Written by Martin Rogers at USA Today.com
Christian Pulisic made another telling contribution in his young United States career, scoring both goals as the national team overcame Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 in a vital World Cup qualifier Thursday.
After a scoreless first half that created some nerves among both the U.S. players and the fidgety crowd at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, the 18-year-old Pulisic delivered a pair of crucial blows in the 55th and 62nd minutes.
The result took the Americans to seven points from five games in the final phase of the CONCACAF regional qualification campaign, lifting them — at least temporarily — into third place in the six-team group. Three teams from the region claim an automatic spot in Russia next year, while a fourth goes into a playoff against a team from Asia.
Pulisic, who plays his club soccer for German Bundesliga giant Borussia Dortmund, reacted quickest for the opening goal, darting forward and sliding feet-first to connect with DeAndre Yedlin’s deflected low cross.
Soon after he put the result beyond doubt, sprinting to collect a well-timed pass from Jozy Altidore and clipping the ball past T+T goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams.
With the U.S. due to face its toughest challenge next, a visit to Mexico City’s famed Estadio Azteca this Sunday, claiming all three points against last-placed T+T was a must.
However, a frustrating first half ended scoreless, with the visitors having come closest to scoring when Kenwyne Jones headed against the crossbar. Things were starting to look a little shaky, until the youngest, and most-talked about member of the squad stepped forward to seal the outcome.
Costa Rica was due to face Panama while Mexico was set to host Honduras later on Thursday night, but the U.S. could look ahead to their daunting trip south with some optimism after it — and Pulisic — took care of business.
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