USMNT Thumps Trinidad & Tobago In First Friendly Of 2021

Jonathan Lewis celebrates a goal during a game against the Trinidad and Tobago on Jan. 31, 2021 in Orlando.

Three players recorded multiple goals as the U.S. men’s soccer team opened 2021 with a dominating 7-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago Sunday at Exploria Stadium in Orlando.
The friendly marked the conclusion of the USMNT’s January training camp, which is often an opportunity for new or overlooked players to get a chance to train with the national team.
From almost the opening whistle the MLS-based U.S. squad was in control of the match, with Jonathan Lewis scoring just two minutes into the game. Jesus Ferreira added another one and then Paul Arriola scored twice to send the Americans into halftime with a 4-0 lead.
Miles Robinson, Lewis and Ferreira all scored in the second half to clinch the easy win.
Trinidad & Tobago had its best chance to get on the scoreboard in the 66th minute, but U.S. goalie Matt Turner made a diving save on a penalty kick by T&T’s Alvin Jones.
Because the camp fell outside a FIFA window, when professional teams are required to release their players for international duty, the U.S. roster was limited to players in their offseasons.
The group included 12 senior national team players as well as 26 U-23 players who would be eligible for the U.S. team that will compete in the Concacaf Men’s Olympic Qualifying Championship in March in Mexico.
Those rosters were blended following the camp, with 16 U-23 players being called up to the national team for tonight’s game. Among the goal scorers, Lewis, Ferreira and Robinson are all age-eligible for the Olympic qualifying roster.
In addition, six U.S. players made their national team debuts: George Bello, Daryl Dike, Aaron Herrera, Andres Perea, Tanner Tessmann and Turner.