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The U.S. Men’s National Team and an embattled Chile squad exchanged early goals before settling for a 1-1 draw Tuesday night at Houston’s BBVA Compass Stadium.
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Gregg Berhalter’s group jumped out to an quick lead thanks to the brilliant first touch of Gyasi Zardes: The one-time LA Galaxy striker needed a single touch to bring down goalkeeper Ethan Horvath’s clearance before playing Christian Pulisic through, who managed to dink his breakaway attempt over the keeper as the ball trickled into the right corner.
WATCH HIM WORK! @cpulisic_10 puts away the opener in Houston! pic.twitter.com/SDGPLa6MGt
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) March 27, 2019
It was a fantastic striker, but lax defending allowed Chile to quickly find the equalizer as Óscar Opazo was all alone inside the box to smash a left footed drive past Horvath and in.
Unfortunately for the Americans Pulisic was forced to exit the match with a right quad tweak and Sebastian Lletget would come on for the soon to be Chelsea attacker in the 35th minute.
With the U.S. in disarray Chile dominated the rest of the half, but a switch to a three-man backline was enough for the team to secure a draw.
#Chile only attempted 1 shot and had fewer passes in final third after 56th minute, when #USMNT changed to 3 centerbacks. The defense looked much more solid and comfortable in 5-4-1, closing down the gaping holes between the lines that La Roja had been playing through.#USAvCHI pic.twitter.com/KRvlHVuGSU
— Joga Bonito (@Jasoninho10) March 27, 2019