Striker Jesus Ferreira has etched his name in the United States Men's National Team's (USMNT) record books by becoming the first player to score back-to-back hat tricks in international competition. These six goals were scored within an 88-minute time frame during the Gold Cup, propelling the U.S. to the top of Group A based on goal difference after tying with Jamaica on points.
Ferreira's first three-goal game was against St. Kitts and Nevis in St. Louis on Wednesday. He repeated his heroics on Sunday against Trinidad and Tobago, contributing to a decisive 6-0 victory. With this accomplishment, Ferreira also joins Landon Donovan as the second player in USMNT history to notch three career hat tricks.
According to ESPN Stats & Information research, no other player from any country has more than one career Gold Cup hat trick, underscoring the rarity of Ferreira's achievement.
His scoring spree commenced in the 14th minute of the game against Trinidad and Tobago, thanks to a brilliant assist from DeJuan Jones. Ferreira secured a brace in the 38th minute and completed his hat trick with a successful penalty in stoppage time.
Cade Cowell, Gianluca Busio, and Brandon Vazquez also got on the score sheet in the second half, rounding off the 6-0 rout. Now, the team anticipates the outcome from Group D on Tuesday to determine their quarterfinals adversary.
Trinidad almost stole the early lead in the 11th minute via a Joevin Jones volley off a Levi Garcia cross, but the shot soared over the bar. Shortly afterward, Ferreira opened the scoring with a swift finish off a DeJuan Jones pass. His second goal came courtesy of a loose ball in the box, which he fired home after Trinidad's keeper Marvin Phillip blocked the initial shot. Ferreira's third goal was a confidently taken penalty after Djordje Mihailovic was fouled in the area.
In spite of losing momentum after the break, the USMNT cemented their victory with additional goals from substitutes Cowell, Busio, and Vazquez.
Meanwhile, Jamaica also secured their quarterfinals spot with a convincing 5-0 win over St. Kitts and Nevis. Although the teams ended the group stage with identical point tallies, the USMNT's superior goal difference gave them the top spot in the group.
Upcoming matches in Group B include confrontations between Honduras and Haiti, and Mexico and guest team Qatar.
