For whatever reason, Cristian Roldan seems to have a precarious spot on the United States national team. Despite regularly turning in near Best XI performances for the Seattle Sounders, he’s never really got an extended run at the international level.
True to form, he did not even play in the United States’ Gold Cup opener against Curaçao. Given a chance to start against Martinique on Thursday, however, he made the most of his opportunity.
In addition to notching his first career international assist, Roldan had passes that unlocked the defense on two other goals and finished tied for the team lead with four key passes while playing as one of two attacking midfielders in Gregg Berhalter’s 3-4-2-1.