USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago: Score, Reaction from World Cup 2018 Qualifier

The United States men’s national team was in line to advance to the final stage of 2018 World Cup qualifying regardless of Tuesday night’s result, but the Stars and Stripes captured a resounding 4-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, to finish atop Group C.

The triumph ensured the United States will host Mexico when hexagonal qualifying begins in November.

Here’s a look at the final standings from Group C after the fourth round of CONCACAF qualifying:

The Soca Warriors didn’t have much to play for besides pride since they secured a spot in the hex after nabbing three wins and two draws in their first five qualifiers, but they still provided the U.S. a stiff test.

Jurgen Klinsmann’s side was without Clint Dempsey (irregular heartbeat), Jermaine Jones (knee), Matt Besler (paternity leave) and DeAndre Yedlin (yellow card accumulation), and those absences threatened to deprive the Red, White and Blue of continuity on the back line and in the midfield.

But despite those concerns, the U.S. appeared sound and steady early—especially in the offensive third, where Christian Pulisic, Jozy Altidore and Bobby Wood combined to provide a flurry of attacking runs throughout the first half.

One of those jaunts came when Altidore crossed the ball to Pulisic, but the 17-year-old’s shot clanged off both posts and failed to cross the goal line, as Fox Soccer documented on Twitter:

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