In his first experience under new United States men’s national team head coach Bruce Arena, Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris has made quite the impression.
Morris’ productive three weeks at January camp culminated with a game-winning goal in 1-0 win over Jamaica on Friday in a friendly in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Morris received a cheeky flick-on from Benny Feilhaber, and the two combined for a pretty give-and-go to set up Morris for the finish in the 59th minute. The goal was Morris’ second in his 14th cap and the first since 2015 when he scored against Mexico while a sophomore at Stanford.
“Jordan Morris has made a statement, and he’s clearly a likely candidate for our camp in march,” Arena said in the post-match news conference. “The biggest thing we’re trying to do is to form a team out of this group of players and get them to take a little pride in what they’re doing.”
Morris entered in the 74th minute in the U.S.’ scoreless friendly draw with Serbia last Sunday in San Diego, Calif., before earning the start on Friday. He had a chance to give the U.S. the lead in the first half, but Jamaica goalkeeper Andre Blake made a fantastic leg save to push it wide.
For Morris, who is coming off a 2016 MLS Rookie of the Year campaign, it was another step in the right direction internationally.
“I think we created a lot of chances and it was good to finally get one,” Morris said. “It kind of rewards us for the work we put in during camp.
“It’s always good to get on the scoresheet and be a part of that,” he continued, “but it’s all about the win and hopefully the confidence from this win will lead into March.”
The United States currently sit in last place with zero points in CONCACAF 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying after dropping their first two matches. The U.S. will host Honduras in San Jose, Calif., on March 24 before a road match against Panama on March 28.
