The United States Men's National Team fell short of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, suffering a 2-1 loss at Trinidad and Tobago in the Hexagonal finale.
The heartbreaking defeat, paired with Honduras' win over Mexico and Panama's win over Costa Rica, dropped the U.S. MNT to fifth place in the final table and dashed American dreams of an eighth straight World Cup appearance.
Sporting KC defender Matt Besler and midfielder Benny Feilhaber recorded their 47th and 44th caps for the USA, respectively, with Besler starting and Feilhaber coming on as an 84th-minute substitute. The duo will join fellow U.S. international Graham Zusi in returning to Sporting KC this week as the club pushes for a berth in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Trinidad and Tobago took a two-goal lead into halftime behind an unfortunate own goal from Omar Gonzalez and a long-range strike from Alvin Jones. Christian Pulisic pulled one back for the U.S. in the 47th minute, but head coach Bruce Arena's men were unable to find the equalizer they needed in order to advance to Russia in 2018.
