After a wild first 15 minutes in Jacksonville, the United States and Scotland settled down into a more normal, but less fun final 30 minutes of the first half, which the Americans were fine with because they led 2-1. Landon Donovan scored early on and Michael Bradley scored a second, but Geoff Cameron put the ball in his own net to draw Scotland within one and all in the first 15 minutes.
USA Vs. Scotland, Halftime: Americans Leading 2-1
It took just three minutes for the U.S. to go in front as Donovan got off to a flying start in his return to the national team. A good move by the Americans unhinged the Scotland defense and put Donovan in on goal, but his first shot was saved as the goalkeeper did well to get off his line and cut off the angle. That wasn’t a problem for Donovan, who hopped on the rebound and finished smartly to put the U.S. on top.
Not long after, Bradley doubled the U.S. with a brilliant volley. A cross from the right found Jermaine Jones, who laid the ball off for Bradley. The lay off bounced high, but Bradley didn't care, ripping a volley from more than 20 yards into the upper corner for a tremendous goal.
Up 2-0, it looked like the U.S. would cruise, but that wasn’t going to happen. The American defense, which has been a problem for almost two years now, failed to track Kenny Miller on a cross so he ended up unmarked at the back post. He tried to head the ball back across goal, but instead it hit Geoff Cameron in the chest and went into the net for an own goal.
After the crazy first 15 minutes, things settled down, but the U.S. will still be happy with how they played. They controlled possession so that shaky defense couldn’t be tested too often and while they didn’t create a ton of chances, they showed more inventiveness than they have in the past to come close to creating chances. They did well to create with and attempted some creative runs and balls that almost paid off. No more goals came their way, but they did still lead 2-1 at half and had the clear upper hand in the first 45 mintes.
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