In what was a great way to see what the U.S. Men’s National team has to offer, they were able to play Serbia in what was a 2-1 decision in Los Angeles.
There were a ton of positives that had come out of the match, as the National Team featured a club that averaged just over 23 years of age, and eight of those players making their international debuts. Helping to lead the way for the U.S. in the scoring column was Forward Brandon Vazquez who became the 59th USMNT player to score in their debut.
What was amazing for the U.S. Men’s National team was the fact that there were eight players making their debut in the match, that is the highest total of first caps in one match since the team’s 2-0 victory against Canada on September 3, 1992.
The night featured plenty of action for both clubs, as the US was able to find some quality connections as Vazques and Cade Cowell helped to lead the charge. USA Goalkeeper Gaga Slonina, who at the age of 18 became the youngest keeper to play in that spot, showed some great talent and quality saves throughout the match.
Cowell and midfielder Alan Sonora continued the quality chances for the United States, with great opportunities from the distance in the First Half. It was Vasquez who started the scoring in the 29th minute.
Serbia was able to strike back quickly in the 43rd minute thanks from a free kick from midfielder Luka Ilic that was able to get past the US Defenders. Velko Simic was able to tally the game-winner, burying an opportunity into the cage.
The United States were not deflated though and continued to play with great energy and enthusiasm. Cowell almost was able to tie things up on a turnover around the 56th minute, but that opportunity went behind the goalkeeper prior to being cleared.
Overall, the USA was able to record 20 goals, with five of them being on target, while seven of the nine corner kicks came after the internal. The team was able to see fine performances from Paul Arriola, Alex Zendejas, Eryk Williamson, DeJuan Jones and more.
Up next for the USMNT will be a match against Colombia on Saturday, January 28 at Dignity Health Sports Park,
The action between these two clubs is set for 7:30 p.m. Thus far the USA holds a 12-2-3 record when playing at DHSP.
GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN
USA – Brandon Vázquez (Julian Gressel), 29th minute –Aidan Morris controlled the ball at midfield and played Alan Soñora to his right. He then found Gressel out wide on the right flank where he whipped a cross into the box for Vázquez, who placed a quality header just inside the left post. USA 1, SRB 0
SRB – Luka Ilic, 43rd minute – After Los Angeles Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljić drew a foul just outside the USA box slightly toward the left, Ilic equalized with a left-footed free kick that split the U.S. wall and bounced into the bottom left corner past a diving Slonina. USA 1, SRB 1
SRB – Veljko Simic, 46th minute – A long ball from defender Marko Mijailovic after Serbia won a U.S. goal kick got away from the American back line, took an awkward bounce and Simic swooped into the win the ball and glide behind the U.S. defense. He then slotted his shot past Slonina from 13 yards into the left corner out to take the lead. USA 1, SRB 2
For more information on the USMNT fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here:
USMNT | U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team | U.S. Soccer Official Site (ussoccer.com)