but the americans struggled for lengthy stretches towards Nicaragua, a crew ranked a hundred and fifth via FIFA.

Joe Corona scored his first global intention in four years inside the 37th minute and Kelyn Rowe doubled the lead in the 56th together with his first international intention, but the U.S. squandered possibilities when Dom Dwyer and Corona took poor penalty kicks within the second 1/2 that without problems were stored with the aid of Justo Lorente.

Nicargua's Luis Copete turned into ejected inside the 86th minute for his second yellow card and Luis Galeano turned into receiving treatment for an damage, giving the U.S. had a two-guy gain when Zusi took his loose kick from approximately 30 yards. Miazga, a Chelsea defender gambling his first international fit on the grounds that can also 2016, had an open header near a submit and scored his first goal in three country wide crew appearances.

The U.S. and Panama each completed with seven points and a plus-four goal distinction, but the individuals gained the group bases on general goals, 7-6. The individuals have won their institution in thirteen of 14 Gold Cups, completing 2d to Panama in 2011.

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subsequent up for the U.S. is a quarterfinal Wednesday in Philadelphia towards a 3rd-area group from any other organization, probable Honduras, El Salvador or Jamaica. A 2d-place finish could have meant a U.S.-Costa Rica matchup.

U.S. educate Bruce area used a primarily junior varsity roster for the primary round but plans to add reinforcements from the varsity for the knockout segment. Goalkeeper Tim Howard and midfielder Michael Bradley watched the match from the stands.

For the first-ever matchup between the U.S. and Nicaragua, area modified his whole starting lineup from Wednesday's three-2 win over Martinique, giving goalkeeper bill Hamid his first look because an exhibition at eire in November 2014. area has used 22 of his 23 gamers inside the event, all however goalkeeper Sean Johnson.

Alejandro Bedoya set up the primary two U.S. desires. Bedoya crossed to Corona, who took 3 touches to create space for a shot that deflected in off Bismarck Veliz for Corona's third international intention, his first on account that scoring towards Cuba and El Salvador in the 2013 Gold Cup

Dwyer, trying to sign up for Alexander Rae and Eddie Johnson because the handiest gamers to attain of their first three U.S. matches, hit a waist-high penalty that Lorente dived right to keep after Dwyer became delivered down by way of Marlon Lopez.

Rowe, making his 1/3 appearance, scored after Bedoya intercepted a ball. Bedoya exchanged passes with Dwyer, then fed Rowe, who scored with the outdoor of his boot from within the penalty region.

Corona took the second one penalty after a handball changed into referred to as on Daniel Cadena but took a susceptible kick down the middle.