The USMNT traveled to Havana for an international friendly with Cuba and got a game from the hosts. With field conditions less than optimal, Cuba had their chances hitting the frame twice. It was the USMNT that finally got on the board with second-half substitute Chris Wondolowski scoring in the 62nd minute. Julian Green doubled the lead in the 71st. The USMNT travels to Washington DC for the second friendly of the October international window, playing New Zealand on Tuesday (8pm ET - ESPN).
USMNT coach Jurgen Klinsmann started a competitive lineup, with the only noticeable difference in goal. Without his two regular goalkeepers, Klinsmann opted for Molde's Ethan Horvath, making his first appearance for the senior squad. Horvath had work to do to keep the clean sheet. He got some help from the post and shot selection, with Cuba creating a lot of opportunities not to come away with a goal.
Birnbaum took a cleat to the face in the 80th minute, necessitating on field treatment and complaints to the referee. Birnbaum was forced off bleeding from the head. Klinsmann had already used his six substitutes.
-- GAME REPORT --
Match: U.S. Men’s National Team vs. Cuba
Date: Oct. 7, 2016
Competition: International Friendly
Venue: Pedro Marrero Stadium; Havana, Cuba
Kickoff: 4 p.m. ET
Attendance: TBD
Weather: 86 degrees, partly cloudy
Scoring Summary: 1 2 F
USA 0 2 2
CUB 0 0 0
USA – Chris Wondolowski 62nd minute
USA – Julian Green (Chris Wondoloski) 71
Lineups:
USA: 1-Ethan Horvath; 2-DeAndre Yedlin (21-Timmy Chandler, 46), 20-Geoff Cameron, 6-John Brooks (15-Steve Birnbaum, 46), 23-Fabian Johnson; 10-Christian Pulisic (18-Chris Wondolowski, 46), 4-Michael Bradley (capt.), 16-Sacha Kljestan (14-Danny Williams, 69), 19-Julian Green; 17-Jozy Altidore (9-Paul Arriola, 69), 7-Bobby Wood (8-Jordan Morris, 60)
Subs not used: 12-David Bingham, 22-William Yarbrough; 3-Omar Gonzalez, 5-Perry Kitchen, 13-Lynden Gooch
Head Coach: Jurgen Klinsmann
CUB: 1-Sandy Sánchez, 5-Josel Piedra, 4-Yasmany López, 16-Yasniel Nápoles, 11-Carlos Serrano, 6-Daniel Luis Saéz (capt.) (17-Dayron Branco, 74), 2-Roberney Caballero (12-Roberto Peraza, 76), 10-Arichel Hernández, 8-Alberto Gómez (7-Duzney Espinoza, 66), 18-David Urgelles, 9-Maykel Reyes
Subs not used: 3-Erick Rizo, 13-Eddy Gelkis Olivares, 14-Yoelvis Gonzalez, 15-Yasnay Rivero, 19-Geandris Megret, 21-Diosvelys Guerra
Head Coach: Raul Mederos
Stats Summary: USA / CUB
Shots: 10 / 9
Shots on Goal: 8 / 3
Saves: 3 / 6
Corner Kicks: 6 / 3
Fouls: 13 / 5
Offside: 0 / 6
Misconduct Summary:
CUB – Yasmany Lopez (caution) 16th minute
CUB – David Urgelles (caution) 59
Officials:
Referee: Jafeth Perea (PAN)
Assistant Referee 1: Ronald Bruna (PAN)
Assistant Referee 2: Gabriel Victoria (PAN)
4th Official: Adniel Quintana Mendieta (CUB)
