Stanford University's, Jordan Morris, and Garden Grove's, Luis Gil, powered the U-23 Men's National Team to a 3-1 win over Canada in their opening mat
Stanford University’s, Jordan Morris, and Garden Grove’s, Luis Gil, powered the U-23 Men’s National Team to a 3-1 win over Canada in their opening match of the 2015 CONCACAF Men’s Olympic Qualifying.
The U-23 MNT jumped out to an early lead just 35 seconds into the match when a quick counter attack down the right wing sprung Jerome Kiesewetter free. He dribbled into the final third and lofted a delicate cross into the box where an unmarked Morris was waiting for an easy header.
Morris doubled his tally and added a crucial insurance goal in the 73rd minute for the U-23 MNT, who benefited from a horrendous Canadian turnover near the half way line. Wil Trapp intercepted a pass and then played a ball over the Canadian backline. Morris ran to the spot, shoved the final defender off the ball, and slotted home a crucial goal, before Canada scored in the 80th minute to cut the lead back down to one.
The U-23 MNT was able to hold off a late Canadian rally and finally put the match on ice in the first minute of stoppage time. Kiesewetter collected a pass from Morris on the edge of the box. He dribbled into the box and was then fouled.
Substitute Luis Gil then stepped up and scored his first goal for the U-23 MNT in six matches in 2015.
Overall it was a solid start to the tournament for the U-23 MNT. Morris continues to show his goal scoring potential and Kiesewetter picked up an assist and earn a penalty as a product of his direct style of play.
Another positive from the game was the play from New York Red Bulls defender Matt Miazga. The 20 year old put in a solid defensive effort showed his ability to play the ball forward with a few piercing balls that went behind the Canadian backline to U-23 MNT forwards.
The U-23 MNT next take the field Saturday Oct 3rd against Cuba. Kick off is at 6:00 p.m PST and will be broadcast on NBC Universo.
