US falls to Paraguay but puts on a good display

In international friendlies the performance is always more important than the result.  By that thought process, it was a good night for the US men.  Even though they were on the losing end of a 1-0 result, the run of play clearly favored the Americans.  Especially in the second half as they bossed the game nearly the entire 45 minutes.  Paraguay did not look like the same team that ran to the quarterfinals at the 2010 World Cup last summer in their two matches in the United States.  Mexico ran over them 3-1 on the weekend and the US squad were clearly the better side on this night. 

Bob Bradley ran out a young US side that featured Juan Agudelo and Jozy Altidore up front.  Timmy Chandler got the start on the right back on his 21st birthday as well.  Agudelo and Chandler both put on impressive displays that should secure their places on the roster for this summer's Gold Cup.  It was a lively start with both sides pushing forward.  In the 18th minute Paraguay got on the board.  After US centerback Tim Ream fell/was pushed down the loose ball fell to Oscar Cardoza who roofed a hard shot past keeper Marcus Hahnemann.  It was one of the few attacks Paraguay would generate all night long.

From there, the Americans set about pushing forward trying to equalize.  Paraguay were organized and smart defensively.  Many time choosing to foul rather than to let Landon Donovan, Agudelo or Clint Dempsey get loose.  Luckily it was a friendly and the referee chose not to show yellow cards for most of the questionable fouls.

In the second half it was all USA as they flowed forward and played some really good soccer.  Juan Agudelo should have had a penalty kick awarded just after the restart as he split a pair of defenders and was fouled just inside the area.  The referee somehow waved play on to the dismay of several American players.  Timmy Chandler was very active down the right side and Agudelo drew multiple fouls.  Unfortunately, the usually strong set pieces of the Americans were missing on the night.  Landon Donovan should have tied the match as a long throw in deflected to the back post.  Donovan stepped in from close range only to rifle his shot high off the side post. 

Late on the US piled on the pressure and Michael Bradley's rip from outside the box was headed for the upper corner.  Paraguay keeper Justo Villar made an incredible diving save to tip it wide.  Villar would again be called into action at the death as he dove to save Jermaine Jones drive. 

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A 1-0 loss on the night, but plenty to be proud of.  Chandler looks to be the real deal at only 21.  Agudelo looks to have a bright future and overshadowed Jozy Altidore over the two matches.  Tim Howard was...well..Tim Howard against Argentina.  It doesn't get easier for the Americans, who play world champion Spain in their next match on June 4, their final prep for the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Meanwhile, Paraguay is getting ready for the Copa America in July.