By: J.J. Pavlick | San Salvador, El Salvador | September 2, 2021 |
The United States fails to capitalize on early opportunities in a goalless stalemate at Estadio Cuscatlán
U.S. Frustrated by El Salvador
The United States Men’s National Team opened its 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a disappointing 0-0 draw against El Salvador at Estadio Cuscatlán on Thursday night, failing to secure three crucial points in front of 29,000 hostile fans.
Despite entering the match as heavy favorites – ranked 10th in the world compared to El Salvador’s 64th position – the USMNT struggled to break down a disciplined Salvadoran defense that employed a compact 4-1-2-1-2 formation designed to frustrate the American attack.
Early Promise Fades
The match began with promise for both sides, as headed opportunities from set pieces nearly broke the deadlock within the first 15 minutes. Gold Cup hero Miles Robinson came closest for the visitors, sending a header from a Giovanni Reyna cross narrowly over the crossbar, while El Salvador’s Ronald Rodríguez responded with a similar effort that sailed just wide.
Tyler Adams, wearing the captain’s armband to become the youngest player in the modern era to do so for the USMNT, anchored a midfield that dominated possession but lacked the cutting edge to translate territorial advantage into goals.
Tactical Battle in Central America
El Salvador manager Hugo Pérez deployed a pragmatic approach, with Narciso Orellana sitting deep as the defensive midfielder to shield a back four marshaled by Eriq Zavaleta. The strategy proved effective in neutralizing the pace and creativity of American wingers Konrad De La Fuente and Brenden Aaronson.
USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter’s 4-3-3 formation saw Josh Sargent leading the line, supported by the dynamic duo of Reyna and Aaronson, but the attacking trio struggled to find space against El Salvador’s organized defensive structure.
Second Half Substitutions Fail to Spark Life
Recognizing his team’s struggles, Berhalter made a triple substitution just past the hour mark, introducing Jordan Siebatcheu, Antonee Robinson, and Kellyn Acosta to inject fresh energy into the American attack.
The changes nearly paid dividends as the match approached the 80-minute mark. Weston McKennie flashed a header wide from a promising position, while Acosta’s nodding effort struck the crossbar before being smothered by El Salvador goalkeeper Mario González—the closest the visitors came to breaking the deadlock.
Missed Opportunities and Growing Frustration
The statistics tell the story of American dominance without reward: 13 shot attempts to El Salvador’s seven, but only two efforts on target compared to the hosts’ single attempt. The USMNT’s 49.2% possession reflected their struggles to maintain sustained pressure against a well-drilled opponent.
Yellow cards for DeAndre Yedlin and McKennie highlighted the growing frustration as the match wore on, with El Salvador’s Marvin Monterroza also cautioned for a first-half challenge on Adams.
Post-Match Perspective
“All these games are going to be hard fought,” Berhalter told reporters after the final whistle. “Anytime you go away from home, it’s going to be a difficult game. Any intentions of us coming here and winning 3-0, it’s going to be really challenging.”
The result leaves the USMNT level on points with Honduras and Canada, who also drew their opening fixtures, while Mexico leads the eight-team Octagonal after a narrow victory over Jamaica.
Looking Ahead
For a United States team still haunted by its failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the draw represents a missed opportunity to build early momentum in the grueling CONCACAF qualifying format. With only three automatic qualification spots available and a fourth-place playoff berth at stake, every point will prove crucial.
The USMNT returns to familiar territory for their next fixture, hosting Canada in Nashville on Sunday before facing Honduras away. The team will need to find its scoring touch quickly if it hopes to avoid the disappointment of missing consecutive World Cups.
El Salvador, meanwhile, will take heart from a disciplined performance that earned them a valuable point against superior opposition. Los Cuscatlecos, seeking their first World Cup appearance since 1982, have shown they can compete with the region’s elite when properly organized.
Final Score: El Salvador 0-0 United States
Attendance: 29,000
Venue: Estadio Cuscatlán, San Salvador
For more exclusive World Cup qualifying coverage and insider analysis, visit Bad Dawg Sports.
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