USA rallies past Turkey 2-1

Second half goals from Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey rallied the US mens soccer team past Turkey 2-1 Saturday afternoon.  The US team leaves for South Africa tomorrow for the 2010 World Cup.  They will meet Australia in a friendly next weekend and in two weeks open the World Cup against England.

Turkey looked like they would give the Americans fits as they continually broke the US defense down shredding them on several dangerous attacks in the opening half of play through Tuncay and Hamit Altintop.   Turkey's opener came from an American attack, as Jonathan Spector set off on a neat run. When he was dispossessed, however, it allowed Turan to attack and he was unchallenged as he advanced and struck past Tim Howard.

Coach Bob Bradley made a few changes at halftime and the US squad played with a mission after the break.  They attacked in waves as Landon Donovan got forward repeatedly down the right side.  The US tied the game when Robbie Findley released Donovan into the Turkey penalty area where he slid a perfect ball for Jozy Altidore to place into the empty net.

Clint Dempsey would grab the winner when he bullied through and slotted home in the 75th minute of play.  Torres and Dempsey both narrowly missed adding another goal near the end, but the US left victorious 2-1 in a spirited effort.