The U.S. Men’s National Team needed some positive news this weekend after Fabian Johnson and Bobby Wood were removed from the roster for the upcoming CONCACAF World Cup qualifying matches with Honduras and Panama due to injuries.
The good news came from in front of nets worldwide, as some of the players headed to California this week struck the back of the net in their respective club matches.
Here’s a look at all the strikes netted by the players on the USMNT roster from the past week:
John Brooks
The towering center back used his head to connect with a corner kick in the 69th minute of Hertha Berlin’s 4-2 defeat to Cologne on Saturday.
Jozy Altidore
The importance of Altidore increased tenfold after Wood’s injury absence was announced on Sunday. The Toronto FC man left his club on a high note by providing a goal and an assist in the Reds’ 2-0 win over Vancouver Whitecaps. Altidore scored Toronto’s second tally of the contest in the 80th minute.
Clint Dempsey
Just seeing Clint Dempsey playing 90 minutes after his health scare late last year is a huge plus for the Seattle Sounders and the USMNT. But Dempsey has also found his goalscoring form to start the MLS season. He slotted home a penalty in the 28th minute on Sunday against the Red Bulls.
Jordan Morris
In addition to earning the penalty scored by Dempsey, Jordan Morris found the back of the net in the 66th minute following an impressive buildup led by Joevin Jones’ nutmeg on the left wing.
Kellyn Acosta
The FC Dallas midfielder found the back of the net in CONCACAF Champions League play with a stunning free kick, helping his side earn an advantage against Pachuca heading into the second leg of the semifinals.
