The United States left an early lead in a 2-1 loss to Serbia at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday night in its first game since being eliminated from the 2022 World Cup by the Netherlands.
dual nationals Brandon Vasquez And Alejandro Zendegas The beginning began when interim coach Anthony Hudson handed eight players their first-team debuts – seven to begin with – with Vazquez opening the scoring on his debut for the United States with a silky header and a flick from Julian Grisselin the area.
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Chelsea goalkeeper Gabriel Sloninawho was also making his first-team All-American debut, made several key saves over the course of the first half but was beaten at his near position by Luca Elec A free kick to level the score for Serbia before the end of the first half.
Then Serbia properly took the lead as the second half began when Vilko Simic Taking advantage of some poor defending by the USA, he pounced on a loose ball just outside the area and beat Slonina from close range to make it 2-1.
Kid Quillwho had been lively all night on the left for the United States, hit the post twice in the following minutes and rebounded off the Serbian goal soon after.
The USA continued to press in search of a second goal as they brought in World Cup veteran Hudson Clin Acosta And Middlesbrough is a striker Matthew Hope off the bench, but the equalizer did not come.
“Overall, I have to say, I was really happy with the performance,” Hudson said. “I liked the fact that the guys were really driving to go forward and run behind the line and attack in the back line. So I’m disappointed, obviously, with the result, but the way they did the game was fun for me.”
The US team is going through a transitional phase with interim head coach Hudson running the show while the NFL determines the future of head coach Greg Berhalter, whose contract expired at the end of last year.
Hudson is using the team’s annual camp in January and accompanying exhibitions to give experience to a new set of prospects after eliminating the United States in the Round of 16 at the Qatar World Cup.
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The United States uses youngsters and MLS players in its winter camp, which is outside FIFA’s international window. The current squad includes 11 players receiving their first call-up and just five members of the World Cup squad.
Hudson’s inexperienced set-up put in an exciting performance with plenty of movement and more attacking flair than usual in these annual January exhibitions, but the US side have won just one of their past eight matches, with four draws and three defeats.
“I told the guys before the game in the huddle that any time you wear that jersey, whether it’s January or a World Cup game, you should be proud,” said the US captain. Walker Zimmermanwho participated in 38 international matches was 10 more than the 21 other participants combined.
“You never want to lose a game, but sometimes it’s good to gain experience for your players and welcome them into this fraternity. That’s what we feel good about.”
Scorer Vazquez added: “Debuting tonight and scoring on my first appearance with my family here near where I grew up, it’s unbelievable. Seeing my family celebrate like this, it’s great to see.”
The next US game is a friendly against Colombia at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, on January 28.
Information from the Associated Press and Kyle Bonagura is included in this report.