Julian Green stayed hot for the United States, but the experimental side put out by head coach Jurgen Klinsmann was forced to settle for a frustrating 1-1 draw against New Zealand.
Green, the 21-year-old Bayern Munich winger, got the start on the left side of Klinsmann's 4-3-3 formation. He made his biggest mark on the game in the 27th minute, when he collected a flicked header from Jozy Altidore, cut in from the left and drilled a low shot inside the near post.
The goal would be one of the best looks the US got all game, as they struggled to break down a five-man New Zealand backline and often found themselves on the back foot defending the All Whites' direct, physical play, especially during the second half.
After seeing a great chance go over on the hour mark, New Zealand's Monty Patterson found some joy in the 72nd minute on a scuffed corner kick that managed to find its way to the young forward at the near post, who was able to prod it past Bingham.
Both teams had chances to win the game in the late minutes, as Patterson had his clever backheel attempt cleared off the line by Michael Orozco in the 87th minute while Michael Bradley saw his stinging volley turned away by New Zealand goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic in stoppage time.
Box Score
- 27' – USA – Julian Green (Jozy Altidore)
- 72' – NZL - Monty Patterson (Michael Boxall)
- Full box score
- Stats
Three Things
- TOUCH OF GREEN: Julian Green has now scored in each of his last two games as he continues to force his way back into consideration for a regular spot on the US national team. Cuba and New Zealand aren't the stiffest international opposition Green will face in the coming months and years, but even as he waits patiently for his chance at Bayern Munich – which seems like it will come soon – he has given Klinsmann plenty to think about in selecting their roster to face Mexico and Costa Rica in World Cup qualifiers next month.
- BIG PICTURE THINKING: Taken at face value, the result and the performance might be cause for concern for some USMNT fans, but it's worth considering that the experimental 4-3-3 formation Klinsmann ran out did not feature a lot of the personnel we'll see against Mexico. We saw Green start, DeAndre Yedlin at right wing, a throwback central defensive pairing of Matt Besler and Omar Gonzalez, and William Yarbrough and David Bingham splitting time at goalkeeper. And for all that, there were still some good signs Altidore and Sacha Kljestan, who continues to cement his case for continued inclusion in the national team.
- DEBUTS AND RETURNS: This game saw one much-anticipated debut and a few emotional returns to the field for US players. The 20-year-old Lynden Gooch made his first senior appearance after breaking into Sunderland's first game, and found himself a devoted cheering section in his active 30 minutes on the field. In addition, Terrence Boyd made his international return i after nearly three years away due to injury, while New England's Juan Agudelo had some impressive touches in his first appearance in 16 months.
Next Up
- USA: Nov. 11 vs. Mexico (Time TBD; FS1, Univision)
- NZ: Nov. 12 vs. New Caledonia
