It appeared the United States was going to get their first victory since September 3 early on in their matchup against Chile on Wednesday night. However, the second half doomed the Americans yet again and the team eventually squandered their lead.
The U.S. got off to a fast start in Rancagua, Chile when midfielder Brek Shea scored in the sixth minute thanks to a brilliant through ball from defender Matt Besler. Their lead was short-lived because Chile responded in the 10th minute with a goal from striker Roberto Gutiérrez. Fellow striker Mark González delivered a cross from the left side and Gutiérrez nailed the header into the far post to tie the match.
But the U.S. kept their cool. In the 31st minute, midfielder Mix Diskerud received a pass in the penalty area and beautifully set up striker Jozy Altidore, who buried the shot from about 12 yards out. The Americans held their 2-1 lead heading into halftime and looked fairly impressive working with their new 3-5-2 formation that coach Jurgen Klinsmann unveiled for the first time.
But once again, the second half proved to be their undoing.
The offense hit a wall and was unable to get anything going while Chile capitalized on a couple of opportunities late in the match. González scored a pair of goals, with the equalizer coming in the 66th minute and the game-winner coming in the 75th minute. Both came from the left side (the right side of the U.S. defense) within the penalty area, which seemed to be an issue on the defensive side of the ball for the United States throughout the match. However, the game-winner was placed right in front of González after U.S. goalkeeper Nick Rimando made a spectacular save on a shot from midfielder Marco Medel.
Chile ended up winning the international friendly by the score of 3-2.
The United States is now 1-5-3 since beating Ghana in the World Cup opener last June, with ties coming against Portugal, Germany, Ecuador and Honduras and losses at the hands of Belgium, Colombia, Ireland and now Chile. Their only win since came on September 3 against the Czech Republic.
Their next match will be on February 8 when they take on Panama at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.
