In a meeting of considerably less consequence than their previous three but an exciting one nonetheless, the U.S. Men's National Team and Ghana squared off in an international friendly Saturday in East Hartford, Conn. Chicago Fire teammates Dax McCarty​and David Accam each started the match for their respective national sides as the U.S. defeated Ghana, 2-1, with goals from Dom Dwyer and Kellyn Acosta, both of whom scored their first goals for the Stars and Stripes.
"It was good seeing him on the other side of the field," McCarty said of Accam (via U.S. Soccer). "I think he's been fantastic for us this year. He's earned that call up. it was a little bit of a bummer he didn't play more and we didn't get to go up against each other a little bit more, but hes a fantastic player. I'm really happy that he's getting recognized by Ghana. Hopefully he keeps getting called in."
In his seventh cap with the U.S. Men’s National Team, McCarty played all 90 minutes, looking every bit like a candidate to anchor Bruce Arena's midfield in the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup. McCarty’s superb command in the middle of the park earned him the Man of the Match honors.
To be able to contribute to this game and hopefully some games in the Gold Cup, it's going to be a great feeling," McCarty said. "I never take representing my country for granted, and tonight was awesome."
Fresh off his MLS Player of the Week accolades, Accam played the first 45 minutes for the Black Stars, but saw limited chances in front of the net. He is set to return to the Fire this weekend as the first-place Men In Red prepare for Wednesday's matchup against the Portland Timbers.
In a well-contested match early on, it was Sporting KC forward -- and newly minted U.S. citizen -- Dom Dwyer who opened the scoring in the 19th minute, after a deflection off teammate Jorge Villanfana found Dwyer alone in front of goal for a volley finish. Ghana looked to equalize just before halftime when they were awarded a penalty kick after a Villafana foul, but captain Brad Guzan came up with a save to preserve a 1-0 lead for the United States going into the break.
Shortly after halftime, FC Dallas' Kellyn Acosta doubled the score with a superbly taken low and curling free kick through the gap of the wall and into the bottom right corner of the goal.
However, eight minutes later, Ghana scored a free kick goal of their own when Asamoah Gyan powered one into the top right corner from nearly 30 yards out. McCarty and the USMNT held on down the stretch and came away with the victory, remaining unbeaten (4-0-4) since head coach Bruce Arena’s return in November.
The full match report is available here.
The United States begins their Gold Cup quest on Saturday, July 8 when they take on Panama at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn.
Video courtesy U.S. Soccer/Wazee Digital
