Teenage prodigy Juan Agudelo became the USA’s youngest ever goal scorer as he netted the game winner to lift the United States to victory in South Africa.
USA Coach Bob Bradley fielded a young and inexperienced team for this game, and will be delighted to have produced a victory. In the absence of Tim Howard, Brad Guzan started at goalkeeper and produced a very good performance.
South Africa put the USA under early pressure and in the 14th minute was forced into a smart save when Anele Ngongca was sent free by Leeds United forward Davide Somma. Guzan was exposed to another one on one in the 20th minute but saved well at the feet of Bernard Parker.
The USA gained a foothold in the game as the first half progressed and Columbus Crew midfielder Robbie Rogers was at the heart of most of their good work. Rogers forced a save from Itumeleng Khune on a long range shot, and the crossed to the back post where Alejandro Bedoya was on hand but could only head wide.
As the second half progressed the young American team gained confidence and began to press the game. Eddie Gaven had an impressive second half and linked play well between midfield and attack. South Africa remained a threat on the counter attack but the game remained scoreless until the 85th minute.
Agudelo, a graduate of the New York Red Bulls youth academy played pass into the area for Mikkel Diskerud, under heavy pressure Diskerud trapped the ball and fed the onrushing Agudelo who cannoned in a dream debut goal off the crossbar. The 17 year old circled away before joyously sinking to his knees as the significance of his achievement sunk in.
South Africa desperately poured forward in search of an equalizer, with Siphiwe Tshabalala at the head of the charge. The American defense held strong however for a morale boosting win.
SCORING SUMMARY
USA – Juan Agudelo (Mikkel Diskerud) 85’
LINEUPS
SA – Khune, Ngongca (Gaxa 79), Mansilela, Gould, Sangweni, Dikgacoi (Jali 60), Khuboni (Pattison 88), Pienaar (Claasen 79), Tshabalala, Somma (Ngcobo 60), Parker.
USA – Guzan, Lichaj, Goodson (Agbossoumonde 87), Ream (Borchers 67), Bornstein (Spector 46), Pause, Carroll, Rogers (Agudelo 61), Gaven, Bedoya (Diskerud 79), Findley (Bunbury 46).
South Africa put the USA under early pressure and in the 14th minute was forced into a smart save when Anele Ngongca was sent free by Leeds United forward Davide Somma. Guzan was exposed to another one on one in the 20th minute but saved well at the feet of Bernard Parker.
The USA gained a foothold in the game as the first half progressed and Columbus Crew midfielder Robbie Rogers was at the heart of most of their good work. Rogers forced a save from Itumeleng Khune on a long range shot, and the crossed to the back post where Alejandro Bedoya was on hand but could only head wide.
As the second half progressed the young American team gained confidence and began to press the game. Eddie Gaven had an impressive second half and linked play well between midfield and attack. South Africa remained a threat on the counter attack but the game remained scoreless until the 85th minute.
Agudelo, a graduate of the New York Red Bulls youth academy played pass into the area for Mikkel Diskerud, under heavy pressure Diskerud trapped the ball and fed the onrushing Agudelo who cannoned in a dream debut goal off the crossbar. The 17 year old circled away before joyously sinking to his knees as the significance of his achievement sunk in.
South Africa desperately poured forward in search of an equalizer, with Siphiwe Tshabalala at the head of the charge. The American defense held strong however for a morale boosting win.
SCORING SUMMARY
USA – Juan Agudelo (Mikkel Diskerud) 85’
LINEUPS
SA – Khune, Ngongca (Gaxa 79), Mansilela, Gould, Sangweni, Dikgacoi (Jali 60), Khuboni (Pattison 88), Pienaar (Claasen 79), Tshabalala, Somma (Ngcobo 60), Parker.
USA – Guzan, Lichaj, Goodson (Agbossoumonde 87), Ream (Borchers 67), Bornstein (Spector 46), Pause, Carroll, Rogers (Agudelo 61), Gaven, Bedoya (Diskerud 79), Findley (Bunbury 46).
