U.S. Battles to a 1-1 Draw with Chile

The U.S. Men fared slightly better than their female counterparts earning a 1-1 draw in their 2011 debut. Bob Bradley's inexperienced squad fell behind early in the second half on a goal by the game's lone 2010 World Cup veteran, Esteban Paredes. Paredes brought down a cross from Felipe Seymour and blasted a pretty scissor kick past Sean Johnson in the 53rd minute for his 7th international goal. The U.S. battled back though largely energized by subs Teal Bunbury and Juan Agudelo who came on in the 60th minute. It would be those two who led to the American equalizer when Agudelo worked a nice combo with Alejandro Bedoya and was then taken down in the penalty box. Bunbury then converted the PK slotting the ball into the lower right-hand corner in the 75th minute past Chilean keeper Paulo Garces. Chile would nearly take the lead back 5 minutes later, but Paredes' header was ruled offsides. Agudelo then had a solid chance in the 85th minute on a nice combo with Bunbury, but his shot was saved by Garces who did a nice job taking away the angle. All in all it was a solid effort by a young inexperienced Team USA. Agudelo was the most experienced player used by the U.S. making just his 7th appearance with the national team. Seven Americans made their first career appearances in this one: starters Sean Franklin, Zach Loyd, Jeff Larentowicz and Chris Wondolowski, and subs Sean Johnson, Anthony Wallace and Eric Alexander. Captain Dax McCarty turned in a strong performance wearing the #10 for the U.S. and gets my vote for our man of the match. Next up for Team USA, a trip to Cairo to take on Egypt on February 9th.