The USA's DeAndre Yedlin (white jersey) attempts to pass against host Chile during their friendly on January 28, 2015, in Rancagua. (Photo: John Dorton/isiphotos.com)
RANCAGUA, Chile -- The United States relinquished a pair of one-goal leads to open its 2015 schedule with a 3-2 loss at Chile in an international friendly on Wednesday at the Estadio El Teniente.
Mark Gonzalez struck twice for the host during a short second-half span to overturn a 2-1 deficit and extend the USA’s winless streak to five straight games. The 30-year-old winger also assisted on Roberto Gutierrez’s goal, while Brek Shea and Jozy Altidore netted for the Americans.
The first half proved to be a lively one as the U.S. went ahead 1-0 in the sixth minute. Brek Shea received a long ball sent down the left wing by Matt Besler, ran into the area and slipped a shot inside the right post past goalkeeper Johnny Herrera.
Only four minutes later, Chile was on level terms. Gutierrez found room between Jermaine Jones and Besler to head Gonzalez’s left-sided cross home.
Jozy Altidore restored the USA’s advantage in the 31st minute, placing a right-wing feed from Mix Diskerud into the lower left corner from 12 yards for his 28th international goal
Midfielder Michael Bradley almost gave the U.S. a two-goal lead just past the hour mark only to see his long-range attempt crash off the crossbar.
The Chileans and Gonzalez then went to work, scoring two unanswered goals.
On a quick counterattack in the 66th minute, Marco Medel found Gonzalez, who got behind the right side of the American defense and unleashed his high-paced shot to beat goalkeeper Nick Rimando.
Gonzalez was on target again in the 75th minute, following up on Medel’s saved left-footed shot from 25 yards out to drive the game-winner into the right side of the net.
The U.S. returns to action on February 8, when it hosts CONCACAF-rival Panama in another friendly at the StubHub in Carson, California.
