Not only does this U.S. team have a lot of talent, it has a bit of resolve as well.
Actually, make that a lot of resolve.
Down by a goal with time running out on their FIFA Under-20 World Cup, the Americans rallied for a pair of late goals to turn potential elimination into a rousing 2-1 comeback victory over a tough Uruguayan side Wednesday night.
Former MetroStars midfielder Michael Bradley connected for the game-winner two minutes -- in the 107th minute -- for the undefeated U.S. side.
The Americans, who are becoming the tournament favorites, will stay to play at least one other day -- Saturday in the quarterfinals here against Austria, which prevailed over Gambia Wednesday night, 2-1.
"When you walk into the locker room after a win like that and you can look everyone in the eye, knowing they gave everything they had, there's not a better feeling," Bradley said.
U.S. coach Thomas Rongen said he was impressed with the team's "willpower. The willingness to sacrifice. The willingness to go where it hurts, and to comeback and eventually win the game showed me the quality of the team that through games you find out. You talk about being courageous."
He then used some Spanish to make his point. "Cajones grande," he said with a smile. Translation: Big balls.
"They might get a goal, we might be behind, but regardless of the situation, do not quit. fight to the end," said Freddy Adu, who set up both U.S. goals via corner kicks. "We did just that."
He later added: "We're spent right now. But you know what? We've got heart."
There were heroes up and down the U.S. lineup from backup goalkeeper Brian Perk, who was called into service after regular Chris Seitz couldn't play due to a deep thigh bruise he suffered in the 2-1 victory over Brazil Friday.
Perk made seven saves, including a couple of bit stops down the stretch.
"He showed great composure and true grit," Rongen said.
There was Dax McCarty, normally a midfielder who came on as a right back as Rongen tried to push forward during the waning minutes of regulation.
"It was a gamble and it paid off for us," Rongen said.
And of course, there was Bradley, who performed for the Metros from 2004-2005 before he transferred to Heerenveen in the Netherlands.
Adu started the winning sequence with an in-swinger that goalkeeper Yonatan Irrazabal knocked out of a scrum of players to Julian Valentin. Valentin then sent a shot toward the right side of the goal that Bradley volleyed home from point-blank range.
"I know Freddy sometimes likes to hit the ball near post, so I ran on the first ball to the near post and that one actually went over my head," Bradley said. "I just sort of turned back and it found its way back to me. Jules hit it back towards me and I was able to put it in."
Uruguay drew first blood in the 73rd minute on a Luis Suarez goal. Suarez played an important role setting up the goal as his pass from the right side of the penalty area found Edinson Cavani at the top of the box. Cavani sent a header that goalkeeper Brian Perk managed to knock away. However, he left a rebound that Suarez got to and tucked it in at the near post.
"The response of the team to stick together and fight even harder, run even hard was great," Bradley said.
It paid off in the 87th minute. Adu sent a corner kick into the area that Sal Zizzo got a head on and sent to Danny Szetela on the left side of the penalty area. Szetela then sent a short pass in front of the goalmouth to Andre Akpan, who had subbed for the injured Jozy Altidore. But the ball went off Mathias Cardaccio and into the net.
It certainly was a physical game as referee Ravshan Irmatov of Uzbekistan handed out eight yellow cards, five to the Americans, who out fouled Uruguay, 30-27. And there was a scuffle between the two sides after the final whistle.
After Irmatov whistled twice to signify the end of the 120-minute encounter, small scuffle broke out between U.S. and Uruguayan players. Bradley, who got into a shouting match with Gary Kagelmacher, downplayed the incident (a Uruguayan player punched a volunteers in the runway leading to the locker rooms afterwards, according to a tournament official).
"Emotions carry over," Bradley said. "Not a big deal."
"One team has to go home, another team goes on. It's not normal, but you know, unfortunately it goes on."
The U.S. team does know one thing. It will go on -- thanks to Bradley and a gritty performance.
Michael Lewis, who covers soccer for the New York Daily News, can be reached at SoccerWriter516@aol.com.
