United States 4, Dominican Republic 0 | Olympic Qualifying Match Recap

The United States U-23 national team beat the Dominican Republic 4-0 on Sunday evening in their second Group A match of the Concacaf Men’s Olympic Qualifying tournament. Add in Mexico's 3-0 win over Costa Rica later on Sunday and head coach Jason Kreis' team booked a semifinal spot while chasing one of the region’s two berths in the upcoming Tokyo Summer Olympics.

Following a frustrating first hour at the Mexico-based Estadio Akron, the US broke the scoreless deadlock in the 60th minute through captain Jackson Yueill. The San Jose Earthquakes midfielder made a run into the six-yard box and redirected home a low cross from winger Sebastian Saucedo, giving the US a 1-0 lead.

The US got some breathing room in the 73rd minute, as Minnesota United midfielder Hassani Dotson picked out the bottom corner for a 2-0 advantage. CF Montréal midfielder Djordje Mihailovic found Dotson after a powerful run on the left, leading to a strong combination from the second-half substitutes.

Dotson scored his second goal in the 78th minute, giving the US a comfortable 3-0 lead after again combining with Mihailovic. The 23-year-old collected a pass on the right-hand side of the penalty area and finished past goalkeeper Johan Guzman.

After twice playing provider, Mihailovic found his goal in the 90th minute thanks to some industrious work from Orlando City SC winger Benji Michel on the right flank. Michel blew past several defenders and then crossed for Mihailovic at the back post, sealing the 4-0 victory.

Kreis made six changes to the US starting XI that beat Costa Rica 1-0 to start the tournament, rotating his 20-man roster to maintain freshness. As the Dominican Republic tired, combined with Kreis’ own substitutes, the US discovered their second-half scoring outburst.

Goals

60' – US – Jackson Yueill
73' – US – Hassani Dotson
78' – US – Hassani Dotson
90' – US – Djordje Mihailovic

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE: Knowing that Mexico awaits in their third Group A match, the US faced pressure to earn a maximum six points through their first two games. While it wasn’t always pretty against the Dominican Republic, it’s mission accomplished in that respect. Looking to reach their first Olympics since 2008, the US are on decent footing as the knockout round nears.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH:
Jackson Yueill’s opening goal took a serious weight off his team’s shoulders, setting the stage for the US routing a Dominican Republic side that’s making their Concacaf Men’s Olympic Qualifying debut.

There it is! What a touch from Jackson Yueill to put the USYNT ahead 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/FF9fflWtnR
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 22, 2021

MAN OF THE MATCH:
Hassani Dotson scored twice in a five-minute span, letting the US enjoy a comfortable final quarter-hour. The jack-of-all-trades standout has five goals and one assist in 42 matches for Minnesota, so he can chip in offensively at times.