USMNT Concacaf Nations League semis, loss to Trinidad and Tobago, Leg 2

USMNT advances to Concacaf Nations League semifinals, despite loss to Trinidad and Tobago, with 4-2 aggregate win. #USMNT #ConcacafNationsLeague

The United States men's national team has advanced to the Concacaf Nations League semifinals despite a 2-1 road loss to Trinidad and Tobago in Leg 2. They secured a 4-2 aggregate victory and have also secured a place in the 2024 Copa America.

Due to injuries to Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah, as well as underwhelming performances from Malik Tillman and Kevin Paredes in Leg 1, coach Gregg Berhalter made significant changes to the team's formation. They switched to a classic 4-4-2 with Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi up top, and Gio Reyna and Brendan Aaronson as wide midfielders. Yunus Musah and Luca de la Torre formed the double pivot in the midfield, with Weston McKennie missing out due to injury.

The U.S. created several scoring opportunities early in the game, with left back Antonee Robinson scoring the opening goal with a well-placed header off a Sergino Dest cross. However, the game took a turn when Dest was red carded in the first half after a series of incidents that led to him being sent off.

Trinidad and Tobago capitalized on the U.S.'s disadvantage, equalizing shortly after Dest's red card and taking the lead with a stunning long-range free kick. Despite Trinidad and Tobago's best efforts, the U.S. held strong and secured their spot in the next round of the tournament.

Robinson and Musah were standout players for the U.S., putting in solid performances on both ends of the field. The team will now await the next men's international break in March 2024, while the USWNT will be in action soon with two friendlies against China in early December.