BASLE - Michael Bradley scored in the 86th minute to give the United States and coach Bob Bradley their first win in six games as the Americans beat Switzerland, 1-0, in a friendly in Basle.
Bradley fired home from close range after Clint Dempsey had got on the end of Danny Szetela's cross and drawn Swiss goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbuhler off his line. It was the midfielder's first senior international goal.
The United States nearly got off to the perfect start when debutant Maurice Edu had an early chance, but the Toronto FC midfielder fired wide from the edge of the area.
The hosts continued to attack and should have taken the lead just before the break. Eddie Lewis had a great chance from inside the area but a heavy touch closed the angle and Zuberbuhler made the save.
From the resulting corner, Taylor Twellman saw two headers blocked before Edu fired in a shot which Carlos Bocanegra deflected into the arms of the goalkeeper.
Substitute Danny Califf headed over early in the second half for the United States, but Switzerland soon began to impose themselves and almost went in front in the 65th minute. Tranquillo Barnetta used a neat turn to get away from Steve Cherundolo but slipped as he shot and missed the target.
The best chance for the hosts was a late free-kick, given when substitute goalkeeper Brad Guzan misjudged a longball and handled outside the area. But Guzan redeemed himself by saving Hakan Yakin`s fiercely struck effort.
Teenager Freddy Adu came on to earn his second senior cap in the 77th minute, and almost scored on 88 minutes. He managed to stretch to reach Dempsey's pass but fired the ball over the bar.
A minute later though, Bradley put the ball in the back of the net to give the United States their first victory over Switzerland in seven meetings between the teams.
