By Favian Renkel
WHEW, let’s all just go ahead, exhale a big sigh of relief. Am I the only one that gets Flashbacks to the Trinidad game every time we play a qualifier? If so, let me know. Well enough about the emotions, let’s get to the facts. The USMNT have done it again, they pulled a win with 2 goals in Columbus, out of nowhere, but this was no “Dos A Cero” type of game. The game was instead a nail biter in its own right, it was for The Captain America-less USMNT went ahead and got the job done in this international window. They pushed forward and got 6 points out of the possible 9. All done with a nice little scare in the middle of the qualifying games and Gregg being on the hot seat once more. The USMNT stand 5 points above 5th place currently, and as long as Gregg doesn’t try Rocket Science with the lineup, the United States should qualify for the World Cup in 2022. The lineup came out and everyone was excited for once, Paul Arriola had a last-minute injury, and it forced Weah to start in his place. A player that everyone wants to see with their own eyes what the hype is about. The Lille player gets constant European play. The son of Current Liberian President and son of the only African player to ever win the Balón de Oro, got on the scoresheet to propel the USMNT past a very old Costa Rican side. This Costa Rican side had all the same names that you have come accustomed to. Bryan Ruiz, Keylor Navas and MLS Veteran Francisco Calvo to name a few. A player that I had my eye on this match was 18 years old Yunus Musah. The New York Native, or at least New York vacationer, has played 295 minutes in La Liga for the Valencia side so far. Valencia is no pushover as well. They currently sit 8th in La Liga, right above a club in shambles, Barcelona. The reason for me keeping a closer look at Musah, is because this team needs stars to step up with the absence of offensive powers like Cristian Pulisic and Gio Reyna. He did step up to the plate completely. Yunus Musah completed over 90 percent of his passes in this last game, and actually was at 100 percent in the final third. Musah also picked up his second Career assist on the Sergino Dest banger that put USA on the board. Let’s remember this team is extremely young, Musah is still only 18! All in all, this team looks like it finally has some depth to get the job done in CONCACAF, which is completely needed. Qualifying can be brutal, unlucky and just a complete toss up when it comes to CONCACAF. Mix that all in with a big spoon of no VAR, and let’s see what you will get at the end. The USMNT have their long anticipated matchup vs Mexico this next upcoming window, and I know everyone in North and Central America will have it marked on their calendar. Let’s see if Tata’s Mexico team can finally get revenge after the Nations League and Gold Cup. With Pulisic and Reyna back, these next upcoming games will be a sight to see. The USA team is starting to gel, let’s all get ready for Qatar.