In front of a sold-out crowd in St. Louis, MO, Portland Timbers midfielder Darlington Nagbe earned his first national team cap for the U.S. Men's National Team in their 6-1 win over St. Vincent and The Grenadines. The game marked the USMNT's first victory in their qualification campaign for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Nagbe, who earned his U.S. citizenship earlier this fall, came in for the Fabian Johnson in the 64th minute. In his 26 minutes, Nagbe was credited with one shot and took a corner kick for the Americans.
Nagbe and the U.S. will next face Trinidad & Tobago in Port of Spain on Tuesday (3:30 pm PT, beIN Sports).
Two other Timbers players were in international action in the CONCACAF region Friday night. Defender Alvas Powell played the final 20 minutes in Kingston for the Reggae Boyz though they lost 2-0 to Panama in their first World Cup qualifier of this cycle.
In Vancouver, BC, midfielder Will Johnson got the start for Canada and was influential on the game-winning strike in their 1-0 win over Honduras. In the 38th minute, Will Johnson headed a cross towards goal from Junior Hoilett which then deflected off the back of Cyle Larin and into the net. Though originally credited to Johnson, the goal was later given to Larin.
Regardless, it was still cause for some Johnson celebration. Plus, fellow Canadian and Thorns FC forward Christine Sinclair was in the house to cheer him on.
In the 63rd minute, Johnson almost had another as he hammered a 35-yard free kick that the Honduran 'keeper tipped off the post and away. Canada's next qualifier is in El Salvador on Tuesday (5:30pm PT).
