The U.S. U-23 Men's National Team made new head coach Peter Nowak proud in his debut, battling their way to a spirited 0-0 draw in a friendly with China at the Changsha He Long Sports Center.
The first of two friendlies between the countries leading up to CONCACAF Olympic qualifying, the match was marked by its action, with both teams pushing the tempo to create several scoring opportunities.
FC Dallas midfielder Dax McCarty, making his first appearance with the U-23 team, earned Sierra Mist Man of the Match honors with his dogged pursuit of the Chinese attackers. McCarty nearly put the U.S. on top in the 31st minute with a blast from 25 yards out that Chinese goalkeeper Liu Zhenli struggled to collect.
Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Chris Seitz maintained a perfect record with the U-23, making five saves in turning back several Chinese scoring opportunities.
A quartet of young MLS standouts created a pair of exciting second-half scoring opportunities for the Americans, with only the goal framework getting in the way. First, Red Bulls defender Hunter Freeman fed Toronto FC midfielder Maurice Edu for header just outside the six yard box in the 49th minute that skimmed off the top of the crossbar. Then, in the 60th minute, Chivas USA midfielder Sacha Kljestan sparked Red Bulls forward Josmer Altidore on an exciting run from 30 yards out in which Altidore beat a trio of defenders, only to see his shot deflect off the right goal post.
The U-23s will conclude their two-match tour Sunday afternoon when they face China in Guangzhou. Kickoff at the Yue Xiu Shan Stadium is set for 2:30 p.m. local. The U.S. team will then go on hiatus for the holidays before regrouping at the IMG Academy for a two-week training camp from Jan. 6-20 in Bradenton, Fla.
Scoring Summary: |
1 |
2 |
F |
|---|---|---|---|
USA |
0 |
0 |
0 |
CHN |
0 |
0 |
0 |
