The United States' Send-Off Series continued on Sunday at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J., and the result was just like the first -- a U.S. win. The Americans got goals from Fabian Johnson and Clint Dempsey in a comfortable 2-1 victory over Turkey that will send the team to its final World Cup tune-up next week with two wins in hand.
USA vs. Turkey: Final score 2-1, USMNT wins second straight Send-Off Series friendly
The U.S. has two wins from two Send-Off Series matches, but they still have work to do.
Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
All wasn’t well for the U.S., however, as they really struggled to defend and didn’t just give up chances to Turkey, but were comical at times. They also looked potent in the attack, though. The return of Dempsey from injury gave them a boost and Jozy Altidore had a promising match that gave the Americans plenty of chances against a solid Turkey team.
More from our team site
More from our team site
The first half was completely open, with both teams throwing men forward and struggling to defend. There was a crew of space in front of both teams’ back lines and, when they tried to stop that by stepping up, they got beaten in behind. It wasn’t the prettiest of matches, but it was plenty entertaining.
The U.S. had chances go to waste on a couple poor touches by Dempsey, while Turkey were denied by Jermaine Jones' last ditch tackle one time and the outside of the post another. The chances were there, but the finishing wasn't. That is, except for one gorgeous play.
Johnson got the ball 40 yards from goal and fed Michael Bradley, who was 30 yards out. As soon as Johnson made the ball, he ran straight down the middle towards goal and Bradley found him with a perfect chip over the Turkey defense. The ball fell right onto Johnson’s foot, who laced the ball with his first touch just inside the post for a wonderful goal that put the Americans up, 1-0.
Freedom Deposit
The U.S. took their lead to the second half, but only needed another seven minutes to double it. Turkey allowed a cross to roll right across the face of goal, putting the ball at Dempsey’s feet to poke across the line. It was atrocious defending by Turkey, but the U.S. were happy to take it and a 2-0 lead.
The chances kept coming as Altidore caused problems for the Turkey defense. He had a chance in on goal, but was whistled for a foul, then set up Mix Diskerud for a golden chance and had a great look of his own saved. None of them led to goals, but it kept things entertaining and was a positive step for the out-of-form striker, even if he still needs to get better before the World Cup.
Unfortunately for Klinsmann, the U.S. defense didn’t get much better. They continued to allow space and chances, with Brad Guzan making a couple saves masking some of the struggles at the back.
USA-Turkey
Turkey got a goal late when Timothy Chandler got beaten badly, sending Turkey clear down the right. They got to goal, where Geoff Cameron was forced to handle the shot on the line for a Turkey penalty that Selcuk Inan converted.
The Americans still have plenty of work to do before the World Cup, especially on defense, but they have played two friendlies and have two wins. Things could be much, much worse.
United States: Howard (Guzan 45’), Johnson (Yedlin 63’), Cameron, Besler (Brooks 45’), Chandler, Zusi (Diskerud 69’), Jones (Beckerman 45’), Bradley, Davis (Green 63’), Altidore, Dempsey.
Goals: Johnson 26’, Dempsey 52’.
Turkey: Kivrak, Balta, Dogan, Gonul, Tufan, Erkin, Sahun, Ozyakup, Inan, Erding, Camdal.
See More:
