CLEVELAND – Matt Miazga scored on a close-range header from Graham Zusi’s free kick in the 88th minute, giving the United States first place in its CONCACAF Gold Cup group with a 3-0 victory over Nicaragua on Saturday.
Panama’s 3-0 decision over Martinique in the first match of the doubleheader meant the U.S. team needed a three-goal margin to move back over Panama into first place. But the United States struggled for long stretches against Nicaragua, a team ranked 105th by FIFA.
Joe Corona scored his first international goal in four years in the 37th minute and Kelyn Rowe, who is from Federal Way, doubled the lead in the 56th minute with his first international goal.