Coming into Saturday’s match against Nicaragua, the Yanks did not need a result to move out of the group stage. Thanks to Panama’s 3-0 win over Martinique a few hours prior, the US’s ticket to the knockout rounds had already been punched. However, the US still had plenty to play for if they were going to win the group, and more importantly, avoid playing Costa Rica in the quarterfinals. In order for both of those things to happen the US needed to win by 3 goals. By doing so they’d finish tied on points and goal differential, but would beat Panama on the next tie-breaking factor, “goals for.
Gold Cup: US dismantles Nicaragua and finishes atop the group
