USA vs Argentina: Juan Agudelo Blocks Argentine Advance

The US Soccer Team faced Argentina in their international friendly at New Meadowlands Stadium at East Rutherford, New Jersey. It was  the first time that the US soccer team donned its new motto (Indivisible) with a new red uniform.

The US has won two matches against Argentina—in 1995 and 1999. The first victory was at the 1995 Copa America, resulting in a 3-0 shock victory for the US. The second victory was at the RFK Stadium at Washington DC in 1999.

The result of the 1999 victory was 1-0 with Joe-Max Moore contributing to the victory.

The March 2011 FIFA Coca Cola Ranking ranks Argentina in fourth place with 1,412 points and the USA in 19th place with 894 points.

First Half

The first goal was by Esteban Cambiasso who took advantage of a weak defense in the goal post to score a direct kick. Cambiasso did this within 42 minutes and the reaction of the US Soccer fans were to scream "USA USA USA."

Argentina was dominating the game although the USA was offering some resistance. The problem with the USA was that it was weak in many flanks such as the defense. The first yellow card of the game was for the USA at 35 minutes for a foul by Maurice Edu.

Regardless, with several near goals and misses from both sides, the first half was filled with excitement. If anything, the USA is proving that it cannot be underestimated.

The first half ends with Argentina enjoying a 1-0 advantage.

Second Half

The USA and Argentina started off with both teams offering an exciting beginning. Argentina attempted to maintain its advantage or widen its lead.

The USA attempted to pressure Argentina in the hope that it would eventually weaken. The result of this plan is to attempt an equalizer and, possibly, even a victory.

The Indivisible scored an equalizer with a brilliant direct kick from Landon Donavan which resulted in a goal by Juan Agudelo. The US soccer fans were enjoying themselves but Argentina continued t o press to widen the lead.

The results were more near-misses with commendable resistance from US goalkeeper Tim Howard. Tempers flared at times with words exchanged between both sides, and the temperature in the stadium was hot with rabid US supporters.

At one time, the USA receives another yellow card for foul.

The USA was able to block the advance of Argentina and prove that Indivisible cannot be underestimated.

USA 1-1 Argentina

Most Valued Player: Cambiasso (Argentina), Agudelo (USA)