It was certainly not how the USMNT and fans had expected this summer's Gold Cup to turn out. After grinding their way through the group stages, the Stars and Stripes crushed Cuba only to be given a rude shock in the semi-finals by underdogs Jamaica. Moreover, in the consolation match, they were undone by Panama on penalties to have to settle for a dismal fourth place.
In fact, since the re-branding of the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 1991, the USA have never finished in any less than third, and in those editions, contested in 1996 and 2003, they easily defeated Guatemala and then powered past Costa Rica. Now, a bit less than two months later, the USMNT will again return to the pitch - and perhaps fittingly for their first friendly - in the nation's capital.
Washington D.C.'s RFK Stadium will play host to Peru, a team that have impressed in recent times. Known as "Los Incas" (the Incas) to their fan-base, Ricardo
However, Garcea has opted to leave out veteran striker Claudio Pizarro, despite his serving as the team's skipper. And, to make matters a bit more complicated, Paolo Guerrero, who is currently their top goalscorer with 25 goals in 63 appearances, will reportedly not feature due to an injury.
Meanwhile, there will also be some changes for the hosts, starting from the man between the sticks. Brad Guzan has been serving as the team's no. 1 keeper since the conclusion of the 2014 World Cup and Tim Howard's announcement that he will be taking a hiatus. Well, Howard, who impressed fans worldwide with his brilliant showing last summer - in which he made a record-setting 15 saves during their 2-1 loss to Belgium - is now back in the fold.
Whilst Klinsmann has claimed that Guzan will still keep his first-choice spot, the team's failure at the Gold Cup may have convinced the German tactician to recall the veteran keeper and surely, supporters will certainly be hoping to see Howard back in action.
With another friendly against Brazil coming up before their CONCACAF play-off match against familiar foe Mexico in October, this friendly will naturally give Klinsmann a good opportunity to figure out who he wants to field in his starting XI. Given the absence of stars like Clint Dempsey, DaMarcus Beasley (who is injured), and Michael Bradley, players like Jozy Altidore, who departed the team mid-way during the Gold Cup will be hoping to redeem themselves. There will also be high hopes among the team's fringe and younger players who will be aspiring to force their way into Klinsmann's plans, especially with World Cup qualifiers taking place in November.
Will the USMNT rally back after their disappointing summer with a resounding win in front of what will likely be a packed stadium? Or will Peru maintain their own winning form as they also prepare for their own World Cup qualifying matches?
This match will certainly be one not to miss, and LiveSoccerTV.com's got you covered. Make sure you bookmark our special USA vs. Peru match page for all viewing information for your current location.
USA vs Peru Starting Lineups
USMNT Starting XI: Guzan; Orozco, Gonzalez, Brooks, Ream; Yedlin, Jones, Bedoya, Zardes; Altidore(C), Wood
Peru Starting XI: Gallese, Zambrano, Ascues, Vargas, Advíncula, Lobatón, Ballón. Cueva, Carrillo, Farfán, Chávez
Match details, result and original broadcast info
USA 2 - 1 Peru
September 4, 2015 7:30pmRobert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium (Washington, District of Columbia)This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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