U.S. routs Cuba for semifinal berth in Olympic qualifying
United States defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, left, celebrates with forward Jerome Kiesewetter (17) and midfielder Emerson Hyndman after scoring a goal against Cuba in the first half Satuday.
The United States romped to a 6-1 victory over a depleted Cuba squad on Saturday at Kansas City, Kan., to guarantee itself a semifinal spot in CONCACAF Olympic qualifying.
Cameron Carter-Vickers, Matt Miazga and Jerome Kieswetter scored in the first half for the United States. Kieswetter added his second goal early in the second half, and Emerson Hyndman and Alonso Hernandez also scored. Daniel Luis scored in second-half stoppage time for Cuba.
The U.S., which beat Canada on Thursday night to open the eight-team tournament, concludes group play Tuesday against Panama at Colorado in the second game of a doubleheader. Canada will play Cuba in the first game.
Canada beat Panama, 3-1, Saturday in the first game at Kansas City. Canada’s Michael Petrasso and Skylar Thomas scored in the first half, the second goal coming moments after Panama’s Carlos Daniel Small was sent off with a red card. Benjamin Fisk-Routledge scored Canada’s last goal in the 74th minute.
The top two teams from each group advance to the semifinals, and the two finalists qualify for the Rio Games, something that the U.S. failed to do for the London Olympics four years ago. The winner of the third-place match faces Colombia in a one-game playoff for another berth.
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