The U.S. Men’s National Team doesn’t have an “official” home venue, but MAPFRE Stadium is arguably the closest thing to it. The U.S. is undefeated in the country’s first soccer-specific stadium, going 7-0-3 all-time and 6-0-2 in World Cup qualifying matches. As we’re counting down the days to the March 29 World Cup qualifier vs. Guatemala in Columbus, we’re taking a look at the USMNT’s seven wins at MAPFRE Stadium. Here's win No 3.
The U.S. Men’s National Team was coming off three consecutive victories in 2004 when it returned to Columbus on June 13 for its fifth ever match at MAPFRE Stadium. The Stars and Stripes hosted Caribbean opponent Grenada in the second round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and showed their dominance in a 3-0 victory behind a brace from Man of the Match DaMarcus Beasley.
The Yanks got on the scoreboard in stoppage time of the first half when a cross from captain Claudio Reyna found the head of Beasley, who finished it home. The winger added a second goal to his stat sheet in the 71st, when he found himself one-on-one with Grenada’s ‘keeper Kellon Baptiste after a great play with midfielder Landon Donovan.
The third goal for Team USA came in the second minute of stoppage time, when defender Greg Vanney uncorked a left-footed shot that found the back of the net.
Bruce Arena’s side collected some impressive stats in the match, racking up 34 shots and 17 corners while forcing Baptiste to make 11 saves. The match was the third in a 16-game unbeaten streak for the Stars and Stripes, as well as a key factor in their qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
