The United States U-23 team defeated the Canada U-23s in Kansas City last night 3-1 in CONCACAF qualifying to put themselves on the right path for next summer's Olympics. Even though only one game has lapsed from the group stage, the US is in first in Group A after Panama and Cuba drew 1-1 earlier yesterday evening.
The US started the game even better than the USMNT senior team did against Ghana in the 2014 World Cup. The U-23s scored 35 seconds into the game without having Canada get one touch on the ball. New York Red Bulls defenseman Matt Miazga played a long ball forward that was flicked onto Jerome Kiesewetter. Kiesewetter carried the ball down the wing past the 18 yard box and found Jordan Morris crashing down the middle of the field for the point-blank header.
The US' only defensive lapse was allowing a goal off a corner kick. Otherwise, there were not many other threats the entire game. Morris was able to add another goal in the 73rd minute and Luis Gil added the third off a penalty in the 91st minute.
The U-23s are back in action on Saturday against Cuba on Saturday. If the US win and Canada-Panama ends in a draw, the US will clinch advancement into the semifinals.
