Group A, as expected, turned out to be a shootout between the United States men's national team and Jamaica. With the U.S. on one coast running up the score against Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica were on the other doing the same against St. Kitts & Nevis. Both knew topping this Gold Cup group would come down to who could light it up most. It was to be expected.
What many didn't expect, though, was Jesus Ferreira to do this. We probably should have, to be fair. They call him the 'Pirate of the Caribbean' now for a reason and, in Sunday night's group-stage finale, Ferreira was a nightmare once again for a Caribbean team.
The FC Dallas star scored three of the USMNT's six goals, giving him his second consecutive hat-trick in this tournament. He was joined on the scoresheet by Cade Cowell, Gianluca Busio and Brandon Vazquez as the U.S. ran away 6-0 winners to finish atop the group.
It was a dominant win, as expected. This isn't Couva 2017, not by a longshot. The U.S. was essentially perfect as they ensured a more favorable road through the knockout stages. They'll head into their quarter-final next Sunday feeling unstoppable, thanks mainly to Ferreira, as the U.S. can now, finally, look ahead to the next step.
GOAL rates the USMNT's players from Bank of America Stadium...
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