TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Jordan Morris’ second goal of the game broke a tie in the 76th minute, and the United States edged tiny Martinique 3-2 Wednesday night in the CONCACAF Gold Cup after wasting a two-goal lead against a team that is not even a member of FIFA.
Failing to break through in the first half, the U.S. built a 2-0 lead on goals by Omar Gonzalez in the 53rd minute and Morris in the 64th.
But Martinique, a French overseas department, tied the score on a pair of goals by Kevin Parsemain, the first a long-range shot that went past goalkeeper Brad Guzan on a bounce and the second a pass that hit Parsemain and went in on the deflection.
The U.S., which opened last weekend with a 1-1 tie against Panama, completes group play Saturday against Nicaragua in Cleveland.
FILE PHOTO: Seattle Sounders midfielder Cristian Roldan (7) reacts after scoring a goal against New York City FC during the first half of a Major League Soccer game, Saturday, June 17, 2017, in New York. PHOTO: ASSOCIATED PRESS/(AP PHOTO/JULIE JACOBSON)
Midfielder Cristian Roldan was set to make his U.S. debut against Martinique in the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Wednesday night and defender Justin Morrow his first international appearance in 4½ years as coach Bruce Arena made eight changes from the lineup that opened with a disappointing tie against Panama last week.
Roldan, 22, is in his third season with Seattle. Morrow, 29, plays for Toronto and made his only previous appearance in an exhibition against Canada in January 2013.
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, defender Omar Gonzalez and midfielder Kellyn Acosta were the only holdovers.
Eric Lichaj was at right back, Gonzalez and Matt Hedges in central defense and Morrow at left back. Roldan and Acosta were joined in the midfield of the 4-4-2 formation by Paul Arriola and Gyasi Zardes. Jordan Morris and Juan Agudelo headed the attack.
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