On Tuesday night, Columbus Crew SC players Wil Trapp and Zack Steffen featured for the U.S. Men’s National Team in an international friendly, 1-0, victory over Paraguay. The USMNT Starting XI had an average age of 23 years 360 days, while nine starters were 25 or under including both Trapp and Steffen.
Man of the Match Wil Trapp was a key player for the United States. Trapp earned his fourth cap and sported the captain's armband for the second time. In the 67th minute, fellow MLS veteran Miguel Almiron took a left footed shot for Paraguay from outside the box only to see his powerful shot blocked by Trapp.
In his second cap and first ever start, Steffen recorded three saves and his first career clean sheet. In the 26th minute, Steffen made a key save on an Oscar Romero shot. Romero crossed the ball to Federico Santander who redirected straight to Steffen on a center header.
“They both played a good game,” said Crew SC Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “I think you saw our style of play come out in some of their plays.”
With a penalty kick from Bobby Wood in the 45th minute, USMNT earned a 1-0 victory against Paraguay. The U.S. is currently 4-2-2 all-time vs. Paraguay.
Trapp, Steffen and Crew SC return to MAPFRE Stadium to host Vancouver Whitecaps FC in a cross conference showdown on March 31 at 3 p.m. ET.
