It didn’t much feel like an international friendly but more of a scrimmage, but the U.S. Men’s National Team accomplished what they set out to do and defeated their territory mate Puerto Rico 3-1 in their first game between the two teams.
The USMNT had a rather makeshift lineup since these were all European and Mexican club based players, thus limiting Jurgen Klinsmann’s choices for getting players ready for the Copa America. So Klinsmann focused on getting players ready for the Copa America Centenario and those deserving of another look and a chance for future consideration for the team.
Things got to be a bit back and forth with no one really threatening the goal. Then Tim Ream, yes Tim Ream, broke through and scored the opening goal of the game. That was Ream’s first career goal for the USMNT and only his second ever goal in his eight year club and country career.
Tim Ream opens the scoring against Puerto Rico with his first career #USMNT goal. #USAvPUR https://t.co/6sW60OwVYg
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 22, 2016
Then after a couple rough tackles where the referee didn’t call for a foul, the USMNT kept going and got the ball up to Bobby Wood who doubled the lead. Many Puerto Rico fans were unhappy they didn’t get a foul and that the United States didn’t kick the ball out when it appeared one of their players was hurt but the U.S. weren’t required to do that and thus were able to score.
Bobby Wood lifts a clever shot over Sanchez to give the #USMNT a 2-0 lead over Puerto Rico. #USAvPUR https://t.co/7zV5xb3CG6
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 22, 2016
It seemed as though the USMNT were going to walk away with this win but Puerto Rico pulled a goal back right before halftime. Alvaro Betancourt launched a great shot and in addition to Brad Guzan being a bit out of position, scored a golazo to make it 2-1 at the half.
HT: Puerto Rico 1, USA 2. Betancur's terrific goal just before the break has Puerto Rico back in the game. #USAvPUR https://t.co/2eOqKzO86p
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 22, 2016
Starting the second half, Puerto Rico put up a relatively tough fight but it was the United States who sealed the win as Paul Arriola scored his first goal in his first USMNT cap. Arriola got on the end of an Alejandro Bedoya cross ending a pretty great team goal.
Paul Arriola restores the #USMNT's 2-goal cushion vs Puerto Rico with his 1st goal in his 1st appearance. #USAvPUR https://t.co/FTuAn2Nnrx
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 22, 2016
So, what did we learn about the USMNT heading into the Copa America? The answer is not much. This isn’t going to be the team and this was really more of a scrimmage but we will definitely know more about the team when they face Ecuador and Bolivia later this week when the full 23 player Copa America roster.
