Cobi's Masterclass

On This Day in 2000, Winger's Two Goals and Two Assists Highlight U.S. Cup Opener

While Cobi Jones struggled through a 10-game scoring drought with the LA Galaxy early in the 2000 MLS season, his national team renaissance continued with a breathtaking performance that has firmly cemented his place in Bruce Arena's World Cup qualifying plans. The dreadlocked winger, approaching Marcelo Balboa's record for most U.S. appearances, delivered what many consider one of his finest performances in a national team jersey during a commanding victory at RFK Stadium.

Arena's preparations for July's World Cup qualifying campaign reached a critical stage with the start of the U.S. Cup on June 3, and the veteran coach made his expectations clear in the days leading up to the tournament. "All the players know how important these three games are, especially with no games scheduled before World Cup qualifying," Arena emphasized during a national teleconference. "Our goal this week in training has been quality, and that is what I expect in this tournament... My expectations are that we win the U.S. Cup."

The South Africans entered the match with growing credentials on the international stage, having won the African Nations Cup in 1996 and recently secured a landmark victory over Malta. However, the visitors would prove no match for a motivated American squad still carrying the bitter memories of their disappointing 1998 World Cup showing. Before 16,570 fans at RFK Stadium, the Americans were determined to avoid a repeat of their frustrating 2-0 loss to Russia in their previous outing - a match where scoring chances went begging. This time, Jones personally ensured the finishing touch would not be lacking.

The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Chris Armas delivered a blind pass to Jones, who raced diagonally from the right wing toward the center. When South African defender David Kannemeyer taunted him with shouts of "Shoot it! Shoot it!" - perhaps knowing Jones's preference for his right foot - the American obliged with a stunning 20-yard left-footed rocket that sailed past goalkeeper Andre Arendse into the upper corner.

"OK. I'll shoot it," Jones recalled with a smile afterward. "My left foot? Well, it looks a lot like my right. Being a forward, you need to be able to shoot with your left foot, too."

Just before halftime, Jones struck again. When Eddie Lewis's corner kick was punched out by Andre Arendse, the ball found its way to Claudio Reyna outside the area. Reyna headed it sideways to the unmarked Jones at the top of the penalty box, who unleashed another left-footed blast that found the net despite Arendse's desperate outstretched arm.

If his first-half goals weren't enough, Jones's playmaking brilliance shone even brighter after the break. In the 65th minute, he delivered what might have been his most skillful contribution - a precise, off-balance feed from the left wing that Reyna finished easily from close range. Three minutes later, Jones completed his masterclass by setting up Earnie Stewart for the Americans' fourth goal.

"Cobi's been a good performer the 18 months I've had him," praised Arena afterward. "He knocked in two great balls with his left foot from some distance."

For Jones, the performance represented a continuation of his remarkable year in national team colors. After struggling to find the net for the national team since 1996, he has now tallied five goals and four assists in 2000 alone, helping the U.S. compile a 4-1-3 record. With his 127th international appearance, Jones inched closer to surpassing Balboa (128) as the all-time U.S. leader in caps.

"Today I got two goals, tomorrow who knows?" Jones reflected. "I can't worry about that situation, but just do the best I can and keep pushing and pushing."

The Americans will look to build on their momentum when they face Ireland on Tuesday at Foxboro Stadium in Massachusetts, the second of their three U.S. Cup matches. Arena is expected to field an entirely different starting eleven against the Irish, allowing him to evaluate all 22 players in camp before the crucial World Cup qualifying campaign begins next month. The tournament concludes on June 11 when the U.S. faces Mexico at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.