Dom Dwyer could not have asked for a better start with the U.S. national team. (Jay Biggerstaff/USA TODAY Sports)
EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — What a day for firsts for the U.S. national team.
Dom Dwyer scored in his international debut and Kellyn Acosta added his first goal for United States in its a 2-1 victory over Ghana in a CONCACAF Gold Cup warm-up match at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field Saturday night.
Bruce Arena raised his record to 4-0-4 since returning as U.S. head coach. During his short tenure, the Americans have allowed only four goals.
Dwyer made his history on at least two accounts on his 19th-minute goal.
Joe Corona’s shot deflected off Jorge Villafana to Dwyer, who fired home a volley from point-blank range. Dwyer and wife Sydney Leroux, a member of the U.S. women’s national team, became the first husband and wife to score for the U.S. at the international level.
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Video courtesy of U.S. Soccer’s Facebook page
The African side had a great opportunity to equalize three minutes into first-half stoppage time, but goalkeeper Brad Guzan dove to his let to deny Asamoah Gyan’s penalty kick.
After Kelyn Rowe was fouled just outside the penalty area, Acosta curved home a free kick past goalkeeper Richard Ofori in the 52nd minute.
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Video courtesy of U.S. Soccer’s Facebook page
The Ghanaians pulled within one in the 60th minute on Frank Acheampong’s free kick that he banked in off the cross bar and past keeper Brad Guzan.
The Americans start their Gold Cup participation against Panama in Nashville, Tenn. next Saturday.
