United States Defeat Trinidad and Tobago With Altidore's Hat-Trick

Jozy Altidore registered a hat-trick for the United States as they cruised to a 3-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago Wednesday night in Nashville, Tenn.

Altidore, 19, became the youngest American to tally an international hat-trick. He found the net in the 13^th, 71^st, and 89^th minutes.

He has now scored six goals in nine international appearances for the senior men’s squad.

The United States (2-0-1), now have seven points in their final round group of North and Central American and Caribbean (CONCACAF), leading the way for qualification for next year’s World Cup in South Africa.

Manager Bob Bradley inserted Altidore into the starting XI after he registered a goal against El Salvador on Saturday night in the United States’ 2-2 draw.

It’s safe to say Altidore did not disappoint. Altidore worked well with strike partner Brian Ching during the match to win headers and hold the ball up for the American midfield.

Jozy hasn’t received regular playing time in Spain. Even after a loan move to second division club Xerez, Altidore has failed to make the bench for his new squad.

“Tired, a little tired,” Altidore said after the match. “That was the first 90 minutes in a long time for me.”

American fans hope Altidore will receive many more minutes in the near future.

Bob Bradley made significant changes to his lineup after their lifeless showing against El Salvador. Some moves were players returning from injury and some were due to poor performances.

Keeper Tim Howard and daunting central defender Oguchi Onyewu returned to the starting XI. Howard missed the last game due to yellow card accumulation and Onyewu was held out because of a tweaked knee.

With Altidore starting next to Brian Ching, the midfield experienced a shakeup. Landon Donovan moved to left mid, shuffling DaMarcus Beasley to left back, replacing a disgraced Heath Pearce.

Donovan recorded assists on every one of Altidore’s goals. His involvement in the game was a refreshing sight.

Beasley’s move to left back could be a permanent one. His marking and tackling were much improved compared to his performance against El Salvador, and he was dangerous in the attack.

Beasley made penetrating runs into the box and even managed a shot on goal as Landon Donovan’s cross found his head, but he fired straight at the Trinidad keeper.

Beasley didn’t seem to mind the move.

“This is my first time ever playing left back for 90 minutes, so it was different,” Beasley said. “It’s not something I ever thought about playing. But Bob asked me to play that position, and wherever he wants me on the field, I’ll play.”

Pablo Mastroeni was paired with Michael Bradley. Mastroeni started in favor of Sacha Kljestan, who had a less than stellar performance on Saturday night.

Mastroeni played admirably, cutting into passing lanes and executing timely switches of the ball.

Altidore remained active throughout the entire match, completing his hat trick in the 89^th minute.

“It’s pretty cool, man,” said Altidore. “But most important to me is that we won the game.”

Jozy’s performance did nothing but impress his manager.

“He’s a player that, you know, we have known for a while is going to be a big part of our team going forward,” said U.S. coach Bob Bradley. “But things need to be earned. Things need to come at the right time.”

Altidore was asked about what message he wanted to send to his manager with his performance.

“That’s not what matters right now,” Altidore said. “Right now, what matters is the team.”

Ratings

Tim Howard, 7 – Howard was rarely challenged and when he was, disposed of the T&T attack.

Frankie Hejduk, 7 – He continually tore down the right flank to send in crosses and defended capably. The weight of his crosses needs to improve.

Oguchi Onyewu, 7 – Onyewu was welcomed back with open arms. His presence in the back line took the life out of T&T. He was not beaten in the air all night.

Carlos Bocanegra, 6.5 – Bocanegra was perhaps the happiest to see Onyewu back and his performance showed. The captain commanded his team and back line well, but he needs to work on his speed for beginning the U.S. attack.

DaMarcus Beasley, 6 – Beasley showed his first signs of life in quite some time. His tackling and marking were better since Saturday, but there are still areas which need improvement. The dimension he adds to the attack is a tremendous upgrade when compared to Heath Pearce.

Clint Dempsey, 6.5 – Dempsey dazzled with his footwork, but never seemed to establish any kind of offensive threat, despite an attempt at a bicycle kick. His usual defensive willingness is good to see from an offensive player.

Pablo Mastroeni, 7 – His aggression on defense stymied any T&T threat. Mastroeni campaigned very well for more playing time in Bob Bradley’s midfield. He controlled the game and pushed the pace much better than Kljestan.

Michael Bradley, 6.5 – He was able to push forward more with Mastroeni behind him. Although he didn’t sparkle, he put in another workman-like performance.

Landon Donovan, 7.5 – His three assists to Altidore were classy. He denied himself a shot on goal for Altidore’s final goal.

Brian Ching, 6.5 – Ching does his job and he works hard at it. He drew fouls and held the ball well. His header to Donovan sparked the game’s first goal.

Jozy Altidore, 8 – Altidore had a hat trick and humility. The 19-year-old striker’s attitude seems well beyond his years.