The U.S. Men’s National Team eased to 3-1 win against Puerto Rico thanks to goals from Tim Ream, Bobby Wood and senior team debutant Paul Arriola in its first warm-up match ahead of the upcoming Copa America Centenario.
The USA jumped out to a 2-0 lead on the strength of Ream’s first international goal for the USA and Bobby Wood’s fifth strike for his country, a goal that turned out to be the game winner as Puerto Rico’s Luis Betancur hit a stunner just before the break to narrow the lead to 2-1.
After Puerto Rico went close to equalizing to open the second 45 minutes, Arriola added the final goal for the U.S., tapping in a pass from Alejandro Bedoya, who wore the captain’s armband for the first time. As the half wore on, U.S. MNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann used the full complement of his six substitutions, bringing on forward Fabrice Picault for his international debut. Picault and fellow second- half sub Emerson Hyndman both went close to scoring as the USA finished with a flurry of chances in the comfortable win.
The MNT continues preparations for this summer’s Copa America Centenario on Wed., May 25 when it meets South American foe Ecuador at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas at 7 p.m. CT with the game broadcast on ESPN2, UniMas and UDN.
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