USA Soccer: Teal Bunbury's First International Goal Equalizes Game Against Chile

Preview:

The US Soccer team faced Chile in its first friendly five months before the CONCACAF Gold Cup. It was the beginning of what could transpire within the year. The USA and Chile played their friendly at Home Depot Stadium at Carson, California on January 22, 2011.

The match itself is a test for the future generations of US Soccer players as well as the leadership of Bob Bradley. The teams heard their respective national anthems, posed for photos, shook hands and the match began.

First Half

Both teams were jockeying for possession of the ball and game before a sold out crowd in California. The US attempted to score two times but the goal keeper from Chile rejected the ball.

25:00 minutes: There were no goals but there were some postings in Facebook criticizing the US Team. While there was some constructive criticism, some postings were destructive. I admonished those who were doing the constructive criticism in Facebook.

35:00 minutes: The game remained goalless and the status quo remained. Both teams attempted to score but the result was zero.

Half Time

USA 0-0 Chile

Second Half

The second half started like the first one but with a desire from both teams to score.

Chile surprised the US with a goal by Esteban Paredes at a close range from the goal net within 53 minutes. The goal was a result of a cross from Felipe Seymour.

The US responded with an equalizer from Teal Bunbury at 75 minutes. Teal Bunbury scored his first international goal in this game.

Bunbury took advantage of an error by Juan Agudelo, which lead to a penalty. Bunbury proceeded to kick the ball into the right lower hand corner of the goal post.

The rest of the match was a struggle between two teams that were trying to score another goal. It was not to be since both were not willing to concede.

Both teams needed a victory since Chile is talking about replacing Marcelo Bielsa as coach. The USA is still thinking about its future with Bob Bradley and the Gold Cup.

It remains to be seen what will transpire.

USA 1-1 Chile

January 22 2011
Home Depot Stadium
Carson, California
Attendance: 18,580