The U.S. Men’s National Team opened the new year with a 3-2 loss against No. 14 FIFA-ranked Chile at Estadio El Teniente.
Brek Shea and Jozy Altidore scored first-half goals for the USA, but Chile’s Mark Gonzalez countered with two of his own, including the game-winner in the 75th minute. Roberto Gutierrez scored Chile’s other goal.
The match included the MNT debut for three players: Steve Birnbaum who started in defense, Columbus Crew midfielder Wil Trapp and forward Gyasi Zardes.
The USA will now prepare for its first home match of the year when it hosts Panama at StubHub Center in Carson, California. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on ESPN, WatchESPN, UniMas and Univision Deportes Network (TICKETS).
Chile out-shot the USA 12-10 and both teams were even with five shots on goal.
Chile had an opportunity late in the first half to find the equalizer in the opening 45 minutes, but Roberto Gutierrez was just offside when Marco Medel crossed the ball in from the left side. Gutierrez headed the ball into the net, but the chance was nullified.
Five minutes before Chile scored its game-winning goal, U.S. midfielder Michael Bradley unleashed a blistering shot from nearly 30 yards out that hit the crossbar and would have given the USA a two-goal lead at the time.
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