Sacha Kljestan Hat Trick Propels USA Over Sweden

A Sacha Kljestan hat trick propelled the US Mens National Soccer Team to a 3-2 victory over Sweden Saturday night in California.  The Kljestan hat trick was only the 12th in US soccer history and was part of a very impressive US performance as they gear up to start qualifying for the 2010 South Africa World Cup next year. 

It was a young American squad that came out aggressive right from the opening whistle.  Sweden was content to sit back and defend early on and the US controlled much of the possession and attack.  In the 17th minute the attackers were rewarded when the US earned a free kick outside the Sweden box.  Sacha Kljestan fired the free kick into the left corner of the net for the American lead.  

Just before halftime, Marvelle Wynn broke into the Sweden penalty area and was brought down.  Sacha Kljestan stepped up and calmly converted the penalty kick for a 2-0 US halftime lead.

Kenny Cooper came on at halftime for Charlie Davies, who was never really able to find much space in the Swedish defense.  The 2nd half saw a Sweden side more willing to attack and in the 74th minute Sweden grabbed a goal back as Daniel Nannskog netted.  The American response was swift though as only a minute later Brian Ching found Sacha Kljestan for his third goal of the match.

The Swedes didn't quit and they kept pushing.  Sweden pulled it to 3-2 in the final minutes as Mikael Dahlberg scored, but that would be the final.  USA 3  Sweden 2.