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Eddie Gaven (center) scored the winning goal on a late penalty kick Saturday. (US Soccer/isiphotos.com) |
Group B concludes play Sunday tonight with a doubleheader that includes Guatemala vs. Canada at 3:30 p.m. PT, and Mexico vs. Haiti at 6 p.m. PT. After two games, Guatemala leads the group with six points, followed by Haiti with three and Mexico and Canada with one each.
“We showed spirit and pushed for a win,” said head coach Peter Nowak Saturday. “It’s not like the penalty kicks come from thin air or someone gives it to you as a present. I think the boys worked hard on the field and you have to give them credit.”
Gaven’s penalty kick in the fifth and final minute of stoppage time was the result of a through ball from Patrick Ianni to Charlie Davies, who ran into the box and was taken down from behind by defender Quiarol Arzu. Gaven calmly stepped up and put the ball to the right of Honduran goalkeeper Kevin Hernandez, who dove the wrong way.
The penalty was a welcome reprise for Davies, the Boston College product who in the 62nd minute missed a penalty kick of his own. On that play, Davies was pulled down by Oscar Morales and referee Erico Wijngaarde pointed to the spot, but Davies missed the spot kick wide right.
The U.S. created a number of chances on the night, taking 13 shots overall, but once again couldn’t find the final touch to score. Playing their third game in five days, Nowak once again put out a different starting line-up. Freddy Adu, who played 90 minutes in both the first two games and was carrying a yellow card, was not included in the 18-man game day roster.
There was also a change in the nets, as goalkeeper Dominic Cervi replaced Chris Seitz. The start marked the first-ever appearance for the U.S. at any national team level for Cervi , who earned a shutout and Sierra Mist Man of the Match honors for his composed performance.
The U.S. had the opportunity to take the lead in the 62nd minute when Davies was fouled inside the box and given a penalty kick. Davies stepped up to finish the play he started, but his shot from the spot went wide to the right of the goal.
Every team in Group B is still in the hunt to advance to the semifinals, with Guatemala the only team assured of a place in Nashville. The eight-team CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying tournament, which includes national teams at the Under-23 age level, will send the two finalists to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
U.S. UNDER-23 MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM GAME REPORT:
Scoring Summary:
USA - Eddie Gaven (penalty kick) 95+ minute
Lineups:
USA: 18-Dominic Cervi; 15-Kamani Hill, 3-Michael Orozco, 4-Pat Ianni, 13-Hunter Freeman; 8-Sal Zizzo (9-Charlie Davies, 60), 7-Stuart Holden, 16-Sacha Kljestan (capt.) (10-Dax McCarty, 60), 20-Eddie Gaven; 19-Chad Barrett, 14-Robbie Findley
HON: 1-Kevin Hernandez; 2-Quiarol Arzu, 3-David Alejandro Molina, 6-Luis Alfredo Molina (10-Ramon Nunez, 69), 7-Rigoberto Padilla, 8-Irvin Reyna, 14-Misael Ruiz (9-Jefferson Bernardez, 46), 16-Marvin Sanchez (capt.) (13-Arnol Simion, 73), 17-Daniel Alvarez, 21-Oscar Morales, 24-George Wilson Welcome
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