NASHVILLE, Tennessee, CMC – Teenaged American striker Jozy Altidore fired a sensational hat trick on Wednesday night to send Trinidad & Tobago tumbling to a devastating 3-0 defeat and leave their 2010 World Cup hopes in tatters.
In only his fourth start for the United States, the 19-year old netted goals in the 13th, 71st and 89th minutes to steer the hosts to a comfortable win at the LP Stadium.
While the victory put the hosts on top the CONCACAF group with seven points, the defeat for Trinidad & Tobago left them in the cellar position on two points and without a win in three outings.
T&T arrived here seeking their first win on US soil but the Spain-based Altidore ensured the weight of history remained against the Caribbean side.
Paired in attack with Brian Ching, Altidore put the Americans ahead after a patient buildup in the opening stages of the game before a near 28,000 strong crowd.
Defender Carlos Bocanegra sent a searching ball up the left to Ching who found Landon Donovan with an accurate header.
Donovan then picked out Altidore who escaped his marker to fire past goalkeeper Clayton Ince from close range.
After taking the 1-0 lead to the break, the US continued to press and Altidore added his second in the 71st minute courtesy of another cross from Donovan.
With T&T sunk and deflated in the dying moments of the match, Altidore became the youngest American player to score a hat trick when he again finished off a dainty buildup.
Michael Bradley collected a searching ball and found Donovan who curled it back for Altidore to score from nearly 20 yards out.
“He’s a player that, you know, we have known for a while is going to be a big part of our team going forward, but things need to be earned. Things need to come at the right time,” US coach Bob Bradley said.
Trinidad & Tobago had several chances to get on the scoresheet but failed to make them count and overall, there was just the single shot on goal.
It came in the 33rd minute when veteran striker Stern John shot straight at US goalkeeper Tim Howard after chesting down a pass in the area.
“We just weren’t very good tonight,” said T&T skipper Dennis Lawrence.
“When you come to the US and you don’t perform up to your capabilities, that’s the result you’re going to be leaving with.”
Elsewhere in CONCACAF qualifying, hosts Honduras upset Mexico 3-1 through a hat trick by Carlos Costly while Costa Rica eked out a 1-0 win over visitors El Salvador.
