USA vs. Peru: Score and Twitter Reaction from 2015 Friendly

The United States men's national team took to the pitch for the first time since the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup in which it lost in the semifinals, and Friday's result against Peru was far more palatable than the July meeting with Jamaica.   

While the United States played a largely uninspired first half in which Peru took a 1-0 lead, a second-half brace from striker Jozy Altidore secured a 2-1 victory for the Red, White and Blue.

The game-winner came after a deflected Gyasi Zardes shot midway through the second half. Fox Soccer provided video on Twitter: 

Just minutes earlier, Altidore equalized things off a rebound from a saved penalty attempt: 

Sports Illustrated's Brian Straus gave a concise look at how the United States was able to mount its comeback: 

"

Who needs possession? U.S. ability to force turnovers, counter quickly puts Peru off balance and proves enough to win the game. 2-1.

— Brian Straus (@BrianStraus) September 5, 2015"

The U.S. did well to apply pressure over the game's first 10 minutes, but it came up empty on all three early crosses.

Peru, meanwhile, asserted itself with waves of attacking play that kept the U.S. defense scrambling. Ultimately, that relentless pursuit paid off when Daniel Chavez netted the game's opening goal off a deflection.

Fox Soccer passed along video of the tally: 

ESPN.com's Jeff Carlisle was quick to point out some costly defensive decisions that set up the conversion: 

According to ESPN Stats & Info, the United States has allowed the first goal in four of its last five games, all of which have been at home.

And while the U.S. closed out the first half empty-handed, pressure from Omar Gonzalez, Zardes and Altidore allowed the home team to enter the locker room with some momentum, which set the tone for a fiery second-half start.

Jermaine Jones' firecracker from outside the area was tipped over the bar, but it was the United States' best chance over the game's first 45 minutes. Fox Soccer provided video of the save:

Had it not been for a flurry of late first-half chances, the U.S. may not have mustered the energy and form needed to come from behind.

Selected Player Grades

Brad Guzan, Goalkeeper, USA: A-

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Even with Tim Howard rejoining the U.S. for the friendlies, manager Jurgen Klinsmann backed Guzan wholeheartedly for the team's upcoming slate of games.

"Brad is the No. 1. Tim is the No. 2," Klinsmann said, according to ESPN.com's Doug McIntyre. "Once we've got the Mexico game hopefully successfully out of the way, then we can think about how we can split maybe some time. But now it's really about getting consistency with the players and getting a job done in October."

Guzan justified that logic in the second half with two miraculous point-blank saves off a Peru set piece. And just moments after those clutch stops, the U.S. took the lead. 

While he wasn't able to post a clean sheet, Guzan shouldn't be faulted for Peru's lone goal, which came off a fluky deflection and sailed just over his outstretched arm. 

Jozy Altidore, Forward, USA: A

Not only did Altidore draw the start up top, but he also donned the captain's armband in an apparent sign of praise from Klinsmann.

"I've been really pleased with Jozy," Klinsmann said, according to McIntyre. "You can see in the last couple of weeks now, he's gotten back on track. He's gotten sharper, gotten fitter. Obviously, he scored a couple of goals, which helps confidence-wise. That's the best confidence booster for a striker, so we're really happy to have Jozy back."

And although his initial attempt from the spot was saved, Altidore did well to maintain his composure and slot home an equalizer off the rebound.

His second goal—which came off another favorable bounce—reaffirmed Klinsmann's belief in the cool, calm and collected Toronto FC striker. 

Gyasi Zardes, Forward, USA: B+

Sticking with the attacking theme, Zardes showed why he'll continue to garner steady doses of playing time on the wing.

Even though he didn't find the back of the net, Zardes regularly facilitated American chances by blazing up the outside and pushing the pace.

His failed strike on goal with just over 20 minutes remaining set up Altidore's second goal.

Up Next

Klinsmann's side will remain busy in the coming days. The United States will clash with Brazil in another friendly Sept. 8 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. 

But like Friday's showdown against Peru, it will be merely a tune-up for the CONCACAF Cup clash Oct. 10 against Mexico at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

The winner of that tilt between the 2013 and 2015 Gold Cup champions will advance to the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia, which will serve as a high-profile appetizer to the 2018 World Cup.