US rallies for 2-1 win over El Salvador

A work of art it was not, but it was much better than their outing last month against Honduras.  If we learned anything over the last month and two friendlies it is that the US needs their European based pros.  Tim Howard, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Jozy Altidore and company have been clearly missed.

Even though the Americans were clearly the better side in the opening half they had nothing to show for it other than a bunch of shots as the game went to halftime scoreless.  The second half looked to be headed for much of the same.  Spectators had to think it was just a matter of when the US would break through for the opening goal.

Instead it was an American mistake that allowed El Salvador to take the lead on only their second shot all night.  An errant back header from Brad Evans allowed Rudy Corrales to sneak in and score shocking the home fans and sending the El Salvador faithful into celebration.

The US would fight back though as they continued to pepper the El Salvador net.   Brian Ching would get the match even in the 74th minute.  Heath Pearce got down the left side and sent a long cross into the box where a diving Ching headed home.

The match looked headed for a draw despite the whopping 18 shots from the US as it moved into injury time.  Then a bizzare play gifted the US possession and the winning goal.  In the 93rd minute a pass from keeper Montes to the centerback was intercepted by Sacha Kljestan producing a 3v1 break for the Americans.  A quick combination at the top of the box with Ching left Kljestan alone on goal where he scored easily for the victory.

A monumental mistake from El Salvador, but a deserved win for the US side.  Next week the US travels to Holland to face a very strong Netherlands side.   Look for the European based players to get a good run next Wednesday.