The USMNT defeated Uzbekistan and Oman this past week during FIFA's September international break. The Yanks started quickly vs Uzbekistan when Weston McKennie set up Timothy Weah in the 4th minute of play with a screamer past the Uzbekistan keeper. The US kept pressure on whipping in crosses while Uzbekistan grew into the game.
Uzbekistan nearly got on the board in the 21st minute when Matt Turner was beat on a curling effort. Fortunately for the US the ball ricocheted off the corner of the post and cross bar. Uzbekistan created other opportunities to finish the first half forcing Matt Turner to make key stops.
Uzbekistan continued to create some good chances for the first 25 minutes of the 2nd half. The US was unable to seal the deal until the 91st minute when Ricardo Pepi ripped a shot from the top of the 18 doubling the USA lead. A Christian Pulisic penalty kick from a dynamic Malik Tillman run was the clincher. Overall the US wasn't sharp and Uzbekistan had chances, but the stars and stripes prevailed. The game was played in St. Louis in front of about 20 thousand fans.
The US second game of the break was vs Oman in St. Paul Minnesota. Folarin Balogun opened his USMNT account in the 13th minute with a fox in the box rebound to open the scoring. The US continued to dominate all half but were unable to double the score. More of the same continued in the second half and a free kick from Brendan Aaronson created some breathing room for the red, white and blue. Ricardo Pepi continued his fine form with a goal from the top of the box which beat the Oman keeper to his right side. Capping the scoring was an Oman OG and the US rolled 4-0.
Anytime you can go 2-0 in an international window it is a good thing. For me the Oman performance was more convincing than the Uzbekistan match. The US thoroughly dominated Oman and gave up fewer quality chances. Weston McKennie, Ricardo Pepi and Brendan Aaronson were the standout performers during the week. Matt Turner impressed vs Uzbekistan and Dejuan Jones showed well in his minutes as well vs Oman.
The next international break is in October and the US will have a huge match when they host Germany in Hartford. They then travel to Geodis Park to play old friend Ghana. Next window will surely be exciting times with some can't miss fixtures.
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