The U.S. men's national team conceded another late goal, but it still managed to secure a 1-1 tie with host Switzerland on Tuesday.
A sublime free kick from Brek Shea put the U.S. ahead just before halftime, but Jozy Altidore's foolish red card in the 68th minute put the Americans down a man, and Valentin Stocker's equalizer from short range ensured the hosts walked away with a draw. It marked the eighth time in eight games that the U.S. has conceded a goal in the 80th minute or later.
The disappointing nature of the finish didn't obscure the fact that this was a much-improved performance from the Americans compared to last week's 3-2 loss in Denmark. The U.S. seemed to have a clear plan of how to play on both sides of the ball, no doubt the product of having some extra days of preparation.
It was evident in the opening stages. While the U.S. didn't have much possession, defensively the team looked more organized and the high pressure applied made the Swiss more predictable in attack. With this defensive platform established, the U.S. began to look dangerous on the break and nearly broke through in the 15th minute. Tim Chandler's pass put Alejandro Bedoya in space down the right wing. Bedoya played an inviting cross to Gyasi Zardes, but the L.A. Galaxy attacker couldn't get his attempt on target.
The U.S. then squandered a glorious chance to go on top 12 minutes later. Altidore's clever pass found Bedoya in the box, and his centering feed found a wide-open Michael Bradley, but the U.S midfielder skied his shot over the bar from just seven yards.
The home side created its best chance of the half in the 39th minute when a long ball picked out Xherdan Shaqiri on the left wing with Chandler nowhere to be found. Shapiro's subsequent pass found Admire Mehmedi on the doorstep, but the Swiss forward couldn't connect.
It was then left to Shea to put the U.S ahead in the 45th minute. Morales won a free kick just outside the box, and Shea stepped up to deliver a curling shot that left Swiss keeper Roman Burki with no chance.
With the help of a quartet of substitutions, Switzerland ratcheted up the pressure, repeatedly going down the right wing, but the U.S. was able to repel those efforts. The U.S. then went down a man in the 68th minute when Altidore was booked for a cynical challenge on a Swiss attacker and then compounded the error by openly cursing the referee, leading to a red card.
The Americans were firmly on the back foot thereafter. Substitute Breel Embolo cleanly beat Ventura Alvarado on the right wing touchline, but U.S. substitute keeper William Yarbrough was able to get a touch on the cross before Bradley cleared the ball. A cross from Shaqiri was then just headed over the bar by Pajtim Kasami a minute later.
Switzerland's equalizer duly arrived in the 80th minute. A short corner saw substitute Granit Xhaka whip in a cross. When Morales' headed clearance landed right in the middle of the six-yard box, Stocker was able to toe-poke the ball home from four yards. The U.S. was able to hang on from there, securing a result that saw them play well for 65 minutes but fail to collect a victory thanks to some self-inflicted wounds.
Player ratings (1-10; 10=best)
GK Nick Rimando, 5: Rimando struggled mightily with his distribution with the ball at his feet. Was otherwise untroubled in his 45 minutes of work.
DF Brek Shea, 7: Looked composed defensively in the first half, and his goal just before halftime was an absolute beauty. Picked his spots to get forward well. Wilted a bit defensively in the second half but a big step forward.
DF John Brooks, 6: Seemed to get dragged out of the middle too easily, but while he had a few anxious moments, he was solid overall and eliminated the colossal errors that plagued him against Denmark.
DF Michael Orozco, 7: Came up with a vital stop vs. Mehmedi early on, cleaning up a giveaway by Bradley, and was sharp with his distribution. Has really helped himself in these last two friendlies.
DF Tim Chandler, 5: Linked up well with Bedoya on the right wing, and put in some telling crosses. But his lack of defensive awareness is still a huge point of concern. Lucky to get away with a handball early in the second half.
MF Alfredo Morales, 4: Used his body well to win the free kick that led to Shea's goal. His passing was not sharp however, and his poor clearance led to the Swiss equalizer.
MF Danny Williams, 6: Provided a solid bulwark in front of the backline. Tidy on the ball as well.
MF Michael Bradley, 5.5: No complaints about his work rate or ability to apply pressure high up the field. But he squandered two glorious chances and his passing was inconsistent, especially on the break.
MF Alejandro Bedoya, 7: The best U.S. attacks went through him, as he did well to find space either centrally or out wide. His deliveries were sharp as well.
FW Gyasi Zardes, 4: Struggled once again with his dribbling and passing, though he seemed to settle down in the second half. The international game looks a bit too fast for him right now. Nearly scored with an opportunistic header.
FW Jozy Altidore, 3: Worked hard up top and played some telling passes to spring teammates. His red card was unacceptable. He has to show better composure in such situations.
Substitutes
GK William Yarbrough, 6.5: Showed good judgment to claim a few through balls at the edge of his box. Could do little about the goal.
DF Ventura Alvarado, 4: Represented a huge drop-off from Orozco. Was undressed by Embolo on one Swiss foray and lost his man on one corner only for Kasami to head over the bar.
DF DeAndre Yedlin, 4: Needed to communicate better with Morales on Stocker's equalizer.
FW Jordan Morris, NR: Came on for a brief stint at the end.
DF Tim Ream, NR: Another cameo. Seems firmly second choice to Brooks at the moment.