Mapp Directs U.S. National Team To Gold Cup Win

By Todd McClamroch in News on Jun 11, 2007 8:20PM

Chicago Fire midfielder Justin Mapp helped propel the United States Men's National Team to defeat Trinidad & Tobago 2-0 this weekend. Mapp used his speed and great ball control to run down a long ball served in from Jonathan Spector, ditch a defender and deliver the ball to a running Brian Ching who scored the game winner in the 29th minute.

Coach Bob Bradley commented, "It was a great set-up from Justin Mapp. Again we see the talent that he has and the ability he has to create some plays."

The win puts the United States at the top of Group B with a 2-0-0 record. The United States beat Guatemala 1-0 in the first match of the first round. They complete their first round plan on Tuesday evening against El Salvador.. Quarterfinals take place in Boston and Houston this weekend then the final four teams will come to Chicago for the semi-finals and finals, which take place here at Solider Field June 21 and June 24.

Meanwhile, here in Chicago, the Chicago Fire without Justin Mapp (Gold Cup) and Chris Rolfe (Injury) suffered a 1-0 defeat at home this weekend. The Fire have struggled, winning just one of their past seven matches. They travel to the nation's capital this Saturday to play D.C. United.