In many ways, the U.S. men’s national soccer team did not deserve to finish atop Group B in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The Americans weren’t very good in the first two matches and, on Saturday against a weak opponent, they failed to convert two penalty kicks 12 minutes apart in the second half.
But they did end up winning the soft group because, with the U.S. in need of a three-goal victory over Nicaragua to claim first place, defender Matt Miazga scored in the 88th minute for a 3-0 triumph at Cleveland’s FirstEnergy Stadium.
Graham Zusi served a free kick deep into the box.