World Cup 2010: USA Vs. Slovenia Second Half Notes

Team USA responded in the second half against Slovenia by scoring two goals, resulting in a 2-2 draw.  

The team earned one point in Group C with the draw and looks forward to the next match in group play.

The U.S. played faster and more physically than they did in the first half.  They were able to score a goal early in the second half, and eventually score the equalizer later.

Landon Donovan, forward for USA, came out and scored right away in the 48th minute and the morale of team USA was boosted immediately.  

The goal made the score 2-1 Slovenia, but the US kept attacking and they were eager to tie the score.

The equalizer did not come until the 82nd minute of the match when US midfielder Michael Bradley scored on a pass from forward Jozy Altidore.

Today was not an ideal game for the U.S. however, and they cannot afford to have this type of performance in every match.

This draw was a significant step for the U.S. to get past the group stage.  

The team was not in danger of elimination, but it would have been much more difficult for the U.S. to advance if they had lost to Slovenia.

Team USA struggles early in games and today they came out looking sluggish.  

It is going to be up to Donovan and the other leaders of the team to keep playing aggressively as the team moves forward.

Today, it seemed as if team USA did not get motivated for the game until they were down. 

In order for team USA to get out of the group stage, they will need to begin every game the way they began the second half today.  

The team came out much more motivated in the second half and they remained calm.

They played with urgency in the second half, but they never panicked.  

The U.S. showed that they can put up goals when they need to, but they may be in trouble if they always have to play from behind.

They will have a better shot at a win if they did not allow early goals in the future.  

The team is now 0-15-4 when the opposing team scores first.

If the U.S. can score first, get production from its leaders, play assertively for 90 minutes and play better defense, there will be a good chance of them getting out of the group stage.

Here is a look at some of the numbers from the match today.

Shots (On goal): US-13(6); Slovenia-8(4)

Fouls: US-16; Slovenia-18

Time of Possession: US-51 percent; Slovenia-49 percent

Yellow Cards: US-1; Slovenia-4

Saves: US-2; Slovenia-4