The USMNT figured out exactly how to use Jordan Morris at the Gold Cup

The lasting image of Jordan Morris at the Gold Cup will be this tournament-winning goal.

And rightfully so. Morris won’t have many moments in his career better than smashing home an 88th-minute winner to lift a trophy. No other moment could possibly be more significant. But as far as the long-term prospects of the United States men’s national team go, Morris showed something much more significant with his work rate throughout the tournament, and what it did for Clint Dempsey.

Morris is having a disappointing season in MLS. After a fantastic rookie campaign in 2016, he has just two goals and no assists in 16 starts for Seattle Sounders this year. Despite his struggles, Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer has kept him in the lineup because of how hard he runs for 90 minutes, and the opportunities that creates for his teammates. USMNT coach Bruce Arena saw the same things, which is why Morris’ struggles in front of goal didn’t keep him out of the Gold Cup.

He started the semifinal against Costa Rica and spent 90 minutes chasing after every loose ball. Whenever he got on the ball around the box, he tried to run past his defender to create a crossing or shooting opportunity. Morris didn’t score or assist, but he pushed Los Ticos’ defense constantly, softening them up for what was to come. Once Clint Dempsey came off the bench, Costa Rica was a step slow to close him down. Arena used the same strategy in the final, Dempsey was the USMNT’s best attacker when he came on, and he got the assist on Morris’ goal.

This isn’t the type of player USMNT fans were necessarily hoping Morris would be, of course. When he burst onto the scene with a game-winning goal against Mexico in 2015, American fans wondered if Morris might be the dangerous goal-poacher of their dreams; America’s own Chicharito. He now appears to be more likely to evolve into a speedy, energetic winger. That’s OK — the USMNT doesn’t have a lot of those either.

This Gold Cup provided a blueprint for future big USMNT games. Morris can do the hard work to wear down the defense, then Dempsey or another creative player can enter with fresh legs and carve them up.

And as a bonus, every once in a while, Morris can blast in a goal too.