World Cup Warm-Up: Altidore and Dempsey Give United States 2-1 Win Over Turkey

Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey scored second half goals, both off Landon Donovan assists, to give the United States a 2-1 win over Turkey in the last match before they leave for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The goals completed a dominant second half that saw the U.S. control play and create numerous chances following a disappointing first half.

That first half ended with the U.S. down 1-0 on an Arda Turan goal in the 26th minute, the Turkish midfielder completing a counter attack through a disorganized States’ defense. Right back Jonathan Spector had pushed into attack, and when no defenders filled the vacated space, Turkey was able to push Turan through for a breakaway chance on goalkeeper Tim Howard.

The United States has controlled the second half in Philadelphia, and now the score reflects it.

Poor defending from Turkey off a throw-in from the right of attack saw Landon Donovan easily put Clint Dempsey behind the defense for a left footed finish from 16 yards out. Dempsey got outside defender Sabri Sariogulu and, after a touch, slide the go-ahead goal under the oncoming Volkan Demirel.

Jozy Altidore’s 58th minute finish into an open net has pulled the United States even with Turkey in the 58th minute, with the forward’s tally the result of brilliant work from Landon Donovan and Robbie Findley.

Donovan played a ball into the attacking half to Robbie Findley and followed with a run into the attacking third. A nice chip from Findley put Donovan in behind the defense, and after the midfielder drew goalkeeper Volkan Demerel off his line, it was an easy play into the six to an oncoming Altidore, tying the score.

Bob Bradley has made wholesale chances at halftime, bringing in four players to start the second half.

Clint Dempsey, starting as a supporting striker, is back to the wing, with Robbie Findley coming on for Benny Feilhaber.

Turkish midfielder Arda Turan converted a counter-attack, breakaway to put the visitors put 1-0 over the United States in the 27th minute at Lincoln Financial Field.

United States’ right back Jonathan Spector, seconds before, had carried the ball keep into Turkish third. Dispossessed at the edge of the box, Spector and the States were left scrambling when Turkey won the ball, put it into the space vacated by Spector, where Turan ran onto it.