Sports

Sargent, Morris at the double as US down Cuba

November 20, 2019
In this file photo taken on Oct. 11, 2019, Josh Sargent (19) of the United States shoots the ball against Nelson Johnston (21) of Cuba during the first half at Audi Field in Washington, DC. Jordan Morris and teenager Josh Sargent scored two goals apiece as the United States eased into the final four of the CONCACAF Nations League on Tuesday with a 4-0 win over Cuba. — AFP
In this file photo taken on Oct. 11, 2019, Josh Sargent (19) of the United States shoots the ball against Nelson Johnston (21) of Cuba during the first half at Audi Field in Washington, DC. Jordan Morris and teenager Josh Sargent scored two goals apiece as the United States eased into the final four of the CONCACAF Nations League on Tuesday with a 4-0 win over Cuba. — AFP

LOS ANGELES — Jordan Morris and teenager Josh Sargent scored two goals apiece as the United States eased into the final four of the CONCACAF Nations League on Tuesday with a 4-0 win over Cuba.

Seattle Sounders forward Morris struck twice in the first half as manager Gregg Berhalter's side bagged three points to finish top of Group A, ahead of Canada on goal difference.

Werder Bremen's 19-year-old striker Sargent bagged the other goals in a game played at George Town's Truman Bodden Stadium in the Cayman Islands after Cuba's proposed home venue failed to meet CONCACAF standards.

The US had put themselves in the driving seat to qualify after a comprehensive 4-1 defeat of Canada on Friday.

Needing only a win to advance against a Cuban side they had already beaten 7-0 earlier in the qualifiers, the US wasted no time in taking the lead when Sargent bundled in the opener after just 34 seconds.

Despite relentless US pressure however, Berhalter's side were made to wait until the 26th minute before they doubled their lead.

A flicked header by Schalke 04's Weston McKennie found Morris unmarked inside the penalty area and the Seattle man made no mistake with a cool finish past Cuba goalkeeper Sandy Sanchez.

Morris was then on target again six minutes before half-time, tapping in Aaron Long's goal-bound cross to effectively seal the outcome.

Sargent then grabbed his second of the night in the 66th minute, rifling home a low shot after Tyler Boyd's assist.

The US will now face Honduras in the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League next June, with Mexico and Costa Rica meeting in the other half of the draw. — AFP


November 20, 2019
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