U.S. U-23 Men’s National Team falls 2-1 in friendly vs. Brazil
RECIFE, Brazil (Via U.S. Soccer) – The U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team fell short in a second-half comeback bid as Brazil was able to hold on for a 2-1 win at Ilha do Retiro Stadium.
Brazil pressured the U.S. early with a large amount of possession but was unable to carve out many clear cut chances as the U-23 MNT defense staid compact. However, just before the half time whistle a long distribution from Brazil goalkeeper Ederson found Lucas Silva, who put Gabriel in on goal, and the Brazil forward made no mistake, rounding U.S. backstop Charlie Horton at the top of the box and rolling a shot into the back of the net.
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Early in the second half, Lucas Silva then set up Luan, who curled a wicked bending shot from the top right corner of the box into the opposite side netting, leaving substitute U.S. ‘keeper Jon Kempin no chance in the 47th minute.
Down 2-0, Jerome Kiesewetter harassed Brazil defender Doria into a mistake near the Seleção box, ultimately drawing a penalty kick and a second caution on the Brazil captain. Kiesewetter then buried the PK with authority to bring the USA within one with a half hour to play. Despite going close on a number of occasions, the U-23s couldn’t make the man advantage count on the night but will get the opportunity to test themselves against Brazil again on Sunday when the teams relocate to Belém.
The next match kicks off at 3 p.m. ET from the Mangueirão Stadium and will be broadcast on FOX Sports 2.
