USA survive Trinidad and Tobago charge to reach CNL Finals

PORT OF SPAIN – The United States are through to the 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League Finals despite a 2-1 defeat to Trinidad and Tobago in the second leg of their League A quarterfinal on Monday night at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. With the result, the U.S. have won the two-legged series on aggregate 4-2. In addition to advancing to the CNL Finals, the U.S. have qualified for the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024. Trinidad and Tobago will progress to the Concacaf Nations League Play-In. The winner of each Play-In will qualify for the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024.

Fresh off his one goal, one assist performance in the first leg, Antonee Robinson got back on the scoresheet and gave the U.S. a 1-0 lead in the 25’ when he got on the end of a Sergino Dest cross and headed into net. Trinidad and Tobago would get a break, though, as the U.S. were reduced to 10 men when Dest picked up a pair of yellow cards in less than a minute in the 39’, resulting in a sending off. Trinidad and Tobago certainly made the most of it to start, as Reon Moore received a ball in the area, muscled off a defender and fired into net to bring the Soca Warriors level 1-1 in the 43’. The momentum was squarely with Trinidad and Tobago and the home side took a 2-1 lead in the 57’ when a screamer from Alvin Jones on a free kick beat U.S. GK Matt Turner . Trinidad and Tobago remained on the front foot and continued to create chances, but the U.S. defense firmed up during the final half-hour and kept the hosts at bay until the final whistle to nail down their CNL Finals place.