USA vs. Martinique: Final score 3-2, USMNT squeaks through in Gold Cup

The United States men’s national team won’t be happy with its performance in the Gold Cup on Wednesday night, but it has secured its progression to the quarterfinals. The USMNT still has a chance to win its group, too, following a nervous 3-2 victory over Martinique.

While Martinique is allowed to compete in CONCACAF tournaments, the country is not sanctioned by FIFA, and therefore is not eligible for World Cup qualifying. It has a handful of players with European and MLS experience, but the majority of the squad plays locally. For that reason, the USMNT was heavily favored on Wednesday, but struggled to play up to its talent level.

Neither team generated clear chances in the first 45 minutes, and Martinique actually had the best opportunity, with Kevin Parsemain striking the post near the end of the half. In the second half, both teams got more aggressive, and that led to five goals.

Each side forced the opposing goalkeeper into at least one tough save ahead of Omar Gonzalez opening scoring in the 54th minute. Kévin Olimpa stopped a strike by Paul Arriola after a corner, but Gonzalez was in perfect position to finish.

The Americans doubled their lead in the 64th minute, thanks to a substitute making a big impact. Alejandro Bedoya replaced Kellyn Acosta and set up the chance with a through ball to Eric Lichaj, who squared for Jordan Morris to score.

At that point, USMNT fans allowed themselves to breathe, but Martinique staged an incredible comeback. It got on the board thanks to a goalkeeping error, when Brad Guzan whiffed on a routine save off a shot by Parsemain.

Martinique’s stunning equalizer came eight minutes later, with Parsemain getting another goal in fortunate circumstances. Steeven Langil torched Matt Hedges and crossed to the far post, finding Johan Audel. His shot was saved by Guzan, but Parsemain’s follow up took a big deflection and floated in.

But Martinique only had two minutes to celebrate. Its defense fell apart two minutes later, failing to deal with a cross by Gyasi Zardes. It skipped past multiple defenders and found Morris, who completed a brace.

So now, despite all the drama, the United States is in good position to win its group. It’s level on points and goal differential with Panama, and has one more goal scored. If the Americans beat Nicaragua by more goals than Panama defeats Martinique by, they’ll finish in first place and avoid the winner of Group A.