Five MLS-based players got the start for the United States in Glasgow, Scotland, on Saturday, as the United States drew 1-1 with Scotland in an international friendly at famed Hampden Park.
The game started with both teams feeling each other out until the United States struck first in the eighth minute. Kansas City Wizards' forward Josh Wolff took a Scotland turnover in the Pipers' half and sent a ball into the path of former Chicago Fire star and current PSV Eindhoven prodigy DaMarcus Beasley.
Beasley's run to the ball in the box was interrupted by Scotland defender Christian Dailly with a clip from behind, denying the U.S. winger a sure goal but garnering a whistle from the referee. Wolff was rewarded for his pass with the opportunity to take the penalty kick, which he slotted home to the left of 'keeper Craig Gordon to put the United States up 1-0.
Scotland struck back in the 35th minute off a free kick. Scotland defender Andy Webster got a head to a long pass from Graham Alexander in the left channel, beating Earthquakes forward Brian Ching, who had come back to help defend, and placing a powerful header to Kasey Keller's back post to make it 1-1.
The U.S. had a great chance to put themselves back up 2-1 in the 43rd minute after Ching cut the ball back from outside the left side of the 18-yard box that Wolff barely slipped past the outside edge of the frame after having beaten the 'keeper. The Pipers also had a series of good chances following their goal to up their score line as well but the game entered the half tied.
D.C. United supplied the two U.S. halftime substitutes with Ben Olsen coming on for the Wizards' Kerry Zavagnin and Santino Quaranta replacing the MetroStars' Eddie Gaven on the right wing. Those changes led to a chance on goal in the 50th minute, as Ching's flick-on barely elude the reach of a streaking Chicago native Jonathan Spector.
The Stars and Stripes introduced two new players during a second half which saw no goals scored. The Chicago Fire's Chris Rolfe earned his first senior team cap when he was introduced for Josh Wolff in the 58th minute while Heath Pearce, the 21-year-old FC Norjaelland defender, came on in the 77th minute for Beasley who had picked up a bit of a knock.
The United States will next be in action when they host Norway, who are attempting to qualify for the World Cup this weekend, on Jan. 29, 2006, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.
Daniel Polinsky is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
