Five goals by five different Americans helps USMNT cruise past El Salvador

USMNT vs El Salvador (photo credit: Chris Wimmer)

On a hot summer day in Baltimore, MD the U.S. Men's National Team dismantled El Salvador with a 5-1 win in the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal round.

U.S. supporters were witness to a goal scoring frenzy that saw five different American players find the back of the net. Most impressive would have to be the goal by second half substitute Eddie Johnson -- scoring only seconds after entering the match for Chris Wondolowski. Landon Donovan had no problem finding Johnson's bright blonde hairdo for a beautiful header to put the USMNT up 3-1 near the middle of the second half.

With a two goal lead the American side began to have fun with the now exhausted El Salvador defenders. Shot after shot was sent toward Dagoberto Portillo and eventually the U.S. side would add another two goals to finish with an easy 5-1 victory. The final score could have easily been 7-1 or even 8-1 had Donovan and Johnson finished some excellent opportunities directly in front of the goal (completely unmarked). 

Landon Donovan (photo credit: Chris Wimmer)

The four goal difference was enough to send most of the El Salvadorian fans headed toward the exits, but not before showing their displeasure for their national side by raining trash down onto other fans below them and even at one point stopping the match during a U.S. corner kick attempt.  

Video: USA vs El Salvador Match Highlights

Next up for the USMNT on their quest to reclaim the Gold Cup title will be Honduras on Wednesday in Texas.



Second Half Match Notes:

• El Salvador put on a ton of pressure to begin the first half but unable to finish on any attempts.
• Eddie Johnson scored immediately after subbing in for Wando!!!
• Brek Shea coming in as the second substitute for USMNT
• El Salvadorian crown silenced following 3rd US goal.
• Shea immediately creates opportunity finding Johnson inside the box.
• Johnson whiffs on a beautiful cross , while being completely unmarked.
• Knocking on the door - Donovan mis-hits a clear goal scoring opportunity.
• Rain begins to come down steady at 72 minute mark.
• Orasco is final sub for US
• Great flick on by Johnson to Donavan who goes around keeper to put the 4th US goal in (78).
• El Salvadorian fan heading for the exits.
• US keeps applying pressure until the final whistle.
• Good depth on US squad leads to the Red, White, and Blue outplaying El Salvador.
• Fight breaks out in stands as trash comes raining down, meanwhile Mix heads in another goal for good measure (5-1).